Landing pages with explainer videos convert 86% better.
Think about it: if your website currently brings in $100K, that number could jump to $186,000.
Crazy, right?
We’ve covered more mind-blowing stats like this in our full article on explainer video statistics.
But let’s get to the big question: does everyone need an explainer video?
In my opinion, yes—because explainer videos can multiply conversions by several times.
That said, there are certain cases where having an explainer video isn’t just helpful—it’s an absolute must.
Why explainer videos are essential today
People only accept an idea, like something, or buy a product when they understand it. The best salespeople and influencers? They’re the ones who can take even the most complex ideas and explain them in a way that feels simple.
But here’s the catch: attention is expensive.
The time people are willing to give you keeps shrinking. These days, getting someone to focus on something new for more than a minute? That’s close to impossible.
But a good explainer video—and the keyword here is “good”—can solve all those challenges.
That’s why explainer videos have become an essential part of every company’s toolkit, right alongside your logo, branding, and website.
Why? Because they do so much more than just improve website conversions. They drive traffic from social media, boost engagement on other platforms, and make your email marketing perform like crazy.
For some businesses, especially those with an online presence, explainer videos aren’t just helpful—they’re an absolute must.
Let’s dive into the list (in no particular order) to see who really needs them.
Who needs explainer videos?
Startups
When someone asks, “Who needs an explainer video?” you probably think of startups right away, don’t you? And for a good reason. Startups are all about spending every dollar wisely and using every opportunity to skyrocket growth.
There are countless success stories where explainer videos have helped startups build waitlists, attract early adopters, pitch to investors, or promote new products.
Take Cyclops, for example. Back in 2021, they were a small team of three with a big idea: a product that helped offline stores and events track analytics.
They needed to get the word out fast.
The explainer video we created for them racked up over half a million views on YouTube alone, brought in tons of referrals, and drove impressive website conversions.
The result? Cyclops gained their first users and grew by 20x in just a few years.
SaaS and Tech Companies
SaaS and tech companies are another group where explainer videos are an absolute must.
Why? First, these companies have a massive online presence. They rely on digital tools to connect with users, solve problems, and drive growth. But with the rapid pace of technology, it’s almost impossible for people to keep up with every new product or feature.
That’s where SaaS explainer videos come in.
Explainer videos make life easier for customers by simplifying complex software, showcasing technical products, and supporting demos, onboarding, and feature updates. They take what seems overwhelming and make it clear and actionable.
Look at any successful SaaS company, and you’ll see explainer videos in their growth story—Slack, Asana, Monday.com. Name one, and they’ve likely used videos to turn features into benefits people can actually understand.
But explainer videos don’t stop there. They’ve helped fuel global revolutions. Take crypto, for example. When it first emerged, it was new, confusing, and technical. Companies and enthusiasts created explainer videos to break it down for everyday people. Fast forward to today, and crypto is a multibillion-dollar industry.
Explainer videos bridge the gap between complex ideas and the people who need to understand them. For SaaS and tech, they’re not just helpful—they’re a game plan for growth.
E-commerce Brands
According to Tubular, 73% of users bought a product after watching an explainer video about it. That’s huge, isn’t it?
If you’ve ever tried to sell a product online, you know the struggle. The hardest part isn’t just explaining the benefits of your product—it’s showing what makes it different.
Why? Because your potential customers are out there, comparing endless options. They’re asking themselves: Which product solves my problem best?
This is where explainer videos shine. In under one minute, they can:
- Highlight your product’s unique value.
- Show how it works.
- Answer the question: “Why should I choose you?”
On top of that, explainer videos help e-commerce companies tackle common objections. They answer frequently asked questions, clear up doubts, and reduce purchase hesitation.
The result? A smoother, more confident customer journey—and higher conversions.
If you’re selling online, an explainer video isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the tool that can turn hesitant browsers into confident buyers.
Healthcare and education
In his legendary book, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, Malcolm Gladwell references a study that found something surprising: doctors facing legal action often had more issues with their communication style than the actual quality of care they provided.
This shows how critical clear communication is for building trust and calming concerns. After all, people are far more likely to trust someone—or feel in control of a problem—when they actually understand what’s going on.
That’s why healthcare providers and educators turn to explainer videos. These videos simplify complex medical or educational content, making it easier for patients and students to grasp.
Think about medical devices, for example. For older people, every small detail needs to be explained clearly so they can use these devices confidently and safely.
The healthcare industry is full of opportunities to leverage healthcare explainer videos:
- Simplifying complicated procedures or treatments for patients.
- Educating the public on health issues.
- Training staff or medical teams.
- Demonstrating how to use medical tools and devices.
The result?
Better understanding, stronger trust, and improved quality of care.
For healthcare providers, explainer videos aren’t just useful—they’re essential for connecting with patients and making a real impact.
Corporate Teams
From startups, let’s now jump into the world of the big sharks—corporate organizations. The rules here are very different, and so are the challenges.
In a startup, a small team can order a pizza, sit together at lunch, and solve just about any company problem while having a bit of fun. But for corporate organizations? It’s a whole different story.
These companies have large teams that are busy navigating regulations, processes, and corporate culture. Keeping everyone on the same page can feel like a mountain to climb.
That’s why explainer videos are such a game-changer for corporate teams. They make sure every piece of information is communicated clearly and effectively.
Whether it’s:
- Onboarding new employees,
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- Training teams on updated policies,
- Streamlining internal communication, or
- Rolling out new processes or tools.
Explainer videos help cut through the noise, save time, and improve results. They ensure everyone gets the message—without confusion or wasted effort.
Here are two great examples: Intel and Roche use explainer videos to onboard their teams and train them on their products effectively.
Nonprofits and social Causes
A message is remembered 10 times better when it’s wrapped in a story filled with emotion. (Yes, research backs this up!)
And when it comes to using stories effectively, startups were quick to catch on. It’s no surprise that the first explainer videos became popular with companies like Dropbox and Airbnb, which used relatable, touching stories to connect with their audiences.
But if you ask me, nonprofit organizations have truly mastered this. They’ve always known the power of storytelling. First, it was through books and word-of-mouth. Now, they’re using videos to take that connection to a whole new level.
With nonprofit explainer video production, companies can create emotional connections that:
- Share their message effectively,
- Raise awareness about critical issues, and
- Unite people around a mission or big idea.
When people feel connected, they’re inspired to act. And that’s what makes explainer videos such a powerful tool for nonprofits.
Businesses with low conversion rates
Honestly, I wasn’t even planning to write this article. For me, it’s always been obvious—every business or idea can benefit from an explainer video to communicate better.
But after getting asked this question over and over, I figured it was time to break it down. So, I picked the most obvious industries where explainer videos make a huge impact.
That said, trust me—there are countless businesses out there struggling with conversions. They’re losing potential customers simply because their value proposition isn’t clear enough. That’s where explainer videos step in: they simplify, clarify, and help turn visitors into customers.
And it doesn’t stop at explaining what you do or what makes you different. Explainer videos support the entire customer journey:
- Grabbing attention with a powerful first impression,
- Sparking interest, and
- Building and growing lasting relationships.
Want to see how videos can work at every stage of the buyer’s journey? Check out this great article on how to use video marketing to win over customers—no matter where they are in the process.
Real-life examples and success stories
Real-life examples and success stories
If you’re looking for inspiration, there’s a fantastic resource where you can check out 10 great explainer video case studies. But here, I want to share a different success story that isn’t included there.
Two years ago, the team at Creattie, a Lottie animation platform, was about to launch on ProductHunt. At the time, awareness was zero, and the niche felt incredibly small. To support the launch, the team decided to create a short explainer video.
Honestly, no one had huge expectations. After all, it’s a niche product, right?
But here’s what happened: people were genuinely excited about the new technology Creattie offered. The buzz was so strong that Creattie became the #2 Product of the Week across all categories on ProductHunt and gained its first 10,000 users.
Today, Creattie is one of the leaders in its field, growing successfully and proving how a well-crafted explainer video doesn’t just explain a product—it can generate hype, and even expand a niche.
How to determine if you need an explainer video
How to determine if you need an explainer video
I get it—this might feel a little confusing. I’ve been talking about how explainer videos are great for any company, and they are.
But there are situations where you need one urgently. Here’s how to know if you’re at that point:
- You’re launching something brand new—something the world has never seen before.
- Your customers seem confused about your product or service.
- People don’t understand why you’re a better choice than your competitors.
- You want to increase conversions or boost engagement.
- You’re creating a strategy to promote your product across multiple platforms.
If any of these sound familiar, an explainer video could be exactly what you need to clear up confusion, grab attention, and get results.
Key Takeaways
Explainer videos are valuable across industries—startups attract early adopters and investors, SaaS companies simplify complex software, e-commerce brands boost sales, healthcare and education break down complicated ideas, corporate teams streamline communication, and non-profits inspire action through storytelling.
But you urgently need one if you’re launching something brand-new, your customers are confused, you’re struggling to stand out, or you want to boost conversions and engagement.
Ready to see how an explainer video could work for your business?
Get in touch for a free consultation and a custom game plan. Plus, if you choose to work with us, you’ll get a free bundle of social cuts and alternative endings—valued at $1,500.
