New Year's Guide to Creating Impactful Explainer Videos
Thursday, January 04, 2024
Happy almost New Year, folks!
As we stand on the brink of 2024, there's a palpable buzz in the air. It's that time when we're all jotting down resolutions, setting goals, and gearing up for a fresh start.
For many of us in the digital world, it's also the perfect moment to rethink our digital marketing strategies.
You might have heard about the latest buzz in digital marketing, but let me introduce you to something truly transformative: explainer videos.
Explainer videos aren't just any videos; they're like your brand's elevator pitch but way cooler and more engaging.
Imagine having a tool that can simplify complex ideas, boost your online presence, and connect with your audience on a more personal level.
That's the magic of explainer videos.
They're not just a trend; they're a strategic approach to storytelling that resonates with viewers.
So, as we countdown to 2024, let's explore how embracing explainer videos can revolutionize your content strategy and help you kickstart the year on a high note.
The Rise of Animated Explainer Videos
You've likely noticed how explainer videos have become a staple in digital storytelling, and now they're evolving more than ever.
We're witnessing a shift from traditional 2D animations to more advanced 3D graphics.
But this transformation isn't just about enhancing the visual appeal; it's about taking your audience on an immersive journey that leaves a lasting impact.
So, why are these trends so crucial, and how are they shaping the digital landscape? Let's explore:
1. Sophistication in Animation
One of the key reasons behind the importance of this transition is the sophistication it brings to animation.
Moving from 2D to advanced 3D graphics is revolutionizing explainer videos, turning them into immersive experiences.
It's not merely about making things look better; it's about breathing life into stories and making complex ideas captivating and easy to grasp.
The rapid growth in the animation market, with revenue for streaming services related to animated content projected to reach $25 billion by 2024, is a testament to this trend's significance.
2. Personalized Content
Crafting content that speaks directly to your audience's preferences is a pivotal aspect of modern marketing.
According to WordStream, recognizing and understanding generational differences plays a critical role in this.
Baby Boomers, who are increasingly embracing digital platforms, tend to appreciate direct, quality-focused marketing that emphasizes brand loyalty.
Millennials, raised in the digital age, gravitate towards content that is both innovative and authentic, preferring engaging and concise material that reflects their values.
This nuanced approach to content creation, acknowledging the diverse preferences across generations.
It ensures that your animated explainer videos not only capture attention but also resonate deeply with your target demographic, enhancing both engagement and brand loyalty.
3. Effectiveness of Animated Videos
Animated videos have proven highly effective in various digital domains.
For instance, websites featuring videos can significantly boost organic search traffic, seeing an increase of up to 157%.
Moreover, videos placed on landing pages can increase conversions by a remarkable 80%.
Perhaps most compellingly, viewers retain a whopping 95% of a message when watching it in video form, compared to just 10% when reading text.
These statistics underscore the profound impact of visual content.
4. Animation and Business Impact
Lastly, it's important to consider the substantial impact of animated explainer videos on the business landscape.
The business world is increasingly recognizing the potential of animated videos. In fact, video content is poised to dominate 91% of internet traffic in 2024.
Furthermore, marketers are finding that video content yields the best return on investment (ROI). This underscores the significance of integrating animated explainer videos into your marketing strategies.
These trends in animated explainer videos are far from passing fads; they signify a strategic evolution in how brands communicate and connect with their audiences.
By embracing these trends, businesses can create content that is more engaging, impactful, and memorable, ensuring their message resonates with their target audience in the ever-evolving digital landscape of 2024.
Interactivity and Engagement
Admit it, watching an interactive video is far more captivating than a standard one.
Just think about how brands like Google and Slack have effectively used explainer videos to engage their audience.
This is what we call the power of interactivity in videos.
Interactive features like quizzes, polls, and customizable video paths are redefining the experience of explainer videos in 2024.
Tools such as Voomly are at the forefront of this shift, transforming videos from simple viewing experiences to interactive platforms.
Voomly, for example, enables the creation of interactive video funnels that allow viewers to choose their journey through custom surveys and calls-to-action, crafting a personalized experience.
The inclusion of these interactive elements in explainer videos serves to both educate and entertain.
It encourages active participation, making the content more engaging and memorable.
Voomly enhances this by enabling businesses to use their video player for capturing customer emails, uncovering customer preferences, and even facilitating direct product sales within the video.
This level of interactivity in explainer videos is key to creating content that not only grabs attention but also promotes viewer participation and engagement.
By using platforms like Voomly, creators can turn their videos into dynamic, interactive experiences.
This approach not only boosts engagement but also provides valuable insights into audience preferences.
Short-Form Content and Storytelling
Short-form explainer videos, typically concise and engaging clips often under a minute, are rapidly emerging as a key tool in digital marketing. Their format is ideal for capturing audience attention quickly, offering a snapshot of brand messaging that is both highly shareable and effective for boosting brand visibility.
These concise narratives are key to engaging with younger, mobile-savvy audiences, and are especially popular on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
To give you an idea of what's currently making waves, here are some key trends in short-form video content:
Behind-the-Scenes Videos - Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite brands? Behind-the-scenes videos offer that exclusive peek, creating a genuine connection with audiences like you. They're all about showing the real people, processes, and stories behind a product or service, making your brand more relatable and trustworthy.
Social Media Video Ads - Let's face it, we're all on social media, and that's exactly where you can make your brand shine. Social media platforms, with their massive user base, offer a golden opportunity for video ads. These platforms are where your videos can really catch the eye, delivering your message effectively and enhancing your brand's presence in the digital world.
Product Teasers - Short videos are perfect for generating excitement about new products or services. These teasers can be effectively used on platforms where short-form content is prevalent, like TikTok and Instagram Reels, allowing for increased customer engagement and feedback.
Influencer Ads and User-Generated Content - Picture teaming up with influencers to elevate your brand's reach. It's a strategy that taps into the trust influencers have with their followers, making your brand more relatable. User-generated content complements this by acting as genuine endorsements, enhancing your brand's credibility and transparency.
Educational Videos and FAQs - Educational videos and FAQs are your secret weapons for making complex ideas simple and accessible. Through explainer and how-to videos, you can effectively convey intricate concepts, while FAQs in video format streamline and enhance the customer's decision-making process, making their experience smoother and more informed.
Brand Challenges and Social Media Stories - Brand challenges and social media stories are reshaping how we engage with audiences online. They invite active participation and creativity, especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. These interactive formats, ideal for short, compelling narratives, not only captivate viewers but also encourage them to become part of the story, significantly boosting brand visibility and engagement.
Here’s a sample of a short-form video:
By weaving these trends into your 2024 video marketing playbook, you're setting the stage for content that really clicks with today's audience. It's all about making sure your message doesn't just get seen – it sticks in people's minds and inspires action.
Innovative Technologies in Explainer Videos
Moving away from the catchy world of short-form content, let's dive into how cutting-edge tech is spicing up explainer videos.
The rise of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than just a tech wave; it's a game-changer in how we craft and interact with explainer videos, bringing a whole new dimension to storytelling.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
These technologies are redefining viewer engagement by creating immersive experiences.
AR brings an interactive dimension to the physical world, enhancing explainer videos with digital overlays that can engage and intrigue viewers.
VR, on the other hand, transports viewers into entirely virtual environments, offering a depth of experience that's unparalleled.
For instance...
VR's use in providing virtual tours and product demos adds a new level of engagement that goes beyond traditional video formats.
AR's application in explainer videos, such as interactive elements, enriches the viewer experience by making the content more engaging and interactive.
For example:
L’Oréal’s use of AR for virtual makeup trials showcases how these technologies can be effectively utilized in marketing and educational content.
AI and Machine Learning in Video Creation
The role of AI in video production is becoming increasingly significant.
AI's ability to automate various aspects of video creation, such as scriptwriting and editing, is a game-changer.
This technology enables the creation of fully animated videos with minimal human intervention, allowing creators to focus more on the creative aspects of production.
For instance:
AI platforms like Synthesia provide tools for creating personalized video pitches and tutorials, demonstrating how AI can tailor content to specific audiences and needs.
The efficiency and customization offered by AI and machine learning are transforming the way explainer videos are produced, making them more relevant and impactful.
Generative AI
Have you heard about Generative AI?
It's this cool tech that's reshaping the world of explainer videos. Basically, it's a type of AI that can create content, from text to visuals, all by itself.
This innovation isn't just tweaking how we make explainer videos; it's revolutionizing them, opening up a universe of creative possibilities that were previously hard to imagine.
This emerging technology is particularly exciting for its potential in content creation.
Generative AI models can create new, realistic content, including visuals and animations for explainer videos.
This capability can significantly enhance AR and VR environments, making them more interactive and personalized.
By understanding and adapting to user preferences, generative AI can create more engaging and tailored content, enhancing the overall effectiveness of explainer videos.
As we explore these innovative technologies, it's clear that they are not just trends but are fundamentally altering the landscape of digital content creation.
Their integration into explainer videos is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of digital marketing and storytelling.
Embracing these technologies offers an opportunity to create more dynamic, immersive, and personalized explainer videos that resonate deeply with audiences.
E-commerce and Shoppable Videos
You know how sometimes you see a product in a video and wish you could buy it right then and there? Well, that's where shoppable videos come in, and they're changing the game in e-commerce.
Imagine watching a video and being able to click on a product you like and buy it instantly – no switching apps or searching through websites. It's all about blending watching and shopping seamlessly, especially on platforms like Instagram and TikTok where visual content is king.
The magic of these shoppable videos? They're not just fun to watch; they make buying stuff super easy and interactive.
Shoppable videos are essentially blending the lines between content viewing and shopping, offering users the ability to explore products and make purchases without ever leaving the video or the platform.
This seamless integration of shopping into social media content is particularly noteworthy in platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where the audience is already engaged and primed for visual content.
The key to effective shoppable videos lies in their ability to captivate the audience and drive conversions with visually appealing posts that make the shopping experience effortless and engaging.
This trend is not only redefining e-commerce but also transforming social media channels into lucrative revenue-generating platforms.
The integration of shopping features within video content turns passive viewing into active shopping experiences, as seen with brands like ASOS, which have ventured into this realm, showcasing products in action with instant purchase options.
Moreover, the increasing popularity of shoppable videos is evident in their mainstream adoption.
Retailers are using these videos to bridge the gap between awareness, consideration, and purchase, allowing viewers to buy products directly from the video with just a few clicks.
This approach not only caters to the modern consumer's desire for convenience but also significantly enhances the shopping experience by combining entertainment with instantaneous purchasing.
The beauty of shoppable videos lies in their ability to reuse existing content efficiently, thereby increasing effectiveness or reducing spend.
This aligns with findings from Semrush's State of Content Marketing report, which suggests that a significant majority of CMOs plan to convert evergreen content into shoppable content.
As we march into 2024, it's clear that shoppable videos are not just a fleeting trend but a strategic imperative for retailers and brands aiming to keep up with the 'always-on' shopper.
These videos offer an innovative approach that merges captivating video content with seamless e-commerce functionality, transforming the retail landscape and presenting an exciting opportunity for businesses to create eye-catching campaigns that support this new era of retail.
Maximizing Platform Potential
When it comes to getting the most out of your explainer videos, picking the right platform is everything. It's all about knowing where your audience hangs out and what kind of content they love to engage with.
Choosing the right platform for your video content is key.
Every social media and video platform attracts different audiences with specific content preferences. It's vital to know where your target audience hangs out and what kind of content they interact with.
YouTube is great for in-depth videos. It’s a giant with over 2 billion monthly users, offering diverse advertising options and a broad reach. It’s ideal for increasing brand awareness and connecting with various audiences.
TikTok, the hub of short-form videos, is perfect for reaching younger audiences. Its format is great for creating viral content.
Features like in-feed ads and branded hashtag challenges are innovative ways to boost marketing and encourage user-generated content.
LinkedIn stands out for B2B marketing. Videos on LinkedIn see high engagement, making it perfect for establishing thought leadership and sharing industry insights with professionals.
Instagram excels in visual storytelling. With Stories, Reels, and in-feed videos, it offers creative ways to display products or services, and Reels has made video sharing even more seamless.
Each platform has its quirks.
TikTok and Instagram Stories favor quick, catchy videos, while YouTube suits detailed, longer content.
Decide based on your marketing goals and brand identity, considering factors like organic vs. paid content, and platform-specific features.
Remember, quality is crucial.
Tailoring your video for different platforms, considering aspect ratios and resolutions, is important.
Collaborating with influencers can expand your reach. And don’t forget to track analytics to see which platforms are most effective for your goals.
The Personal Touch in Video Marketing
Adding a personal touch to your video marketing isn't just nice – it's a game-changer in connecting with your audience on a deeper level.
Imagine crafting videos that call out to your audience by name or reflect their recent interactions with your brand. This kind of personalization not only grabs attention but also creates a sense of familiarity and loyalty, making your audience feel valued and understood.
Personalized videos, as explained by Planable, can be as simple as a holiday greeting with a customer’s name or as nuanced as using data to customize videos for website visitors or email subscribers. This level of personalization has been shown to significantly improve engagement.
Videos containing personal information like names or locations can create a one-on-one conversation feel, making the viewer feel more connected and valued.
Sample personalized video.
The benefits of personalized video marketing, highlighted by Abmatic, are extensive. They capture viewer attention in a world full of generic content, maintain interest, and create emotional connections.
Personalized videos increase click-through rates, conversions, and help in building trust and loyalty. This approach is particularly effective in customer retention, offering ongoing education, support, and customized promotions to keep the audience engaged.
Advances in technology, particularly AI and automation, have made creating personalized videos more feasible.
Tools like Rocketium and Canva can help create individualized videos from structured data, allowing brands to produce numerous personalized videos efficiently. This automation is changing the game, as businesses can now produce large volumes of personalized content without excessive time or resources.
Incorporating personalized videos into your marketing strategy can drastically enhance your brand's engagement and loyalty.
By offering a more humanized and relevant experience, brands can significantly increase their connection with customers, driving long-term loyalty and growth.
Leveraging Video Marketing Trends
To stay ahead in the dynamic world of video marketing, embracing the latest trends is crucial.
To stay on top of video marketing in 2024, it's essential to catch the latest trends.
Have you noticed how vertical videos have become a hit, especially on mobile? This trend kicked off with Snapchat in 2011, quickly gaining momentum as giants like Instagram and Facebook adopted it.
By 2017, with TikTok's rise, vertical videos had become the norm. They fit our mobile lifestyle perfectly – no more rotating phones, just straight-up, easy viewing. These platforms have really tapped into how we prefer our content: simple, accessible, and engaging.
Firstly, vertical videos are taking over mobile advertising.
With the majority of media consumption happening on smartphones, vertical videos fit perfectly, offering a more immersive experience for mobile users.
After discussing the prevalence of vertical videos, let's talk about another hot trend: silent videos.
More and more people are watching videos without sound, especially in public places or while multitasking. This makes captions essential, as they help get your message across even when the sound is off, enhancing your brand's message.
According to BFresh.Media, silent videos have become popular because they don't cause disruption in public, they're more accessible, and they tend to be more engaging as they encourage viewers to focus on the visuals.
The trend of using smartphones for video production in marketing has been growing, particularly since around 2022.
Smartphones, offering high-quality video capabilities, have become a popular choice for creating professional videos.
This shift is driven by the affordability and accessibility of smartphones, combined with their ability to produce high-quality HD videos. This trend is particularly notable for content creators and marketers who seek to create authentic and engaging content with the convenience and simplicity of a smartphone.
How-to videos and tutorials are not just about sharing knowledge; they're about building trust and loyalty with your audience. Brands like Sephora and Duolingo are nailing this trend, using educational content to establish themselves as authorities in their fields and driving sales. It's a smart move — offering your audience useful information while subtly nudging them towards your products or services.
For more insights into the effectiveness of educational content in marketing, Think with Google discusses its key role, especially in sectors like higher education marketing.
Finally, let's talk about live video — it's really taking off in the marketing world. Whether it's a product launch, a Q&A, or just a casual chat, platforms like Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Twitch are where it's at. They're ideal for connecting with your audience in the moment, giving a real and authentic feel to your interactions. It's all about making your audience feel like they're right there with you, part of the conversation.
Now, let's add some fresh insights from industry experts:
- User-Generated Content (UGC) is becoming increasingly important. Brands are either repurposing content created by fans or working with professional UGC creators to maintain authenticity while ensuring the right message gets across.
- Live streaming continues to surge, with platforms like Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram offering interactive live video options. This format is great for engaging audiences in real-time.
- The ease of producing videos is a game-changer, thanks to cloud-based video editing and AI-powered tools. These advancements make video creation more accessible and efficient.
- Diversity in video content is key. Expect to see more variety in both user-generated and brand-generated content, as well as the continued relevance of trending audios to boost engagement.
- Finally, SEO for videos is emerging as a crucial trend. Optimizing your videos for search engines, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, is becoming increasingly important for reaching your target audience.
Embracing these trends in 2024 is vital for creating impactful, engaging, and authentic video content across various platforms. Stay updated and adapt your strategies to harness the full potential of video marketing.
Conclusion
And that's it! We've journeyed through the dynamic world of explainer videos and seen how they can revolutionize digital marketing in 2024. Now, it's your turn to make some waves. With Voomly Cloud apps like Doodly and Toonly, you've got everything you need to create videos that don't just catch the eye but capture hearts and minds. Think of Voomly as your indispensable asset in your 2024 marketing toolkit. Ready to make an impact? Try Voomly now and transform your marketing strategy with the power of engaging explainer videos!
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