Explainer Video Best Practices for Higher Engagement

An effective explainer video can do something most marketing tools struggle with. It can grab attention, explain a complex idea quickly, and keep viewers watching long enough to actually understand your message. In a world where people scroll fast and skip even faster, getting someone to watch a full explainer video is a big win.

That is why best practices matter. Creating explainer videos that people want to watch is part art and part strategy. From storytelling and pacing to animation style and sound design, every choice affects engagement. Studios like Hatch Studios have been refining this craft for decades, helping brands turn ideas into clear, compelling visual stories.

Below is a practical guide to making explainer videos more engaging, more watchable, and more effective.

Why Engagement Matters So Much for Explainer Videos

The goal of an explainer video is simple on paper. Explain what you do, how it works, or why it matters. But the real goal goes deeper. You want viewers to stay until the end, remember what they watched, and take action.

High engagement leads to better conversions, stronger brand recall, and more shares. Low engagement usually means the video was too long, too confusing, or simply not interesting enough.

The best explainer videos balance clarity with creativity. They respect the viewer’s time while still telling a compelling story.

Start Strong With a Clear Hook

The first few seconds matter more than anything else. If you do not hook the viewer right away, the rest of the video does not matter.

A strong opening clearly states the problem or question your audience cares about. Avoid long intros or branding up front. Get to the point quickly and make the viewer feel like the video is made for them.

This approach is something experienced teams like Hatch Studios focus on early during concept development. You can see how they think about storytelling on their about page.

Keep the Message Focused

One common mistake is trying to explain too much in a single video. An explainer works best when it focuses on one main idea.

If your product or service has multiple features, consider creating a series instead of one long video. Short and focused content almost always performs better.

This principle applies whether you are working with an explainer video company or using an explainer video maker internally.

Write a Conversational Script

A great script sounds like a human talking to another human. Not like a brochure being read out loud.

Use simple language. Short sentences. A natural flow. If a line feels awkward to say out loud, it will feel awkward to hear.

The most engaging animated explainer video scripts feel friendly and confident without being salesy. That balance takes practice and experience.

Choose the Right Animation Style

Animation style plays a huge role in how your message is received. Some topics benefit from clean motion graphics. Others work better with character driven storytelling or even a whiteboard explainer video style.

Hatch Studios offers a wide range of styles and helps clients choose what fits best. Their animation styles page is a great reference for understanding how different looks support different messages.

The goal is not to look flashy. It is to support clarity and engagement.

Use Animation to Simplify Not Decorate

Animation should make things easier to understand. Visual metaphors, simple diagrams, and clear movement help explain ideas faster than words alone.

The best explainer videos use animation with intention. Every movement supports the message rather than distracting from it.

This philosophy runs through Hatch Studios’ work across 2D animation production, 3D animation production, and motion graphics production.

Pay Attention to Pacing

Even a great script can fall flat if the pacing is off. Too slow and viewers get bored. Too fast and they get confused.

Good pacing leaves just enough time for ideas to land without dragging things out. This is where experience in animated explainer video production really shows.

Professional studios test pacing through storyboards and animatics before final animation begins.

Make the Visuals Consistent

Consistency builds trust. Using the same color palette, typography, and visual language throughout the video makes it easier to follow.

It also strengthens brand recognition. When viewers see your explainer video, it should feel like an extension of your brand, not a random piece of content.

Experienced teams like Hatch Studios build brand alignment into their animation process from the start.

Do Not Underestimate Sound Design

Sound design is often overlooked but it has a huge impact on engagement. Clear voiceover, subtle sound effects, and the right background music make a video feel polished and professional.

Poor audio quality can ruin an otherwise great explainer video. Viewers are far more forgiving of simple visuals than they are of bad sound.

End With a Clear Call to Action

An explainer video should always guide the viewer toward a next step. Visit a website. Sign up. Learn more. Contact your team.

Keep the call to action simple and aligned with the goal of the video. Do not overwhelm the viewer with too many options.

Learn From the Best Explainer Videos

Watching best explainer videos across different industries can spark ideas and help you understand what works.

Hatch Studios showcases a wide range of projects on their work page. You will notice a common thread of clarity, storytelling, and thoughtful animation regardless of style or industry.

They also share insights and trends on their blog which is useful for anyone planning new video content.

Why Experience Makes a Difference

Anyone can animate something. Not everyone can create an explainer video that holds attention and drives results.

An experienced explainer video company understands how people watch, where they lose interest, and how to design content that keeps them engaged.

Hatch Studios has been creating explainer videos for decades across many sectors. You can explore the industries they work in on their animation industries page.

Their full range of offerings is outlined under animation services.

When to Use Whiteboard Explainer Videos

Whiteboard explainer video styles are still effective when the goal is education and clarity. They work well for training, compliance, and step by step explanations.

The key is keeping the pacing tight and the visuals clean. Whiteboard animation should feel purposeful rather than dated.

When used correctly, it can still be one of the best explainer videos formats for certain audiences.

Getting Started With Hatch Studios

If you are planning an explainer video and want it to actually be watched, working with an experienced studio can make a big difference.

Hatch Studios collaborates closely with clients from concept through delivery, helping turn ideas into engaging visual stories. You can start a conversation through their contact page.

Final Thoughts

Creating an explainer video that people want to watch is about respect. Respect for the viewer’s time, attention, and intelligence.

By focusing on clarity, storytelling, pacing, and thoughtful animation, you can create explainer videos that engage audiences and deliver real results. With decades of experience, Hatch Studios continues to help brands create explainer videos that work.