I know you’re thinking of creating a beautiful 30-second explainer video for your business, but before you do, let’s talk about 30-second explainer videos, I don’t want you rushing off to make one if you’re not yet armed with the knowledge of these insanely short video types.

First, let me say this…

If your only reason for making a 30-second explainer video for your business is to meet up with human attention span. DON’T!

The truth is human attention span topic is over complicated, and simplifying the situation is nuts.

Shorter videos are not always the best.

Sometimes, you need a longer video to pull off the magic you’re making.

So before you create those 30-second explainer videos in your mind, let’s discuss the strengths and weaknesses.

And we’ll do that in a minute but first…

Is 30 Second Explainer Video any good?

Absolutely, I think they’re incredible and create the most ‘loud impact’ for brands when used right. (KEYWORD: used right).

And later in this post, I will share a few iconic 30-second explainer videos I know you’ll love.

When to Use 30 Second Explainer Videos (The Strength)

When creating a powerful video, draw the audience’s attention and get them to click, request a quote, or sign up for further information.

The action you want to take doesn’t directly make them pull out their credit card and part with their money, but it will be a frontline action that will now take them to a place or process where they’ll now spend money.

Example:

1. A video ad for local business on social media requesting a call to the business 
   
   
2. A video ad of XXX product with the link going to the product page on the eCommerce store
   
   
3. A video ad of software/app that, on click redirect to the product’s sales page, landing page, or website
   
   
4. A video on a landing page asking you to subscribe for more information
   
   
5. A business video on a corporate website asking you to fill out a form and get a free quote
   
   
6. Sneak preview video of new product launch
   
   
7. Customer testimonials
   
   

There are so many scenarios, but these will clearly depict when a 30 second explainer video is excellent for use.

 

When to avoid 30 Second Explainer Videos like the plague (The Weakness)

People have attention spans less than those of goldfish doesn’t mean that a 30-second video will solve all your problems. Human attention span is a complex, heavily nuanced topic we’ve discussed before.

Most of our product sales videos have sat at around 3 – 8 minutes and have generated multiple millions with them, and I believe these long videos work so well.

We have a theory, once you can prove to your audience in 30 seconds that you’re precious, a rare commodity, and worth listening to, they will stick around for even 1 hour and reschedule their doctor appointments for you (this is why webinar work so well).

It’s impossible to get into much depth with just 75-85  words. While they’re great for quick promos and brief video ads, you’re not going to have much time to delve into the problems your audience may be facing and how your products/service is solving them in-depth. 

There are many limitations in a 30 second explainer video because you don’t have much time to explore, build rapport and establish secret body language with your audience.

So when you’re making a video that you expect the users to hit the “ADD TO CART/BUY BUTTON” right after watching, throw away 30-second explain videos and make me some good well-nurtured video… dammit!

An example of where to avoid 30-second explainer videos:

1. Main sales video of your product on your sales page
   
   
2. Main demo video of your new software/app/service
   
   
3. How-To video your product
   
   
4. Educational videos

Check out all these epic, iconic videos that are NOT 30-second videos.

1. Munzit

Yum Yum Company produced the Munzit explainer video. Although it’s not a 30-second video, it conveys an excellent idea and is well suitable for promoting brand and value.

2. Poopourri

Without a doubt, humor can significantly impact marketing videos, but I’m not going to delve into Girls DOn’t PooP by PooPourri. Watch the video below to get the gist.

3. BriefMe

You should have no issue getting inspired with this.

4. Unroll.me

Another value-driven explainer video. Watch it to understand how it can work well for your marketing campaign.

30 Second Explainer Video Ads Examples

 

1. StitchFix

The explainer video uses a real-world actress to illustrate their brand and products.

2. Lost Woman by New Zealand Police

3. What Are You Waiting for by Donate Life Australia

4. Open Connections

5. Instapay

6. Trace Solutions

This video ad example can inspire you to create compelling animated videos.  

 

7. Nespresso

8. ShipStation

30 Second Video Maker

So now, you’re probably thinking about which 30-second video app is best for you to use and make your 30-second explainer videos.

Well, we’ve put together some great video apps that you can use to create your 30-second animated videos easily; most of them have 100s if not thousands of stylish and readymade video templates you can use.

Here they are: 

1. Headliner
   
   
2. Clipchamp Create
   
   
3. Typito
   
   
4. Adobe Spark
   
   
5. Wave.video
   
   
6. Animoto
   
   
7. Promo
   
   
8. Rocketium
   
   
9. Shakr