Explainer Videos for SaaS vs. On-Premise Software: Tailoring Your Approach

What Are Software Explainer Videos?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly refresh our understanding of what software explainer videos mean. These are short, engaging videos that explain the benefits, features, and usage of a software product. They can vary in length, from 30-second explainer videos that give a quick overview to 90-second explainer videos that dive deeper into the details. Whether you’re using 2D animated explainer videos, 3D animated explainer videos, or even motion graphics explainer videos, these videos serve the same purpose: to make complex concepts easy to understand.

SaaS vs. On-Premise Software: What’s the Difference?

Alright, so let’s start with a bit of a rundown of SaaS and on-premise software for those who might be unfamiliar with the terms.

• SaaS (Software-as-a-Service): This is software that you access online, typically on a subscription basis. It’s hosted in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere, which is a significant perk for businesses with remote teams or those on the go. Think of popular examples like Slack, Google Workspace, or Dropbox. It’s flexible, scalable, and, well, you don’t need to worry about much—your provider does all the heavy lifting.
• On-Premise Software: This is the opposite of SaaS. You install the software directly onto your computers or servers, and you manage it yourself. This often appeals to businesses that require more control over their systems or need the software to work offline. Examples of on-premise software include older versions of Microsoft Office or accounting software that you install locally.

Tailoring Software Explainer Videos for SaaS

When you’re creating software explainer videos for SaaS products, you need to think about what makes SaaS unique. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Highlight the Cloud Accessibility

SaaS’s most significant selling point is accessibility. Your potential customers are going to be keen on the fact that they can access their software from anywhere, at any time. So, in your explainer video, you want to emphasize this cloud-based convenience. Show how easy it is to log in from a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone, wherever they are.

A compelling software explainer video for SaaS might show a user logging into their account on the beach in Bali or working remotely from a café in Melbourne. The key is to illustrate flexibility and the ability to get work done on the go. Motion graphics explainer videos or 2D animated explainer videos are fantastic for this, as you can visually represent various devices and locations, keeping things dynamic and engaging.

2. Focus on Collaboration and Integration

Many SaaS products are all about collaboration and integration with other tools. Think about software like project management platforms (Asana, Trello) or communication tools (Slack). These tools often integrate with other apps, making workflows smoother.

In your explainer video, you could show how your SaaS product integrates with popular tools like Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, or even your customer relationship management (CRM) system. This will help potential users understand how it fits into their existing setup and why they should make the switch to SaaS.

3. Keep It Short and Sweet

SaaS explainer videos generally don’t need to be too long. Your audience is likely to be busy professionals who want the key details—show them how your software works in the quickest and most engaging way possible. 30-second explainer videos are perfect for this, giving just a quick overview of the product’s key benefits.

Tailoring Software Explainer Videos for On-Premise Software

On the other hand, on-premise software requires a different approach. Since users need to install the software and manage it themselves, your explainer video needs to address a slightly different set of pain points and concerns.

1. Emphasize Control and Security

One of the biggest reasons businesses choose on-premise software is the control it gives them. With on-premise software, companies can manage their data, servers, and software upgrades in-house. Security is also a considerable factor—some businesses feel more secure storing sensitive information on their own servers rather than in the cloud.

In your explainer video, make sure to highlight these benefits. Show how easy it is to install and set up the software on your servers, and explain how it gives you complete control over your IT infrastructure. It might also be helpful to include a segment on the robust security features that come with the software, especially for industries like finance or healthcare, where data protection is paramount.

2. Highlight Offline Capabilities

Unlike SaaS, on-premise software often works offline, which can be a huge selling point for certain businesses. If your software operates without the need for an internet connection, that’s a feature you’ll want to accentuate in your explainer video. You might want to show a team working on a project in an office without relying on internet connectivity, which can resonate with industries or regions where reliable internet is not always guaranteed.

3. Longer Explainer Videos May Be Necessary

Since on-premise software often involves more complex installations and configurations, your explainer videos might need to be a bit longer. 60-second explainer videos could work well for these, giving you more time to explain installation procedures, hardware requirements, and support options. You could also break the video into multiple parts—an overview video and additional support videos for more specific tasks.

The Importance of Animation Styles: 2D, 3D, or Motion Graphics?

Choosing the right animation style is crucial to the success of your software explainer video. The animation style should complement the tone and complexity of your software, as well as resonate with your target audience.

• 2D Animated Explainer Videos: These are simple and cost-effective. They’re great for SaaS companies that want to explain their product in a fun and engaging way without getting too complicated. Plus, 2D animation can easily show multiple devices and locations, perfect for illustrating the flexibility of SaaS.
• 3D Animated Explainer Videos: If your on-premise software is complex or requires a more technical approach, 3D animated explainer videos can give you the depth and clarity you need. They’re great for showcasing intricate workflows or complex systems and can add a touch of sophistication to your video.
• Motion Graphics Explainer Videos: For a more dynamic and energetic feel, motion graphics explainer videos are an excellent choice. These videos can incorporate text, icons, and graphics to convey key information quickly. They’re perfect for highlighting the features of SaaS software or displaying stats, customer testimonials, and benefits.

Key Takeaways

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to tailor your software explainer videos to your specific product and audience. Whether you’re showcasing SaaS or on-premise software, you need to think about the key benefits that will resonate most with your viewers. SaaS explainer videos should focus on accessibility, flexibility, and integration, while on-premise software explainer videos should focus on control, security, and offline capabilities.

And remember, no matter which type of software you’re marketing, you can’t go wrong with a well-crafted explainer video. With the right approach, these videos can help clarify complex concepts, engage potential customers, and ultimately drive conversions.

Ready to take your software explainer videos to the next level? Check out Cloud Animations for high-quality, engaging explainer videos tailored to your SaaS or on-premise software needs. Whether you’re looking for 2D animated explainer videos, 3D animated explainer videos, or motion graphics explainer videos, Cloud Animations has you covered.

Collaborate with Cloud Animation

Learn why creative explainer videos can revolutionize your internal business training and communication strategies.

Want to upgrade your team’s learning? Contact us today!