Behind the Scenes: How Explainer Videos Are Made from Script to Screen

In the fast-paced digital world of 2025, businesses are turning to explainer videos to connect with customers, educate audiences, and boost conversions. Whether you’re a startup introducing a new product or a brand simplifying a complex service, explainer videos are one of the most effective tools in your marketing arsenal. But have you ever wondered how explainer videos are made?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the production process, break down the explainer video production cost, introduce you to the role of animation storytelling experts, and share some fun facts about animation that might surprise you. Plus, we’ll explain how choosing the right video animation company makes all the difference.

Why Explainer Videos Are So Effective

Before we go behind the scenes, let’s quickly understand the “why.” Explainer videos combine visuals, narration, and motion to explain concepts in an engaging and memorable way. They typically run between 60–90 seconds and are used across websites, social media, email campaigns, and presentations.

According to recent studies, businesses that use explainer videos see a 20% increase in conversion rates on average. Why? Because these videos simplify, visualize, and humanize even the most technical subjects, making them accessible to everyone.

Step-by-Step: How Explainer Videos Are Made

1. Discovery & Strategy

It all begins with a clear understanding of the brand, audience, and goals. A professional video animation company starts the process by gathering information through questionnaires or discovery calls.

At this stage, animation storytelling experts step in to:

• Define the core message

• Identify tone and style (casual, corporate, playful, etc.)

• Decide on the type of animation (2D, whiteboard, motion graphics, etc.)

2. Scriptwriting

The script is the foundation of any great explainer video. It’s not just about writing words—it’s about telling a story that resonates.

A good script:

• Starts with a problem

• Introduces a solution (your product/service)

• Ends with a clear call-to-action

This is where animation storytelling experts shine. They take complex ideas and translate them into concise, engaging narratives.

3. Storyboard Creation

A storyboard is like a comic strip for your video. It’s a scene-by-scene visual guide that shows what the animation will look like. This step ensures everyone is on the same page before production begins.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Walt Disney popularized the storyboard process in the 1930s? That’s one of many fun facts about animation that highlight how traditional techniques still influence modern explainer video production today.

4. Voiceover Recording

Next comes the voice. Brands choose voiceover artists based on gender, accent, tone, and language preferences. The voiceover sets the emotional tone and supports the story structure.

High-quality voiceovers are recorded in professional studios or sourced through vetted talent platforms.

5. Design & Illustration

Now the visual elements come to life. Designers create custom illustrations based on your brand guidelines and storyboard. These include characters, icons, backgrounds, and UI elements.

Working with a reputable video animation company ensures that your visuals are polished, on-brand, and professionally tailored to your audience.

6. Animation

Here’s where the magic happens. Animators use industry-standard software like After Effects or Toon Boom to bring the static visuals to life. They apply animation principles such as timing, spacing, and animation storytelling techniques to deliver a smooth and engaging flow.

Advanced techniques like animation tweening are used to create fluid transitions between frames, making the final video look seamless and professional.

7. Sound Design & Music

The final touch includes adding background music, sound effects, and syncing them with the animation and voiceover. This enhances the emotional impact and overall professionalism of the video.

Explainer Video Production Cost: What to Expect in 2025

One of the most common questions businesses ask is, “What’s the explainer video production cost?”

Here’s a general breakdown of pricing in 2025:

Keep in mind, pricing varies depending on:

• Video length

• Animation complexity

• Number of revisions

• Voiceover languages

Hiring a reputable video animation company ensures you’re investing in quality, which leads to better engagement and ROI.

Why Animation Storytelling Experts Matter

The script might be short, but telling a story in under 90 seconds is an art. Animation storytelling experts play a crucial role in:

• Structuring a compelling narrative arc

• Aligning visuals with emotional beats

• Delivering a clear, impactful message

Without expert storytelling, even the most beautiful animation can fall flat. That’s why top animation studios always involve storytelling professionals from day one.

Fun Facts About Animation That Make Explainers Even Cooler

To wrap things up, here are some fun facts about animation that’ll make you appreciate explainer videos even more:

1. The term “animation” comes from the Latin “animare,” meaning “to give life.”
   That’s exactly what explainer videos do—they bring ideas to life!

2. Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’ was the first fully 3D animated film.
   It set the standard for storytelling in animation and influenced everything from films to branded explainer videos.

3. A single minute of animation can take hours—or even days—to create.
   That’s why professional studios use efficient workflows and expert teams.

4. Explainer videos have been shown to increase website dwell time by up to 88%.
   Audiences are more likely to stay engaged when animation is involved.

Conclusion: The Power of Process and Storytelling

Knowing how explainer videos are made reveals just how much creativity, strategy, and collaboration go into those short, powerful clips we often take for granted. From expert scriptwriting and custom design to professional animation and sound, each phase is designed to educate, engage, and convert.

Whether you’re a tech company launching a new product, a nonprofit educating the public, or a startup building brand awareness, partnering with a trusted video animation company is the key to making your message unforgettable.

So the next time you watch a 90-second explainer video, remember—there’s a whole world of storytelling, design, and fun facts about animation working behind the scenes to bring it to life.