Most people think explainer videos are “just animation.”

In reality, a great explainer video is carefully engineered—word by word, frame by frame—to turn confusion into clarity and viewers into customers.

In this blog, we’ll take you behind the scenes, showing how a powerful explainer video is created—from the very first script idea to the final screen-ready animation.

Whether you’re a startup, SaaS brand, or marketer, this will change how you see explainer videos forever.

Step 1: Everything Starts With the Script (Not Animation)

The biggest mistake brands make?
They focus on visuals before the message.

A great explainer video begins with a clear, strategic script.

What a Winning Explainer Script Includes:

• A relatable problem your audience recognizes instantly

• A simple explanation of why the problem exists

• Your product or service as the heroic solution

• A clear outcome or benefit

• One focused call-to-action

💡 Rule of thumb:
If the script doesn’t work when read aloud, animation won’t save it.

At Explainerz, every project begins with scriptwriting—because clarity converts.

Step 2: Storyboarding – Turning Words Into Visual Flow

Once the script is locked, it moves to storyboarding.

A storyboard is the visual blueprint of the video. It shows:

• What appears on screen for each line

• Camera movements and transitions

• Character actions and visual metaphors

Why Storyboarding Matters:

• Prevents visual overload

• Keeps pacing tight

• Ensures every scene supports the message

🎯 Think of it as the bridge between what you say and what viewers see.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Visual Style

Not every explainer video should look the same.

The best explainer videos choose a style that fits:

• Brand personality

• Target audience

• Product complexity

Popular Explainer Video Styles in 2026:

• 2D animation (clean & versatile)

• Motion graphics (great for SaaS & data)

• Character animation (emotional storytelling)

• Whiteboard (educational content)

• UI-focused animation (product demos)

✨ Key insight:
The style should support the story—not distract from it.

Step 4: Voiceover – Giving the Story a Human Voice

Voiceover is where the script truly comes alive.

A great voiceover:

• Sounds natural (not salesy)

• Matches the brand tone

• Keeps energy consistent

• Guides emotion and pacing

🎙️ In 2026, brands prefer:

• Conversational voices

• Neutral global accents

• Authentic, human delivery

The voice is often what makes a video feel trustworthy.

Step 5: Animation – Where Magic Meets Strategy

This is the stage everyone waits for—but it only works because of the steps before it.

During animation:

• Characters move with intention

• Transitions guide attention

• Visual metaphors simplify ideas

• Timing aligns perfectly with narration

Great animation isn’t flashy—it’s purposeful.

Every movement answers one question:

“Does this help the viewer understand faster?”

Step 6: Sound Design & Music – The Invisible Impact

Sound design is subtle—but powerful.

It includes:

• Background music

• Sound effects

• Timing accents

🎵 The right audio:

• Sets emotional tone

• Improves retention

• Makes transitions feel smooth

• Elevates production quality instantly

Most viewers won’t notice it consciously—but they feel it.

Step 7: Review, Refinement & Optimization

Before final delivery, great explainer videos go through:

• Script timing checks

• Visual clarity reviews

• Brand consistency adjustments

• Platform optimization (website, YouTube, ads)

This step ensures the video works everywhere—from landing pages to social media.

Why This Process Matters More Than Ever in 2026

Today’s audience:

• Skips fast

• Scrolls faster

• Trusts visuals more than text

A rushed explainer video shows immediately.

But a well-crafted explainer:

• Holds attention

• Builds trust

• Explains complex ideas simply

• Converts viewers into customers

That’s why the process matters as much as the final video.

Final Thoughts: Great Explainers Are Built, Not Animated

A powerful explainer video isn’t created by accident.

It’s the result of:
✔ Strategic scripting
✔ Thoughtful storytelling
✔ Purpose-driven animation

If you’re planning an explainer video that actually performs—not just looks good—partnering with the right team makes all the difference.

👉 Learn how Explainerz creates high-impact explainer videos:
https://www.explainerz.com

👉 Watch our work in action:
https://www.youtube.com/@Explainerz-t1i