Explainer Videos MVP Technique

8 min readJun 30, 2024

Explainer videos are a powerful tool for conveying complex information about a product or service in an engaging and concise manner. They are increasingly popular because of their high conversion rates compared to text-only content and their ability to simplify the explanation of intricate products.

How It Works

Conceptualization and Scripting:

Identify Key Messages: Define the core features, benefits, and unique selling points of the product or service.
Script Development: Craft a compelling script that effectively communicates these messages in a clear and engaging manner.

Video Production:

Storyboarding: Visualize the script through a storyboard that outlines the scenes, transitions, and visuals.
Animation or Filming: Produce the video using animation, live-action footage, or a combination based on the desired style and budget.

Distribution and Feedback Collection:

Publishing: Share the explainer video through various channels such as the company website, social media platforms, email newsletters, and video hosting sites like YouTube or Vimeo.
Feedback Loop: Gather feedback from viewers through comments, surveys, or analytics tools to assess their understanding, interest level, and potential pain points.

Why Use Explainer Videos?

Higher Conversion Rates:

Videos convert better than text pages, which is why they are becoming ubiquitous across platforms, including social media feeds and websites.

Effective for Complex Products:

Explainer videos can efficiently communicate complex ideas and products, making them easier to understand and more appealing to potential customers.

When to Use Explainer Videos

Resource Intensive:

Creating high-quality explainer videos requires significant effort and resources, including videographers, editors, and potentially custom graphics.

High Engagement Potential:

Well-executed explainer videos can significantly excite and engage the user base, leading to better product understanding and increased interest.

Practical Tips for Different Organizational Sizes

Small or Entrepreneurial Organizations:

Use affordable software like Powtoon, Go Animate, or hire freelancers on Fiverr for video creation.
Flexibility in quality expectations allows for more experimental and cost-effective video production.

Larger Organizations:

Maintain consistency with existing video quality standards to meet user expectations.
Poorly produced videos can negatively impact user perception if they deviate significantly from the usual quality.

Best Practices for Creating Explainer Videos

Define Your Objectives:

Clearly outline what you aim to achieve with the explainer video (e.g., increase product understanding, drive conversions).

Know Your Audience:

Tailor the video content to the specific needs and preferences of your target audience.

Keep It Concise:

Aim for brevity while ensuring all key points are covered. A typical explainer video should be between 1–2 minutes long.

High-Quality Production:

Invest in professional videography, editing, and graphics to ensure the video is polished and engaging.

Strong Call to Action:

End with a clear and compelling call to action, guiding viewers on the next steps to take.

Tools for Creating Explainer Videos

Powtoon: User-friendly platform for creating animated explainer videos.

Go Animate: Another tool for creating custom animated videos without extensive technical skills.

Fiverr: Platform to hire freelancers for various tasks, including video creation.

Case Study 1: Slack

Slack, the well-known team collaboration tool, leveraged an explainer video MVP to introduce their product and test market interest. The video highlighted the key features and benefits of Slack, making it easier for potential users to understand its value. Before developing a full-fledged product, Slack created a simple but engaging explainer video that demonstrated how the tool could streamline team communication and collaboration. This video served as an MVP to gauge interest and collect feedback.

Slack sent out emails to targeted businesses and professionals who might benefit from a better team communication tool. The emails included a link to the explainer video hosted on their website and social media platforms. The explainer video effectively communicated Slack’s value proposition, showing how it could replace inefficient email chains with seamless communication channels. Viewers were encouraged to sign up for early access to the product and provide feedback on their expectations.

The high engagement rate with the video and the positive feedback collected validated the demand for Slack. This early validation allowed Slack to move forward with confidence, developing the product based on user insights and feedback, ultimately leading to its widespread adoption and success.

Metrics Table for Slack Case Study -

Case Study 2: Zerodha

Zerodha, a leading Indian stock brokerage firm, used explainer videos to demystify stock trading and attract new users to their platform. The goal was to make complex financial concepts accessible to everyday investors. Zerodha created a series of explainer videos covering topics like how to open a trading account, understanding market basics, and using their trading platform. These videos were shared on YouTube, social media, and their website.

Zerodha sent targeted emails to potential customers, including links to the explainer videos. The emails highlighted the educational content and the benefits of using their platform for trading. The explainer videos helped build trust and educate potential users about the trading process. By tracking video views, engagement rates, and user feedback, Zerodha gained insights into the effectiveness of their educational content.

The videos significantly increased user engagement and conversion rates, proving the value of educational content in attracting new customers. Zerodha became popular due to its user-friendly approach and comprehensive educational resources.

Metrics Table for Zerodha Case Study -

Case Study 3: Airtable

Airtable, a versatile database and project management tool, used an explainer video MVP to introduce their unique product to potential users and validate market interest. Airtable created an explainer video that showcased the flexibility and ease of use of their platform, which combines the functionality of spreadsheets with the power of databases. The video demonstrated various use cases, appealing to a wide range of potential users.

Airtable sent emails to professionals in various industries, including project managers, marketers, and small business owners. The emails included a link to the explainer video, hosted on their website and video platforms like YouTube. The video explained how Airtable could be used for different purposes, such as project management, event planning, and content creation. Viewers were encouraged to sign up for a free trial and explore the platform themselves.

The positive response to the video, indicated by high sign-up rates and user feedback, confirmed the product’s market potential. Airtable used this feedback to refine their product, adding features that were most desired by early users, contributing to their rapid growth and popularity.

Metrics Table for Airtable Case Study -

Case Study 4: Square

Square, the mobile payment company, used an explainer video MVP to introduce their first product, the mobile card reader, to potential users and test the market’s response. Square created an explainer video that demonstrated how their mobile card reader could transform smartphones into credit card readers, making it easy for small businesses to accept card payments anywhere.

Square sent out targeted emails to small business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. The emails contained a link to the explainer video hosted on their website and video platforms. The video highlighted the convenience and simplicity of using Square’s card reader, showing real-life scenarios where it could be beneficial. Viewers were invited to sign up for more information and early access to the product.

The video successfully generated interest and sign-ups, confirming the need for such a product in the market. The feedback helped Square refine their offering and prepare for a successful launch, leading to widespread adoption and significant growth.

Metrics Table for Square Case Study -

Case Study 5: Grammarly

Grammarly, the writing assistant tool, utilized an explainer video MVP to showcase its capabilities and validate the market interest before fully scaling the product. Grammarly produced a compelling explainer video that demonstrated how their tool could help users improve their writing by catching grammatical errors, suggesting better phrasing, and enhancing clarity.

Grammarly targeted students, professionals, and writers through email campaigns. The emails featured a link to the explainer video, which was hosted on their website and popular video-sharing platforms. The video explained how Grammarly integrates with various platforms like web browsers, word processors, and email clients. It highlighted the ease of use and the benefits of improved writing. Viewers were prompted to sign up for a free trial.

The high level of engagement with the video and the strong sign-up rates confirmed the product’s potential. The feedback collected helped Grammarly to further enhance their tool, leading to its widespread use and popularity among different user segments.

Metrics Table for Grammarly Case Study -

Case Study 6: Byju’s

Byju’s, an ed-tech company, used explainer videos to introduce their interactive learning app to students and parents across India. Byju’s created a series of engaging explainer videos showcasing their app’s features, such as interactive lessons, quizzes, and progress tracking. These videos were distributed on YouTube, social media, and their website.

Byju’s sent targeted emails to parents and students, highlighting the benefits of their learning app and including links to the explainer videos. The videos helped build awareness and trust among parents and students, demonstrating how the app could enhance learning. By tracking video engagement and collecting feedback, Byju’s gained insights into user preferences and areas for improvement.

The high engagement and positive feedback led to a significant increase in app downloads and subscriptions. Byju’s became popular for its innovative approach to education and its effective use of video content to attract users.

Metrics Table for Byju’s Case Study -