8 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating an Explainer Video: Dos and Don’ts in 2025

Explainer videos have become essential for brands, SaaS products, and startups looking to simplify their messaging and engage modern audiences. In 2025, video content continues to dominate digital communication, with explainer videos leading the charge for clarity, engagement, and conversions. However, creating an effective explainer video isn’t just about animations and background music—it’s about strategy, storytelling, and avoiding critical missteps.

In this guide, we highlight 8 crucial Explainer Video Mistakes to Avoid, covering the Dos and Don’ts of Explainer Videos so you can create content that converts. Whether you’re a marketing pro or a first-time video creator, this blog will walk you through common errors, provide insights on Explainer Video Best Practices, and help you deliver high-quality, results-driven content.

1. Mistake: Ignoring the Target Audience

Biggest Explainer Video Fails often start with a fundamental misunderstanding of the audience. If you don’t know who you’re speaking to, how can you expect your video to resonate?

❌ Don’t:

• Create generic messages that appeal to everyone.
• Use industry jargon your audience won’t understand.

✅ Do:

• Define your audience clearly (age, pain points, goals).
• Customize the message tone (professional, playful, informative).

Knowing your audience helps with message clarity and ensures your video delivers value from the first second.

2. Mistake: Making the Video Too Long

In 2025, attention spans are shorter than ever. One of the most Common Explainer Video Errors is overloading the video with too much information.

❌ Don’t:

• Exceed 90 seconds unless absolutely necessary.
• Include every feature of your product or service.

✅ Do:

• Keep it concise: aim for 60–90 seconds.
• Focus on one core message or pain point.

Tips for High-Quality Explainer Videos always stress the importance of brevity. Long videos often lead to high bounce rates and lower engagement.

3. Mistake: Weak or Confusing Script

Even the best visuals can’t save a poorly written script. The script is the backbone of your explainer video.

❌ Don’t:

• Ramble, use vague wording, or forget a clear CTA (Call-to-Action).
• Write without structure.

✅ Do:

• Follow a proven structure: problem → solution → benefits → CTA.
• Use clear, conversational language.

The number one rule in How to Make a Perfect Explainer Video is to nail the script before touching any animation.

4. Mistake: Prioritizing Style Over Substance

It’s easy to get caught up in beautiful animations and trendy motion graphics. However, aesthetic appeal should never override clarity and messaging.

❌ Don’t:

• Use excessive animation that distracts from the story.
• Add visuals that don’t align with your brand or script.

✅ Do:

• Ensure every visual supports your narrative.
• Choose animation styles that reflect your brand tone.

Avoid These Explainer Video Mistakes by keeping your viewer’s understanding as your top priority.

5. Mistake: Forgetting the Call to Action (CTA)

Many explainer videos engage the viewer but don’t tell them what to do next. This is one of the most overlooked Explainer Video Mistakes to Avoid.

❌ Don’t:

• End your video with a generic “Thanks for watching.”
• Assume your viewer knows the next step.

✅ Do:

• End with a strong, specific CTA: “Sign up today,” “Download the app,” or “Book a demo.”
• Visually emphasize the CTA with animation or on-screen text.

CTAs turn passive viewers into active leads—don’t miss the opportunity to convert.

6. Mistake: Poor Sound Quality and Voiceover

Sound matters. Your voiceover should be professional and match the mood and pace of your visuals.

❌ Don’t:

• Use robotic or low-quality audio.
• Skip background music or overload the video with sound effects.

✅ Do:

• Invest in a professional voiceover artist or use realistic AI voice tools.
• Select music that complements the tone without overpowering the message.

Dos and Don’ts of Explainer Videos always include perfecting audio, which is often the difference between amateur and pro-level production.

7. Mistake: Using Generic or Low-Quality Visuals

Stock animations and generic templates can cheapen your brand’s image. While templates are helpful, customization is key to standing out.

❌ Don’t:

• Reuse animations that don’t fit your narrative.
• Choose colors or fonts that clash with your branding.

✅ Do:

• Use custom visuals or animated elements that reflect your product.
• Maintain brand consistency in style, color palette, and logo placement.

Tips for High-Quality Explainer Videos emphasize the need for original, on-brand visual storytelling.

8. Mistake: Not Optimizing for Platform and Mobile Viewing

In 2025, most users consume content on mobile. Failing to optimize for different platforms and screen sizes is one of the Common Explainer Video Errors that impacts engagement.

❌ Don’t:

• Assume a one-size-fits-all format.
• Use small text that’s unreadable on mobile.

✅ Do:

• Design responsive videos in multiple aspect ratios (16:9, 9:16, 1:1).
• Include captions and subtitles for silent autoplay.

Think beyond YouTube—explainer videos live on websites, Instagram Reels, LinkedIn, TikTok, and landing pages.

Bonus: The Right Lengths for Different Platforms in 2025

Here’s a quick guide for platform-based video optimization:

Platform	Ideal Video Length	Format
YouTube	60–90 seconds	Landscape
Instagram Reels	15–30 seconds	Portrait
LinkedIn	45–75 seconds	Square
TikTok	15–60 seconds	Portrait
Landing Pages	30–60 seconds	Landscape

Adapt your video layout and messaging to the medium for best results.

Explainer Video Best Practices for Success

To tie it all together, here’s a checklist of Explainer Video Best Practices for 2025:

✅ Define a clear message before scripting

✅ Prioritize brevity and clarity

✅ Use professional voiceover and music

✅ Align visuals with the brand

✅ Add a strong CTA at the end

✅ Optimize for mobile and social platforms

✅ A/B test different versions

✅ Track analytics and iterate

Follow this, and you’ll avoid the Biggest Explainer Video Fails and produce compelling, engaging content.

Real-World Examples of Explainer Video Success (and Failure)

✅ Success: Headspace

Headspace uses soft animations and calm voiceovers to explain mindfulness in just 60 seconds. Their videos are engaging, brand-aligned, and result in massive user downloads.

❌ Fail: A Crypto Startup (Name Omitted)

A well-funded blockchain project released a 3-minute explainer filled with jargon, complex visuals, and no CTA. The result? Low engagement and poor conversion.

✅ Success: Grammarly

Grammarly’s short, humorous explainers highlight a problem (awkward writing), present the solution, and demonstrate the app—all within 60 seconds.

These examples highlight what happens when you follow or ignore How to Make a Perfect Explainer Video principles.

Conclusion:

Make Smarter Explainer Videos in 2025

Explainer videos can be powerful sales and marketing tools—when done right. But when common mistakes creep in, they lose their power and confuse or disengage viewers.

By learning these 8 Explainer Video Mistakes to Avoid, you’re already ahead of the curve. Stick to the Dos and Don’ts of Explainer Videos, apply modern trends, and keep your audience at the center of every decision.

Remember, success lies in simplicity, clarity, and a compelling story told well. Whether you’re creating one in-house or outsourcing, make sure every second counts.

Ready to create your next high-converting explainer video? Start with strategy, avoid the pitfalls, and let your message shine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What Should Be Included in an Explainer Video?

An effective explainer video should include the following key elements:

1. Clear Objective: Define the purpose of the video whether to educate, promote, or inform.
2. Compelling Script: Write a concise script that communicates the main message clearly and engagingly.
3. Strong Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing introduction to captivate viewers within the first few seconds.
4. Visual Elements: Utilize relevant graphics, animations, and visuals that support the narrative and enhance understanding.
5. Call to Action (CTA): Include a clear and persuasive CTA that directs viewers on what to do next (e.g., visit a website, sign up, or make a purchase).
6. Branding: Incorporate consistent branding elements, such as logos, colors, and fonts, to ensure brand recognition.
7. Duration: Keep the video short and engaging typically between 60 to 90 seconds to maintain viewer interest.

What is an Explainer Video Strategy?

An explainer video strategy involves a planned approach to create and utilize explainer videos effectively. Key components include:

1. Target Audience: Identify the specific audience you want to reach and tailor the content to their needs and preferences.
2. Message Clarity: Clearly articulate the message or value proposition you want to convey.
3. Distribution Channels: Determine where the video will be shared on social media, websites, email campaigns, etc. to maximize reach and impact.
4. Measurement and Evaluation: Set metrics for success (e.g., views, engagement, conversion rates) and assess the video’s performance to refine future strategies.
5. Integration: Ensure that the explainer video aligns with other marketing efforts and overall business objectives.

How Do You Script an Explainer Video?

Scripting an explainer video involves several steps:

1. Define the Core Message: Determine the main idea or message you want to communicate.
2. Outline the Structure: Create a simple structure, including the introduction, main points, and conclusion.
3. Write Conversationally: Use a friendly, conversational tone to make the script relatable and engaging.
4. Keep it Concise: Aim for brevity; typically, 150-160 words equate to about one minute of video. Eliminate unnecessary jargon and focus on clarity.
5. Include Visual Cues: Indicate where visuals or graphics will be used to support the script.
6. Revise and Edit: Review the script for flow, clarity, and engagement, making revisions as needed.

Are Explainer Videos Still Effective?

Yes, explainer videos remain highly effective for several reasons:

1. Enhanced Engagement: Videos capture attention better than text alone, leading to higher engagement rates.
2. Increased Retention: Viewers are more likely to remember information presented in video format compared to written content.
3. Versatility: Explainer videos can be used across various platforms and for multiple purposes, such as product launches, onboarding, and marketing campaigns.
4. Improved Conversion Rates: Businesses often see increased conversion rates when incorporating explainer videos, as they simplify complex information and encourage action.
5. SEO Benefits: Videos can improve SEO rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find your brand online.

What Types of Explainer Videos Are There?

There are several types of explainer videos, each serving different purposes:

1. Animated Explainer Videos: These use animation techniques to convey complex concepts in a visually engaging way. They’re great for storytelling and branding.
2. Live-Action Explainer Videos: These feature real people and settings, making them ideal for personalizing a brand and connecting with the audience on a human level.
3. Whiteboard Animation: This style features illustrations drawn on a whiteboard, often in real-time, to create a unique and engaging visual experience.
4. Screencast Videos: These capture screen recordings to demonstrate software or web applications, making them effective for tutorials and product demonstrations.
5. Kinetic Typography: This style uses animated text to emphasize key messages, combining visuals with engaging typography.