The Power of 2D Animated Videos.
How To Get Explosive Success with Informative YouTube Channels?
Lights, animation, action! If you’ve ever felt like your YouTube channel is just treading water in an ocean of content, you’re not alone.
With over 500 hours of video uploaded every minute on YouTube, standing out feels like finding a needle in a haystack, but what if that needle were animated? Animation greatly supports YouTube videos’ explosive success. 2D explainer videos have become the ultimate infotainment tool designed to engage, educate, and enable viewers to watch ramen cooking videos at 3 AM!
The Digital Battleground
YouTube has become a digital battleground. Creators are clawing for eyeballs with everything from clickbait thumbnails to staged “spontaneous” reactions. Yet, most fail to realize that the real MVP in this game isn’t just fancy editing or shouty intros; it’s explainer videos. These slick, animated masterpieces are turning small-time creators into infotainment powerhouses.
Why Your Channel Needs Explainer Videos Yesterday
You’re probably wondering, “Why should I bother with explainer videos? I can just vlog my way to the top, right?” Wrong. Unless you’re MrBeast or someone who can pull off funding a moon trip for views, explainer videos are your best shot at climbing the algorithmic ladder.
More Views, More Retention, More Everything!
Here’s a stat to make you sit up: videos increase information retention by 95% compared to text, according to Forbes. That’s not just “better”—that’s a game-changer. Explainer videos don’t just grab attention; they hold onto it like a toddler clutching their favourite toy.
Need proof? Channels like Kurzgesagt rack up millions of views per video by breaking down dense topics like quantum mechanics or vaccine efficacy—using nothing more than flashy animations and buttery narration.
How Explainer Videos Can Take Your YouTube Channel to the Big Leagues?
Lights, animation, action! If you’ve ever felt like your YouTube channel is just treading water in an ocean of content, you’re not alone. With over 500 hours of video uploaded every minute on YouTube, standing out feels like finding a needle in a haystack—but what if that needle were animated? Welcome to the world of explainer videos, the ultimate infotainment tool designed to engage, educate, and skyrocket your reach.
The Creator Section
Explainer videos aren’t just visually appealing; they’re strategic content banks. Here’s why:
Viewer Retention at Its Best:
Did you know that viewers retain 95% of a message delivered through video, compared to just 10% when reading text? (Source: Forbes) Explainer videos’ engaging visuals, simplified messaging, and dynamic storytelling keep audiences hooked and returning for more.
Algorithm-Friendly Content:
YouTube’s algorithm loves high viewer retention and engagement. Explainer videos are shorter, snappier, and more impactful, giving your channel the algorithmic boost it craves.
Infotainment That Converts:
Brands using video marketing grow revenue 49% faster than those without (Source: Wyzowl). Whether you’re monetizing through ads, affiliate marketing, or product sales, explainer videos work wonders for audience trust and conversions.
How Top Creators Are Leveraging Explainer Videos?
Take inspiration from these channels that mastered the art of infotainment:
- Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell: Combining sleek animation with science-backed storytelling, this channel boasts over 20 million subscribers by explaining complex topics like space travel and climate change in visually digestible chunks.
- The Infographic Show: Known for its rapid-fire visual style and concise explanations, this channel pulls in millions of views per video and covers everything from history to hypothetical scenarios.
- CrashCourse: With over 14 million subscribers, this channel uses quirky 2D animations to make learning across subjects like history, biology, and economics fun.
- TED-Ed: This channel brings educational topics to life by combining expert narration with beautifully crafted animations. With videos often topping 5 million views, TED-Ed proves audiences crave knowledge delivered creatively.
ASAP Science: Explaining the mysteries of the universe using hand-drawn animation and a lighthearted tone, they’ve amassed over 10 million subscribers. Their secret? Making science both accessible and entertaining.
Mark Wilson
Mark is a Senior Content Marketer with 7+ years of experience in growing B2B, B2C, e-commerce, SaaS, & Digital Design Brands. He’s a polished writer, SEO geek, optimist at heart & good at playing table tennis.
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Stat Attack!
First, did you know that 85% of consumers are more likely to whip out their wallets after watching a video about a product? That’s right, a nicely done 2d animated video could be the very thing that turns “meh” into a “must-have.” You’re not just selling a product; you’re selling an experience, a vibe, a lifestyle. And animated videos? Well, the golden play button is guaranteed if done right!
Now, let’s talk conversion rates. Toss a video onto your landing page, and you’re looking at an 80% conversion boost. That’s like adding rocket fuel to your marketing strategy. Who doesn’t want to see those numbers soar?
And get this: animated videos are shared a whopping 1200% more than text and image content combined. Yep, you read that right. They’re like the popular kids of the internet, spreading joy (and your brand message) far and wide. People love sharing content that’s fun, engaging, and visually delightful. Cue animated videos strutting in, sunglasses on, ready to steal the show.
Fun Fact Break!
Did you know that animated explainer videos are more effective than live-action videos? Why? Because they plunge straight into the psychology of storytelling. You’re not limited by reality; if you want talking cats selling coffee or a spaceship explaining cloud storage, animation makes it happen. Plus, there’s something universally appealing about watching colorful characters, and dynamic visuals weave a tale. It’s like being a kid again, except now the cartoons sell you stuff. Genius, right?
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What Makes Explainer Videos So Freakin’ Effective?
They Make Big Ideas Small
Have you ever tried explaining cryptocurrency to someone who still writes checks? Yeah, good luck. Animated explainer videos are pros at condensing complex topics into digestible, bite-sized nuggets. Think of them as the TL;DR of the video world.
According to HubSpot, 68% of consumers prefer to learn about products or services through short videos. So whether you’re demystifying machine learning or teaching the art of making sourdough bread, animation hits the sweet spot.
Universal Appeal, Minimal Effort
Language barriers? Forget about them. With a mix of visuals, text overlays, and easy-to-dub voiceovers, animated videos work their magic globally. More than 60% of YouTube’s audience comes from non-English speaking countries (Statista, 2023), and animation ensures that your content resonates across borders.
Affordable, Scalable, and Evergreen
Here’s where the rubber meets the road: animated videos don’t just save on production costs; they’re evergreen. Unlike live-action content that ages like milk, animated explainers stay fresh, scalable, and endlessly reusable.
Boosting Subscriber Rates
One of the biggest hurdles YouTubers face is transforming casual viewers into loyal subscribers. Explainer videos excel here, fostering a “click-and-stick” effect. According to Think With Google, 65% of YouTube users use the platform to solve problems or learn something new. Viewers are more likely to subscribe if your channel provides clear, animated explanations.
Example: Take the channel Practical Engineering, for instance. Their animated breakdowns of civil engineering topics like dam construction have helped them surpass 2.9 million subscribers. The secret? Simplicity wrapped in stunning visuals.
SEO Goldmine
Did you know that YouTube is the second-largest search engine globally? Optimizing animated explainer videos with keywords, catchy thumbnails, and detailed descriptions boosts discoverability.
Example: HubSpot reports that video content drives a 157% increase in organic traffic compared to text-based content alone. Explainer videos can capture your audience’s attention and the algorithm’s favour.
Statistically Speaking, Animation Wins!
Let’s hit you with some cold, hard facts:
- 94% of marketers say video increases understanding of their product or service (Wyzowl, 2023).
- YouTube boasts over 2.5 billion monthly users, making it the second most-visited site globally (Hootsuite, 2023).
- Animated explainers cost 30% less than live-action videos while being 80% more shareable (Renderforest, 2023).
Breaking Down Niches: Animation’s Versatility
Animated explainer videos aren’t just for science or education channels—they can elevate content across various niches:
- Gaming Channels: Animate gaming mechanics or tutorial walkthroughs. For example, Game Maker’s Toolkit uses animation to dissect video game design principles, engaging a niche audience of aspiring developers.
- Health & Fitness Channels: Animated infographics can clarify complex topics like nutrition science or workout techniques. For instance, What I’ve Learned gained traction by simplifying intermittent fasting and other health trends.
- DIY and How-To Channels: Show step-by-step processes visually, like DIY Perks, which uses animations to map out tech-building projects. Health and history buff channels are also super popular among viewers, and creators utilize 2d animated and explainer videos to streamline their content.
Did you know that YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes watch time and engagement? Animated explainers deliver on both counts, ensuring viewers stick around longer and interact more.
The Ultimate Guide to Animation Types for Businesses
Animation has graduated from Saturday morning cartoons to becoming the Swiss Army knife of communication in the digital age. Whether you’re a startup founder, a corporate trainer, or a content creator, animation is your ticket to engaging storytelling. Ready to explore this vibrant landscape? Let’s break it down into bite-sized categories and see how animation can revolutionize your strategy.
1. Explainer Animated Videos: The Simplification Superstars
Explainer videos are the go-to choice for distilling complex ideas into a digestible format. They transform jargon-heavy concepts into engaging visuals, making them ideal for tech startups, education, and investor pitches.
Why They Work:
- Conciseness: Explainers condense ideas into 90-second power plays, perfect for holding attention in today’s fast-scrolling world.
- Versatility: Whether it’s 2D infographics or a visually stunning 3D showcase, explainer videos adapt to your brand’s tone.
- Retention Boost: Studies show that viewers retain 95% of a message when delivered via video compared to just 10% through text.
2. Educational Animated Videos: The Classroom Reinvented
Remember that teacher who made history or science fun? Educational animated videos do that on steroids. They turn dry topics into immersive, interactive experiences, perfect for schools, e-learning platforms, or corporate training.
Applications That Click:
- E-Learning: Platforms like Khan Academy have leveraged animations to teach everything from algebra to astrophysics.
- Corporate Training: Imagine teaching cybersecurity protocols or DEI principles through vibrant storytelling instead of dull slides.
- Engagement Spike: Animation makes even the driest topics come alive, with learners spending 2.6 times longer on animated e-learning modules than on traditional formats.
3. Promotional Animated Videos: The Blockbuster Ads
Promotional videos are mini-movie trailers for your brand. They’re short, snappy, and loaded with charisma, designed to grab attention and build hype.
Why They Work:
- Emotion Overload: Promo videos tap into emotions, ensuring your message sticks.
- High Conversion Rates: 72% of consumers say they’d instead learn about a product through video, and animations make it unforgettable.
- Unmatched Creativity: From sleek motion graphics to lovable mascots, promos are where innovation takes center stage.
Success Stories:
- Dropbox’s First Explainer Video: This hand-drawn animation helped Dropbox grow from 0 to 100 million users in just five years.
- Slack’s “Work Happens” Video: A playful animation showcasing how their app transforms teamwork and has millions of views to back it up.
4. Healthcare Animated Videos: Compassion Meets Clarity
Healthcare topics can often feel intimidating or overly technical. Animated videos simplify these conversations, making medical jargon and procedures approachable to diverse audiences.
Key Benefits:
- Building Trust: Animations present healthcare solutions in an empathetic and accessible way.
- Educational Powerhouse: Perfect for patient education, staff training, or public health campaigns.
- Breaking Down Complexity: For example, animations explaining how a vaccine works have played a critical role in fostering understanding and reducing vaccine hesitancy.
Proven Impact: Brands like Mayo Clinic and WebMD use animated explainer videos to address medical queries with clarity and precision, reaching millions worldwide.
Actionable Steps for Incorporating Explainer Videos
- Define Your Purpose: Are you educating, entertaining, or inspiring? Decide this upfront to tailor your animation style.
- Invest in Quality: A good animation studio or tool is worth every penny. Platforms like Vyond, Renderforest, or custom studios like Cloud Animations (yes, shameless plug!) can help. Take help from leading brands nailing Explainer Videos left, right, and center like Cloud Animations!
- Engage Early: According to a Vidyard study, the first 10 seconds of a video determine whether viewers stay or leave. Start with a bold hook, a quirky question, or a surprising stat.
- Optimize for Mobile: Over 70% of YouTube watch time happens on mobile devices. Ensure your animated videos are mobile-friendly, with readable text and high-quality visuals.
Tips for Creating Affordable Yet Professional Animated Videos
Creating animated videos that dazzle doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Follow these quirky yet practical tips to get pro-level results without overspending!
- Think of your script as the backbone of your video. Every word should count—no fluff, just storytelling gold. Your message needs to be crisp, clear, and engaging. Bonus points if you sprinkle in some humor or surprises to keep viewers hooked!
- Less is more! The sweet spot for animated explainer videos is 60-90 seconds. You’re not producing a feature film; you’re telling a quick, impactful story. Think of it as an espresso shot for your audience’s attention span.
Even the most incredible visuals fall flat without great sound. Invest in a professional voiceover who can bring your story to life with charisma and clarity. Pair that with killer sound design or catchy music, and voilà, your animation goes from ‘average’ to ‘kickass.’ - There’s no shame in using tools like Canva, Powtoon, or Animaker to craft your animation at the start of your channel. These platforms are budget-friendly and offer features to create polished visuals that rival the pros.
- Eye-popping colors and relatable characters can make your video unforgettable. Think about your audience and design with their tastes in mind. Cute avatars? Check. Smooth animations? Double check.
Monetization and Beyond
Brand Collaborations
Explainer videos also open doors for sponsorships and collaborations. Brands love creators who can seamlessly integrate educational or promotional content into their videos. Channels like MinutePhysics have partnered with giants like Google and Audible, turning their animations into a dual revenue stream.
Diversify Revenue Streams
Beyond AdSense, creators can use animated videos to sell online courses, memberships, or merchandise. For example, Binging with Babish uses short animated clips to market branded cooking tools and tutorials.
The Animated Road Ahead
YouTube’s battlefield is fierce, but explainer videos give you the edge to fight smarter, not harder. Channels that adopt this strategy don’t just survive—they thrive, breaking into big leagues while staying true to their unique voice. It’s not about being louder than the competition; it’s about being more precise, engaging, and infinitely shareable.
What’s Your Flavor?
Explainer, educational, promotional, and healthcare; animation serves every business purpose with style. So, what’s it going to be?
Ready to see your channel grow? It’s time to animate your journey. Lights, camera & action!
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