So, you wanna make an explainer video that doesn’t put people to sleep? Cool. Let’s break it down—no jargon, just straight talk. And hey, if you’re in over your head, San Francisco video production studios like LV Productions exist for a reason. They’ll handle the fancy stuff while you focus on your coffee addiction.
Step 1: Figure Out Who Cares & Why
Before you even open Canva, ask:
- Who’s watching? Busy moms? Tech nerds? Dog groomers? (Yes, that’s a real niche.)
- What’s the point? Selling a app? Training employees? Confusing your ex? Get specific.
Pro tip: If your audience is retirees, maybe skip the TikTok dances in the intro.
Step 2: Write a Script That Doesn’t Suck
Your script is the backbone. Or spine. Whatever metaphor works.
- Hook ‘em fast: Start with a problem. “Tired of your cat hacking up hairballs on your $500 rug?”
- KISS: Keep It Short, Stupid. 90 seconds max. If Shakespeare couldn’t hold attention longer, neither can you.
- End with a bang: Tell ’em what to do next. “Click now before your cat destroys another couch.”
Fun fact: I once wrote a script on a napkin during a Zoom meeting. It worked.
Step 3: Visuals That Won’t Make Eyes Glaze Over
Time to make it pretty(ish).
- Style matters: 2D animation? Live-action? Stick figures? Match the vibe to your brand. (Pro tip: If your brand’s “corporate chic,” maybe skip the stick figures.)
- Brand it: Slap your logo everywhere. Just kidding—subtlety’s key. Use your colors and fonts, but don’t go full PowerPoint 2003.
- Storyboard it: Draw stick-figure scenes. No one’s judging—unless you’re pitching to Pixar.
Step 4: Voiceover: Don’t Sound Like a Robot
Your cousin’s got a “radio voice”? Perfect. If not, hire someone.
- Tone it right: Selling meditation apps? Go calm. Selling energy drinks? Crank the enthusiasm to 11.
- Clarity > accent: Unless you’re targeting Scottish terrier owners, keep it neutral.
- DIY hacks: Record in your closet. The clothes muffle echo, and hey, free soundproofing!
Step 5: Animation: Make Stuff Move (Without Breaking the Bank)
You don’t need Pixar’s budget. Tools like Vyond (not “Vyondr”—see, humans make typos!) or Canva work.
- Sync it: Animation should match the voiceover. If you’re talking about speed, make the visuals zip.
- Transitions: Fade, slide, or spin—just don’t overdo it. Nobody needs a PowerPoint spiral.
Step 6: Soundtrack & SFX: Ear Candy
Bad audio = dead video.
- Music: Royalty-free tracks from Epidemic Sound or YouTube’s library. Avoid dubstep unless you’re selling gaming chairs.
- SFX: Ding for notifications, whoosh for transitions. Don’t add fart sounds. (Unless your audience is 12-year-olds.)
- Volume check: If the music drowns the voiceover, you’ve failed.
Step 7: Edit Like a Paranoid Perfectionist
Cut the fluff. Then cut again.
- Trim ruthlessly: That 5-second intro of your logo spinning? Gone.
- Feedback: Show it to your brutally honest friend. If they say “meh,” start over.
- Captions: Because 85% of social videos are watched on mute. Thanks, Instagram.
Step 8: Launch It & Pray to the Algorithm Gods
Post everywhere: YouTube, LinkedIn, your grandma’s Facebook group.
- SEO stuff: Keywords like “how to [your product]” or “best [industry] hacks.”
- Track metrics: Views, drop-off points, shares. If everyone bails at 0:30, your hook’s weak.
Why Bother?
Explainer videos aren’t just for SaaS startups. Dentists use ’em to explain root canals. Teachers use ’em to make algebra less awful. And yeah, San Francisco video production teams use ’em to flex their skills.
Final Thought:
Done is better than perfect. My first explainer video had a typo in the first frame. Got 10K views anyway. Just start.
P.S. If you’re in SF and drowning in this, hit up LV Productions. Tell ’em the person who writes weird guides sent you. They’ll know. 😉