Choose your Explainer Video Styles: Live-Action, Animation, or Both

When creating an explainer video, one of the biggest decisions is choosing the style. Should you go with live-action, animation, or a mix of both? Each style has its own vibe and is better suited for different types of messages. Let’s break down the options and see which one might be the best fit for your project.

1. Live-Action Explainer Videos

What They Are: Imagine a video where real people interact with your product or service.
It's like watching a behind-the-scenes look at your business, but with a touch of cinematic flair. Live-action videos are perfect for showcasing products, testimonials, and building trust. Think of them as the "reality TV" of explainer videos.

When to Use Live-Action:

• Build Trust: If your brand thrives on a personal touch, like showcasing your team or customer testimonials, live-action is perfect. It helps viewers connect with real people and builds trust.
• Showcase Products: Got a physical product? Live-action is ideal for demonstrating how it works in the real world, making it easy for viewers to see themselves using it.

Video Examples:

Slack presents: The Big Meeting

Starbucks - Every Table Has A Story

Smooth Ice Cream B-Roll Product Shoot

DollarShaveClub.com

Bailey Nelson - Creative Brand Video

Pros:

• Personal and relatable.
• Great for product demos.

Cons:

• Can be pricey and time-consuming.
• Limited creative flexibility.

2. Animated Explainer Videos

What They Are: Ever dreamed of turning your product or service into a cartoon character Animation is your ticket to that dream. From simple 2D animations to mind-blowing 3D visuals, animation can transform complex ideas into easy-to-understand stories. It's like having your own personal Pixar film!

When to Use Animation:

• Simplify Complex Ideas: If you’re explaining something complicated, animation can break it down into easy-to-understand visuals.
• Unleash Creativity: Animation lets you get creative. You can design any scenario or character to make your brand stand out.

Video Examples:

BibleProject - Firstborn

Unlocking the Future: UxStars

Serbin Creative

Adonis- Animated Explainer

Doggy Pooper - Animated Explainer

Pros:

• Perfect for simplifying complex concepts.
• Offers unlimited creative possibilities.

Cons:

• Less personal compared to live-action.
• May not appeal to everyone.
  

3. Combining Live-Action and Animation

What if you could combine the realism of live-action with the creativity of animation? This hybrid style creates a visually stunning and engaging experience. Think of it as a superhero movie where the hero is your product, and the special effects are animated.

When to Use a Combination:

• Enhance Your Story: Mixing real footage with animation can make your video more exciting and help explain complex ideas in a fun way.
• Stand Out Visually:The combination creates a striking, attention-grabbing video that keeps viewers hooked.

Video Examples:

What is Salesforce

Best TVC to Enter New Markets

Video for Product Hunt Example - Swtichboard

Polar Motion Graphics Video

Monday CRM

Pros:

• Combines the personal touch of live-action with the creativity of animation.
• Highly engaging and versatile.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive and time-consuming to produce.
• Needs careful balancing to ensure both elements work well together.

Conclusion

Choosing the right style depends on what you want to achieve and who your audience is. Live-action is great for personal connections, animation is ideal for creativity and explaining complex ideas, and a mix of both can give you the best of both worlds.

Pick the style that best tells your story and connects with your audience!