Explainer videos are short, engaging videos that help businesses quickly describe their products, services, or concepts in a way that’s easy to understand and memorable. Various types of explainer videos are especially effective in marketing because they help audiences grasp new ideas without reading long text.
Explainer videos can increase site engagement, improve conversions, and clarify complicated concepts for potential customers.
In 2026, as attention spans shrink and competition grows, choosing the right type of explainer video for your business can make a real difference in how well your message lands with your audience.
Why Explainer Videos Matter for Businesses?
Before we look at the types, here’s why explainer videos are powerful tools:
- They help audiences quickly understand what you do and why it matters.
- They keep users engaged longer on websites and landing pages.
- They can be shared easily across social media and email campaigns.
- They reduce confusion about products or features, especially for complex or technical offerings.
Now, let’s explore the 12 most useful types of explainer videos for business use in 2026.
12 Types of Explainer Videos for Businesses Use
2D Animation Explainer Video
A video that uses flat, two-dimensional animated characters and icons to tell a story or explain a concept.
- Best for: Product introductions, SaaS features, brand storytelling.
- Why use it: It’s creative, affordable, and easy to update when your product changes.
3D Animation Explainer Video
An explainer video using three-dimensional graphics that add depth and realism, making visuals more lifelike.
- Best for: Complex products, tech demos, immersive storytelling.
- Why use it: More visually engaging and better for showing intricate mechanisms or environments.
Motion Graphics Explainer Video
Animated text, symbols, charts, and shapes that move dynamically to explain information.
- Best for: Data, statistics, abstract concepts, B2B content.
- Why use it: Great for highlighting trends, processes, or insights visually.
Whiteboard Explainer Video
Looks like someone is drawing illustrations in real time on a whiteboard.
- Best for: Step-by-step explanations, educational content.
- Why use it: Simplifies complex ideas in a familiar, engaging way.
Live-Action Explainer Video
Uses real people, settings, and actors to explain products or tell a story.
- Best for: Human-centric brands, services, and in-person demonstrations.
- Why use it: Builds trust and connection with audiences, especially when your message benefits from real people being seen and heard.
Screencast Explainer Video
A video that records a computer screen to demonstrate software or digital tools in action.
- Best for: Software tutorials, app walkthroughs, digital products.
- Why use it: Shows actual user interfaces and step-by-step interactions without needing actors or animation.
Infographic Explainer Video
Animated charts, graphs, and data visualizations that make numbers and trends easier to understand.
- Best for: Report summaries, data-heavy presentations, B2B exports.
- Why use it: Transforms complex data into engaging, digestible visuals.
Typography Explainer Video
Focuses on moving text and bold words to tell a story or deliver key messages.
- Best for: Brand messaging, product benefit highlights, attention-grabbers.
- Why use it: Powerful when words are key, like taglines and value propositions.
Narrative or Story-Driven Explainer Video
Uses a story structure with characters and plot to explain a concept or problem/solution.
- Best for: Brand building, emotional engagement, B2C products.
- Why use it: Storytelling helps people remember your message.
Product Walkthrough Explainer Video
Detailed demo of a product’s features and how it works.
- Best for: Landing pages, sales teams, and onboarding.
- Why use it: Shows users exactly what to expect and how to use your product.
Hybrid Explainer Video
Combines styles, e.g., live-action with animated overlays, or animation with screencast elements.
- Best for: Content that needs both real human interaction and visual clarity.
- Why use it: Blends the strengths of different formats for maximum impact.
Interactive Explainer Video
Videos where viewers can click, choose paths, or interact with elements on screen.
- Best for: Product demos, training, learning modules.
- Why use it: Increases engagement by making audiences part of the experience.
Explainer videos benefit in a variety of ways, hence choosing the right one is essential.
How to Choose the Right Type of Explainer Video?
Here’s a simple way to decide:
Ask yourself:
- Who is my audience?
- What problem am I solving?
- Where will the video be shown?
- What message do I want the viewer to take away?
Match your answer to the format needs:
- Quick clarity: Motion graphics, whiteboard
- Storytelling: Narrative, animated
- Product detail: Screencast, walkthrough
- Emotional connection: Live action, interactive
Your choice should balance clarity, message, budget, and platform.
Explainer Video Length & Best Practices for 2026
Ideal length: 60–90 seconds
Shorter explainer video are more likely to be watched to the end and shared, especially on mobile devices.
Best practices:
- Start with the problem
- Keep the script conversational
- Use visuals that enhance understanding
- Include a clear call to action
- Tailor to your audience’s expectations
Final Words
Understanding types of explainer videos empowers businesses to choose the right format for their message, audience, and goals in 2026.
Whether you need a quick animated overview, a live demo, or an interactive walkthrough, there’s a type that fits your needs.
Explainer videos are not just about pretty visuals; they are about clarifying value, building trust, and driving results in today’s attention-focused digital landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are explainer videos used for?
Explainer videos help businesses introduce products, explain services, simplify processes, and educate audiences in an engaging way.
How long should an explainer video be?
Most explainer videos perform best between 60 and 90 seconds, striking a balance between clarity and viewer attention.
Are animated explainer videos better than live action?
It depends on your goal; animation is great for abstract ideas, while live action builds real human connection and trust.
Can explainer videos improve conversions?
Yes, explainer videos often increase conversion rates on landing pages because they clarify value quickly and visually.
Which video type is best for SaaS products?
Screencast, motion graphics, and 2D/3D animated explainer videos work especially well for SaaS product explanations.