When Dropbox’s simple animated explainer video helped drive 100 million user growth, it proved that even the most complex technology can be made accessible through the right video content. In today’s digital age, where technical concepts can overwhelm the average internet user, explainer videos have become essential tools for technology companies seeking to bridge the gap between innovation and adoption. Explainer videos have become a staple in the marketing world for tech brands, helping them stand out and communicate value effectively.
The technology sector faces unique challenges in video marketing for software. Tech companies must:
- Simplify complex technology for diverse audiences, often by producing a high quality explainer video that clearly conveys their message.
- Explain abstract concepts and workflows clearly.
- Use customer onboarding videos and product explainer video content to demonstrate features and benefits, reducing support queries.
6 Outstanding Tech Explainer Video Examples
Digital Realty
Created by Levitate
- Purpose & Context: This animated promo highlights Digital Realty’s Global Portal, enabling clients to monitor digital infrastructure worldwide. It targets enterprise customers with a sleek, easy-to-understand format.
- Style & Technique: Uses impressive animation with animated 2D and 3D visuals, clean graphics, and branded colors to effectively visualize complex infrastructure.
- Why It Works: Simplifies complex infrastructure management through motion graphics for tech companies, balancing sophistication and usability.
Discover additional standout projects in our portfolio
Cisco
- Purpose & Context: Introduces Cisco SecureX, a cybersecurity platform unifying visibility and automation.
- Style & Technique: Combines live action video elements with dynamic UI animation and motion graphics.
- Why It Works: Blends real-world visuals with animation to ground complex cybersecurity concepts in a human context, enhancing technology brand awareness. The video shows the practical benefits of the cybersecurity platform by visually demonstrating how it works in real scenarios.
Adobe
- Purpose & Context: Showcases Adobe’s creative software features through engaging storytelling.
- Style & Technique: Systematic collage animation combining layered visuals, motion design, and engaging visuals to capture viewer attention.
- Why It Works: Reflects Adobe’s innovative brand identity while providing a clear framework adaptable across products.
CLEAR Global
- Purpose & Context: Raises awareness about language accessibility technology.
- Style & Technique: Mixed media blending live-action with animated text and motion graphics.
- Why It Works: Connects complex tech challenges to personal stories, making the message relatable and clear. The video delivers a positive message about language accessibility, which helps engage viewers and reinforces the importance of inclusive communication.
FTEvolve
- Purpose & Context: Introduces FTEvolve’s InsurTech SaaS platform, focusing on automation and smarter workflows.
- Style & Technique: Vibrant 2D motion graphics with bold colors and clear iconography.
- Why It Works: This well crafted explainer video simplifies complex insurance tech with engaging animation, effectively communicating the product's value and positioning FTEvolve as innovative.
Tesorio
- Purpose & Context: Showcases Tesorio’s SaaS finance platform for optimizing cash flow.
- Style & Technique: Clean motion graphic animation with bold typography and smooth transitions.
- Why It Works: This engaging explainer video makes finance software engaging and easy to understand, effective for B2B marketing.
What Makes Tech Explainer Videos Effective
Effective explainer videos are clear, concise, and tailored to the audience, using engaging visuals and storytelling to simplify complex concepts and keep the audience engaged. Most explainer videos are short videos—typically under two minutes—to maintain attention and deliver a focused message. Not all explainer videos are animated; some use live action explainer video or whiteboard animations, and the choice of style should match your content and audience. A good explainer video avoids technical jargon, uses high quality videos, and leverages fun video or funny video elements to increase engagement. The best explainer videos stand out through strong visuals, compelling brand storytelling, and a cohesive narrative that brings together different elements for a memorable message. Learning from the best explainer videos can help you refine your own explainer video strategy.
Tips for Successful Tech Explainer Videos
- Keep videos concise: 60-90 seconds for consumers, up to 5 minutes for technical audiences.
- Avoid overly technical language; focus on benefits.
- Use upbeat music and background music to enhance engagement.
- Add clear calls to action to guide viewers.
- Conduct thorough audience research to tailor content.
- Combine live action with animation for relatable storytelling.
- Use interactive elements where possible to increase audience engagement.
- Maintain a strong explainer video style consistent with your brand.
- Tailor your marketing videos, including explainer videos, for different platforms to maximize reach and boost engagement.
- Maintain consistent branding and content delivery on your YouTube channel to strengthen brand identity and effectively distribute your marketing videos.
Quick Actionable Checklist
- Identify and address your audience’s pain points.
- Choose the right video type (animated, live action, hybrid).
- Script a clear, concise video script focusing on benefits.
- Use high-quality visuals and professional explainer video production.
- Incorporate motion graphics and animated 2D and 3D visuals.
- Include captions and text for accessibility.
- Optimize video length for your target audience.
- Add a compelling call to action.
- Promote videos across multiple platforms for maximum reach.
Tip: For inspiration, review the best explainer videos, such as the above examples, to see what makes them effective and engaging.
By following these guidelines and learning from the above tech explainer video examples, your next explainer video project can effectively simplify complex technology, engage viewers, and drive business results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should a tech explainer video be for maximum impact?
The ideal length for tech explainer videos typically ranges between 60 to 90 seconds for general audiences, while more technical or detailed videos can extend up to 3-5 minutes depending on the complexity of the product. Using a short video is especially effective for maintaining viewer engagement, as keeping videos concise helps ensure the key message is delivered effectively. For more guidance on video length and pacing, check out our Video Production Best Practices.
What is the difference between animated explainer videos and live action explainer videos?
Animated explainer videos, also known as animated video or animated video explainer, use motion graphics, 2D or 3D animation to visually represent complex ideas, making them ideal for abstract or technical subjects.
Live action explainer videos, often referred to as live action videos, feature real people and environments, which can create stronger emotional connections and are great for showcasing physical products or human-centric services.
Many tech companies benefit from a hybrid approach combining both styles. Explore examples of both types on our Video Portfolio.
How can I measure the effectiveness of my tech explainer video?
High quality videos tend to have higher retention and engagement rates. Effectiveness can be measured through metrics such as viewer retention rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and engagement on platforms like YouTube or your website. Additionally, tracking reductions in customer support queries after video release can indicate improved understanding. Learn more about measuring video ROI in our Case Study: Boosting Engagement with Explainer Videos.
Should I create explainer videos for internal use as well as for customers?
Yes, explainer videos can be highly valuable for internal training, onboarding, and knowledge sharing, as they are specifically designed to educate viewers within the company. They help employees understand complex systems quickly and consistently. Creating tailored internal explainer videos can reduce training time and improve operational efficiency. Discover how we help companies with internal video solutions on our Internal Training Video Services.
What are the best platforms to distribute tech explainer videos?
Popular platforms include your company website, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other social media channels. Embedding videos on product pages and within email marketing campaigns also boosts visibility. Tailoring video formats to each platform can maximize reach and engagement. For tips on multi-platform video marketing, visit our Video Marketing Strategy Guide.
How do I ensure my explainer video appeals to a broader audience?
To appeal broadly, focus on clear, jargon-free language and highlight benefits rather than technical features, ensuring you keep the audience engaged through relatable scenarios and accessible explanations. Use strong storytelling to connect emotionally. Incorporating captions and translations can also enhance accessibility. Our Explainer Video Scriptwriting Services can help craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
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