3D? 2D? Live action? Whiteboard? Decisions, decisions…
Known for their simplicity, engaging visuals, and storytelling power, 2D explainer videos are a great tool for brands to cut through the noise, invoke a sense of nostalgia, and make an impact.
By combining captivating animation with a concise script, 2D videos turn complex subjects into something easy to understand and retain. From onboarding new customers to launching products or communicating value propositions, businesses are increasingly looking to animated explainer videos to communicate their message effectively.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about 2D—from understanding its purpose and benefits to learning best practices for creating an impactful video. You’ll also learn about our unique approach to creating videos that generate the “a-ha” moment. Whether you’re new to explainer videos or looking to refine your approach, this guide will unpack the full potential of 2D explainer videos for your brand.
What Are 2D Explainer Videos?
2D explainer videos are short, animated pieces designed to communicate complex ideas in a way that is visually engaging and easy to understand. Using simple, flat graphics and concise narration, these videos introduce products, services, or concepts to audiences by simplifying intricate information into a compelling, narrative-driven format. By combining visual storytelling with clear messaging, 2D explainer videos make it easy for viewers to quickly grasp what a brand offers, why it matters, and how it can benefit them.
In a 2D explainer video, characters and graphics move across a two-dimensional plane, giving a dynamic (and sometimes nostalgic) look while focusing on essentials. The simplicity of 2D animation allows the content to focus on the message without overwhelming viewers with complex visuals, making it an ideal choice for delivering clear, focused information quickly.
Key Elements of a 2D Explainer Video
At the core of every 2D explainer video are a few key elements that work together to make it memorable and effective. First, there’s the script, which provides the narrative structure and ensures the message is conveyed clearly. Crafting a concise script that communicates the core message without unnecessary detail is essential to keep viewers engaged.
Next, visual storytelling is what brings the script to life. In animated explainer videos, this often involves character-driven stories that connect with audiences. Relatable characters help viewers see themselves in the story, making abstract or complex concepts easier to relate to and understand. Lastly, animation and pacing play a vital role. Smooth transitions and a consistent pace allow information to flow naturally while engaging visuals maintain interest from start to finish.
Benefits of Using 2D Explainer Videos
Boosting Engagement and Retention
A major reason to use 2D explainer videos? They grab and hold attention. By pairing visuals with an engaging narrative, 2D explainer videos activate both auditory and visual memory, increasing the likelihood that viewers will retain the information presented. In short, these videos don’t just capture attention—they make the message stick.
Our approach to 2D videos builds on this concept by creating the “a-ha” moment. This is the moment when viewers experience a flash of understanding or realization about the topic at hand, boosting their connection to the message. By strategically designing each element of the video to work toward this goal, the best animated explainer video will make sure the audience not only absorbs the information but feels a sense of personal engagement with it.
Simplifying Complex Concepts
In industries ranging from technology to healthcare to finance, businesses often need to explain complex products, services, or concepts to their audiences. Animated explainer videos excel at breaking down these complicated ideas into straightforward, easy-to-follow visuals. Through clean design and focused messaging, 2D animations distill complex ideas to their essentials, helping audiences grasp them quickly and without confusion.
This simplicity is key to what makes 2D explainer videos so versatile. With the ability to distill intricate details into digestible information, these videos allow companies to convey essential ideas to their target audience efficiently. Epipheo’s philosophy in this regard is to remove the noise and focus on clarity, providing viewers with a focused, meaningful experience that conveys the brand’s core message in a way that’s easy to understand and remember.
Enhancing Brand Trust and Recognition
When done well, 2D explainer videos can foster a sense of trust and familiarity with a brand. Character-driven visuals allow viewers to connect emotionally with the story, especially when the characters embody traits or face challenges that resonate with the audience’s own experiences. In this way, 2D explainer videos serve as a bridge, making brands feel more accessible, relatable, and trustworthy.
Additionally, using a consistent visual style in 2D videos helps strengthen brand recognition. At Epipheo, we craft each 2D explainer with the client’s unique style and tone, so the audience associates the visual language with the brand. This reinforces the brand’s identity across different platforms, whether it’s on social media, a website, or in an email campaign. As viewers recognize the brand’s consistent style, they’re more likely to remember and trust it, building a stronger, more connected audience base.
Creating 2D Explainer Videos: Step-by-Step Process
All great animated videos start with a clear message and a well-defined audience. Before diving into scriptwriting or design, it’s essential to understand what the video needs to communicate and who it’s meant for. Defining the core message helps maintain focus, ensuring the video stays concise and impactful. A deep understanding of the target audience is equally important—knowing their preferences, needs, and pain points will shape the tone, visuals, and pacing of the video.
For example, if the video’s purpose is to educate healthcare professionals on new software, the approach might be more detailed and formal. But a video targeting a younger audience might use a conversational tone and faster pacing to keep viewers engaged. By grounding the video in a solid message tailored to its audience, brands can ensure their 2D explainer videos hit the mark every time, conveying complex ideas in visually appealing ways.
Storyboarding and Scriptwriting Essentials
Once the message and audience are defined, it’s time to craft the script and storyboard. The script acts as the foundation of the video, guiding the narrative from start to finish. An effective script should be concise yet comprehensive, covering the main points without overwhelming the viewer. It’s also beneficial to maintain a conversational tone that feels natural, helping viewers feel connected to the content.
Storyboarding is where the visuals start to take shape. In this phase, the video production team outlines each scene, creating a visual roadmap of the animation. This process is crucial for maintaining a smooth flow, ensuring that each visual supports the script and transitions seamlessly from one scene to the next. We see storyboarding as more than just organization; it’s about creating a cohesive journey that builds toward that “a-ha” moment, where viewers understand who you are and how you can help them.
Designing Characters and Visuals
With the storyboard and script in place, it’s time to design the characters and visual elements. In 2D explainer videos, character-driven visuals are especially effective at making abstract concepts feel relatable. Character design should reflect the brand’s personality while resonating with the audience. For instance, a character might embody common challenges faced by viewers, which helps them see themselves in the story and makes the brand feel more approachable.
Beyond characters, visual style is another crucial element. Clean, simple designs work best for 2D explainer videos, ensuring the focus remains on the message without distracting viewers. Whether it’s minimalist graphics or vibrant, colorful scenes, the visuals should align with the brand’s style while enhancing the storytelling.
Animation and Voiceover Tips
Animation and voiceover are the final steps in bringing the video to life. Smooth, cohesive animation is essential for maintaining a professional look and feel while keeping the pace engaging. Animation should be timed thoughtfully, guiding viewers through the content at a speed that allows for easy comprehension without lingering too long on any one scene.
Voiceover plays a pivotal role in delivering the message. The tone, speed, and clarity of the narration should match the brand and resonate with the audience. A conversational and friendly voiceover might work well for a B2C video, while a professional, steady tone could suit a B2B audience. We prioritize aligning animation quality and the voiceover so your entire video experience feels cohesive and engaging.
Best Practices for Effective 2D Explainer Videos
Attention spans aren’t getting any longer these days so conciseness is essential for any 2D explainer video. A video that tries to cover too much information risks overwhelming viewers and diluting its core message. To keep the content impactful, focus on a single topic or problem. Outline key points in the script and streamline the narrative so each second of the video counts. Aim for 1-2 minutes (or even shorter!), as engagement can drop off after the two-minute mark.
We emphasize clarity by avoiding unnecessary details and sticking to the essentials. By maintaining a tight narrative that stays on track, videos are more likely to capture attention and leave a lasting impression.
Using Simple, Relatable Visuals
Remember: simplicity > complexity. Avoiding excessive detail helps ensure that the visuals enhance, rather than overshadow, the message. Clean, uncluttered graphics make it easier for viewers to follow along, especially when explaining a complex subject. Characters that reflect the target audience’s needs, goals, or challenges add relatability and help viewers see themselves in the story, fostering a personal connection to the message.
We believe the visual style should serve the message, not the other way around. With a focus on clear visuals and relatable characters, we create videos that resonate emotionally while explaining complex concepts. This strategy ensures that each visual element adds meaning and supports the viewer’s journey toward an “a-ha” moment.
Testing and Refining for Impact
By gathering feedback from a sample audience, brands can identify areas for improvement before the final release. Feedback helps spot potential issues with pacing, clarity, or tone, allowing for adjustments that make the video more engaging and effective. Testing may also reveal small details that need tweaking, such as adjusting animation speed or rephrasing parts of the script for better flow.
We emphasize the importance of iteration and refinement in our video production process so each explainer video is as polished and impactful as possible. This commitment to quality control and responsiveness to feedback helps guarantee that the final product meets both your brand’s and your audience’s expectations, creating a seamless experience that communicates the message with clarity.
Create Your Own 2D-Driven ‘A-ha’ Moment
Through simple yet engaging visuals, clear storytelling, and relatable characters, these videos transform abstract concepts into memorable narratives that resonate with viewers. Whether used to introduce a new product, educate an audience, or establish your brand identity, 2D explainer videos can create a lasting impact by delivering information in a way that is both clear and engaging.
Epipheo’s unique explainer video services focus on helping you create the all-important “a-ha” moment—a flash of understanding that leaves viewers feeling informed and engaged. If you’re ready to harness the power of 2D explainer videos to clarify your message and connect with your audience, our team is here to bring your vision to life.
