SAAS Video

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“You’re telling me it’s just somewhere out there?”

Accounting. Analyzing. Organizing. Just about every software people have used in the information age now runs in the cloud. But, wait? What does that really mean? Video brings clarity to the age of disruption.

 

The short answer

What makes a good SaaS explainer video?

A good SaaS explainer video shows the problem your software solves, what changes for the user, and why your product is different, without walking through every feature.

It gives sales and marketing one clear story to use on the homepage, in demos and in outbound email.

Since 2009, Epipheo has made more than 6,000 videos for over 3,000 brands, including Microsoft, Cisco, Splunk and Okta.

A 2D or motion graphics SaaS explainer from Epipheo typically costs $10,000–$45,000 and takes five to six weeks.

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The Problem

01

Uncertainty

If you’re a SaaS company, you’ve undoubtedly heard an objection like, “Oh, we already have that.” And then they go on to describe how they have software for their CRM or a system for the ERP, or—gasp!—paper records. It’s not exactly easy to sell them something they think they already have, especially if it’s been working just fine.

02

Confusion

Just when people were starting to understand software, other people started putting the software in the cloud. While WHAT the cloud does is (thankfully) mostly well understood by now, what’s not always clear is HOW it’s different. Besides the notion of using software that isn’t actually on your computer, people don’t immediately get what’s going on—to say nothing about why it matters.
 

03

Doubt

Once people understand what SaaS is and how it’s different, they need to believe that it can be valuable for them. After all, you’re asking them to make multiple shifts. First, they have to leave their current system behind. Second, they have to—let’s say it all together now—move to the cloud.
 

THE SOLUTION: VIDEO

01

Video Clarifies

The simplicity and directness of video is perfect to cut through confusion. By pairing words with visuals, it’s a great medium to illustrate how SaaS is different, what that means it can do, and why it’s at least worth considering. Once your audience gets a sense of how your software works, they’ll be more open to hearing the pitch of what makes it worth considering.

Collaborate with an expert video strategist to bring your ideas to life.

02

Video Specifies

Beyond the general picture, video is great at showing particular differences. For instance, to an audience that might be used to taking months to install software across their company, showing how quickly they can get up and running with your SaaS offering will help them begin to understand the most important part: value.

03

Video Proves

There are two great ways a video can prove your value. First, by explaining some of the specific differentiators, it can illustrate some ways that a company can reap the rewards of switching to SaaS. Things like no upfront investments, scalability, better security, and easier management. While you might not want to go through the whole laundry list, you can definitely touch on your main benefits. The second is that you can show an actual case study. Did a particular company switch to you and save millions? Explain how in a video. Nothing erases doubt like a real-world example.

SAAS Videos in Action

SaaS explainer videos: what to know before you start

What these videos usually need to explain

  • Why your product beats the tool, spreadsheet or paper process the buyer already has
  • What a day looks like before and after your software
  • How it fits with the systems they already run, like their CRM or ERP
  • The security and data questions buyers will raise

Which video style fits

StyleTypical rangeTimelineGood fit for SaaS when…
Motion graphics$10K–$35K5–6 weeksYou want to show the product itself: key screens, workflows and data
2D animation$15K–$45K5–6 weeksYou need to sell the “why” with characters and a relatable story
Hybrid (live action + motion graphics)$35K–$150K6–12 weeksIt is a flagship launch that mixes real people with product visuals

Ranges are typical Epipheo project costs; your quote depends on length, style and complexity. See the full pricing guide.

How an Epipheo project works

  1. Discovery & content strategy. A kickoff call to learn who you are, what you do and why it matters to your audience.
  2. Video planning. A story arc and visual concept that fits your budget, delivered as “The Story Plan.”
  3. Pre-production. Script, a custom illustration style sample and storyboards, usually delivered as an animatic timed to a rough voiceover (“The Production Plan”).
  4. Production & post. Animation or filming, final voiceover, music and sound, then delivery.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a SaaS explainer video cost?

Most Epipheo explainer projects cost $5,000 to $150,000+. For SaaS, most videos are 2D animation ($15K–$45K) or motion graphics ($10K–$35K).

How long does a SaaS explainer video take to make?

Most take four to twelve weeks from kickoff to delivery, depending on style. A 2D or motion graphics video typically takes five to six weeks, 3D animation eight to ten weeks, and live action six to twelve weeks.

Should a SaaS explainer show our actual product screens?

Usually only in key moments. Interfaces change often and raw screen recordings are hard to follow, so simplified, stylized versions of the most important screens stay accurate longer and keep attention on the benefit.

Where should a SaaS company use its explainer video?

The most common places are the homepage and product pages, sales decks and demos, outbound email, and customer onboarding.