5 Simple Tips to Create an Explainer Video
Life in the fast lane means that we do not have time to watch long videos, let alone read pages and pages of information. That said, coupled with the fact that our brains process videos considerably faster than text, no wonder explainer videos are so popular! So, how do you go about making an explainer video? We share a few simple tips:
Find a structure
Consider carefully what needs to be explained. Think who your target audience will be and what the purpose of the video is. What do you want to achieve? Promote a product / service? Explain a process? Introduce a person? Share a phenomenon? These considerations will aid in the structuring of the explanation.
It is important to consider the key points that you want to make in your video. Break down the information into simple steps, in order to structure the explanation into easily-digestible chunks of information. Once you have a clear structure for the explanation it may be easier to write a script.
Tell a story
For a good explainer video, you need to have a good script. Keep it short, keep it clear and keep it simple. It is always a good idea to build your explanation around a story. Whether young or old, people love stories, especially if they can identify with characters in the story. This is a sure way to engage your target audience. Create a protagonist that is similar to the target audience and place him / her in a situation that the target audience is likely to identify with. Once you have a good script, you will find that you have truly applied the 80/20 principle in the process of creating a good explainer video! (The 80-20 principle maintains that 80% of the result comes from 20% of input.) The script forms the foundation of the video. So, make sure that you write an excellent script!
Find pictures
Videos need images! Images help to explain concepts more effectively. They help you to show, rather than tell, and so create a strong explanation. (Having said that, it will help you little if you have outstanding images, but a poor script!)
Highlight key words or key phrases in your script. These will be crucial when you translate script into images! Consider which images may best represent the key words and key phrases. Also begin to think about sourcing the necessary images. Where will you find them? The easiest will be to make use of a video creation tool. (If you use mysimpleshow key words and phrases will even be selected on your behalf by the tool and corresponding images are suggested. This makes your job considerably easier!)
Good quality audio
Good quality audio is paramount for a good explainer video! And when it comes to the audio, three issues need attention: the voice-over, the delivery speed, and background sounds: 1) The voice must be clear and not overpowered by background music. If you intend to record a voice-over, make sure that this takes place in a quiet room. 2) Keep the voice-over at a reasonable pace! The talking must not be too fast – information will be missed. Nor must it be too slow – that will be a bore! 3) Also consider effective sound effects and suitable background music. With the right choice of music, one can set the tone of the video and evoke the desired emotion to engage the target audience.
Video creation tool
Decide how you will make the final product. The right choice can make all the difference! You can either make the video yourself, using a camera and video editing program. Or, alternatively (and less complicated!) use a video creation tool. This is indeed highly recommended! There are various websites available online that allow you to create your own animated explainer videos. With a large variety it may be difficult to choose the right video creation tool. However, mysimpleshow is not only super easy to use, but also clutter free! There is no paraphernalia that side-tracks one and causes decision making to be difficult. The process is simple and straight forward: Choose a script writing template. Write the script. View the suggested images for each scene. Make alterations if needed. Change the positioning and / or size of the images, if desired. Choose the voice-over and background music. Click to render the video – And you’re done!
With these simple tips anyone can create an explainer video, enjoying the process, and create a masterpiece that will also benefit others!