In the world of digital marketing, explainer videos have become a powerhouse for engaging audiences, simplifying complex ideas, and driving conversions. A great explainer video does more than just communicate—it captivates, educates, and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re working on your own video or looking for creative inspiration, we’ve gathered five explainer videos that are truly inspiring us right now. Let’s break down what makes them so effective and why they’re raising the bar for explainer video creativity!
1. Slack – “So Yeah, We Tried Slack…”
Slack’s explainer video is a masterclass in storytelling. The video uses humor, relatable workplace scenarios, and dynamic visuals to demonstrate how Slack can transform team communication. What makes it so inspiring is its ability to take a potentially dry topic—workplace messaging—and make it engaging and fun.
Why It Inspires Us:
- Humor and relatability: The quirky, lighthearted tone keeps viewers entertained while delivering a clear message.
- Simple animation, big impact: With sleek, colorful animations, the video stays visually exciting without overwhelming the audience.
- Clear value proposition: By focusing on specific pain points (endless email chains, miscommunication), Slack makes its benefits feel both obvious and essential.
2. Dropbox – “What is Dropbox?”
This classic explainer video is an icon in the genre. It takes a potentially complex concept—cloud storage—and explains it using simple, everyday analogies. The video was one of the reasons Dropbox experienced rapid growth, showing how the right video can significantly impact a company’s success.
Why It Inspires Us:
- Simplicity at its best: Using hand-drawn illustrations and a friendly voiceover, Dropbox explains their product in an approachable, easy-to-understand way.
- Perfect analogies: They compare Dropbox to a “magic pocket” where you can store and access files from anywhere, making the concept feel intuitive.
- Short and sweet: At just over a minute, the video packs a lot of value without dragging on, ensuring that the viewer stays engaged from start to finish.
3. Headspace – “Meditation Made Simple”
Headspace’s explainer video strikes a perfect balance between calming visuals and clear, concise messaging. The animation is smooth and relaxing, mirroring the mindfulness and meditation benefits that Headspace promotes. It does a great job of making meditation feel accessible, even for those who’ve never tried it.
Why It Inspires Us:
- Aesthetic harmony: The soft colors, fluid animations, and soothing voiceover create an inviting and peaceful atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the brand’s mission.
- Easy-to-understand breakdown: Meditation can feel intimidating, but this video simplifies it in a way that encourages even beginners to give it a try.
- Engaging characters: The cute animated characters add a human touch, making the video more relatable and emotionally resonant.
4. Dollar Shave Club – “Our Blades Are F*ing Great”**
Dollar Shave Club’s famous explainer video turned heads (and made millions). This video went viral because it combined humor, confidence, and simplicity in a way that felt refreshing and bold. With a direct, no-nonsense approach, it breaks through the clutter and makes viewers pay attention.
Why It Inspires Us:
- Bold personality: The video’s fearless tone is what sets it apart. It’s confident, edgy, and memorable, creating instant brand recognition.
- Authenticity: The video feels like a conversation, with CEO Michael Dubin delivering the message himself in a straightforward, witty way.
- Low production, high value: The video proves that you don’t need a huge budget to make an impact. With simple visuals and a strong script, it manages to be incredibly effective.
5. Mint – “How Mint Works”
Mint’s explainer video uses engaging motion graphics and a friendly narrative to explain how its financial tracking app works. Managing personal finances can feel overwhelming, but Mint breaks it down step-by-step, making it feel simple and achievable.
Why It Inspires Us:
- Clear visuals: The use of clean, modern animations helps simplify the complexities of financial tracking, making the app’s features easy to understand.
- Solution-focused: Instead of focusing on the app itself, the video highlights the problems it solves—giving people control over their finances in an intuitive way.
- Calm, inviting tone: The voiceover is calm and friendly, making financial management feel less daunting and more empowering.
Inspiration for Your Next Explainer Video
These five explainer videos show just how creative, effective, and engaging this medium can be when done right. Whether through humor, simplicity, or eye-catching animations, each of these videos manages to convey complex ideas in a way that resonates with viewers.
If you’re looking to create your own explainer video, let these examples serve as inspiration! Focus on clear messaging, relatable storytelling, and visuals that enhance your message. And most importantly—make sure to add your unique twist to ensure your video stands out and leaves a lasting impact.