20 Great Examples of 30 Second Explainer Videos

Benefits of 30-Second Videos

30-second explainer videos pack maximum punch in minimum time. They grab attention instantly, work perfectly on social media, and drive action without losing viewers.Here are 20 examples that prove short videos can deliver big results:

Best 30-Second Explainer Video Examples and Case Studies

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1. Varpet App Explainer Video

Using video to get your info seen

Mobile applications are now a big part of our lives. And companies that have a video on the App Store or Android Play Market have much better conversion.

People are lazy – they don’t want to download anything before knowing its benefits. They also don’t want to read tiny letters and descriptions from their devices.

That’s why videos work much better when they’re informative and persuade people to download your app.

The Varpet app video is a great example of that. It addresses the main pain point – too much time is wasted looking for a professional worker. Then it talks about the solution and benefits before ending on a strong call to action. It’s a classic and effective solution.

And the result? A 10-15% increase in downloads for Varpet.

Ways this video can inspire you:

• Captivating visuals
• Thorough explanation of benefits
• A strong call to action
• Result-oriented without being boring

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2. Call Me Out Explainer Video

Using a Celebrity the Right Way

This video captures you instantly.

First of all, they use a fitting celebrity – Mike Tompkins.

Of course, just because a celebrity is in a commercial, that doesn’t mean it will sell your product. But the use here isn’t gratuitous, and let’s face it – Mike’s presence sells the message.

Then, in the following scene, you see amazingly executed animation with beautiful motion work and detail.

And the best part is they’re able to explain all the benefits of their app in just 30 seconds with an engaging story told by a known person. Well done!

Ways this video can inspire you:

• Fast hook with gorgeous visuals
• Smart use of a celebrity
• Telling about the benefits throughout the entire story

3. Neat Streets App Explainer Video

Expensive doesn’t mean it will work, and inexpensive doesn’t mean it won’t

This 30-second explainer video is a wonderful example of spending your money wisely and still getting high value.

What I mean is, these days we see a lot of companies invest money in expensive productions and forget about the main goal of an explainer video – simplifying and explaining.

I believe this video cost around $3000 – $4000, but it does its job much better than a lot of videos that cost 10 times more. Let’s check together.

-Does it explain what the app does? Check!
-Does it speak to the target audience? Check!
-Is there a great hook? Check!
-What about a strong call to action? Check!

Guys, spend your money wisely and remember, the main goal of an explainer video is to explain what you do and start a conversation.

Ways this video can inspire you:

• Simple but effective
• Results on a small budget

4. Hey You App Explainer Video

A great hook makes a great video

A promise to help people save time is a classic approach that has no expiration date – especially when it comes to keep you from wasting time in line.

This is a problem that we will always have.

Now, there are many products that promise to save time, and creating a video that stands out from the crowd is a challenge.

The solution this video uses is simple but still strong.

A captivating opening with word play and the visual metaphor of someone drowning in the sands of time hook viewers. Then comes the promise of using time in a better way – to spend time on the fun things in life.

Regardless of where the video goes next, this would at least keep you around to see what the product is, right?

Ways this video can inspire you:

• Clever wordplay to capture attention at the beginning
• Using visual metaphors

5. Axon Terminal

Hit viewers with triggers they aren’t even thinking about

After watching this 30-second marketing video, you may feel compelled to give them a try. Or at least have a gut feeling that this company can handle what they say they can.

As a video marketing expert, I thought for a while about what it is that works in this video. Why would I be compelled to use this, even though I live in a region that isn’t even covered by its services?

After a while, I figured it out – it’s the music.

See, it’s all about associations.

The music develops the entire atmosphere of those tough and reliable guys that handle big trucks and drive 24/7 to keep our supply chains flowing. It’s a tough guy on an empty road-ready for whatever challenge pops up.

A good, strong piece.

Ways this 30-second explainer video can inspire you:

• The power of using the right music track

6. AllTrails Pro Explainer Video

Positivity works!

What we love about this video is that it doesn’t scare you with “bad things” that will happen if you don’t download their app.

Rather, it focuses on all the good things you’ll receive; joy, adventure, and a safe trip.

Another great conceptual choice is the main character of the video.

By using a young girl, they are making it clear and obvious that anyone can be safe with the app.

Since the question of safety is always brought up before any trip, the production company did a great job by countering potential objections.

Ways this video can inspire you:

• Positive concept instead of a negative (using fear tactics, etc.)
• Handling objections without being obvious about it

7. Bermuda Explainer Video

No “need”? Create one!

How do you create a need for people when it comes to luxury items?

If you’re Bermuda, you sell the idea that luxury can be yours without the high cost of ownership.

They talk about the 2 happiest days of a boat owner’s life: buying it and selling it.

Then they let you know that you can have all the fun they aren’t having with none of the troubles, like maintenance and spending tons of money. Don’t know how to prepare it or sail it?

No problem, they’ll handle that too!

Another thing we love in this video is that there isn’t a pushy call to action. They don’t say you need to act now, or do something immediately.

They instead let you know that you can be the wise person who makes the right choice. They literally create a need for you.

What I mean is that you don’t really need this service, but the story develops a need you didn’t know you had, and a solution you suddenly realize you want!

Ways this video can inspire you:

• Creating a need
• Getting viewers to use their imagination and build a mental picture instead of spoon-feeding them every visual

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Action Item
How to Use a Call to Action in a Marketing Video

8. Veruna Clean Animated Explainer Video

Another clever way to get people to pay attention

We always pay attention to something that’s weird or things we don’t recognize.

That stems from our very instincts to stay alive back from ancient times. Deep down, we don’t feel safe until we understand and process what it is we’re looking at.

Of course, we aren’t sitting here trembling from an animated explainer video, but the content grabs us at a subconscious level.

I’m not sure if the production company intended to create this concept for their video, but it works perfectly on social media channels when there is no sound and you need to capture a person’s attention.

Another concept that works here is that of a puzzle.

That works by triggering you to remember details when you solve a puzzle because you actively worked to assemble it.

That’s why some marketing materials make you think and you remember them so well.

Ways this video can inspire you:

• Speaks to your instincts
• Uses the interaction to familiarize the product to you

9. Instapay 30 Second Explainer Video

Know where video fits in your funnel

Sometimes you don’t need to dive deep to create a successful marketing message, especially in a 30 seconds explainer video.

It should be as simple as possible.

That’s what’s accomplished in this video. They just talked about the main benefits of the product in a simple manner and simple style.

No complex wording, no fancy visuals. Just a clean message.

Of course, this concept doesn’t always work, especially when you need to attract attention.

However, if you’re looking for a video to use in the later stages of your marketing funnel, it works perfectly.

If you want to learn how to use video the right way in your marketing funnel, check out this article, or schedule a free consultation with a video marketing expert.

Ways this video can inspire you:

• It’s simplicity
• Proper usage for specific stages of the sales funnel

Action Item
How to Use Explainer Video in Your Sales Funnel

10. Coind

Everyone else is doing it? Then don’t

When all the companies in your industry use the same style for their communication, the risk is high that your message will be lost in the mix.

The Guys from Coind made an effective decision because all the blockchain companies are using the same futuristic design style.

We understand the reasons, but it just isn’t effective anymore.

These guys understood that.

The advertising guru Sir John Hegarty advises, “When they zig, you zag,” and it always works when you know how to do it right.

Ways this video can inspire you:

• Do it a different way. When they zig, you zag

11. Creattie

Our first 30 second explainer video is from the Lottie library Creattie. We chose this ad because the animators do an excellent job of understanding the audience. Creattie targets designers and web developers looking to create unique projects. As a result, the video shows how anyone can use their platform to customize designs to fit their branding and style with Creattie's built-in editor.

12. Zluri

30 second videos are plenty of time to deliver the value proposition if you effectively communicate your solution.

Zluri executes its messaging with the help of imagery directly from the service's UI. This gives viewers a comprehensive understanding of the service while identifying a common problem. In just 30 seconds, viewers can see how Zluri can help them organize their SaaS application in one user-friendly dashboard.

13. 2D to 3D with Cinema 4D

We love how Cinema 4D uses tone in their 30 sec video to capture the audience's attention. The VO begins soft, speaking directly to the viewer, then switches to an upbeat and much more enthusiastic tone to showcase the service.

Accompanied by the change in tone, lively music, sound effects, and visually stunning transformations from 2d to 3D, the viewer can't take their eyes off the screen. The ad finishes by emphasizing how easy Cinema 4D is, making for a unique, memorable viewing experience.

14. Catch your Z's Melatonin Gummies

Implementing statistics is a great way to increase conversions in video advertising.

The 30 second video above uses a highly relatable stat to create urgency, a critical component in online advertising. "1 in every 3 individuals don't sleep enough" resonates with many viewers. The statistic raises awareness of the problem and is quickly followed by the advertiser's solution.

15. Semrush

Catching messaging is crucial when putting together your 30 second animation ideas. That's why we featured the Semrush.Trends ad campaign with the genius 3-word slogan – "Data. Insights. Impact."

Implementing a simple, easy-to-remember tagline that reflects your product or service is among the oldest marketing techniques. Semrush executes the strategy flawlessly and incentivizes viewers to try the product for free.

16. Retail Data with The Trade Desk

The Trade Desk delivers a fast-paced 30 second video idea with little to no waste from beginning to end.

You keep your audience entertained with an upbeat voice-over, soundtrack, and visuals. However, while The Trade Desk executes all three essential aspects of production, the video's strong point is the creative transitions. They keep the short scenes moving and viewers interested as they are walked through The Trade Desk's key selling propositions.

17. Qwqer Express

Qwqer Express demonstrates how to resonate with a large demographic when your product or service has mass appeal through character development. The 30 second explainer video features 3 types of characters facing logistical problems - a distressed senior couple, a frustrated businessman, and a new mother.

Everyone can directly relate to or knows someone who falls into these 3 categories, creating the narrative that Qwqer Express can help EVERYONE.

18. OkCupid

In highly competitive industries, like online dating apps, communicating the unique selling proposition is fundamental when curating 30 second animation ideas.

OkCupid executes by clearly identifying the questions it asks users when creating their dating profiles. They use the examples "cat or dog lover" and "religious or free thinker" to communicate to viewers how its personality prompts build comprehensive profiles and effectively match users.

19. Shopify + Aleran Software

Sometimes a 30 second explainer video isn't enough to effectively communicate how a product or service can benefit your audience. So instead of producing a longer video, Shopify presented a brief overview of the B2B platform Aleran, then directed viewers to download a free e-book covering the software extensively.

The strategy will save you production costs, and you can require a name and email for the free download and use the information for future marketing efforts.

20. Noom

Noom combines different animation styles to create a unique look for their 30 second video above. The technique delivers a memorable advertisement, instills branding, and centers focus on the main character.

The ad's protagonist is designed in 2D using Noom's signature red-orange branding on top of a 3-dimensional world. This choice helps the character stand out, and viewers can't help but relate to their struggles. Once the central figure shows improvement after using the Noom app, viewers have built a connection and are incentivized to take the free quiz.

How Yans Media Creates 30-Second Explainer Videos

Before we touch a single frame, we ask one question: Why 30 seconds?

Not because it's trendy. Because it has to work.

We dig into your marketing goals, identify where this video lives in your funnel, and confirm whether 30 seconds is actually the right move for that stage. If it's not, we'll tell you.

Once we're locked in, here's how we build it:

1. Deep-Dive Briefing

We don't just take orders. We study your brand—marketing objectives, tone of voice, competitors, and what success looks like for this specific video. No assumptions. Just clarity.

2. Kickoff Call + Script Development

We schedule a strategy call to ask the right questions, walk you through our plan, and make sure we're 100% aligned. Then we jump into scripting and concept development—where the magic starts.

3. Production Phase

This is where ideas become visuals:

• Sketched storyboard
• Style frames that match your brand
• Custom illustrations (zero templates)
• Professional voiceover recording

Every asset is built from scratch to fit your goals like a glove.

4. Animation, Sound Design & Final Polish

We bring it all to life—smooth animation, layered sound design, and that final polish that makes people stop scrolling.

Here's what sets us apart:

At every stage (and sub-stage), you see the work. We send updates, get your feedback, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. You're never in the dark.

Everything we create is custom—designed to be 100% consistent with your brand and built to hit your exact goals.

Want to see this process in action?

Here's a great example of our previous work we created for DoorDash—a perfect case study of how we turn brand goals into a tight, high-converting 30-second explainer.

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And here's the big one:

We don't just make videos. We solve marketing problems. If a 30-second explainer isn't the best solution, we'll tell you what is. Our job isn't to sell you a video—it's to get you results. Here is a great example of our previous work we have done for DoorDash.

When 30 Second Videos Work the Best?

Short videos work when the audience you’re reaching knows you and is happy to hear from you.

You’ve already established your business as a trusted brand in their minds, and you don’t need to spend the extra 20-40 seconds making a connection or giving them a reason to keep listening.

It works perfectly for big corporations and companies with loyal fans.

They’re waiting to hear from you and you can capitalize on this with short videos and simple messages.

Here is a great example by MailChimp

When Short Videos Could Be a Mistake

If you don’t have a loyal fan base or brand saturation, you may struggle to get people to invest themselves without the proper introduction.

You wouldn’t go up to a stranger and ask them how their children are. They have to know you, trust you.

Same thing with your business.

If you’re making your first video or targeting a new audience, you must give them a reason to listen to what you have to say. Address their pain points. Tell them about the new, revolutionary way you’re going to help them. All the benefits your product will provide to make their life better. And of course, you’ll need to finish with a strong call to action. To accomplish this, you’ll need more than 30 seconds.

More Signs You Need a Longer Video

Your product has multiple features
If you're selling software with 5+ key features, a 30-second video will feel rushed. You need time to breathe—to show how each feature solves a real problem. Don't sacrifice clarity for brevity.

Your content is education-heavy
Teaching something new? Explaining a technical process? Breaking down a complicated concept? You can't skip steps. Give your audience the time they need to actually understand.

You're speaking to multiple target audiences
If your video needs to resonate with both B2B decision-makers and end users, you'll need extra runway to address different pain points and motivations. One-size-fits-all messaging rarely works in 30 seconds.

FAQ

How much does it cost to create a 30-second explainer video?

A 30-second explainer video will cost you anywhere from $2,700 to $15,000.

Price depends on style, complexity, animation quality, and who's creating it. Most startups and small businesses should expect to pay around $3,000-$8,000 for something that actually converts.

Want the full breakdown? Check out our comprehensive research on explainer video costs where we analyze 50+ agencies and break down exactly what you get at each price point.

Is a 30 Second Explainer Video Cheaper than a 60 Second Explainer Video?

Yes and no. Let me explain.

Sometimes creating a message for 30 seconds is much harder than for 60 seconds. Making concise, focused wording that still explains everything needed gets harder the less room you have to work with.

And there are a number of things the production company has to do to create even a 10 second video. They need to learn your business, find a concept that works with your brand image, create a unique art style, find a great VO artist, and a number of other elements.

So the real difference in cost between a short explainer video and a longer explainer video may only be 15%.

And again, we recommend a short animated video only if you have a strong fanbase or you’ve got an amazing script.

Why a 30 Second Explainer Video is Different?

Let’s first make a distinction.

30-sec is almost always a great amount of time for a quick commercial, brand reinforcement, or announcement. In other words, using the time for a message that is simple.

But explaining something is different.

You need to properly plan your message, know your exact target audience, keep in mind what media channels it will be used on, and more.

Let’s break it down.

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What's the process of creating 30-sec explainer video

Creating a 30-second explainer video is like writing a haiku—every word counts.Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Write a 75-word script maximum
   Keep it tight. At 2.5 words per second, 75 words fills exactly 30 seconds. Focus on one core message only.
2. Follow the proven structure:
   - Hook (5 seconds): Grab attention with a problem or bold statement
   - Solution (15 seconds): Show your product/service in action
   - Benefit (7 seconds): What's in it for them?
   - Call-to-Action (3 seconds): Tell them exactly what to do next
3. Plan for silent viewing:
   80% of social media videos are watched without sound. Use text overlays and visual storytelling.
4. Invest in professional production:
   A 30-second video still needs quality animation, voiceover, and music to compete. Budget $3,000-$8,000 for professional results.Pro tip: Most 30-second videos fail because they try to cram a 60-second message into half the time. Instead, pick one benefit and nail it.

How many words in 30-sec script

For a 30-second video, use about 75 words. This is because in most videos, people speak at a speed of about 2.5 words every second. But to be safe, try to use no more than 70 words. This way, the video doesn't end too suddenly, and everything sounds clear.

How long does it take to create a 30-sec explainer video

Creating a 30-second explainer video usually takes about 4 to 5 weeks. Remember, this time doesn't count the hours you might need for any changes or for talks about different parts of the video like the storyboard or the design style.

What's the ideal aspect ratio for a 30-second social media video?

Tight on budget? Stick with 16:9. It works everywhere—YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, your website. One video, maximum reach.

Got more budget? Adapt for each platform. Square (1:1) for Instagram feed. Vertical (9:16) for Stories and Reels. 16:9 for YouTube and LinkedIn.

Platform-specific dimensions always perform better. But if you have to choose one, go with 16:9 and call it a day.

Do 30-second videos convert better than longer videos?

Not automatically.

Conversion comes down to execution, not length.

That said, for ads and top-of-funnel content, shorter is almost always better. People's attention spans are brutal. If you can't hook them in 3 seconds and deliver value in 30, you've lost them.

But for mid-funnel or education-heavy content? Longer videos often win because they build trust and answer objections.

The rule: Match video length to funnel stage and complexity. Don't force a 30-second format just because it sounds sexy.

How do I optimize my 30-second video for silent viewing?

Two things:

1. Add subtitles. Most people scroll with sound off. If your message isn't readable, it's invisible.

2. Use kinetic text animations. Make key words pop, move, and grab attention—especially on mobile where screen real estate is limited.

Bonus: subtitles also boost accessibility and SEO. Win-win-win.

Should I use animation or live-action for my 30-second video?

Depends on your strategy and goals.

Animation is better for explaining abstract concepts, showcasing software, or maintaining brand consistency across campaigns.

Live-action works when you need authenticity, human connection, or testimonial-style trust-building.

Not sure which fits your project? We wrote a full breakdown here.

Closing Words

We hope that this post gives you inspiration for your own 30 second explainer video.

Just like every other piece of marketing, an explainer video is a tool. It must be crafted properly, and then used for the right job in the right way. If you’d like to consult with our marketing expert to see how an explainer video would fit in your strategy, schedule a free meeting at any time!

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