We present you with the most comprehensive list of explainer video examples on the planet! Um, that we know of. We’ve broken it down by style to give you ideas in 2D animation, 3D, photography, live-action, and a whole lot more. So if you’re looking for style ideas we’ve got you!

The below examples were all made by us and we’ve got plenty more in each category so reach out if you want to explore more ideas and examples.

EXPLAINER VIDEO EXAMPLES:

2D Character Animation

We’ll start with the classic explainer video style… using 2D animation with characters. The style is great for friendly, fun videos where you want the viewer to relate to the problem you’re solving.

Motion Graphic

The videos use abstract elements rather than characters to tell the story. Motion graphic style videos are very popular because they look professional and they let you explain complex stuff in an easy way. Typically a motion graphic style video will use dynamic transitions and other animated effects to keep viewer attention.

Infographic

Closely related to the motion graphic style is the infographic video (see below). These are pretty much one and the same style but some people use the word infographic if the video has facts and figures.

Motion Graphic – 2D with 3D elements

Incorporating some 3D elements is a great way to make a video look good. There are different ways and reasons to do this. For example, it can make sense to create physical objects or spaces in 3D, as in the below video.

Cityscapes can also be good candidates, as in the below video.

Motion Graphic – 3D

The next video makes more extensive use of 3D compared to the previous examples. To see an overview of different types of 3D work in general check out our guide.

Motion Graphic – 2.5D (isometric)

This is the so-called “isometric” style. In this style the camera angle stays fixed from above. These are actually often executed in 3D, as in the case of the below video, but people refer to the style as isometric so we’ll just stick to that. In the below video also look out for the frame-by-frame animation of the frustrated character in the trailer.

2D Character Animation (frame-by-frame)

Frame-by-frame (also known as cel) is a technique where each frame is individually drawn. This allows you to create dynamic, fluid motion but this style is more time consuming to create.

Character Animation in 3D

We put this in a separate section from 3D explainesr because complex character animation in 3D is typically a distinct offering in terms of the process. These types of videos are typically the preserve of the bigger B2C brands and have a higher budget requirement.

2D character in 3D world

In this style we have a 2D character in a 3D-modeled world.

3D Product Render

Here a physical product is recreated in 3D. Great for product demo videos.

Software Demo – 2D

There are plenty of ways to do software demos. In the below sample we used 2D-animated screens modeled after the actual software screens.

Screen Demo – 2D mixed with 3D

A screen demo, but with funky 3D screen views.

Here’s another example below.

Screen Demo with Stock Footage

This video uses some stock footage to frame the demo in a real setting and show the demo on a computer.

Screen Demo – Real Recorded Screens

Many screen demos are actually animated versions of real screens but its also possible to use the actual screen recordings as in the below video.

App Demo Video in Live Action (filmed)

Here we demo the product using filmed live action footage.

Live Action (filmed) – with actor/presenter

Live Action (filmed) – with motion graphics

We use animated graphics to help the explanation.

Live Action (filmed) – Testimonial

In a testimonial video, a client is filmed talking about their experience working with your company. These can be created with a simple film shoot or even on a zoom recording.

Live Action (self-captured on phone or laptop) – Testimonial

You can also use self-captured footage to create a testimonial or other video. The trick is to supplement the footage with graphics and dynamic typography.

Live Action – simple shoot, no dialogue

A simple shoot is a good way to keep your costs under control. By keeping locations under control and minimising action sequences you can increase your overall production value per budget.

Live Action – using stock footage

You don’t always need to film to make a live-action video. Below are two explainer video examples that do just that. Good quality stock footage can be sourced at various places on the internet, e.g. Shutterstock, Pond5 and Artlist. With a well-planned script and a bit of animation it’s possible to create a good engaging video.

Live Action – Stock Footage with Dynamic Edit

Here the music takes centre-stage. This type of video has a looser script and uses a quick edit of different footage.

Real Person in Animated World

In the below video example we filmed a real person and we have them move into an animated world.

Animation + Photos

Animation can also be combined with photographs. This is a good way to get a different type of look for your video.

Animated Characters on Photo Backdrops

And if you’re still on the hunt for something a bit different…. allow us to introduce you to animated characters on photo backdrops!

Photos with Parallax Effect

In this style we make use photos but we make it look like there’s some subtle movement.

Cut-out Photography

This is a light-hearted style where we use photographs to create a cut out type of look.

Animation + Cut-out Photos + Live Action

A style mashup can look great. Here we combine live action with cut-out photography and animation.

Animation with hand-drawn look

Using hand-drawn artwork is a great way to get a sophisticated, natural feel.

Whiteboard Animation

Whiteboard is a classic style from the good old-days. The interesting thing about whiteboard is that it gets crazy high engagement rates online. Definitely worth considering!

Company Culture Video

A culture video is a recruitment and HR tool for communicating a company’s culture.

Animated Testimonial

Turn a written testimonial into an animation.

Social Video for Fundraising

Short-form video made out of stock footage for fundraising campaigns.

Puppets

Just had to slip good old Jim in here.

The Explainer Video Examples of the Future?

So many cool videos to create, so little time. We think video is going to get way more exciting… and less formulaic. We’d like to see some more illustrated styles, e.g. inspired by the fine arts (any takers?). At the end of the day it’s all about getting people to buy your stuff so we think we’ll see cool new scripting and visual tricks to keep more eye-balls glued to those screens.

Finally

That concludes our amazingly comprehensive list of explainer video examples. Contact us now to talk about ideas for your project.