| This guide breaks down explainer video examples into 5 key types based on use cases—product demos, service explainers, onboarding videos, corporate explainers, and awareness campaigns. Each type shows how businesses can use video to simplify complex ideas, boost engagement, and drive conversions. Reviewing these explainer video examples helps brands choose the right format for their goals and understand the benefits of each approach. |
We’re all citizens of the information age. But it’s time to accept that we’re fully in a new chapter of this story, where video has surpassed text as the preferred medium for information and reigns supreme.
Marketing is no exception. With nearly every brand embracing video today, not being fluent in it—especially in explainer videos that simplify complex ideas for viewers—puts you at a serious disadvantage.
Explainer videos are effective yet confusing because of all the types and use cases associated with them. It’s not that businesses don’t want to experiment with them or aren’t already doing so, it’s just that the different explainer video types and their correct usage confuse them.
We are going to solve the confusion here. In this blog, we’ll discuss the various types using animated video examples, explaining what they do and what makes them work so well. We’ll analyze and deconstruct different examples of explainer videos to understand why each one works and what we can learn from it.
And hopefully, by the end of this list, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to connect with your target audience in a whole new way using the correct types of explainer videos.
Types of Explainer VideosJust as there are many explainer video styles, there are also many different uses for them, and they’re crafted accordingly.
Some questions we ask ourselves and our clients before creating a video include:
Let’s take a look at five common use case scenarios:
Picture Credit: Freepik
What They Are: Educational videos are designed to inform and educate your audience. They break down topics into digestible pieces, often using visuals to reinforce learning.
Why They Work: Educational content builds trust and positions your brand as an expert. It also encourages engagement by delivering real value.
When to Use Them: Perfect for thought leadership campaigns, webinars, and training programs.
Industry: Healthcare and Public Health, Non-Profit
Why the brand created this video: UICC, or the Union for International Cancer Control, sought our services to create this educational video to throw light on the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. The video zooms into the causes, effects, and prevention of this issue.
Storytelling and visual details: The video uses a mixed-media approach to help viewers imagine a world where antibiotics don’t work and the chaos it would cause. It then reveals the grave fact that this is a reality.
Using character animation of patients, visuals related to a healthcare setup such as an operating theatre or an ambulance, and cartoon-like bacteria, the video perfectly balances information with engagement.
Throughout the video’s 2D animations, you’ll also see glimpses of cut-out live images, such as the scene where a real blister strip of red-and-white capsules is placed against a 2D background.
Why the video works: It is one of those 2D animation examples that discusses a serious topic without making viewers feel overwhelmed. The best educational videos inform while entertaining, and this one achieves that perfectly.
Also, it does not limit itself to voiceover and visuals alone but also uses on-screen text and facts to add credibility to the information being shared.
Industry: Technology, Semiconductors, Telecommunications
Why the brand created this video: Qualcomm created this video episode to explain the concept of low latency and zoom in on the low-latency benefits associated with 5G.
Storytelling and visual details: The 2D cartoon animation video takes an interview-style storytelling approach. In it, a central animated character, Vanitha Kumar, VP Engineering, Qualcomm Technologies, is shown seated in a professional interview, where she answers all the questions asked by the voiceover related to low latency.
The highly expressive features of Vanitha make it feel like you are watching a real interview with a real person. The rawness of her voice as she responds to the interviewer’s questions makes the answers feel reliable and human.
Additionally, the minimalism and the blue color palette used in the video, which aligns with the brand’s logo, add a strong branding effect.
Why the video works: The way it effectively combines motion graphics and 2D animations to recreate scenarios and match the pace of Vanitha’s explanations is what makes the video work.
You are never left wondering, as whenever she talks about increased connectivity in a healthcare setup, you see that scenario on screen, and when she discusses automobiles, those visuals appear as well.
Also, the smart way the voiceover acknowledges her responses or asks follow-up questions helps viewers feel more connected to the video.
Industry: Education, Higher Education & Research
Why the brand created this video: Vanderbilt University, a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, sought Broadcast2World’s services to create this educational explainer video and answer a burning question: “Who makes laws in the United States?”
Storytelling and visual details: To make the video impactful and memorable, Vanderbilt chose one of the most effective explainer video styles: motion graphics animation. The video starts by explaining the history of lawmaking, how it came into being, and the process involved.
All the processes are explained using a collage-like setup, where you see movements of real picture cutouts of people, their hands, maps, and other graphics placed against solid 2D backgrounds.
Numbers, stats, labels, and infographics are also a big part of the video. The color contrast between the cut-out elements and the dull, grey-toned background is a creative choice that allows the main data points to stand out.
Why the video works: The way the visuals work in sync with the explanatory voiceover to educate viewers on the entire process and the working of the model developed by the university is a major reason behind the video’s success.
The breakdown of history and the evolution of the current system of bills, along with the use of picture cutouts to present facts, make this motion graphics video engaging.
Industry: Technology, Cybersecurity, Information Security
Why the brand created this video: This video from Google is aimed at the awareness stage of the buyer’s journey and addresses the rising threat of cyberattacks in healthcare, a sector where sensitive data is both essential and vulnerable.
Storytelling and visual details: The video follows a storyline pattern in which it first highlights the threat and then presents the solution. As this transition unfolds, viewers are guided into a new visual tone through gradient backgrounds, blinking eye cutouts, and simplified data visuals that emphasize the power of collective responsibility.
Using bold collage-style animation, attention-grabbing typography, and symbolic visuals such as hands reaching for gift boxes, the video metaphorically illustrates just how valuable and at risk public data truly is.
Why the video works: The thrilling music, fast-changing scenes, constant stare of the cut-out eyes, and serious voiceover all make viewers feel threatened by the idea of a security breach.
The strong visual ability to bring this sense of vulnerability on screen is what makes this video one of the best animated explainer videos on the list.
From these examples, you can see that brands and educational platforms usually buy explainer video types such as educational motion graphics, infographics, and mixed media to teach, inform, and simplify complex topics for viewers.
Picture Credit: Freepik
What They Are: Animated brand videos tell your story—who you are, what you stand for, and why your audience should care.
Why They Work: They’re emotionally driven, making them great for connecting with your audience on a personal level.
When to Use Them: Use these when launching a new campaign or rebranding. They’re also great for pitching your brand to investors.
Industry: SaaS, Creative Technology
Why the brand created this video: Adobe created this mixed-media animation video to introduce the Adobe Anthem, an orchestral melody, while also subtly explaining how it, as a brand, enables creativity for all.
Storytelling and visual details: The video opens with the bold melody while the screen displays a digital photo-manipulation scene being edited in Adobe Photoshop.
As the melody starts unfolding, the scenes shift from a screencast animation showing a dreamlike composition featuring a child holding a teddy bear, to live-action footage of Billie Eilish, to a 2D animation of Frida Kahlo, and then to underwater 3D scenes of whales.
As this summer dream of a video unfolds, between the flowers and the monumental figures, you witness the use of Adobe to create something more creative.
Why the video works: Subtle selling. You feel like you have just experienced a beautiful summer dream, but what you have actually experienced is a branding video for Adobe that sells its features better than any sales pitch ever could.
Now whenever this Adobe Anthem plays, you will remember the brand. Building this association of a shared memory between a brand and a prospect is what makes a brand feel eternal, and this video executes it beautifully. All these points make it one of the best motion graphics explainer videos on this list.
Industry: Industrial manufacturing and technology
Why the brand created this video: General Electric created this video to present its Ecomagination initiative. Through the video, it highlighted how the brand is reimagining aviation, repurposing technology, creating more with less energy, and ensuring that wastewater is not wasted.
Storytelling and visual details: The video trades sleek corporate visuals for a hand-painted, raw aesthetic, inviting viewers to rethink what progress can look like.
From airplanes with bird-like wings to unexpected metaphors, every frame sparks curiosity and reflection. In just a few minutes, it turns a multi-layered message into an engaging and emotional journey.
As the passionate voiceover talks about a world where business and sustainability can coexist, the visuals, with their matte painting–like effect, add an ethereal feel. The video uses 2D and cel animation, and instances of 3D animation are also clearly evident.
Why the video works: The mystical feel, creative transitions, and strong sustainability-focused branding all make this a highly effective brand explainer video. In an era where customers feel more connected to eco-conscious brands, creating and using a video like this was a smart decision on GE’s part.
From this video you can clearly learn how purpose-driven brand story explainer videos and thought leadership explainer videos are among the most effective explainer video types marketing teams use for brand awareness.
Industry: SaaS, Enterprise software and business technology
Why the brand created this video: SAP used this animated infographic video to tell its origin story and highlight its customer-focused approach. Using the video, it also explains its future moves.
Storytelling and visual details: Using animated geometric shapes at the very start, the video begins by explaining how the vision of five engineers gave birth to SAP.
Then, using the movement of a sphere, it showcases how it helps its customers. The screen then changes, the voiceover starts working at an increased pace, and the music feels very hopeful as the video starts pivoting toward the brand’s future plans.
On the visual front, the video makes use of abstract shapes, perspective, shadows, reflections, and lighting to form depth and spatial realism.
It also makes use of different infographics to showcase the scale of current and future plans. For example, when it talks about how SAP mines insights from data, a polyhedron appears on screen, laced with various data visualizations mapped onto its surfaces.
Why the video works: The video works because of the perfect synergy between the dynamic shapes, text overlays, fluid motion design, 2.5D animation elements, and the voiceover. The way they work together to explain the company’s past while also highlighting its vision for the future, without making the storytelling boring, is impressive.
All in all, the way the video creates synergy between visuals and voiceover on the screen is what makes it one of the best explainer videos.
Industry: Professional services
Why the brand created this video: Using this mixed-media animation, KPMG shed light on its legacy. Through the video, it answers what KPMG does.
Storytelling and visual details: Targeted at the decision-making stage of the buyer’s journey, this brand film uses dynamic overlays of historic news clippings, seamlessly animated over bold visuals, to showcase KPMG’s role in pivotal global moments.
It connects past achievements to future vision, positioning KPMG not just as a consulting firm, but as a partner in progress.
Rather than focusing on services, the video highlights legacy, trust, and leadership, building emotional resonance and long-term brand recall.
Its documentary-style storytelling, along with the serious voiceover, makes it feel like you are reliving history with KPMG. The old, rustic feel and the bold text together tell a brand story that is hard to forget.
Why the video works: This brand storytelling video works because of how it presents KPMG not just as a brand, but as a brand that has witnessed and driven change.
It uses historical archives to strongly support what the voiceover is explaining about the brand on screen. It focuses on the story, impact, influence, and what’s next, and thus stands out from the rest of the examples.
Picture Credit: BreadnBeyond
What They Are: Product explainer videos, commonly known as product demo videos, showcase how your product works in real-life scenarios, walking viewers through features and benefits.
Why They Work: A great product explainer video can bridge the gap between interest and purchase. It’s like having a personal salesperson on-demand.
When to Use Them: Perfect for eCommerce, SaaS, or tech products.
Industry: SaaS, MarTech
Why the brand created this video: Hootsuite created this 2D explainer video to explain how it can integrate with users’ existing work tools and help them schedule their content, see what’s working on social networks, and track trends.
Storytelling and visual details: The video uses a humorous storytelling style to draw attention to its product. It starts by creating FOMO among businesses about missing out on social media audiences and then introduces how Hootsuite can help.
Be it the bright blue background, simple 2D characters, the cat with the hilarious rainbow filter, the three odd men riding a pony across the screen, or the hypnotizing motion graphic elements, all of it makes this video too hard to skip.
Why the video works: Hootsuite’s video is a shining example of how animated video samples can blend creativity with strategy to move buyers forward. It connects emotionally, not just logically, positioning the platform as a trusted ally in growth.
This is the power of great animation and the best 2D explainer video examples, not just explaining what your product does, but making your audience feel what life is like with it.
Industry: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Blockchain Technology
Why the brand created this video: Keplertek uses this infographic animation video to introduce its AI & Robotics Ecosystem. The video highlights how the system will help talented engineers all over the world acquire funding for their ideas and connect with like-minded people.
Storytelling and visual details: The video talks about how far technology has come and how Keplertek’s AI & Robotics Ecosystem fits in to make the lives of talented engineers better.
Using hypnotic 2D geometric patterns and mandala designs, the video highlights the list of industries that will see development because of this ecosystem.
The video is mostly driven by the explanatory voiceover, while hundreds of neon-colored geometric patterns move through the black background to form comprehensive mandala patterns.
The visuals are sometimes just patterns, and sometimes they depict entire factory setups. They are what make this very technical video engaging in a sensory manner.
Why the video works: This video works because it doesn’t just inform, it inspires. From medical breakthroughs to smart agriculture and autonomous transport, the video paints a global vision of what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration.
Visually rich and emotionally charged, it zooms from micro to macro, connecting viewers to the heart of Keplertek’s mission.
Industry: Renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure
Why the Brand Created This Video: Liquidstar created this 2D motion graphics video to highlight how many people in the world don't have access to their own power outlets and to introduce its modular smart batteries as a transformative solution.
Storytelling and Visual Details: The video starts by discussing the problems people face in accessing clean and affordable energy, whether it’s due to lacking outlets, being off-grid, etc. It then uses stats, kinetic typography, and 2D product displays while explaining how Liquidstar can solve this issue.
Using a very simple faceless 2D character animation with these batteries, the video perfectly answers all basic product usage questions one might have. It explains how people can transport energy, access it through smart contracts, and empower local economies.
Regarding the color palette, the video primarily uses yellow, grey, and black, perfectly maintaining the brand’s logo colors throughout.
Why the Video Works: Rather than diving deep into technical jargon, the animation shows the real-world impact: batteries that power schools, clinics, and homes in off-grid regions.
Using simple yet powerful icons and metaphors, the video makes complex energy infrastructure feel tangible.
Industry: Generative AI and Enterprise AI Platforms.
Why the Brand Created This Video: IBM created this 3D explainer video to introduce watsonx, IBM's commercial generative AI platform.
Storytelling and Visual Details: The video starts with a hypnotizing 3D geometric animation and zooms in to explain how, with watsonx, users can train, tune, and deploy models with ease.
Using screencast animations, the video introduces the UI of this tool and also teaches how prompts are built and refined.
The video uses motion graphics, infographics, text, and stats to explain to users how easy it is to use this tool.
Why the Video Works: The product launch video perfectly hooks users who are in the consideration stage, as it doesn’t just dive straight into features. It takes a subtle, engaging route and paints a clear, conceptual picture of how AI’s limitless possibilities gain meaning through intelligent training and structure.
It positions IBM as not only a legacy leader in AI but also a forward-facing innovator in the generative AI space.
These video examples show that 2D and 3D explainer video styles are popular for product launches. They efficiently explain value and create excitement.
Brands often use these explainer styles to create engaging product demo videos when launching a new product or introducing a new feature to an existing product.
Picture Credit: Innovative Advertising
What They Are: Like the name suggests, commercial videos are concise, snappy, amazing explainer videos tailored for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook. They’re designed to grab attention quickly and convey your message within seconds.
Why They Work: They reach audiences wherever they consume content. Their combination of entertainment and information makes them memorable, increasing the chances of conversion and brand recall.
When to Use Them: Perfect for promotional campaigns, quick product teasers, or raising awareness for a new initiative. For instance, a short animated video ad announcing a product launch on Instagram can create buzz and drive traffic to your website.
Industry: SaaS
Why the Brand Created This Video: Gusto created this 3D animated explainer to show how it helps teams around the world with payroll, hiring and onboarding, benefits, insurance, and much more.
Storytelling and Visual Details: Gusto took a unique storytelling route with this video and told people what it does by showing what it does now.
Using impressive 3D animated characters, infographic animations, zoom-in and zoom-out techniques, and witty dialogue, Gusto informs users that it does not help you sleep better, design video games, or fight to save the planet, but it helps the people who do all this amazing work for you.
Why the Video Works: This animated commercial video works because of how creatively it introduces its services to people in just under 30 seconds, and in a way that makes the offering hard to forget.
Storytelling apart, the high-quality 3D characters and their different setups, whether it is the sleep setup, the video game setup, or the numerous other setups, all make this video hard to skip.
Industry: SaaS
Why the Brand Created This Video: Slack used this 2D animation video to explain how Slack simplifies work and frees you from work chaos.
Storytelling and Visual Details: The video starts with a view of a chaotic workspace, clocks ticking, typing sounds, a man running late, papers and emails everywhere, and a constant sound that makes you feel anxious.
Then Slack enters the screen, the darkness clears out, the screen becomes bright again, the man is not running anymore, and the anxiety-inducing sound is gone.
Without any words or dialogues, using basic screencasts, the video highlights how Slack works and makes work feel “simplified.”
Talking about the visual aspect of the video, the animation style is simple, basic 2D, and though there are animated characters, they do not have many defined features. Branding is also quite prominent in the video. The scenes creatively use Slack’s brand colors.
Why the Video Works: This video doesn’t just explain. It inspires. It makes the viewer feel the transformation before they even know how it works. That’s the magic of a great explainer video in the awareness stage, showing what’s possible and making prospects want to learn more.
If you want to spark curiosity and action early in the journey, take notes. This is how it’s done and this is how engaging YouTube explainer videos or great explainer videos are made.
Industry: Cybersecurity and Digital Security Software.
Why the Brand Created This Video: McAfee sought our services to create this video to introduce MVISION. It highlighted how MVISION gives users the flexibility to roll out Office 365 without putting their data at risk and how it helps developers secure new apps on AWS.
Storytelling and Visual Details: This video is simple and short. It starts by showcasing a black-and-white city and building spaces.
As people move through these spaces, the monochrome infrastructure begins to transform. This happens in sync with the voiceover explaining MVISION’s offerings.
The video keeps things simple. It uses live footage of people moving throughout the city, along with red highlight animations, to drive the storyline forward.
Why the Video Works: The video works because it makes the best use of simple elements. It uses live footage of people, cities, and buildings, along with animated company logos and lines, to promote the brand to viewers in a subtle yet strong manner.
Industry: Blockchain and Decentralized Technology (Web3)
Why the Brand Created This Video: Minima uses this video to introduce its mission to decentralize power through blockchain in a way that feels human, not technical.
Storytelling and Visual Details: The video starts by explaining how power in current blockchain systems lies with a few selected people, and how, with Minima, that power would be redirected to the people.
Rather than leaning on digital aesthetics, the video uses a hand-painted 2D animation style and expressive characters to emotionally connect with viewers.
It doesn’t just explain blockchain—it reframes it as a tool for empowerment, collaboration, and independence.
The light and darkness concept of the video, along with the simple, loosely drawn characters, adds to its beauty, while the strong voiceover hooks attention toward Minima’s offerings.
Why the Video Works: By focusing on storytelling, artistic visuals, and a people-first message, Minima stands out in a crowded space of overcomplicated tech explainers.
This is what the top explainer videos or best explainer videos for business do best—they challenge expectations, stir emotion, and leave audiences not just informed, but inspired.
Picture Credit: Freepik
What They Are: Animated training videos and internal process explainer videos are the most efficient explainer video types that companies use for internal communications, such as teaching employees or customers how to perform a task, use a product, or follow a process.
Why They Work: They’re practical and easy to revisit, making learning more efficient.
When to Use Them: For onboarding, product tutorials, or skills training sessions.
Industry: SaaS
Why the Brand Created This Video: SPONSORIUM used this SaaS explainer video to introduce PERFORMIND, a sponsorship and community management platform.
Storytelling and Visual Details: The video starts with a hard-hitting point: you could be spending hours responding to sponsorship and donation requests, managing active projects in Excel, sending all correspondence, but still be unsure of how to measure ROI.
After the problem statement, it introduces PERFORMIND and explains how it can help. Using a calm voiceover and 2D screencast animation, this customer onboarding video perfectly teaches prospects how to start with the tool, what to use it for, and how to evaluate their performance.
The video uses a minimalist design; the screen is never too cluttered with elements, and the screencasts are self-explanatory. Further, the zoom-ins during steps help understand the process better.
Why the Video Works: The customer training video isn't rushed. It follows the perfect pace for onboarding customers. The way the voiceover backs the visuals, and vice versa, makes the learning process super easy. It truly is among the most award winning explainer videos because of these reasons.
Industry: Financial Services
Why the Brand Created This Video: American Financial Solutions is a non-profit credit counseling agency. To welcome users who had signed up for their Debt Management Plan (DMP), they wanted an onboarding video, and we created this one for them.
Storytelling and Visual Details: The video first congratulates and welcomes viewers for taking the life-changing step toward financial freedom. It then lists the benefits of this program and starts discussing the crucial steps viewers need to follow.
This mixed-media animation video uses collage-like cutouts of screens, hands, people, envelopes, cash, text labels, dialogue boxes, and similar elements to drive the storyline forward.
It also uses text labels, along with the explanatory voiceover, to guide viewers in a step-by-step manner.
Why the Video Works: The combination of abstract motion graphics elements and the explanatory style makes it an easy and engaging video to follow.
Additionally, the way it shares the number of client support specialists at the end ensures that not only are onboarding questions answered in the video, but any other questions viewers may have can be addressed efficiently.
This example highlights how service or product walkthrough videos, along with how-to and tutorial videos, are the most common kinds of explainer videos agencies produce for customer onboarding. These videos allow users to learn at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed, making the onboarding experience smoother and more effective.
See Broadcast2World's Customer Success Stories.
Industry: Non-profit
Why the Brand Created This Video: The Community Builders (TCB) sought Broadcast2World's whiteboard services to create a video that communicates its mission, programs, and community impact. We created this video for TCB with the aim of helping explain what they do, who they help, and why it matters.
Storytelling and Visual Details: Through hand-drawn sketches, a warm voiceover, and subtle pops of color, the video highlights the everyday people and shared values behind TCB’s mission to foster sustainable, inclusive communities.
The video centers on the community—positioning TCB not just as a provider, but as a partner in progress. As the whiteboard sketches come together to form the TCB logo, the story lands with clarity and conviction.
Why the Video Works: It’s one of those animated explainer video examples that doesn’t just explain who the brand is—it shows why it matters.
It perfectly engages the prospect who is at the decision-making stage. It goes deep, beyond just building a value proposition, and builds emotional alignment.
Industry: Technology and Internet Services.
Why the Brand Created This Video: Google created this recruitment video to attract talent. Using the video, it highlights how to create a Google Careers Profile.
Storytelling and Visual Details: This video does not start like any other job pitch. It takes a different route and uses 2D character animations to welcome viewers with warmth and purpose.
With different changing 3D setups, playful explainer cartoon animation, inclusive characters, and a soft, reassuring voiceover, Google creates a world where every professional—whether seasoned or just starting out—can see themselves belonging.
Using simple 2D screencasts, it also urges viewers to fill out the career form. The final kinetic typographic scene, where the text keeps changing to state “Let’s create, code, design, and build for everyone,” is quite creative.
Why the Video Works: Instead of listing perks or roles, the video tells a cultural story. It reflects values like collaboration, flexibility, and inclusivity, making Google feel not just like a workplace, but a community.
With gentle guidance on how to set up a career profile and a final CTA that says, “Let’s build together,” the video inspires action without pressure.
This video is an example of what great corporate explainer videos do—turn hesitation into hope and curiosity into connection.
Explainer videos are among the most powerful tools in modern marketing. Whether you’re simplifying complex SaaS concepts, showcasing your brand story, or training teams, the right explainer video style can help you connect, educate, and convert like never before.
The best part? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. From animated explainers and whiteboard videos to live-action storytelling and screencast demos—each format serves a different purpose in your customer journey.
Take inspiration from these explainer video ideas, choose the types of video styles that fit your business goals, and let your story do the talking.
Partner with a professional explainer video company like Broadcast2World to bring your vision to life and turn attention into action.
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