The ultimate goal of an explainer video? To explain. But that requires holding your audience’s attention from start to finish. Too many animated videos lose viewers before they even get to the point. We’re changing that. This article presents 35+ animated explainer video examples that excel at audience retention, revealing the tactics that keep viewers hooked. 

And because ROI matters, we’re also demystifying the cost of creating videos that convert, ensuring you maximize engagement without exceeding your budget. Let’s build explainer videos that people watch.

The Secret Weapon of Explainer Videos: Why Animation Wins?

Your brand isn’t generic, so why should your visuals be? Animation uniquely lets you control perception itself, allowing you to craft a brand personality with breathtaking precision. Where live-action is bound by reality, animation creates its own. 

This level of visual control is paramount – you’re not limited by actors or locations, but can meticulously design every frame to evoke the exact feeling, unique needs, and message you desire for your brand. This means instantly communicating brand values and forging emotional connections in seconds, building trust and affinity through visual identity.

10 Popular Types of Animated Explainer Videos with 35+ Inspiring Examples

Knowing the different styles – from whiteboard animations to character-driven narratives – will help you determine which type is your best match and align it with your business and overall marketing strategies. Let’s explore 10 popular types along with 25+ awesome examples of explainer videos: 

No.	How We Categorize	Type of Explainer Video	Best Suited For
1	Based on Purpose	Product Demo Explainer Videos	E-commerce, consumer goods, and technology hardware companies.
2		Brand Awareness Explainer Videos	Non-profits, history-related projects, and businesses telling brand stories.
3		Process Explainer Videos	SaaS businesses, manufacturing companies, and financial services that need to explain complex processes or systems
4		Educational Explainer Videos	Educational institutions, eLearning platforms, and businesses focused on internal training.
5		Testimonial Explainer Videos	Brands building customer trust, B2B companies, and service-based businesses.
6	Based on Techniques	Whiteboard Animation Explainer Videos	Training, education, and businesses explaining complex processes.
7		2D Animation Explainer Videos	Marketing campaigns, startups, and businesses with a broad audience.
8		Character-Animated Explainer Videos	Education, healthcare, and brands looking for a humanized connection.
9		Stop Motion Explainer Videos	Creative industries, artisan brands, and businesses seeking artistic appeal.
10		AI-Generated Explainer Videos	Tech companies, startups, and businesses focused on innovation and AI solutions.

1. Product Demo Explainer Videos 

Description

Why it Works

Need to show off your amazing new gadget or online platform? Product demo explainer videos are your visual sales pitch. They walk viewers through the features and benefits of a product, showcasing exactly how it works and solves user problems. Think clear, concise, and focused on value. For compelling product explainer video examples, look no further than tech startups launching innovative solutions.

Seeing is believing. Instead of just telling customers about your product, you show them. This visual demonstration builds trust, reduces confusion, and directly answers the “what’s in it for me?” question, driving conversions and adoption.

2. Brand Awareness Explainer Videos 

Description	Why it Works
These videos are all about making a memorable first impression. Brand awareness explainer videos focus on introducing your company, its values, and its mission to a wider audience. They often tell your brand story engagingly and emotionally, aiming to build recognition and positive associations.	In a crowded market, standing out is crucial. Brand awareness videos use animation’s storytelling power to create an emotional connection, making your brand relatable and likable. They plant the seeds for long-term customer relationships.

3. Process Explainer Videos 

Description	Why it Works
Do you have a complex system, workflow, or service that needs explaining? Process explainer videos break down intricate processes into simple, step-by-step visuals. From onboarding new users to illustrating manufacturing procedures, they clarify how things work behind the scenes. You can find excellent software explainer video examples that demystify complex digital platforms using this approach.	Clarity conquers confusion. Process videos eliminate ambiguity and make even the most complicated procedures understandable. This builds confidence in your offerings and reduces friction for users or customers navigating your systems.

4. Educational Explainer Videos 

Description	Why it Works
Sharing knowledge is power! Educational explainer videos simplify complex topics, concepts, or skills for learning and training purposes.  They can cover anything from scientific principles to software tutorials, making learning engaging and accessible.	Animation excels at visualizing abstract ideas and making learning fun. Educational videos cater to visual learners, boosting comprehension and retention, whether for internal training or reaching a wider audience with valuable information.

5. Testimonial Explainer Videos

Description	Why it Works
Social proof is incredibly powerful. Testimonial explainer videos feature real customer stories and experiences, adding a layer of authenticity and trust to your message. Animation enhances these testimonials, making them more visually engaging and emotionally resonant.	People trust people. Testimonials provide relatable evidence of your product or service’s value. Animation amplifies these stories, making them more captivating and persuasive than traditional text-based or live-action testimonials alone.

6. Whiteboard Animation Explainer Videos

Description	Why it Works
Classic and captivating, whiteboard animation videos feature hand-drawn illustrations unfolding on a white background. This style has a unique, organic feel that’s excellent for storytelling and explaining concepts in a simple, engaging way.	The hand-drawn style creates a sense of personal connection and simplicity. Whiteboard animation is excellent at focusing attention on the core message and feeling approachable and easy to understand.

7. 2D Animation Explainer Videos

Description	Why it Works
Versatile and widely popular, 2D animation explainer videos utilize flat, stylized graphics to convey messages. This style offers a broad spectrum of visual possibilities, from minimalist and clean to vibrant and character-rich, adaptable to almost any topic.	2D animation is incredibly adaptable and cost-effective. It provides a polished and professional look while allowing for creative freedom in visual style and storytelling, making it a go-to choice for many explainer video needs.

Read more: 2D vs 3D Animation: Discovering 10 Key Differences

8. Character-Animated Explainer Videos

Description	Why it Works
Bring your brand to life! Character-animated explainer videos feature custom-designed characters who guide viewers through your message. This style adds personality and relatability, making your brand more human and memorable.	Characters create emotional connections and make complex information more digestible and entertaining. They become brand ambassadors, fostering loyalty and recognition, especially effective for building long-term brand relationships.

9. Stop Motion Explainer Videos

Description	Why it Works
Unique and tactile, stop-motion animation brings objects to life through frame-by-frame manipulation. This handcrafted style can use anything from paper cutouts to clay figures, offering a distinctive and visually captivating approach.	Stop motion’s handcrafted nature stands out in the digital landscape. It offers a charming and memorable aesthetic, perfect for brands seeking a unique and artisanal feel, often conveying authenticity and attention to detail.

10. AI Explainer Videos

Description	Why it Works
A rising trend, AI explainer videos leverage artificial intelligence tools to streamline animation creation. While still evolving, AI can assist with tasks like script generation, animation, and even voiceovers, offering potentially faster and more cost-effective video production. This is a cutting-edge approach gaining traction in the explainer video space.	AI tools promise increased efficiency and accessibility in video creation. While still early stages, AI in animation can help businesses produce videos more quickly and potentially at lower costs, opening up video marketing to a wider range of users.

The 6-Point Checklist for Judging Explainer Video Excellence

Ready to move beyond just appreciating explainer video inspiration from those incredible examples and start creating videos that truly deliver marketing results? Then it’s time to arm yourself with a practical checklist for judging excellence.

So, you’re now equipped to judge explainer video excellence like a pro. Ready to take the next step and create your own? To get started and learn the essential steps, head over to our guide: 2 Easy Methods on How to Make Explainer Video Animation

Beyond the Basics: 6 Key Strategic to Explainer Video Mastery

You’ve seen what excellence looks like, and you’re ready to create it. Now, tap into the collective expertise of our seasoned team. With years dedicated to perfecting the art of marketing with video, especially in the concise format of short explainer videos, we’re revealing the 6 outstanding strategies that will fast-track your journey to explainer video mastery.

Strategy	Key Action	Why It’s Effective
Preemptive Competitive Intel	Analyze existing videos deeply. Find unmet needs. Develop a UNIQUE differentiation strategy.	Avoids “me-too” videos. Ensures your video fills a market gap, not just copies competitors. Topic, approach, and quality.
Data-Driven Storyboarding	Validate storyboard & script with user research, A/B testing, and analytics before production. Iterative script.	Moves beyond guesswork. Guarantees resonance with your audience. Tracks audience retention, and remakes certain moments.
Promotion Ecosystem	Create an integrated promo plan (social, email, paid, partners). Embed strategically. Translation.	Maximizes reach. Ensures video supports broader marketing efforts. Targeted campaigns.
Continuous Optimization Loop	Monitor metrics (views, watch time, engagement, conversions). A/B test constantly.	Adapt to changing trends. Ensures video performance stays optimized over time.
Cross-Department Alignment	Involve all departments (sales, support, product) in video planning & messaging.	Breaks down silos. Ensures consistent messaging and internal buy-in.
Long-Term Brand Building	Focus on engaging storytelling, showcasing brand values, & creating shareable content (beyond just sales).	Builds awareness, thought leadership, & lasting connections, not just short-term conversions.

How Much Does Animated Explainer Video Cost?

For 2D animation explainer video, costs generally start at $1500 per minute, while 3D animations can start at $5,000 per minute due to the added complexity and detail involved. 

The cost of the animated explainer video production can vary significantly based on several factors, including:

The following table provides a general overview of pricing structures commonly offered: 

Video Type	Price Range	Description
Simple Video	$500 – $1,500	Short videos using basic animation and simple graphics. Price reflects the value and quality of professional services.
Standard Video	$1,000 – $3,000	Includes more detailed animations, smoother transitions, and custom graphics.
Complex Video	$3,000 – $8,000 or more	Detailed scripts, 3D animations, complex characters, special effects, and multiple visual elements.
Premium Video	Starts at $10,000 or more	High artistic, technical, or specialized content demands, such as medical simulations or user interaction. Pricing is negotiable.

Get more insights:

• Cost of an Explainer Video
• Is 3D Animation Cheaper Than 2D: A Detailed Cost Breakdown
• Animation Cost Calculator: Get A Draft Quote for Your Project

Why 2D is the Best Type for Animated Explainer Videos

Ultimately, the best type of animation depends on your specific audience and marketing objectives. And, you might be wondering, with all the animation styles available, which one reigns supreme for explainer videos? 

While preferences vary, compelling evidence suggests that 2D animation offers a unique combination of benefits that make it the ideal choice for most businesses. Let’s explore why.

Benefit	Impact
Boost Website Traffic	Engaging 2D videos captures attention, drawing more visitors to your website and increasing overall traffic.
Drive Sales & Conversions	Simplifying complex ideas in a fun, engaging way, 2D explainer videos encourage viewers to take action or purchase.
Enhance Brand Awareness	A well-designed 2D explainer video represents your brand and helps build lasting recognition among viewers.
Increase ROI	2D videos are proven to generate a strong return on investment by boosting sales and conversions cost-effectively.
Increase Engagement and Retention	2D videos hold attention longer, improving the chances that your message will be remembered.
Encourage Social Sharing	Shareable, engaging content makes it easier for viewers to spread your message, increasing organic reach.
Cost-Effective and Quick to Produce	2D explainer videos are budget-friendly and fast to produce, making them an ideal choice for businesses looking to scale their marketing efforts quickly.

8 Free Resources and Best Tools for Animated Explainer Videos

The right resources can streamline your workflow and even provide explainer video samples to spark further creativity. Discover our curated list of 8 free resources and the best tools to make your animated explainer video creation process more efficient and inspiring.

Free Resources:

Resource	What It Offers
Freepik	Free stock images, vector graphics, and icons
Pixabay	Royalty-free images, vector illustrations, and videos
Pexels	Free stock videos and high-quality images
Unsplash	High-quality free stock photos for backgrounds or references
Undraw	Customizable vector illustrations for various themes
Storyset	Animated and static illustrations with customization options
LottieFiles	Free animated icons and motion graphics
DrawKit	Free vector illustrations and icons for explainer videos

Free Tools: 

Software	Best For	Key Features	Platform
Animaker	Beginners & small businesses	Drag-and-drop editor, pre-built templates, character customization, voiceovers	Web-based
Vyond	Professionals & enterprises	Advanced character animation, collaboration tools, multiple styles (whiteboard, infographic)	Web-based
Animatron	Marketers & educators	Easy timeline editing, custom animations, real-time collaboration	Web-based
PowToon	Business presentations & educators	Pre-designed templates, character builder, easy integration with PowerPoint	Web-based
Adobe Animate	Professional animators	Vector-based animation, HTML5 support, integration with Adobe Creative Cloud	Windows, Mac
Adobe After Effects	Advanced video editing & motion graphics	Professional-grade motion graphics, 3D effects, plugins, and templates	Windows, Mac
Moho Animation	Cartoon-style animations	Bone rigging, vector animation tools, 3D capabilities	Windows, Mac
Blender	3D animations & open-source projects	Free, open-source, professional-grade 3D modeling, animation, and rendering	Windows, Mac, Linux

Okay, so you’re fired up to create your animated explainer video – that’s awesome! But before you dive headfirst into DIY animation, let’s be real about the potential bumps in the road. While the tools and resources are more accessible than ever, crafting a truly impactful video that avoids looking,… well, homemade, can be surprisingly time-consuming and technically demanding. 

Often, what starts as a budget-friendly DIY project can end up costing you valuable time and potentially missing the mark on quality. 

That’s where the expertise of a professional animation studio truly shines, bringing years of experience and specialized skills to the table to ensure your video isn’t just done, but done brilliantly.

Tell Your Story, Grow Your Business: Expert 2D Animated Explainer Videos by F.Learning Studio!

We Offer Early FREE Consultants!

At F.Learning Studio, we understand that sometimes businesses know they need an animated explainer video but aren’t quite sure where to start. You might be unsure about the best type of animation for your message, the ideal length, or even the specific content that needs to be covered. That’s where our expert FREE consultants come in.

We start by understanding your challenges, audience, and goals through consultations to refine your vision. Whether you need 2D, 3D, whiteboard, motion graphics, or character-driven animation, we ensure the perfect style for your brand, message, and budget, delivering maximum impact.

Moreover, we offer free animation demos to show how our visuals simplify complex topics and captivate audiences. Experience the power of customized animation tailored to your message with F.Learning Studio.

We Provide Affordable Pricing, Flexible Packages, and a Streamlined Animated Explainer Video

We believe that high-quality animated explainer videos should be accessible to businesses of all sizes. That’s why we offer competitive and transparent pricing, along with flexible packages designed to meet a variety of needs and budgets. 

More than just affordability, our streamlined production process ensures your project stays on track and is completed to your utmost satisfaction. Here’s a glimpse into how we work:

What We Offer	How We Help
Initial Consultation & Project Definition	A detailed discussion to understand your vision, goals, and budget.
Scriptwriting & Storyboarding	Expert writers craft a compelling script, and artists create a visual storyboard to outline video flow.
Voiceover Recording & Asset Creation	Professional voiceovers are recorded, and all necessary visual assets are designed or gathered.
Animation & Production	Talented animators bring your story to life, crafting each scene meticulously.
Feedback & Revisions	Opportunities to review progress and provide feedback to ensure alignment with your vision.
Delivery & Launch Support	High-quality video is delivered in your preferred format, with guidance on effective launch and promotion.
A Dedicated Project Manager	Keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring clear communication and a smooth workflow.
24/7 Customer Support System	Ensure you always have assistance whenever you need it.

Healthcare Animated Explainer Video Success: A Case Study with Simple Nursing

🔵Everything started well for Simple Nursing, a leading nursing education platform with an impressive following on YouTube and other online channels. Their courses, designed to help students pass the NCLEX™ and other nursing exams, were getting a lot of attention. 

🔴However, despite the educational value, they faced challenges in engaging students and keeping them motivated. As the demand for online learning skyrocketed during the pandemic, Simple Nursing realized its static content needed to evolve.

✅They partnered with F.Learning Studio to transform their content into dynamic, engaging animated videos. This shift significantly boosted user engagement, with over 200,000 learners and 500,000 social media followers. With simplified complex nursing concepts with animation, Simple Nursing created a more enjoyable and effective learning experience, ultimately enhancing its reputation and growing its student base.

You may also interested in: The Secret Helps Simple Nursing Videos Attract 200.000+ Learners

Final Thoughts

From product demos to whiteboard wonders, we’ve unpacked a universe of animated explainer video examples and armed you with the insights to spot (and create!) true video gold. But transforming those ideas into a polished, professional video that truly converts? That’s where expertise becomes invaluable. 

Why settle for “good enough” when you can have exceptional? Don’t let your message get lost in the noise. Elevate your brand and amplify your impact. Get a Free Quote for Your 2D Explainer Video Project Today from F.Learning Studio and let us turn your vision into a video masterpiece!

• Email: [email protected]
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/f.learningstudio
• Website: https://flearningstudio.com/ 
• LinkedIn: ​https://www.linkedin.com/company/f-learning-studio/​

Don’t stop here – there’s so much more to discover!:

• Animation Cost Calculator: Get A Draft Quote for Your Project
• Top 8 Different Types Of Explainer Videos To Match Your Corporate Needs
• What are good animated explainer videos for fintech?