When it comes to software, words and screenshots only go so far. Buyers want to see how your product works, how easy it is to use, and why it's better than the 12 other tools they're considering. That's where a software demo video comes in. Done right, these videos cut through the noise, showcase great UX and features, and give prospects that all-important "aha" moment.
And if you think demo videos are just for onboarding, think again. A well-produced software demo video has marketing muscle too. It can live on your website, boost conversions, fuel sales outreach, and even show up on review sites where prospects are already comparing options.
Still not convinced? A few stats to consider:
- 78% of people say they've been convinced to buy or download software after watching a video.
- 87% of people say video has convinced them to buy a product or service.
Why UX Matters
User Experience (UX) is more than just a look. It's how users feel and succeed when interacting with your product or service. Great UX makes products intuitive, enjoyable, and effective, turning casual users into loyal advocates. Key elements include:
- User-centered design: Focusing on what your users need and want at every step.
- Usability: Making your product easy to learn, efficient to use, and error-resistant.
- Accessibility: Ensuring everyone, including people with disabilities, can use your product.
- Enjoyment: Crafting experiences that leave users feeling satisfied and delighted.
- Effectiveness: Helping users achieve their goals quickly and confidently.
Good UX isn't optional; it's essential for engagement, retention, and building trust. Creating software demo videos is a powerful way to highlight an outstanding User Experience.
Why Create A Software Demo Video?
Let's talk business outcomes. Software demo videos don't just look good, they work. Here's how they move the needle:
- Conversions go up. Putting a demo video on your product or pricing page helps visitors visualize value and act faster.
- Sales gets backup. Your reps can drop a polished demo into emails, sequences, or LinkedIn messages instead of relying on a static one-pager.
- Support gets lighter. Walkthrough videos deflect "how do I do this?" tickets by showing customers step-by-step instructions. 62% of businesses say video has reduced their support queries.
- Trials convert. For product-led growth, demo videos highlight those magic "aha" moments that encourage free users to upgrade.
Where Software Demo Videos Shine
One of the best things about demo videos is their versatility. Once you make a great demo, you can repurpose it in a dozen different ways. They work across the funnel, from awareness to retention:
- Website: Place one on your homepage hero, product overview, or pricing page.
- Review sites & marketplaces: Platforms like G2 and Capterra are buyer magnets. Your demo can stand out here.
- Sales enablement: Reps can send short demo clips after calls or to re-engage no-shows.
- Lifecycle marketing: Add demo snippets to onboarding emails, in-app pop-ups, or help center articles.
- Lead capture: Platforms like Wistia show that inserting a lead form partway through a video can boost conversions.
10 Steps to Create A Demo Video for Software
This is where a lot of companies stumble. A software demo video isn't just a screen recording. It's a strategic story that makes your UX shine. With the right planning, your demo won't just explain your software- it'll sell it. Here's how to do it right (with a few Levitate insider bonus tips):
1. Define the outcome. Ask yourself: what's the single thing I want viewers to believe after watching? Keep that moment front and center.
- Pro Tip: Don't try to cover everything. Focus on two or three workflows that actually solve user pain.
2. Script from the screen out. Write your script around what the viewer will see on screen. Every click, hover, or scroll should be intentional.
- Pro Tip: Show the interface clearly, use readable UI, and avoid a lot of technical jargon.
3. Pick the right format. Options include:
- Screen capture (clean and straightforward).
- Mixed media (UI overlays, text, and animation for punch).
- Live action + UI (actors + interface for relatability).
- Animated UI simulations (polished, flexible, brand-aligned).
4. Show the real product whenever possible. Simulated UI is fine, but don't let a clunky mockup ruin the moment. Keep it so close to the real thing that users can't tell the difference.
- Pro Tip: Match fonts, colors, buttons, and clicks exactly. Your audience can spot "fake" design in seconds.
5. Keep it short and engaging. Aim for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. This is the sweet spot for most top-funnel demos.
- Pro Tip:If your video is under 2 minutes, 50-70 % of viewers will watch to the end.
6. Pacing is everything. Hook viewers inthefirst5seconds, show real UI bythe10-second mark, andclosewithaclear call-to-action.
- Pro Tip: When demonstrating a critical step, it's ok to slow down and use purposeful zooms.
7. Accessibility matters. Add captions, descriptive voiceover, and brand-friendly contrast, so that everyone can access your demos.
- Pro Tip: Always narrate user actions, not just features. "In one click, you can send a forecast report" is stronger than "Our software has a forecasting tool."
8. Always close with a direct CTA. Pick one "next step" (free trial, book a demo, see pricing) and place it visually and verbally.
9. Plan distribution upfront. Before you even produce the video, decide where it's going to live so you can design edits that fit each channel.
- Pro Tip: Think website, sales decks, review profiles, and snippets for social media.
10. Measure, learn, repeat. Keep your demo evolving. Track views, clicks, and watch time, then refine based on what actually keeps your audience engaged.
5 Software Demo Video Examples That Nail UX and Features
Seeing is believing, so let's look at five demo videos (three from Levitate clients, two external examples) that showcase great UX and features in action.
1. QueBIT Consulting - AI Forecasting Explainer
- Purpose & Context: Explains how QueBIT's AI Forecasting solution automates and improves decision-making.
- Style & Technique: 2D animation with UI simulations, polished motion graphics, and pro voiceover.
- Why It Works: Breaks down a complex forecasting tool into a clear, step-by-step user journey.
2. Pitch - Collaborative Presentation Software for Teams
- Purpose & Context: Positions Pitch as a modern tool for collaborative presentations.
- Style & Technique: Live action with actors in office settings, humor-driven script.
- Why It Works: Uses humor and relatable scenarios to highlight smoother collaboration features.
3. Kaseya - IT Complete Explainer Video
- Purpose & Context: Shows how Kaseya's IT Complete platform solves day-to-day IT frustrations.
- Style & Technique: Character-driven 2D animation with UI callouts and narrative.
- Why It Works: Humanizes IT software with a relatable story that highlights UX benefits.
4. Capterra - Start Your CRM Software Search
- Purpose & Context: Promotes Capterra as the go-to platform for finding CRM tools.
- Style & Technique: Minimalist 2D animation with narration, mirroring the user search journey.
- Why It Works: Shows ease of use in just 30 seconds, with a friendly, trustworthy tone.
5. MarketTime - InsideOut Explainer
- Purpose & Context: Introduces InsideOut, designed for field sales reps to access data and place orders on the go.
- Style & Technique: Bold mixed media-collage visuals, animated typography, UI snippets.
- Why It Works: Mirrors the messy reality of field sales, then shows how InsideOut organizes it all.
Production options with Levitate Media
Not all demo videos are created equal. Some need animation, some need mixed media flair, and others shine with live action plus UI.
At Levitate Media, we help brands pick the right format, script around their goals, and deliver polished, on-brand assets ready for every channel- from your homepage to your next investor deck.
Our process is collaborative but efficient. We work with you on:
- Scripting
- Design
- Screen capture
- Editing
- Quality control
Whether you need a quick, clean walkthrough or a cinematic, animated story, we've got you covered. Check some of the ways Levitate Media can showcase your product with dynamic demo videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should a software demo video include to keep users engaged?
Focus on real workflows, benefits over features, and clean visuals. Levitate’s Product Video Services are designed to simplify UX and feature explanations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- How can animated demos improve clarity in software videos?
Motion graphics and callouts help guide the viewer’s eye and reduce confusion. Check out Levitate’s Motion Graphics Services to see how clarity and style can go hand-in-hand.
- Are there companies using software demo videos to explain complex tools?
The Halozyme case study (on the main case study page) includes examples of how video helped clarify a science-driven product through clean visuals and structured walkthroughs.
- Where can I learn how to turn product features into compelling content?
This blog on How Animated Videos Can Simplify Complex Concepts offers guidance on turning technical ideas into visual stories that resonate.
Turn Your Product Into A Must-See Experience
Software is only as good as people think it is, and showing is always more powerful than telling. A strong software demo video clarifies your value, shortens evaluations, and helps prospects see themselves using your product.
If you're ready to showcase your software's best UX and features, let's make it happen. Contact Levitate Media to talk about your next software demo video.
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