Explaining complex ideas clearly is a challenge for many businesses. When potential customers don’t understand your product or service, they’re unlikely to convert.
At Vidico, we’ve seen how 2D animated explainers transform complex concepts into engaging, easy-to-understand visuals that drive results. Our team has created hundreds of successful explainer videos for companies including Spotify, Square, TikTok, Airtable, and Bailey Nelson. This experience has given us deep insight into what makes an explainer video truly effective.
In this guide, we’ll showcase 2D animation explainer video examples that effectively communicate complex ideas while keeping viewers engaged. Whether you’re looking to explain your product, service, or brand story, these examples will inspire your next video project.
Discover how these 2D explainer video examples can help improve your marketing efforts.
Key Takeaways
- 2D animated explainers improve message retention by up to 65% compared to text-based content
- The ideal explainer video length is 60-90 seconds to maintain viewer engagement
- Simplifying complex concepts through visual storytelling is the primary benefit of animation
- 2D animation is more cost-effective and faster to produce than live-action videos
- Consistent visual style helps reinforce brand identity throughout the explainer
- Strategic use of animated characters creates emotional connections with viewers
- Motion graphics enhance explanations of technical processes and abstract concepts
- Our systems-based approach makes creating consistent animated explainers more efficient
Content
Top 10 Awesome 2D Explainer Videos Worth Watching
1. Hello, Sunday Morning
Average Pricing: Starts at $5000
What Makes It Stand Out: The Hello Sunday Morning 2D explainer video by Vidico is a remarkable example of effective communication through impressive animation.
Our [1] script concisely conveys the essence of Hello Sunday Morning’s mission in just 30 seconds.
The 2D animation in this video is clean, visually appealing, and consistent with the brand’s video style. The choice of a 2D format allows for simplicity and clarity in delivering the message.
2. Operata
Average Pricing: Starts at $5000
What Makes It Stand Out: The latest explainer video collaboration between Vidico and Operata is a testament to their expertise in 2D animation video production.
We can create a more organic and personalized visual narrative anytime using hand-drawn storyboards.
3. Plutora
Average Pricing: Starts at $5000
What Makes It Stand Out: The explainer video services for Plutora are a testament to the technical prowess and creative collaboration within the Vidico team.
2D animation, created using industry-standard tools like Illustrator and Adobe AfterEffects, showcases high technical expertise.
Since we used the Portuguese language in the narration, it adds an extra layer of accessibility and can increase engagement, mainly since the target audience includes Portuguese speakers.
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4. CaraKit
What Makes It Stand Out: Creating the right mood and resonance with the target audience, including 2D animated videos, is crucial in marketing.
CaraKit used warm colors this time to create a sense of comfort and familiarity. Incorporating warm colors into the video’s design fosters a welcoming atmosphere.
The narrator’s tone and delivery align with the overall mood of the explainer video to increase target audience engagement.
5. Spotify
What Makes It Stand Out: This animated video explainer effectively communicates the partnership between Anchor and Spotify.
This time, instead of making live-action explainer videos, Spotify utilizes bold animation and informative content to engage the audience.
The choice of animation adds dynamic and visually engaging animated elements to the video. At the same time, the bold and informative script can capture the viewer’s attention and convey the message effectively.
6. YouLocal
What Makes It Stand Out: Minimalism is a highly effective design style for 2D motion graphics explainer videos, and YouLocal did a great job with their impressive 2D animated explainer.
Focusing on the core message, ensuring timelessness, animated characters, achieving narrative unity, and engaging the customers through simplicity effectively communicates its message and hooks viewers.
7. Slack
What Makes It Stand Out: The Slack explainer video is an excellent and effective promotional explainer video that resonates with target customers and employees.
The explainer video created effectively tells a story, showcasing the transition from a hectic, email-filled workday to a simpler, more enjoyable, and productive one with Slack.
The animation videos on Slack helped increase business sales and brand engagement.
8. Quickbooks Online + Etsy
What Makes It Stand Out: The Quickbooks explainer video for ETSY users is a standout example of targeted marketing.
It successfully communicates the convenience of Quickbooks as a supplemental software for managing ETSY businesses, using clear and understandable explanations, visual consistency, and efficient messaging.
This 2D explainer video effectively convinces its clients of the value of Quickbooks in just one minute, making it a highly effective marketing strategy for its target demographic.
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9. Dropbox
What Makes It Stand Out: The Dropbox 2D explainer video excels in its problem-solution narrative, effective use of visual metaphor, and relatable character story.
In less than three minutes, it clearly demonstrated the features of their services. The animated explainer is a cost-effective solution for marketing and brand recognition.
10. Animals
What Makes It Stand Out: The “Animals” 2D explainer video represents an intriguing fusion of advertising and explainer video styles, straddling their boundaries.
The animated explainer video explains its subject matter in a light and easily digestible manner, making it easy to understand. It is clever to use animal characters instead of humans in a funny video.
Animals have universal appeal, making the explainer video more relatable and keeping the viewers engaged. By featuring animals, the product explainer video taps into the natural entertainment value of animal behavior.
When To Use 2D Explainer Videos
2D animated explainer videos are ideal for simplifying concepts, products, or services and communicating them visually, engagingly, and easily understood [2].
They work well for educational purposes, product demonstrations, marketing campaigns, and internal communications.
2D explainer videos are particularly effective when you want to capture and retain the viewer’s attention, convey a message succinctly, and create a memorable brand image.
Their versatility allows them to be used across many platforms, from websites and social media to presentations and training materials.
In essence, 2D explainer videos are a powerful tool for simplifying, informing, and engaging your target audience.
“An exceptional explainer video isn’t just a one-time asset—it’s the foundation of a broader strategy. By aligning the narrative with your brand’s goals, we ensure the content can be repurposed across multiple channels, amplifying its reach and ROI. This is how we help our clients maximize the value of every production.” — Evan Pirone, CoFounder and Creative Director, Vidico
Why Marketers Prefer 2D Explainer Videos
Efficiency
Marketers choose 2D explainers over live action videos for their cost-effectiveness and production speed. Unlike live-action production, animation doesn’t require location scouting, actors, or film crews. This makes 2D animation a cost-effective solution for businesses with budget constraints while still delivering professional results.
Flexibility
2D animated explainers excel at simplifying complex concepts through easy-to-understand visuals. Technical processes, abstract services, or complicated product descriptions can be translated into clear visual metaphors that resonate with viewers. This flexibility makes them valuable for communicating intricate ideas to broad audiences.
Engaging Storytelling
The visual storytelling power of 2D explainers ensures that your message isn’t just understood—it’s remembered. By combining visually appealing animation, narrative, and motion graphics, these videos capture and maintain viewer attention while building brand recall. This engagement translates to better message retention and ultimately drives more conversions.
Why Work With Vidico
Expertise in 2D Animated Explainer Videos
Our team brings extensive experience in creating high-quality, engaging explainer videos that simplify complex ideas while maintaining professional standards. Our expertise in visual design helps transform complicated concepts into clear, visually appealing animations that resonate with your target audience.
Global Presence
With teams in Melbourne, Sydney, and beyond, we serve clients worldwide. Our international reach means we can create explainer videos with voice-overs in multiple languages, ensuring your message connects with global audiences while maintaining consistent quality.
Client-Centric Approach
Your satisfaction is our priority. We collaborate closely with you throughout the process to ensure the final product exceeds your expectations. We understand that you’re busy running your business, so we make the video creation process smooth and straightforward.
View Vidico’s case studies and see how we’ve helped brands like TikTok and Airtable scale their content.
Cutting-Edge Technology
We use industry-leading software including Adobe AfterEffects and Illustrator to create stunning 2D animated explainers and motion graphics. Our commitment to technical excellence ensures your explainer video features the highest quality animation and visual effects.
Collaborative Team
Our dedicated team brings collective creativity and expertise to every project. From scriptwriting to final delivery, our collaborative approach ensures your explainer video benefits from multiple creative perspectives while maintaining a consistent vision.
Proven Results
Our portfolio showcases successful projects across various industries. We have a proven track record of delivering impactful animated explainers that engage audiences and drive measurable results for our clients’ marketing efforts.
Transparent Process
We maintain open communication throughout production, keeping you informed and involved at every stage. From concept to completion, you’ll have a clear understanding of timelines, progress, and deliverables.
Tips and Tricks When Crafting an Explainer Video Project
- Keep your explainer video short and to the point. A concise video of 60 to 90 seconds can maintain viewer engagement. Also, a short video is more remarkable than a longer one.
- Incorporate branding elements, such as logos and color schemes, to reinforce brand identity throughout the short video.
- Use high-quality visuals and animations to create a polished, professional-looking, and great explainer video.
- Test your explainer video with a focus group or target audience to gather feedback and make necessary revisions before finalizing.
FAQs
What are the benefits of 2D explainer video?
2D explainer videos offer key benefits, including simplifying complex ideas, enhancing engagement, and conveying information concisely and visually appealingly.
2D explainer videos improve audience understanding, drive message retention, and are versatile for various social media platforms [3], making them assertive communication, marketing, and education tools.
Getting a professional animated explainer video company can be a cost-effective solution for your marketing goals. Use our VidiFit Quiz any time and get transparent pricing in 90 seconds.
What does it cost to make a 2D explainer video?
The cost of a 2D explainer video can vary widely, typically ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
Factors influencing the cost include explainer video length, complexity, quality, motion graphics, animation of characters, animation explainer video style, scriptwriting, voice-over, and revisions.
Use our VidiFit Quiz for free! It is a convenient and efficient way to get an accurate cost assessment based on your unique project requirements.
How long does it take to make a 2D explainer video?
Typically, a 1-2 minute explainer video may take 4-8 weeks to create, from concept to final delivery, depending on the length and type of animation you choose.
Complex or longer explainer videos may require more time. In contrast, short videos can be produced for a short time, depending on the details, animation type, and complexity of the product or business.
The time it takes to create the best explainer video examples depends on various factors, including explainer video length, complexity, revisions, and production resources.
What is the typical process for creating a 2D explainer video?
Creating a 2D explainer video involves multiple stages, including crafting compelling visuals that effectively communicate the message to the audience. The production process includes concept development, scriptwriting, storyboarding, animation, voiceover recording, and editing.
When making a good explainer video, each plays a crucial role in bringing the story to life, from brainstorming ideas to refining transitions and adding final touches like sound effects, upbeat music, or gentle music.
Collaboration and communication between the client and the production team are essential to ensure the animation or live-action video meets expectations and engages viewers effectively.
What should I look for when choosing a company to create a 2D explainer video?
Consider several factors when selecting a company to create a 2D explainer video. Look for a strong portfolio showcasing expertise in animation and visual storytelling. Positive reviews and testimonials from past clients are also important indicators of a company’s reliability.
Additionally, prioritize clear communication throughout the production process to ensure that the final product meets expectations and aligns with the client’s goals.
Do I need to provide a voiceover script, or can the production company handle it?
Some production companies offer voiceover scriptwriting services as part of their package, while others may require the client to provide a script. It’s essential to clarify this with the production company beforehand and discuss any preferences or requirements for the voiceover.
In Conclusion
2D explainer videos are a versatile and impactful tool for simplifying complex concepts, engaging audiences, and conveying information effectively.
The best explainer video examples discussed showcase how these explainer videos can excel in diverse industries and creative approaches, making them valuable assets for marketing, education, and communication needs.
Their ability to distill compelling storytelling, captivating visuals, interactive elements, and concise narratives makes them stand out in digital content creation [4]
Ready to bring your vision to life with a visually captivating 2D explainer video? Book a free strategy session and get expert creative direction for your launch.
References:
- https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/08/12/2497652/0/en/Video-Production-Company-Vidico-Launch-Rebrand-To-Offer-Their-Customers-Clarity-Precision-And-An-Even-Higher-Level-Of-Communication.html
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/jiawertz/2022/10/30/how-to-increase-engagement-through-video-marketing/
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/social-media
- https://www.semrush.com/blog/digital-content-creation/
