Let's face it. Apps trying to get downloaded have 3 main challenges:
- You have a new solution and need to communicate the problem and solution
- You are in the existing area and need to quickly explain how you are different
- And if you offer similar solutions, you need to position yourself with a more impressive video to make a better impression so people actually download
Here's the brutal truth: with over 5 million apps competing for attention in app stores, you have literally 3 seconds to help users make a decision or lose them forever.
And explainer videos? They're not just helpful—they're absolutely crucial for survival.
Here's why your app can't afford to launch without one, and how to create videos that drive real results.
The Current State of App Marketing
The app marketplace is a war zone.
Every single day, developers publish 6,140 new apps across iOS and Android platforms. That's one new app every 14 seconds, fighting for the same eyeballs yours needs.
But here's where it gets worse...
The average user spends just 7 seconds scanning an app store page before deciding to download or bounce.
Seven seconds.
That's barely enough time to read your app description, let alone understand what makes your solution special.
And if they do download? 25% of users abandon apps after just one use because they can't figure out how it works.
Think about it: you've spent months (maybe years) building something incredible, only to lose potential users because they couldn't grasp your value in those critical first moments.
This is exactly why smart app developers are turning to explainer videos. They're the secret weapon that cuts through the noise and communicates value instantly.
Types of App Explainer Videos
Not all explainer videos are created equal. Here are the four main types of explainer videos that actually move the needle:
Animated explainer videos are the heavy hitters. They're perfect for complex apps, abstract concepts, or when you need complete creative control. Think smooth transitions, engaging characters, and the ability to visualize anything your imagination can dream up.
Screen recording demos show your app in action. Raw, authentic, and perfect for showcasing specific features or workflows. Users see exactly what they'll get.
Live-action testimonials leverage social proof. Real people sharing real results builds trust faster than any marketing copy ever could.
Hybrid approach videos combine animation with screen recordings or live footage. You get the best of both worlds—creative storytelling plus authentic demonstration.
The key? Choose the style that best serves your user's journey, not what looks coolest in your portfolio.
7 Compelling Reasons Every App Needs an Explainer Video
1. Dramatically Increase App Store Conversion Rates
Apps with explainer videos see conversion rates 85% higher than those relying on screenshots and text alone.
Learn more ↓
Explainer Video Statistics Guide.
Why? Because videos eliminate guesswork.
Instead of making users decode what your app does through static images and bullet points, you show them. You demonstrate value. You create that "aha moment" before they even hit download.
Take the meditation app Headspace. Their simple animated video explaining mindfulness concepts helped them achieve over 65 million downloads. They didn't just tell people meditation was good—they showed how their app makes it accessible and enjoyable.
Here's the psychology at work: visual storytelling bypasses rational skepticism and speaks directly to the emotional brain where purchase decisions are actually made.
2. Simplify Complex App Functions in Under 60 Seconds
Your app might be revolutionary, but if users can't understand it quickly, they'll never experience that revolution.
This is especially critical for apps in fintech, healthcare, productivity, or any space where you're solving complex problems with sophisticated solutions.
Consider a budgeting app. You could write paragraphs explaining expense categorization, predictive analytics, and goal-setting features. Or you could show a 45-second video of someone effortlessly managing their finances while grabbing morning coffee.
The video wins every time because it demonstrates cognitive ease—the psychological state where something feels simple and trustworthy.
When users watch your explainer video, they're not just learning features. They're experiencing how those features will fit into their actual life.
For inspiration on how to make this work in practice, check out these 10 Great Examples of 60 Seconds Animated Explainer Videos.
3. Reduce User Onboarding Friction by 75%
Here's a painful stat: 23% of users abandon apps after just one use because the onboarding process is confusing or overwhelming.
That's money walking out the door.
Explainer videos act as a bridge between download and engagement. They set proper expectations, highlight key benefits, and guide users through those crucial first interactions.
Smart developers embed explainer videos directly into their onboarding flow. Users watch a quick overview, then immediately practice what they just learned. This scaffolded approach reduces cognitive load and increases completion rates.
You might be wondering: "Can't we just build better in-app tutorials?"
Sure, but videos work faster. They create understanding before users even open your app, which means they arrive already knowing why your solution matters to them personally.
4. Build Trust and Credibility Before Download
Trust is the invisible barrier between interest and action.
In app stores, users are essentially buying blind. They can't try before they buy, touch the product, or get a refund if it doesn't work as promised.
Explainer videos dissolve this uncertainty by providing transparent demonstration. Users see exactly how your app works, what results they can expect, and why your solution is worth their time and attention.
This is especially powerful for apps handling sensitive information. A healthcare app that shows their security measures and explains their privacy approach through video will dramatically outperform competitors relying on text-based privacy policies.
Here's the bottom line: videos humanize your brand and create emotional connection that screenshots simply cannot match.
5. Maximize Social Media Shareability
Video content receives 1,200% more shares than text and images combined.
Think about your app's growth strategy. Organic sharing is essentially free marketing, but only if you give users something worth sharing.
A well-crafted simple explainer video becomes a standalone piece of content that works across multiple channels:
- App store pages for conversion
- Social media for awareness and viral potential
- Website landing pages for SEO and lead generation
- Email campaigns for user reactivation
- Press kits for media coverage
Each share multiplies your reach exponentially, creating a compound effect that paid advertising alone can't achieve.
6. Improve App Store SEO Rankings
App store algorithms prioritize engagement metrics: time spent on page, conversion rates, and user retention after download.
Explainer videos improve all three.
Users spend 2.6x longer on app store pages with video content. They're more likely to download because they understand the value proposition. And they're less likely to delete your app immediately because their expectations were properly set.
This creates a positive feedback loop. Better engagement signals tell app stores your app is high-quality, which improves your search rankings, which increases organic visibility, which drives more qualified downloads.
Let me explain why this matters financially...
7. Generate Higher ROI Than Traditional App Marketing
Paid user acquisition costs are skyrocketing. Average cost per install ranges from $2.74 for Android to $4.50 for iOS, and those numbers keep climbing.
Meanwhile, a professional explainer video is a one-time investment that works 24/7 for years.
Here's the math: if a $15,000 explainer video increases your conversion rate by just 15%, and you're driving 10,000 visitors monthly to your app store page, you'll gain an extra 1,500 downloads per month.
At current user acquisition costs, those organic downloads represent $22,500 in monthly savings. Your video pays for itself in less than one month, then generates pure profit for years to come.
The numbers don't lie, explainer videos aren't an expense, they're one of the highest-ROI investments you can make in your app's success.
The Psychology Behind Why App Explainer Videos Work
Now here's where it gets interesting...
Understanding why explainer videos are so effective helps you create better ones and maximize their impact.
Visual Learning Dominance
65% of people are visual learners, but that statistic undersells the real power of video.
Your brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text. When someone watches your explainer video, they're not just seeing—they're experiencing, imagining, and emotionally connecting with your solution.
This creates what neuroscientists call "embodied cognition"—users literally imagine themselves using your app while watching the video. They're mentally rehearsing success before they even download.
Useful resource:
The 10 Best App Explainer Videos
Emotional Connection Through Storytelling
Logic makes people think, but emotion makes people act.
Great explainer videos don't just demonstrate features—they tell stories that viewers can see themselves in. They activate mirror neurons, creating empathy and identification with characters on screen.
When someone watches a productivity app video showing a stressed professional finally getting organized, they're not just learning about task management. They're imagining the relief, confidence, and success they'll feel when their own chaos gets organized.
Cognitive Load Theory in App Marketing
Your potential users are overwhelmed. They're evaluating dozens of similar apps, reading reviews, comparing features, and trying to predict which solution will actually work for their specific situation.
This decision paralysis is called cognitive overload, and it's conversion rate poison.
Explainer videos solve this by doing the mental work for users. Instead of forcing them to imagine how features connect and what benefits they'll experience, you show them. You guide their attention to what matters most and eliminate decision fatigue.
What does that mean for you? Higher conversion rates, more qualified users, and better long-term retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should an App Explainer Video Cost?
Here's the reality: professional app explainer videos are more accessible than most people think. With Yans Media, you can get a professional app explainer video starting at $4,500—which puts high-quality video marketing within reach of most serious app developers.
But let me break down the broader market so you understand what you're getting...
Video costs vary dramatically based on quality, complexity, and production approach.
Basic animated videos start around $3,000-$5,000. These work well for simple apps with straightforward value propositions.
Professional animated explainers with custom illustrations, professional voiceover, and polished animation typically range from $5,000-$20,000.
Premium productions with advanced animation, multiple revisions, and comprehensive strategy can reach $25,000-$50,000.
Here's my advice: invest proportionally to your app's revenue potential. A $15,000 video that increases conversion rates by 25% will generate millions in additional revenue for a successful app.
If you want a deeper breakdown of pricing across different styles and budgets, take a look at our full guide: Explainer Video Cost – A Price Guide For Any Budget.
How Long Does Production Take?
Plan for 6-10 weeks for professional animated explainers.
Here's the typical timeline:
- Week 1-2: Strategy and scriptwriting
- Week 3-4: Storyboard and visual development
- Week 5-7: Animation production
- Week 8: Voiceover, sound design, and final revisions
Complex projects or multiple revision rounds can extend this timeline.
Start video production early in your app development cycle. Having your explainer video ready at launch gives you a massive competitive advantage.
Can We Update Videos After Launch?
Absolutely, but plan for this strategically.
Minor updates (changing text, updating screenshots, small animation tweaks) are relatively affordable—typically $1,000-$3,000.
Major changes (new features, different messaging, character changes) essentially require producing a new video.
The smart approach? Create modular videos where individual sections can be updated independently, or plan for annual refreshes as part of your marketing budget.
What if Our App Has Multiple Features?
You have two strategic options:
Comprehensive single video works when features are interconnected and build toward one core benefit. Keep it under 90 seconds and focus on the user journey rather than feature lists.
Video series approach is better for apps with distinct use cases or feature sets. Create a primary explainer for your core value proposition, then supporting videos for specific features or user segments.
The key is prioritization. Lead with your strongest differentiator, then layer in supporting benefits.
Your Next Steps to App Success
The competitive landscape isn't getting easier. While you're reading this article, dozens of new apps launched with professional explainer videos, social proof, and conversion-optimized marketing.
But here's the good news: you now understand exactly why explainer videos work, how they drive measurable results, and what it takes to create videos that actually convert.
The question isn't whether you need an explainer video—it's whether you'll invest in one before your competitors do.
Every day without a professional explainer video is lost revenue, missed opportunities, and competitive ground you can't get back.
Ready to transform your app's performance with a professionally crafted explainer video?
Stop losing potential users to confusion and competition. Stop wondering why your incredible app isn't getting the downloads it deserves.
Contact Yans Media today for a free consultation and discover how we can help your app stand out in a crowded marketplace. Our expert team combines strategic thinking with creative excellence to deliver videos that don't just look great—they drive real business results.
Let's turn your vision into a video that converts.
