Explainer videos are one of the most effective tools for grabbing attention, educating audiences, and driving conversions. But even the best video won’t perform well if it’s not shared on the right platform. Choosing where to upload your explainer videos can make or break their impact. Here’s a breakdown of the best social media platforms for your explainer videos, what makes each one valuable, and how to get the most out of them.
1. YouTube
“Daily active users: approximately 122 millions.”
Why it’s great:
YouTube is the king of video content. With over 2 billion monthly logged-in users, it’s the go-to platform for long-form and educational content. It’s also owned by Google, meaning your explainer videos can show up in search results, giving them a longer shelf life.
Best for:
- Product or service demos
- Tutorials
- SEO-driven traffic
Tips:
- Optimize your titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords.
- Create custom thumbnails to increase click-through rates.
- Add chapters or timestamps for longer videos.
2. Instagram
“Reels Engagement Rate: 1.23%, higher than photos (0.70%) and carousels (0.99%).”
Why it’s great:
Instagram is all about short-form visual content. It supports multiple video formats—Stories, Reels, and IGTV—making it perfect for bite-sized explainer videos.
Best for:
- Quick how-tos
- Teasers or highlights of longer explainer videos
- Visually appealing content for mobile users
Tips:
- Keep Reels under 60 seconds for best engagement.
- Use subtitles; most viewers watch without sound.
- Post consistently and use relevant hashtags.
3. Facebook
Why it’s great:
Despite newer platforms gaining attention, Facebook still boasts nearly 3 billion users. Its video player is built for autoplay, which boosts views. Plus, Facebook’s ad tools make it easy to promote explainer videos to a targeted audience.
Best for:
- B2C product videos
- Brand awareness campaigns
- Explainer videos tied to promotions or offers
Tips:
- Upload videos directly to Facebook (don’t just share a YouTube link).
- Include captions to maximize reach.
- Engage with comments to increase organic reach.
4. LinkedIn
Why it’s great:
If you’re targeting professionals, B2B decision-makers, or industry experts, LinkedIn is your arena. Explainer videos that solve business problems or showcase software features work especially well here.
Best for:
- SaaS and tech products
- Thought leadership content
- Company culture or onboarding videos
Tips:
- Keep videos under 2 minutes.
- Use clean, professional visuals.
- Add a strong hook in the first 5 seconds.
“Users are 20 times more likely to share video content.“
5. TikTok
Why it’s great:
TikTok isn’t just for dance trends and memes anymore. It’s now a massive discovery platform, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Its short, algorithm-driven content gives explainer videos a real chance to go viral.
Best for:
- Quick product demonstrations
- Entertaining or quirky explainer formats
- Consumer-facing brands with a casual tone
Tips:
- Keep it short and punchy (under 60 seconds).
- Use trending audio and hashtags.
- Focus on storytelling and authenticity.
Choosing the Right Platform: Key Factors
Not every platform will work for every business. Ask yourself:
- Who is your target audience?
- What’s the length and style of your explainer video?
- Do you want reach, engagement, SEO, or conversions?
It’s often smart to tailor your explainer video for multiple platforms. Repurpose content in different lengths or formats to maximize reach and effectiveness.
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FAQ: Explainer Video Distribution on Social Media
Q: What’s the best platform overall to upload explainer videos?
A: YouTube is the best all-around platform for visibility, SEO, and longevity. But if you’re aiming for quick engagement or targeting a specific audience, Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn might serve better.
Q: How long should my explainer video be for social media?
A: Aim for 60–90 seconds. On platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels, even 15–30 seconds can be powerful. For YouTube or LinkedIn, you can go up to 2–3 minutes if the content justifies it.
Q: Should I use subtitles?
A: Yes. Many users watch without sound, especially on mobile. Subtitles improve accessibility and engagement.
Q: Can I post the same video on every platform?
A: You can, but it’s better to customize. A square or vertical format performs better on Instagram and TikTok, while horizontal is ideal for YouTube and LinkedIn.
Q: What video format works best across social platforms?
A: MP4 is the most widely accepted format. Stick to high-resolution (at least 1080p) and ensure mobile optimization.
Q: Should I run ads for my explainer videos?
A: If you have budget, yes. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok offer precise targeting. Ads can significantly increase your reach and conversion rate.
Final Thoughts
Explainer videos are only as powerful as the platforms you use to share them. Each social media channel has its strengths, and the best strategy often involves a combination of platforms tailored to your audience and goals. Repurpose smartly, optimize for mobile, and use analytics to double down on what works.
If your explainer video is great, the right platform will make sure the right people see it—and take action.
