🎥 The 4 Types of Animated Explainer Videos — and How They Work

What are Animated Explainer Videos

Animated explainer videos are short, visually engaging videos that use animation to simplify and communicate complex ideas, products, or services in a clear and compelling way. Typically ranging from 60 to 120 seconds, these videos combine dynamic visuals, voiceover narration, music, and motion graphics to deliver a focused message that captures the viewer’s attention and holds it. They are especially effective because they make it easy for audiences to understand concepts quickly, often using storytelling techniques to create an emotional connection or illustrate a solution to a problem. Unlike live-action videos, animated explainers offer complete creative freedom—they can visualize anything imaginable, from abstract processes and software interfaces to futuristic products or data flows. This makes them ideal for tech startups, SaaS companies, educators, and marketers looking to explain how something works, onboard new users, pitch ideas to investors, or enhance landing page conversion rates.

Types of Animated Explainer Videos

1. 2D Motion Graphics Explainer

2D animated explainer videos use flat, two-dimensional illustrations to tell stories, explain concepts, or promote products. These are often colorful, character-driven, and use smooth transitions and voiceovers to convey messages in an engaging way.

Production Process

Scriptwriting: The foundation of the story.
Storyboard: Visual planning of scenes and transitions.
Illustration: Custom vector-style graphics are created.
Animation: Elements are animated using software like Adobe After Effects.
Voiceover & Sound Design: Narration and music are added to enhance the impact.

Best Use Cases

SaaS product demos
Startups introducing their services
Educational content for e-learning
Internal company training videos

Benefits

Budget-friendly compared to 3D
Clean and brand-consistent visual style
Quick to produce
Great for simplifying complex ideas

What it is: Flat, vector-style animation using icons, shapes, and text to communicate clearly.
Who it’s for: SaaS, startups, corporate storytelling.
Benefits: Budget-friendly, ultra-clear visual communication, perfectly scalable for branding.

T op‑notch 2D Animation Examples (playlist)

2. 3D Animated Explainer

3D animation uses three-dimensional objects and environments to create lifelike visuals. These videos are ideal for showcasing physical products, simulations, and architectural models.

Production Process

Concept & Script: Defining the story and message.
3D Modeling: Digital models of objects or characters are created.
Texturing & Lighting: Realistic surfaces and lighting conditions are added.
Animation: Movements, camera angles, and transitions are applied.
Rendering & Editing: Final frames are rendered and edited with sound.

Best Use Cases

Product demonstrations (e.g., electronics, machinery)
Architecture and real estate previews
Medical simulations
Premium marketing content

Benefits

High visual appeal and realism
Great for showcasing product functionality
Impressive and professional-looking
Highly engaging for audiences

What it is: Lifelike 3D products or scenes with realistic textures, lighting, and movement.
Who it’s for: Product demos, medical/scientific visuals, premium brands.
Benefits: Depth and realism, dynamic camera angles, immersive viewer engagement.

15 Best 3D Explainer Videos That Made Visualization More Effective

3. Whiteboard Animation

Whiteboard animation mimics the effect of a hand drawing on a whiteboard while explaining a topic. The drawings often appear step-by-step, timed to a voiceover.

Production Process

Script & Voiceover: The narrative is recorded first.
Sketching: Hand-drawn illustrations are created for each scene.
Timing & Animation: Drawings appear on screen in sync with the narration.
Optional Enhancements: Color, sound effects, or animation effects can be added.

Best Use Cases

Educational videos
Step-by-step tutorials
Employee training
Service explanations

Benefits

Simple and clear visual style
Cost-effective and quick to produce
Keeps viewers engaged with constant movement
Easy to understand and remember

What it is: Hand-drawn style visuals displayed as if sketched live.
Who it’s for: Education, training, service explanations.
Benefits: Personal and approachable tone, effective storytelling, eye-catching simplicity.

What is a Whiteboard Animation Video…2024

4. Live‑Action + Motion Graphics Hybrid

Motion graphics are animations of abstract shapes, text, icons, and illustrations. They often emphasize visual storytelling and are widely used in corporate, tech, and B2B industries.

Production Process

Scriptwriting: Define the core message.
Storyboard: Map out visuals and transitions.
Design: Create custom graphics, icons, and charts.
Animation: Animate visuals with smooth motion.
Sound Design: Add music, voiceover, and effects.

Best Use Cases

Financial or tech explainers
Infographics and data visualization
Brand awareness videos
Presentations and pitch decks

Benefits

Clean and professional look
Excellent for visualizing data and statistics
Adaptable for multiple platforms (web, mobile, presentations)
Perfect for B2B marketing

What it is: On-camera presentation combined with animated overlays.
Who it’s for: Testimonials, culture videos, product walkthroughs.
Benefits: Builds trust with real people, enhanced clarity, professional polish.

Live‑Action Explainer Video (with overlays)

💡 Choosing the Right Format for You

Style	Best For	Key Advantage
2D Motion Graphics	SaaS, training, marketing	Simplicity + branding consistency
3D Animation	Product demos, technical demos	Realism + storytelling depth
Whiteboard	Education, onboarding	Accessible + narrative focus
Live + Graphics	Brand, human-centric content	Emotional connection + clarity