Explainer Videos That Sell: How to Simplify Your Brand Message

Why Explainer Videos Sell So Well

Attention spans are shorter than ever, and your audience wants clarity, fast. That’s where explainer videos come in.

They’re short, story-driven videos that simplify your brand message, making it easy for viewers to understand what you do and why it matters. But the best ones don’t just explain, they sell.

They guide the viewer through a problem, introduce your solution, and end with a confident call to action, all in under 90 seconds.

The Psychology Behind Explainer Videos That Sell

Clarity Builds Trust

People buy from brands they understand. A clear, well-paced video removes confusion and builds confidence in your product.

Story Triggers Emotion

When you frame your message as a story, problem, solution, transformation—you keep viewers hooked emotionally and logically.

Visuals Make It Stick

The human brain processes visuals 60,000x faster than text. Motion graphics, icons, and color coding make your message memorable.

Call-to-Action Creates Momentum

Every great explainer video ends with a clear next step: “Get Started,” “Book a Demo,” or “Learn More.” This directs your audience toward conversion.

Real Examples of Explainer Videos That Sell

1. Dollar Shave Club – “Our Blades Are F*ing Great”**

A classic. This witty, low-budget explainer video turned a small startup into a $1 billion acquisition by Unilever. The secret? Humor, simplicity, and crystal-clear value.

2. Dropbox – The Original Explainer That Built a Brand

Dropbox’s early animated explainer boosted their signup rate by over 10%, helping them acquire millions of users. It turned a tech-heavy concept into an easy story anyone could grasp.

3. Grammarly – “Write the Future” Campaign

Grammarly’s explainer-style ads show everyday writing struggles and how their tool solves them. It’s simple, emotional, and instantly relatable.

4. HubSpot – “What Is Inbound Marketing?”

HubSpot’s explainer blends data visualization and storytelling to show how inbound marketing works—helping the brand define an entire industry category.

The Structure of an Explainer Video That Converts

A well-optimized explainer video typically follows this proven 5-step formula:

• Hook (0–10s) – Capture attention with a problem your audience relates to.
• Problem (10–25s) – Show the pain point or frustration.
• Solution (25–55s) – Introduce your product or service as the fix.
• Proof (55–75s) – Build credibility through examples or visuals.
• Call-to-Action (75–90s) – Tell the viewer exactly what to do next.

How Explainer Videos Simplify Your Brand Message

• Condense complexity – Turn technical jargon into simple visuals.
• Build consistency – Align your message across web, social, and sales decks.
• Show, don’t tell – Demonstrate value instead of describing it.
• Make it human – Storytelling connects emotionally where static text can’t.
• Scale globally – Add subtitles, voiceovers, and localizations easily.

Tips for Creating Explainer Videos That Sell

• Focus on One Core Message – Don’t overload with details. Clarity converts.
• Script with Emotion and Logic – Use a narrative arc that educates and inspires.
• Design for Your Audience – Visual tone matters as much as message tone.
• Keep It Under 90 Seconds – The sweet spot for attention and conversion.
• End Strong – Always include a clickable or verbal call to action.

The ROI of Explainer Videos

• 85% of businesses say explainer videos help them attract new customers.
• 64% of consumers are more likely to purchase after watching a video.
• Google rewards pages with video—improving both SEO and dwell time.

So when done right, an explainer video isn’t just marketing—it’s a 24/7 digital salesperson.

Ready to create an explainer video that sells? Get a free consultation or quote today at Elliemotion Studio, a Singapore-based animation studio helping global brands turn complex ideas into powerful, conversion-focused stories.

Also read: How Anamorphic Content Creation Changing Digital Advertising

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes an explainer video effective for sales?

It focuses on the customer’s pain point and shows how your solution fixes it, visually and emotionally.

2. How long should a sales-focused explainer video be?

Between 60–90 seconds. Just enough to explain, engage, and convert.

3. Do explainer videos really help with conversion?

Yes. Brands that use video on their landing pages see up to 80% higher conversions.

4. What’s the best animation style for a selling video?

2D and motion graphics work best for clarity; 3D adds depth for product demos.

5. Can I get a cost estimate before starting?

Absolutely. You can request a free consultation or quote from Elliemotion Studio to explore options that fit your goals and budget.