Most brands don't struggle because they lack a great product. They struggle because potential customers don't understand what the product does quickly enough.
Animated Explainer videos bridge that gap by turning complex ideas into clear, engaging stories that people can grasp within minutes.
In fact, there are many different types of explainer videos, including 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, product demo videos, whiteboard videos, live-action explainers, tutorial videos, and mixed media formats.
Each format serves a different purpose depending on your goals, audience, budget, and stage of the customer journey.
The faster people understand how your product fits into their world, the easier it becomes to build trust, shorten the sales cycle, and drive action.
In this guide, we'll explore the most popular types of explainer videos, where they work best, who should use them, and how to choose the right format for your business.
Quick Summary Table
Best Types of Explainer Videos: Category & Formats
Remember - No matter how fancy or expensive your animated explainer video type is, what’s more important is how and when it is being used.
Since different explainer video formats serve different purposes throughout the customer journey, we've also mapped each video type to the funnel stage where it delivers the greatest impact.
You'll find this framework later in the guide to help you choose the right format for your goals.
1) 2D Explainer Video Examples
2D explainer videos generally use flat illustrations, characters, and animated scenes to simplify complex ideas in a visually engaging way.
This type of explainer video is widely preferred because it strikes a balance between storytelling and production efficiency.
Why SaaS brands prefer it: Cost-effective, easy to adapt to different industries, and highly versatile for both marketing and educational content.
Estimated production timeline: 2-3 weeks, depending on script length and visual complexity.
2) 3D Explainer Video Examples
3D explainer videos offer greater depth, texture, and realism, making them an excellent explainer video type for demonstrating products, technical processes, or architectural concepts.
Why brands prefer it: Ideal for showcasing physical & digital products or services, simulations, or complex concepts that benefit from realistic visualization.
Estimated production timeline: 3-4 weeks due to modeling, rendering, and animation complexity.
3) Motion Graphics Explainer Video Examples
Motion graphics videos rely on abstract visuals, icons, and text rather than characters to communicate ideas.
They offer a holistic and engaging viewing experience by simplifying complex concepts like data science, AI/ML, blockchain, cybersecurity, etc.
Why technology brands prefer it: Clean visual style, strong focus on information clarity, and highly effective for B2B and SaaS communication.
Estimated production timeline: 3-4 weeks, depending on content depth and video length.
Based on our experience, SaaS brands most frequently choose Motion Graphics and Product Demo videos because they simplify complex products while supporting both acquisition and conversion goals.
4) Product Demo Videos or UI Animation Videos
Product demo videos visually showcase how a product or software interface works, highlighting key features and user journeys.
These videos help potential customers understand functionality without reading long documentation.
Why it is preferred: Builds trust by showing real usage, reduces friction in decision-making, and supports sales conversations.
Estimated production timeline: 2–4 weeks based on feature scope and interface complexity.
5) How-to Explainer Videos/Tutorial Explainer Videos
How-to videos, also known as Screencast videos, capture real-time screen recordings combined with narration to guide users through specific processes or features.
Their primary focus is on offering viewers practical learning and usability. As a result, they’re highly preferred by SaaS and Technology brands with low explainer video production budgets.
Why it is preferred: Fast to produce, highly educational, and ideal for user support and onboarding.
Estimated production timeline: 1-2 weeks, depending on scripting, length, and revisions.
6) Kinetic Typography Explainer Videos
Kinetic typography videos leverage animated text as the primary visual element to deliver messages with rhythm and emphasis.
These videos largely rely on timing, motion, and sound to keep viewers engaged without using heavy illustrations or characters.
Why it is preferred: Ideal for message-driven storytelling, quick consumption, and strong recall, especially when visuals are secondary to messaging.
Estimated production timeline: 2–3 weeks, depending on pacing and audio design.
At What a Story, we've produced explainer videos across SaaS, healthcare, enterprise technology, manufacturing, and startup ecosystems. While there is no universal "best" format, the highest-performing videos align with the buyer's stage and the complexity of the message.
7) Live Action Explainer Videos
Live-action explainer videos use real people, environments, and scenarios to convey a message. They are particularly effective when human connection, trust, or authenticity is required.
Why it is preferred: Builds credibility quickly and works well for brands where human presence strengthens the message.
Estimated production timeline: 3-6 weeks, depending on scripting, shooting, and post-production.
8) Stock Footage with Animation
This format combines licensed stock videos with animated elements, including text, icons, and transitions. It offers a middle ground between fully animated and live-action content.
Why it is preferred: Faster and more cost-effective than custom live shoots while still delivering a polished, professional look.
Estimated production timeline: 2-4 weeks based on footage selection and animation scope.
9) Whiteboard Explainer Videos
Whiteboard videos simulate hand-drawn illustrations appearing in real time, often paired with narration. They focus heavily on step-by-step explanations.
Why it is preferred: Simple, educational, and effective for explaining processes, concepts, or workflows clearly.
Estimated production timeline: 2-3 weeks, depending on script length.
Suggested placements: Educational platforms, training modules, onboarding content, and internal learning resources.
10) Collage Animation Videos
The next explainer video format is Collage animation. It combines photographs, textures, illustrations, and typography into a layered visual style, creating a distinctive, creative aesthetic.
Why it is preferred: Stands out visually and works well for storytelling that aims to feel expressive and unconventional.
Estimated production timeline: 3-4 weeks, depending on visual complexity.
11) Isometric Explainer Videos
Isometric videos present scenes in a structured, three-dimensional perspective while maintaining a flat design style. They are effective for showing systems and workflows.
Why it is preferred: Ideal for visualizing complex processes, platforms, and interconnected systems in a clean, organized way.
Estimated production timeline: 2-3 weeks, depending on design depth.
12) Mixed Media Explainer Videos
Mixed media videos or multimedia animation videos blend more than one format, such as animation, live footage, typography, and graphicsgraphic,s into a single narrative.
Why it is preferred: Offers creative flexibility and allows brands to combine realism with visual storytelling.
Estimated production timeline: 2-4 weeks, depending on the mix of elements used.
Explainer Video Types: Where Do They Fit Best?
While each type of explainer video serves its purpose, it’s important to understand its position and best placement within the marketing funnel.
Below is a clean table that maps each explainer video type to the best suitable stage with suggested placement guidelines:
Recommended Explainer Video Types by Industry
While every business has unique goals, certain explainer video formats tend to perform better in specific industries. Here's a quick guide to help you narrow down the best option based on your industry.
Conclusion
Explainer videos work best when they are chosen with intent, not preference. Different formats serve different purposes throughout the customer journey, from building awareness to educating users and driving conversions.
Whether you prefer the storytelling of 2D explainers, the clarity of motion graphics, or the immersive experience of 3D animation, the best explainer video is the one that helps your audience understand your message quickly and take action.
Ready to create your product's explainer video? Talk to our video experts today, and we'll help you choose the right format for your goals.
FAQs
What are the main types of explainer videos?
The most common types include 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, product demo videos, tutorial videos, live-action videos, whiteboard videos, and mixed media explainers.
Which explainer video is best for SaaS companies?
Motion graphics and product demo videos are often the preferred choice for SaaS brands because they simplify complex features and showcase product functionality effectively.
Are 2D explainer videos better than 3D videos?
Neither is universally better. 2D videos are more cost-effective and versatile, while 3D videos are ideal for realistic product visualization and technical demonstrations.
How much does an explainer video cost?
The cost varies depending on the style, length, and complexity of the project. Custom explainer videos can range from a few thousand dollars to significantly higher for advanced productions.
Check this detailed blog to know more about explainer video cost
How long should an explainer video be?
Most explainer videos perform best between 60 and 90 seconds, although product demos and tutorials may require additional time.
Which explainer video format converts best?
Product demo videos often deliver strong conversion results because they clearly demonstrate how a product works and the value it provides.
What is the difference between motion graphics and 2D animation?
Motion graphics focus on animating text, icons, and graphic elements to explain ideas, whereas 2D animation typically uses characters and storytelling to engage viewers.
