12 Types of Explainer Videos & When to Use Them (2025)

Tired of explainer videos that all feel like déjà vu?

In 2025, cookie-cutter content just doesn’t cut it. The best brands know that how you tell your story matters just as much as what you’re saying.

A fintech explainer needs a different vibe than a healthcare one, and that’s where choosing the right format comes in.

From bold 3D visuals to warm, people-first storytelling, each type brings something unique to the table.
Let’s dive into 12 types of explainer videos global brands are using and when you should be using them too.

 

1. Visa – Simplifying Complex Fintech

Company: Visa

Explainer Type: Animated Motion Graphics + Narration

Visa’s explainer video is sleek, smart, and super easy to follow.

It walks you through how their digital payment solutions help businesses grow, without making your brain hurt.

The visuals are clean, the animations guide the eye, and the voiceover keeps it human and relatable. No jargon overload, just straight-up clarity. It’s a great mix of finance meets friendliness.

 

i. Why It Works?

• Uses animated explainer video style to make fintech less scary.
• Great example of a corporate explainer video that builds trust.
• Makes a complex service feel simple, perfect for the fintech world.
• Shows how video marketing for brands can educate and convert at the same time.
• A go-to format when you need a B2B product demo video that’s clear and polished.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this style when you’re explaining abstract financial services, onboarding B2B users, or introducing new digital tools that need trust and clarity right from the start.

 

2. HSBC – Humanizing Banking with Real Faces

Company: HSBC

Explainer Type: Live-Action Storytelling

Next up is HSBC, and this one feels different in the best way. Instead of sleek animations or voiceovers, they went full human. Real faces, real emotions, and real stories.

It’s not just about banking services; it’s about the people behind them. The video taps into empathy, showing how HSBC supports small businesses with genuine care.

It’s heartwarming, professional, and memorable.

 

i. Why It Works?

• A great example of live-action explainer videos that connect emotionally.
• Perfect for corporate communication where trust is key.
• Helps humanize a brand in a traditionally cold industry.
• Shows how explainer video formats can shape tone and message.
• Ideal when your message needs to feel personal, not promotional—especially in banking or healthcare sectors.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this format when you want to build emotional connection, spotlight real people, or showcase brand values in industries that often feel impersonal, like finance, healthcare, or insurance.

 

3. Apple – Sleek Training, the Apple Way

Company: Apple

Explainer Type: Whiteboard-Style Animated Internal Training Video

And now we land on Apple because, of course, they’d do training differently. This video isn’t flashy, but it is sharp.

It uses simple whiteboard-style visuals with clean lines and a crisp voiceover.

It’s meant for internal training, so the tone is calm, the pacing is intentional, and the message? Totally clear. No fluff, just useful info delivered in bite-sized, easy-to-digest chunks.

It’s a training video that actually works (and doesn’t make you want to hit fast-forward).

 

i. Why It Works?

• A smart use of internal training video format, no distractions, just clarity.
• Shows how explainer video types can support employee onboarding and upskilling.
• Whiteboard-style keeps the focus on processes and instructions, not production.
• Great example of corporate explainer videos that respect time and attention.
• A go-to style for simplifying internal communications without overloading teams.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this style when you need to train teams, onboard employees, or explain internal processes clearly, especially when the goal is simplicity over flash. Ideal for keeping content focused, fast, and frustration-free.

 

4. Graditi – Building Confidence with Bold Simplicity

Company: Graditi

Explainer Type: Animated Product Explainer + B2B SaaS

This one’s sleek, bold, and to the point, just like the product it’s explaining. Graditi helps construction pros streamline proposals, and the video reflects that efficiency.

The visuals are clean and minimal, the message is sharp, and the tone is confident without being overcomplicated. It’s SaaS for builders, but made crystal clear through animation.

 

i. Why It Works?

• Uses animated explainer video style to simplify a B2B SaaS product.
• Shows how the right visuals can highlight features without overwhelming.
• A smart example of product demo videos done with polish and clarity.
• Perfect for tools that need to educate and convert fast in competitive industries.
• Clean storytelling makes it ideal for video marketing for brands in the SaaS space.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this format when you’re launching or marketing a SaaS product, especially in B2B spaces where clarity, speed, and trust matter. Perfect for explaining tools, streamlining onboarding, or giving prospects a quick, confident overview.

👉 P.S. This one’s made by us at our video production company, where we bring your product stories to life with clarity and style. So, get in touch with us for a video like this.

 

5. Citi Group – Making Policies Feel Less… Boring

Company: Citigroup

Explainer Type: Animated Infographic + Voiceover

Fourth on the list is Citigroup, and let’s be honest, policy and compliance topics don’t usually scream exciting.

But this video pulls it off with smart visuals and smooth narration. It turns what could’ve been a snooze-fest into something surprisingly engaging.

The animated infographics break down the key points clearly, using icons and subtle movement to hold your attention.

It’s professional but approachable, a nice balance for topics that need to stay serious, but still make sense.

 

i. Why It Works?

• A strong example of animated explainer videos used for corporate compliance topics.
• Makes legal and policy frameworks easy to understand, even for non-experts.
• Perfect for internal training videos or public-facing CSR messages.
• Combines narration and visuals to guide viewers through detailed info without overwhelming them.
• Shows how explainer video formats can bring clarity to even the driest topics.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this style when you need to explain policies, compliance, or legal topics, especially to a non-technical audience. It’s ideal for internal training, employee communication, or CSR initiatives where clarity and tone really matter.

 

6. AT&T – Showing How It All Connects

Company: AT&T

Explainer Type: Hybrid Animation + UI Demo + Lifestyle Clips

Sixth on our list is AT&T, and this one does a great job of blending tech with everyday life.

The video jumps between clean UI walkthroughs and real-life scenarios, like families using devices, remote workers, or people streaming on the go.

It shows off their network coverage and multi-device connectivity without getting too technical. Everything feels smooth and modern.

It’s one of those videos that makes tech feel simple, human, and totally doable.

 

i. Why It Works?

• A great use of hybrid explainer video format, mixing real-life with on-screen action.
• Helps explain multi-device ecosystems without overwhelming the viewer.
• Strong choice for tech and telecom brands needing to show real-world use cases.
• Combines UI animation and lifestyle visuals to keep things balanced and relatable.
• Shows how video marketing for brands can bridge the gap between features and benefits.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this format when you want to showcase how your product or service fits into real life. Ideal for telecom, smart devices, or SaaS platforms where combining UX walkthroughs with relatable use cases brings your message home.

 

7. Verizon – Blending Real Life with Tech Vibes

Company: Verizon

Explainer Type: Live-Action + Motion Graphics Overlay

Next up is Verizon, and it picks up where AT&T left off, but with its own flavor. This video blends real-world footage with motion graphics that pop just enough to keep things interesting.

You’ll see happy families, business moments, and smooth transitions that tie everything together.

It’s polished but personal, giving you a real feel for how Verizon’s network fits into people’s lives. It’s not just about coverage; it’s about connection, reliability, and being there when it matters.

 

i. Why It Works?

• Combines live-action visuals with motion graphics, giving it a modern and dynamic feel.
• Adds a human touch to tech and telecom services, making the message more relatable.
• Keeps things polished without losing personality; great for corporate explainer videos.
• Ideal for showcasing real-life use cases with just enough design flair.
• A solid choice for brands that want to explain services while building trust.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this style when you want to highlight real-life experiences with a modern tech edge. Perfect for telecom, smart tech, or service-based brands that need to blend trust, relatability, and professionalism in one clear, engaging message.

 

8. Intel – Turning Tech Talk into Visual Magic

Company: Intel

Explainer Type: Motion Graphics + Abstract Visualization

Now we move into deeper tech territory with Intel, and yep, they absolutely deliver.

This video takes super complex stuff like processors and data flow, and turns it into smooth, almost hypnotic visuals.

You’re not getting bogged down with specs; instead, you’re seeing performance, speed, and innovation in action.

The motion graphics are clean, futuristic, and help explain ideas that are usually stuck behind a wall of jargon. It’s techy, but never boring.

 

i. Why It Works?

• Classic use of motion graphics to simplify complex technical concepts.
• Great for B2B tech brands who need to break things down without dumbing it down.
• Helps viewers visualize what’s usually invisible—like chip-level innovation.
• Ideal for explainer videos in SaaS and hardware where clarity is key.
• A sleek example of how video marketing for brands can make innovation shine.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this format when you’re explaining complex tech or abstract systems, like processors, AI, or SaaS infrastructure. It’s perfect for B2B brands that need to look sharp while making tough concepts click for clients or stakeholders.

 

9. SK Hynix – Making Hardware Look Seriously Cool

Company: SK Hynix

Explainer Type: 3D Animation + Behind-the-Scenes Storytelling

Alright, next up is SK Hynix, and this one just looks premium. From the opening frame, you can tell it’s all about high-quality tech and next-level storytelling.

It uses crisp 3D renderings to showcase their memory chips, mixed with real production footage that gives you a peek behind the curtain.

The tone? Confident but not cocky. It’s the kind of video that says, “Hey, we make the stuff that powers your world and we’re proud of it.”

 

i. Why It Works?

• Combines 3D product visuals with a strong brand story, super effective for hardware.
• Perfect for brands wanting to show innovation, precision, and premium quality.
• Bring manufacturing to life with behind-the-scenes video content.
• A standout choice for product demo videos that need to feel polished and powerful.
• Shows how explainer video formats can elevate your brand’s perception in seconds.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this style when you’re showcasing physical products, hardware, or manufacturing processes. It’s perfect for tech companies that want to highlight innovation, craftsmanship, and quality with a premium, visual-first approach.

 

10. Telstra – Big Picture, Human Focus

Company: Telstra
Explainer Type: Motion Graphics + Voiceover-Led Narrative

Now stepping into the tenth spot is Telstra, and this one has heart. It’s not just about tech or signal bars.

This video tells a story about people and connections across cities, remote towns, and communities.

The motion graphics are colorful and upbeat, but it’s the storytelling that shines.

You can tell it’s designed to make the viewer feel seen, no matter where they live. It’s informative, yes, but it also taps into something deeper: belonging.

 

i. Why It Works?

• Uses motion graphics explainer video style to keep things visually engaging.
• Focuses on regional connectivity and inclusivity, not just features.
• A smart example of corporate explainer videos that build brand goodwill.
• Great for telecom and government-related communication, broad yet personal.
• Highlights how video marketing for brands can connect emotionally, not just technically.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this format when your message is about community impact, accessibility, or broad connectivity. It’s perfect for telecom, public sector, or utility brands aiming to combine informative storytelling with a strong sense of purpose and human connection.

 

11. NVIDIA – Welcome to the Future (Seriously)

Company: NVIDIA

Explainer Type: Cinematic Motion Graphics + Futuristic UI + Story-Led Narrative

Now for something a little more sci-fi, NVIDIA. This explainer feels like a trailer for the future.

It’s packed with sleek animations, high-tech UI elements, and an epic soundtrack that makes you want to sit up straight.

The video isn’t just explaining AI; it’s showing it in action, through immersive visuals and storytelling.

It feels bold, confident, and a little dramatic; in the best way. If your brand’s all about cutting-edge tech, this is how you hype it.

 

i. Why It Works?

• Combines cinematic motion graphics with AI-centric storytelling, visually stunning.
• Sets the tone for innovation and performance, perfect for tech giants.
• A go-to format for SaaS explainer videos or AI products needing high impact.
• Shows how explainer video types can feel like an experience, not just a breakdown.
• Powerful video marketing for brands looking to lead the conversation on the future.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this format when you’re launching AI-driven products, showcasing cutting-edge tech, or making a bold statement in the SaaS or hardware space. Ideal for brands that want their explainer video to feel like a high-impact experience, not just an explanation.

 

12. HCA Healthcare – Ending with Empathy

Company: HCA Healthcare

Explainer Type: Soft Motion Graphics + Voiceover + Patient-Centered Focus

And finally, we close with HCA Healthcare because what better way to end than with care? This explainer dials things down to a calm, gentle pace.

The visuals are soft and supportive, the voiceover is reassuring, and the message is all about putting patients first.

It walks viewers through healthcare services, policies, and support with clarity and compassion. No tech flash, no hard sell, just human-centered communication done right.

 

i. Why It Works?

• A thoughtful use of motion graphics explainer video tailored for healthcare.
• Keeps the tone empathetic, making policy and service explanations easy to follow.
• Great for internal training videos or public education on medical procedures.
• Reinforces trust, a must-have in healthcare communication.
• Shows how the right explainer video format can create comfort, not confusion.

 

ii. When to Use It?

Use this style when your goal is to inform with empathy, perfect for healthcare providers, patient education, or internal training where clarity and compassion matter most. Ideal for topics that need to feel reassuring, supportive, and human.

There you go with my top 12 picks for explainer videos that set the bar too high.

Want to explore more standout SaaS videos? Check out our deep dive: SaaS Explainer Videos That Nailed It in 2025, see how top SaaS brands are using video to simplify, engage, and convert.

 

Final Take

So, what did we learn? From fintech to healthcare, these 12 brands show that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” in explainer videos.

Whether you’re aiming to inspire trust, simplify complexity, or just keep your audience awake, the format matters.

Want help figuring out which style works best for your message?
👉 Our experts help brands choose the right video format and bring it to life beautifully.