How Long Explainer Video Should Be (Updated for 2023)

When trying to create a video that explains the details of your product or service, the question of optimal length may come to mind. Perhaps you believe that including a vast amount of information in the video would be advantageous, or since you have devoted a substantial amount of resources towards creating it, you might as well make it as lengthy as possible. While this may occasionally be appropriate, I would like to offer my perspective on the ideal length for an explainer video based on my extensive experience in the field, long before such videos became popular.

But before we dive into that topic, I recommend that those interested in creating an explainer video but unsure of where to start consult our extensive guide, which can be found here: What is Explainer Video (Ultimate Guide).

Returning to the issue at hand, I view explainer videos as akin to movie trailers or teasers. In a trailer, it is unwise to reveal everything to the audience. Spoiling the conclusion or divulging the plot would be counterproductive. Instead, the goal is to seize the viewer's attention by divulging as little as possible in the shortest amount of time possible, ideally leaving them eager and excited for the movie's release.

The same principle applies to explainer videos. As they are intended to reach a broad audience, they should communicate the essence of your product or service in a succinct manner that anyone can comprehend quickly. Your aim should be to provide a rapid explanation of how your product or service solves the audience's problem and inform them of where they can learn more if they so choose.

You may be tempted to showcase features, compare your offering to similar products, or provide a detailed rundown of the process. While these elements are important, I suggest that you create separate in-depth videos to address them. Such content would be most beneficial to individuals who are seeking specific information.

In this day and age, people are "trained" to be less patient and have shorter attention spans. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram constantly interrupt them. Additionally, they tend to prefer spending more time watching videos on YouTube and streaming services like Netflix. Therefore, it is imperative that explainer videos be brief and to the point.

So how long explainer video should be?

Based on engagement data, it is recommended that YouTube videos last no more than 2 minutes. Facebook videos last no more than 1 minute, and Twitter and Instagram videos last no more than 30 seconds.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can create an engrossing and effective explainer video that successfully conveys your message to your audience.

If you would like to learn how to write a script for your explainer video, we have compiled an article that elucidates the structure and what to include in each specific section, as well as the reasoning behind it. The article can be found here: How-To-Write-Explainer-Video-Script.

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on what constitutes an effective explainer video. If you already have an explainer video, please share your audience's feedback on its effectiveness.

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Eggplain is animation studio specializes in explainer video production. You can contact us at sales@eggplain.com if you have inquiry about our service. We provide free consultation and custom quote for your project.