How to make an Explainer Video
There are a number of ways to create your own Explainer Video. There are many DIY platforms that, on the face of it, appear to be great value for money. But there are three things to consider when trying to create your own video.
The first two are;
Your creativity
Let’s be blunt, your skillset may, or may not include a level of creativity. If it doesn’t you will struggle to create something that is is punchy, concise and most importantly, get your message across to your audience.
Your structure
Whilst creating an explainer video is a creative process, it needs structure to ensure that the end result delivers.
Don’t fall into the trap of trying to work on what your audience sees. The most important aspect, the foundation of your video is the script. Just like in a film, an actor will review the script first before considering whether to lend their name to the film or not.
Focus on what you want to say, and the word ‘SAY’ is deliberate, because you don’t want to write a script to be read, you want a script to be heard, so the style is different and, a world away from a white paper or a brochure. It is much more conversational.
Also remember that people narrate and listen at a rate of about 2 words per second, which means if you want your video to only last 2 minutes, that’s 120 seconds, which is approximately 240 words, ask yourself whether you can get your message across within 240 words?
Bear in mind that each paragraph (per drawing) should be no less than 35 words and no more than 50 words.
Whilst you are writing for the ‘ear’, you are also writing for ‘eye’, in such a way that you need to write ‘illustratively’, always try a write your script that will enable the drawings to come alive. For example; if profits are going up then you could say ‘profits are going through the roof’ this may enable you to draw or find a drawing of a currency icon crashing through the roof.
Once you have the script ‘close’ to the finished article. Then focus on what to draw for each paragraph.
Then work on the layout just using stick figures if necessary, what you want to draw, and then either engage with an artist or look for any relevant library drawings from any of the platforms available.
Once you have decided and what will be recorded please don’t rely on your voice as the voiceover. You may indeed have a great voice, but you also need great equipment. If the narration comes across as quiet with background noise, your punch will be more featherweight than welterweight.
Don’t try and hide the narration with music, you may think it adds to the video, it reality it takes the bite away, this is a definite case of less is more.
Once you have the video and the narration you may need some video editing software to pull it all together.
However, the third element to consider is your time.
It can take a number of hours to try a create your own explainer video, whilst trying to do your day job at the same time.
On the face if it the DIY explainer video platforms appear cost-effective, but allow a supplier to deliver ‘exactly’ what you want, whilst at the same time helping you to avoid the common mistakes that are made and receiving a video (a Dynamic illustration is this case) that succeeds in getting your message across in the best possible way may work at is THE most cost-effective way of promoting you and your service or product.
And it’s all about being cost-effective, yes?