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Explainer videos

Animated explainer videos, without the agency

An explainer has one job: make something clear in the time a viewer is willing to give it. Motion2D writes for that job, using short scenes, one idea at a time and visuals that show the idea rather than decorate it.

What makes an explainer work

Good explainers start with the problem, not the product. They show one concept per scene, use a voice that sounds like a person, and end with a single clear next step.

Motion2D's scripts follow that shape by default. For product explainers, describe who the viewer is and what they struggle with; the problem-first opening is built around that.

  • Problem, idea, how it works, next step
  • 60 to 120 seconds by default for products
  • Captions for silent autoplay feeds

Explainer video software, compared to doing it by hand

Classic explainer video software gives you templates and asks you to assemble scenes, record a voice and time everything. That gives full control, and it takes an afternoon per minute of video.

Motion2D trades some hand control for speed. Most teams use it to get a first version in minutes, then decide whether a project is worth a bespoke animation. For costs, see how much an explainer video costs.

Questions and answers

What is the best animated explainer video software?

Template tools such as Vyond suit hand-built scenes; Motion2D suits teams who want a finished explainer from a brief. Our Vyond comparison covers the trade-offs.

How long should an explainer video be?

Usually 60 to 120 seconds for products and 3 to 8 minutes for lessons. Our explainer video length guide has the details.

Is there a free explainer video maker?

Motion2D has no free plan; plans start at $20 a month with no watermark. If you need something free, its engine is open source as the ToonDirector Windows app, and our free animation software guide lists free tools.

Your next video starts with one sentence.

Type a topic. Motion2D researches it, writes it, draws it and voices it.

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