Let’s talk about one of the great debates in explainer videos.
Stuck between choosing live action or animated explainer videos? You’re definitely not the only one. It’s one of the most common dilemmas brands face when planning their video strategy.
In 2025, explainer videos are everywhere, from sleek startup launches to corporate storytelling.
And guess what? Both live action and animated styles are crushing it in their own ways.
So, which one works best for your brand?
In this blog, we’re diving deep into both styles with real brand examples to help you decide. Let’s break down live action vs animated explainer videos.
What Are Live Action Explainer Videos?
Let’s keep it real; literally. Live action explainer videos use actual people, real locations, and genuine emotion to tell your story.
They bring a human face to your message, which can be a game-changer for trust and relatability.
If you want to show real-world impact or spotlight your team, this format is your go-to.
When live action works best:
- Building authentic connections with your audience
- Featuring customer testimonials or team stories
- Adding warmth to corporate or B2B explainer videos
Perfect for brands that want to put people front and center and keep things grounded in reality.
We will now talk about real brand examples that are using live-action explainer videos in their marketing strategy.
1. Grammarly – Real People, Real Productivity
Company: Grammarly
Video Type: Live Action Explainer Video
Let’s kick things off with Grammarly because who doesn’t love a clean, typo-free sentence?
This is our first live-action explainer video example, and it nails the basics.
Real people. Real workspaces. Real productivity.
It’s simple, relatable, and just… works.
Grammarly uses a light tone, fast edits, and familiar scenarios to show how their tool fits into daily life.
You’re not watching a tech tutorial; you’re watching yourself get things done, better and faster.
i. Why it works?
- Uses live action video to show relatable moments at work and school
- Builds trust with a diverse, everyday cast
- Keeps things light, clear, and engaging; just like a good explainer should
- Perfect for video marketing in 2025, where connection matters more than perfection
It’s a great example of how live-action explainer videos make tools feel more human and more useful.
2. Accenture — Consulting Meets Clarity
Company: Accenture
Video Type: Live Action Explainer Video with Professional Tone
This is our second live-action explainer video example, and it stands out.
The setting is sleek and corporate. Experts speak confidently.
It’s all about showcasing real professionals doing real work and making complex services feel approachable.
i. Why it works?
- Speaks trust and reliability with clean, professional visuals
- Demonstrates services through expert dialogue and real settings
- Strong use of live-action explainer videos with human voices to simplify B2B messaging
- Ideal for video marketing in 2025, where credibility is key
It hits the sweet spot between showcasing expertise and keeping things human.
3. HP – Innovation with a Human Face
Company: HP
Video Type: Live Action Explainer Video
Here’s our example, and I just want to say that HP knows how to blend storytelling and tech flair.
You get real people, product shots, and settings that make innovation feel down-to-earth.
i. Why it works?
- Combines sharp live action video with real product usage
- Builds trust and credibility by showing people engaging with tech
- Balances sleek corporate visuals with warm customer moments
- Spotlights HP’s innovation in a way that feels genuine and relatable
And with that, HP wraps up its segment with a perfect mix of heart and hardware. But we’re not stopping here—let’s jump right into our next example to see how another brand makes its story shine.
4. Memex – Real Stories, Real Impact
Company: Memex
Video Type: Live Action Explainer Video
Created by: MotionCue 🎬
Here’s a great example that hits close to home, because we made it!
This live-action explainer video tells the story of Memex, a company dedicated to empowering manufacturers through smart technology.
It features real team members, real stories, and real settings, bringing heart and humanity to an industrial tech product.
It’s personal, direct, and builds trust from the first frame.
i. Why it works?
- Uses live action to put real employees and clients front and center
- Captures authentic interviews and work environments
- Balances tech with storytelling to show both innovation and impact
- Builds credibility, perfect for B2B video marketing in 2025
We loved crafting this story with the Memex team, and we’d love to help you bring yours to life, too. Whether it’s live action, animated, or a blend of both, our team’s got your back.
Let’s make your next explainer video unforgettable. Reach out here
Talk with a video strategist
5. AMD – Inside the Tech
Company: AMD
Video Type: Live Action Explainer Video (behind-the-scenes lab tour)
This is the last pick for live action example, and let me just tell you: AMD brings you into their world, literally.
You’ll get a peek at engineers, product managers, and real lab setups.
It’s a less polished ad, a more honest peek at where innovation happens.
i. Why it works?
- Showcases real people solving real problems in action
- Feels authentic; no fluff, just genuine expert insights
- Builds trust through transparency, perfect for B2B tech storytelling
- Uses live-action explainer videos to humanize high-end tech
These are my top choices for live-action video, and you can clearly see why.
Now, let’s discuss another popular type: animated explainer videos.
What Are Animated Explainer Videos?
I am sure you have heard of animations, right?
These videos use motion graphics, icons, and stylized visuals to break down big ideas into simple, snackable content, and they do it with flair.
Perfect when you want to make the complex feel easy.
When animation shines:
- Explaining abstract concepts or technical products
- Showcasing SaaS tools or data flows
- Creating engaging stories with characters or fun visuals
- Working with tighter budgets and faster timelines
If live action is about showing reality, animation is about simplifying it creatively. Let’s check out some animated video pros in action next.
6. Mphasis – Visualizing Complex IT (DoxPro™ AI)
Company: Mphasis
Video Type: Animated Explainer Video
So, let’s meet Mphasis’s Gen AI-powered DoxPro™!
This animated explainer breaks down intelligent document processing using playful visuals, bold transitions, and a clear, chatty voiceover.
It takes a heavyweight concept and makes it feel light, fast-paced, and easy to follow.
i. Why it works?
- Uses animation to simplify abstract tech; no jargon overload
- Fast, clean motion graphics highlight each step in the AI workflow
- Keeps viewers hooked with stylish visuals and engaging pace
- Ideal for animated explainer videos in the SaaS, data, and AI space
Mphasis shows how to turn complex AI capabilities into something snackable and memorable. With that, let’s roll ahead to our next example and see how another brand nails its explainer game.
7. ClickUp – Organizing Chaos, Visually
Company: ClickUp
Video Type: Animated Explainer Video
Here’s our second animated explainer, and it’s a bright, bold showstopper.
ClickUp uses lively animations to turn hectic workflows into crystal-clear clarity. It’s fast, fun, and feature-packed; all without feeling overwhelming.
i. Why it works?
- Colorful motion graphics show task flows and teamwork
- Highlights product features through clear, eye-catching visuals
- Keeps it dynamic and upbeat; greenlights viewer attention
- Falls perfectly under animated explainer videos for SaaS productivity tools
ClickUp proves that productivity can be as exciting as it is efficient. Now, let’s move forward and see how our next example raises the bar in its own unique way.
8. NASA – Launching Curiosity Through Animation
Company: NASA
Video Type: Animated Explainer Video
Created by: MotionCue
NASA is already known for big ideas, but explaining them? That’s where animation steps in.
This animated explainer video takes complex space research and turns it into something engaging, visual, and easy to follow.
With vibrant graphics, smooth transitions, and a tone that’s both informative and inspiring, it pulls you into NASA’s mission without needing a science degree.
i. Why it works?
- Simplifies space science with engaging motion graphics
- Visual storytelling turns facts into a narrative
- Balances education and inspiration; ideal for public engagement
- A strong example of animated explainer videos making complex topics accessible
We had a blast working on this project with NASA. If you’ve got a mission, message, or tech that needs storytelling, we’d love to help you bring it to life.
Partner with our team of experts to create explainer videos that inspire. Let’s talk.
Talk with a video strategist
9. Monday.com – Collaboration in Motion
Company: Monday.com
Video Type: Animated Explainer Video
Say hello to Monday.com’s animated explainer: a fun, upbeat romp through teamwork and task tracking.
It features cute characters, flowing data paths, and a voiceover that feels like a friendly coach cheering you on.
i. Why it works?
- Uses character animation to showcase team collaboration
- Visuals highlight real-time data sharing and workflow flow
- Energetic tone keeps viewers interested and makes features feel fun
- A prime example of animated explainer videos for team-centric SaaS platforms
Monday.com makes teamwork look easy and actually fun. Let’s keep the momentum going and check out the next example to see how they bring their own twist to the table.
10. Google – Explaining Innovation Clearly
Company: Google
Video Type: Animated Explainer Video
This is our last explainer, featuring Google’s signature clean, flat-style animation.
It walks you through their latest innovation, everything flows with smooth transitions, simple icons, and a calm, confident tone.
i. Why it works?
- Clean flat animation keeps focus on the message, not the decoration
- Simple visuals pair well with big ideas; everything feels easy
- Calm pacing and minimal design make complex tech more digestible
- Perfect for animated explainer videos that need clarity without clutter
Live Action vs Animated: So, What Works Best?
And there you have it: five standout live-action explainer videos and five equally brilliant animated explainers. Each style brings its own flavor, strengths, and creative possibilities.
So… which one’s best? Well, it depends.
Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown to help you decide:
i. Live Action Explainer Videos
Best for building trust and putting real people front and center.
Ideal when you want to
- Show an authentic human connection
- Feature customer testimonials or employee interviews
- Build credibility in B2B or service-based industries
- Showcase real environments, teams, or product use
- Tap into emotion and relatability
💡 Tip: Great for industries where face-to-face trust matters—like healthcare, consulting, or manufacturing.
ii. Animated Explainer Videos
Best for simplifying complex ideas with creative flair.
Ideal when you want to
- Explain technical products or abstract concepts
- Break down workflows or processes with motion graphics
- Tell stories using characters or stylized visuals
- Stay on budget while keeping things visually polished
- Scale content across languages or platforms easily
💡 Tip: Perfect for SaaS, fintech, AI, education, or anywhere clarity + creativity are key.
That’s all for this blog.
Final Take
Here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all. If your message needs emotional depth and human faces, go live action.
If you’re simplifying complexity or visualizing data, animation is your best friend.
And sometimes? The real magic happens when you blend both.
At our video production company, we help brands figure it out.
Whether you’re leaning toward animation, live action, or a clever mix of both, we’ll help you craft a video that truly connects.
Let’s bring your story to life; your style, your way.