Navigation

Explainer Videos vs Whiteboard Animations: Key Differences

by Richard on September 30, 2025 in News
Comic strip with three scenes highlighting communication struggles at events. First, a person shouts "Ouch!" at a crowded check-in. Second, a large athlete wishes for better event communication. Third, a man hopes for instant post-event communication. Tone: humorous and relatable.

An explainer video is one of the most effective ways to simplify complex ideas and engage audiences quickly. Whether it’s a colorful animated explainer video or a straightforward whiteboard style, businesses rely on professional explainer video services to tell their story clearly and memorably. Partnering with an experienced explainer video company or explainer video agency ensures that every project whether for marketing, education, or training is polished, on-brand, and results-driven. From concept to delivery, a trusted explainer video production company offers end-to-end explainer video production that helps brands stand out and connect with their audience in a meaningful way.

What Exactly Is an Explainer Video?

Searching

An explainer video is a short, engaging video that explains a product, service, or idea in a clear and compelling way. It can take many forms such as animated characters, motion graphics, 2D animation, 3D animation, or even live action. The purpose is always the same: to communicate quickly and leave viewers with a solid understanding of what your brand offers.

Think of an explainer video as a digital elevator pitch. In one to two minutes, it tells your story in a way that captures attention and builds trust. Businesses often work with an explainer video company to ensure the final product is polished, professional, and optimized for their target audience.

What Is a Whiteboard Animation?

A cartoon man with a propeller hat waves, holding a paper. A speech bubble reads "Director of Internet" in black and red. A hand draws on the right.

Whiteboard animations are a specific type of explainer video. You’ve probably seen them before: a hand sketching illustrations on a white background while a voiceover narrates the story. The combination of drawing and storytelling makes the content feel approachable and easy to follow.

This style works especially well for educational topics, tutorials, or detailed processes. Because viewers can literally watch the story being drawn in front of them, it holds their attention and keeps them curious about what’s coming next.

At Hatch Studios, an experienced Animation Studio in Calgary, our team has created countless whiteboard videos that balance simplicity with creativity. The hand-drawn feel makes them particularly effective for brands that want to come across as down-to-earth, approachable, and trustworthy.

Explainer Videos vs Whiteboard Animations: The Key Differences

While whiteboard animation is a subset of explainer videos, the two are not interchangeable. Here are the major differences:

1. Visual Style

Explainer videos come in a wide range of visual styles. They can be fully animated with colorful characters, sleek motion graphics, or even realistic 3D environments. This gives businesses freedom to align the visuals with their brand identity.

Whiteboard animations, on the other hand, stick to a simpler aesthetic: black-and-white drawings (sometimes with minimal color) that are “sketched” onto a white background. The visuals are less flashy but often more relatable.

2. Tone and Personality

Explainer videos can be fun, bold, quirky, or serious depending on the design and script. An animated explainer video is perfect for brands that want a playful and modern tone.

Whiteboard animations usually feel more educational and straightforward. They are conversational, clear, and easy to digest.

3. Audience Engagement

Explainer videos tend to capture attention quickly with colorful visuals and dynamic pacing. They are great for ads, landing pages, or social media campaigns where you need to make an instant impact.

Whiteboard animations, on the other hand, keep viewers engaged by making them curious about what the hand will draw next. They are ideal for longer content, especially when explaining detailed processes.

4. Production Process

Explainer videos require more creative planning and design because the visuals are built around the brand’s style guide. Businesses usually turn to an explainer video production company to handle everything from scripting to animation.

Whiteboard animations are simpler to produce. They rely heavily on script clarity and the hand-drawn storytelling approach. This makes them faster to create while still delivering strong results.

When to Use an Explainer Video

Cartoon man in a tuxedo emerges from a large pink cake on a stage. Spotlights, curtains, and ropes in the background create a whimsical scene.

Not every situation calls for the same type of video. An explainer video is best when:

  • You need to promote a product or service in a way that stands out.
  • Your brand identity is colorful, modern, and creative.
  • You’re targeting audiences who expect polished, visually engaging content.
  • You want to build excitement quickly on social media or your homepage.

Working with an animated explainer video company ensures that your visuals match your brand while telling the story in a way that grabs attention from the very first second.

When to Use a Whiteboard Animation

Whiteboard animations are better suited for situations where clarity and simplicity are more important than flashy visuals. They work best when:

  • You need to teach or explain complex information.
  • Your message is step-by-step or process driven.
  • You want to maintain a more down-to-earth, educational feel.
  • Your audience values straightforward communication over high-end design.

This is why many businesses use whiteboard videos for training, tutorials, or thought leadership content. A good explainer video agency can help you decide if this style is the right fit for your goals.

Why Businesses Choose Explainer Videos

The demand for explainer videos has exploded in recent years. Companies across industries are investing in them because they:

  1. Simplify Complex Ideas – Perfect for industries like tech, healthcare, or finance.
  2. Boost Conversions – Landing pages with explainer videos see higher engagement and click-through rates.
  3. Work Everywhere – From email campaigns to trade show booths, they are versatile marketing tools.
  4. Showcase Brand Personality – Custom animation allows brands to highlight their unique voice.

This is why working with an explainer video production company pays off. They know how to strike the balance between clear communication and creative storytelling.

Why Businesses Choose Whiteboard Animations

While they may not be as visually bold as animated explainers, whiteboard animations are powerful in their own right. Businesses love them because they:

  1. Feel Educational – Great for training, onboarding, or product demonstrations.
  2. Keep Attention Through Storytelling – Viewers stay curious as the drawings unfold.
  3. Are Cost Effective – Generally faster and more affordable to produce than more complex animation styles.
  4. Simplify Long Explanations – Audiences can follow along without feeling overwhelmed.

Whiteboard videos remain popular with companies that need clear, professional communication without unnecessary frills.

Hatch Studios: Two Decades of Explainer and Whiteboard Expertise

Illustration of a pharmacy scene with an older man talking to a female pharmacist behind a counter. Shelves of medicines and a computer are visible.

For over twenty years, Hatch Studios has been a trusted explainer video company, producing everything from animated brand explainers to detailed whiteboard tutorials. What sets Hatch apart is their ability to match the right style of video with the client’s unique goals.

If a brand needs an animated explainer video that pops with personality, the team at Hatch can craft something vibrant and engaging. If the message is more instructional, they can create a polished whiteboard animation that simplifies the content without losing impact.

As an experienced explainer video production company, Hatch Studios has mastered both formats and continues to help businesses stand out with professional, customized videos.

Which One Should You Choose?

Illustration of a growing green plant against a light blue background. Text reads "$25/wk into an RESP" and "$11,623" with RBC branding at the bottom.

So, explainer video or whiteboard animation? What’s the right choice for your business? The answer depends on your audience, your goals, and the type of story you want to tell.

  • Go with an explainer video if you want something eye-catching, brand-focused, and versatile across platforms.
  • Choose a whiteboard animation if your goal is education, clarity, and building trust with straightforward storytelling.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose alone. A professional explainer video agency like Hatch Studios can guide you through the decision-making process and deliver exactly what you need. There’s many animation styles to choose from in a somewhat lengthy process to go through.

Final Thoughts

Explainer videos and whiteboard animations are both effective tools, but they shine in different ways. Explainers are modern, colorful, and versatile, while whiteboards are simple, educational, and approachable.

At the end of the day, both styles are about making your message clear and memorable. With over two decades of experience, Hatch Studios has the creativity and technical know-how to deliver the right solution for your brand. Whether you need a bold animated explainer or a streamlined whiteboard piece, give Hatch a shout and watch them bring your story to life.