Rethinking Explainer Videos: Outcome Over Animation
Explainer videos are still effective, but many fall into the trap of relying too much on cute animation instead of focused conversion messaging. To cut through, brands need videos that are product-led, outcome-first, and built for real results.
What Explainers Should Do
Explainers are valuable when they:
Simplify complex ideas quickly
Hook viewers in under a minute
Show clear value and lead naturally to action
When done well, they move people down the funnel.
Where Most Explainers Go Wrong
Too generic
Characters and animation may draw attention, but fail to answer what the product actually does.Lack conversion focus
Many lean on style over substance, without a clear user action at the end.Disconnected from the product
Cartoons may look nice, but they don’t create familiarity or trust like real UI does.
Explainer, Reimagined
Take the Zendesk explainer video. It uses a product-first approach: clean UI footage, subtle motion graphics, and clear explanations. In just 140 seconds, it demonstrates how Zendesk solves customer service challenges.
Why it stands out:
It unwraps the full concept of Zendesk as a unified solution for agents, managers, and customers.
It highlights how the platform integrates teammates, knowledge content, apps and existing data sources.
It communicates value clearly for enterprise, SMBs and startups without relying on cartoon characters.
This kind of product-led explainer sets up your landing page or onboarding video to feel cohesive and conversion-ready. It supports your free landing page video offer while signaling that your style is modern and result-focused.
What Makes a Modern Explainer
Use clear product visuals
Focus on one outcome or button-click
End with a direct next step
Keep it short and pointed
Smart Video Ideas to Launch
30-second product demo showing a first-step outcome
A short explainer tailored for your landing page with a strong CTA
A “explainer-first” onboarding teaser video
Explainer + Onboarding Strategy
Use explainer videos at the top of the funnel for clarity. Then follow up with onboarding content that guides users deeper into the product experience.
That sequence (explainer first, onboarding second) builds trust and action without seeming repetitive.
This isn’t about snubbing animation. It’s about choosing formats that work for your SaaS product and deliver real results.
Ready to See the Modern Explainer in Action?
If your current landing page is missing a focused, product-driven video, I’ll make one for free. No cartoons. No fluff. Just a clean, conversion-ready explainer that shows exactly what your product does.
