Motion2DHow to make an explainer video
To make an explainer video, name one viewer and one message, write the script problem-first at 130 to 150 words per minute, show one idea per scene, add captions, and test it on three people. Explainer videos fail for one reason: they try to explain too much. The craft is cutting until one person understands one thing.
How it works
Name one viewer
Not "businesses". A person: a new store owner who hates spreadsheets.
Name one message
If they remember one sentence, what is it?
Write problem first
Start with their pain. Your product or idea comes second.
One idea per scene
If a scene explains two things, split it.
Captions on
Many people watch on mute, at least at first.
Test with three people
Ask them to explain it back. Fix what they get wrong.
Scripts: words per minute
Narration usually runs at about 130 to 150 words per minute. A 90-second explainer is therefore around 200 to 225 words, shorter than most people expect. Write long, then cut by a third.
Making it
Agencies, template editors and AI tools all work. Motion2D writes problem-first explainers by default; paste your own script if the words are already approved. See explainer video cost to compare routes.
Example: a 60-second explainer script
Viewer: a new café owner. Message: our app handles the rota so you don't have to. Script, 140 words: open on the owner at midnight, juggling a paper rota (problem); a staff member texts that they're ill (it gets worse); the app reshuffles shifts and notifies everyone (how it works); the owner goes home on time (the change); Try it free for 14 days (one next step).
Five scenes, one minute. In Motion2D, paste it as a script: 2 credits. More examples for companies on business explainer videos.
Types of explainer video
Pick the type before writing, because each has a different shape.
- Product explainer: problem, solution, how it works, next step
- Concept explainer: a question, an analogy, the real mechanism, a recap
- Process explainer: numbered steps, one per scene
- Onboarding: one task per short video, in the order people need them
Questions and answers
How long should an explainer video be?
60 to 120 seconds for most products. See explainer video length.
Which explainer video style should I choose?
2D cartoon and motion graphics are the most common, because they're clear and quick to make. See animation styles.
Do I need a voiceover?
In most cases, yes, with captions as well for muted viewers.
How do I write a script for an explainer video?
Start with the viewer's problem, explain one idea per scene, use everyday words and end with one next step. Our script guide has a template.
Can I make an explainer from a presentation?
Yes. Turn each slide's point into one or two spoken sentences, then paste the result as a script.
Keep exploring
Animated explainer videos, without the agency
Make animated explainer videos with AI: research, script, cartoon visuals and a natural voiceover in minutes. For products, lessons and YouTube.
How long should an explainer video be?
How long should an explainer video be? Recommended lengths by use: homepage, product demo, social, training and YouTube, with word counts per minute.
How much does an explainer video cost?
How much does an explainer video cost? What drives the price of animated explainers, typical ranges from agencies, freelancers and DIY tools, and where AI fits.
Your next video starts with one sentence.
Type a topic. Motion2D researches it, writes it, draws it and voices it.
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