30 Second Explainer Videos: Best Examples, Tips & Use Cases
Introduction
You’re scrolling through Instagram when an ad catches your eye. It’s clever, clear, and over in 30 seconds. Yet somehow it told you everything you needed to know. That’s the power of a well-crafted 30-second explainer video.
In a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, businesses need to communicate fast, without losing impact. Whether you're running a paid ad, launching a new product, or simplifying a complex concept, these short videos are the quick fix.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through why 30-second explainer videos work, show you real examples worth learning from, and break down how to make your own.
Ready to say more in less time? Let’s get into it.
In a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, businesses need to communicate fast, without losing impact. Whether you're running a paid ad, launching a new product, or simplifying a complex concept, these short videos are the quick fix.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through why 30-second explainer videos work, show you real examples worth learning from, and break down how to make your own.
Ready to say more in less time? Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Why Use 30‑Second Explainer Videos?
3 Best 30‑Second Explainer Videos Examples
How to Create Your Own 30‑Second Explainer
Final Thoughts
FAQs about 30 Second Explainer Videos
Why Use 30‑Second Explainer Videos?
3 Best 30‑Second Explainer Videos Examples
How to Create Your Own 30‑Second Explainer
Final Thoughts
FAQs about 30 Second Explainer Videos
Why Use 30‑Second Explainer Videos?
30 second explainer videos simplify ideas into fast, engaging visuals. They combine animation, voiceover, and a tight script to deliver one clear message. Ideal for ads and social media, they use a hook, problem, solution, and CTA to boost conversions and keep viewers focused.
When you're trying to get your message across in a matter of seconds, clarity becomes your best asset. These videos cut through the noise and deliver just enough information to get someone curious or ready to act.
In fact, 66% of all video ads in 2024 were under 30 seconds, because shorter formats tend to retain attention and drive faster decisions.
30 second explainer videos simplify ideas into fast, engaging visuals. They combine animation, voiceover, and a tight script to deliver one clear message. Ideal for ads and social media, they use a hook, problem, solution, and CTA to boost conversions and keep viewers focused.
When you're trying to get your message across in a matter of seconds, clarity becomes your best asset. These videos cut through the noise and deliver just enough information to get someone curious or ready to act.
In fact, 66% of all video ads in 2024 were under 30 seconds, because shorter formats tend to retain attention and drive faster decisions.
Benefits of 30‑Second Explainer Videos
Short videos work because they respect your audience’s time. Rather than overwhelming them with details, they deliver a focused and memorable story. You get your point across quickly, with zero fluff.
Key benefits:
Keeps messaging sharp and distraction free
Encourages viewers to watch until the end
Works well across devices and platforms
Speeds up decision making
Easier and faster to produce than long videos
Short videos work because they respect your audience’s time. Rather than overwhelming them with details, they deliver a focused and memorable story. You get your point across quickly, with zero fluff.
Key benefits:
Keeps messaging sharp and distraction free
Encourages viewers to watch until the end
Works well across devices and platforms
Speeds up decision making
Easier and faster to produce than long videos
Ideal Use Cases & Funnel Placement
These videos are perfect for moments that demand impact without dragging on. They work best in formats where the viewer is already browsing, skimming, or deciding and needs just a nudge to act.
Where they shine:
Social media and paid ad campaigns
Landing pages to improve conversions
Emails for product announcements or updates
In-app tutorials or feature explainers
Sales enablement or pitch follow ups
These videos are perfect for moments that demand impact without dragging on. They work best in formats where the viewer is already browsing, skimming, or deciding and needs just a nudge to act.
Where they shine:
Social media and paid ad campaigns
Landing pages to improve conversions
Emails for product announcements or updates
In-app tutorials or feature explainers
Sales enablement or pitch follow ups
3 Best 30‑Second Explainer Videos Examples
The best 30-second explainer videos prove that storytelling, visuals, and clear intent can deliver impact in under a minute. It’s no surprise that 64% of B2B buyers say they're more likely to buy after watching an explainer video.
Let’s break down three real-world examples that nailed it and what you can learn from them.
The best 30-second explainer videos prove that storytelling, visuals, and clear intent can deliver impact in under a minute. It’s no surprise that 64% of B2B buyers say they're more likely to buy after watching an explainer video.
Let’s break down three real-world examples that nailed it and what you can learn from them.
1. Zapier On/Off 30 Second Explainer
This animated explainer opens with a playful voiceover and bright visuals to frame a common business pain point: manual, repetitive tasks. It then positions Zapier as the magical fix that transforms chaos into flow, ending with a snappy CTA: “Automation isn't magic. It’s Zapier.”
What works well:
Clean visual metaphors with no clutter
A smooth hook-to-solution structure
Script syncs perfectly with animation timing
Light tone that suits the brand’s personality
CTA is short, confident, and embedded in the story
This animated explainer opens with a playful voiceover and bright visuals to frame a common business pain point: manual, repetitive tasks. It then positions Zapier as the magical fix that transforms chaos into flow, ending with a snappy CTA: “Automation isn't magic. It’s Zapier.”
What works well:
Clean visual metaphors with no clutter
A smooth hook-to-solution structure
Script syncs perfectly with animation timing
Light tone that suits the brand’s personality
CTA is short, confident, and embedded in the story
2. Docusign + Microsoft Power Automate 30 Second Explainer
This explainer uses simple 2D visuals and on-screen text, with no voiceover. It demonstrates how integration can streamline workflows, visually guiding the viewer through automation without saying a word.
Why it stands out:
Minimalistic, no-narration format that’s easy to follow
Uses animation to simplify a technical process
Works well for B2B audiences with a product-led approach
Great for sound-off environments like LinkedIn or email
Focuses entirely on the benefit, not the features
This explainer uses simple 2D visuals and on-screen text, with no voiceover. It demonstrates how integration can streamline workflows, visually guiding the viewer through automation without saying a word.
Why it stands out:
Minimalistic, no-narration format that’s easy to follow
Uses animation to simplify a technical process
Works well for B2B audiences with a product-led approach
Great for sound-off environments like LinkedIn or email
Focuses entirely on the benefit, not the features
3. Zendesk AI 30 Second Explainer
This live-action video blends storytelling and subtle humor. It introduces Lucy, a designer overwhelmed by demand, and shows how Zendesk AI steps in to scale support instantly. Even the cat gets a happy ending.
Why it clicks:
Real-life scenario makes it emotionally relatable
Clear problem-solution arc, delivered with charm
Mix of human actors and animation keeps it dynamic
Highlights the value of AI without being technical
Ends with a branded emotional payoff, not just a CTA
This live-action video blends storytelling and subtle humor. It introduces Lucy, a designer overwhelmed by demand, and shows how Zendesk AI steps in to scale support instantly. Even the cat gets a happy ending.
Why it clicks:
Real-life scenario makes it emotionally relatable
Clear problem-solution arc, delivered with charm
Mix of human actors and animation keeps it dynamic
Highlights the value of AI without being technical
Ends with a branded emotional payoff, not just a CTA
How to Create Your Own 30‑Second Explainer
So, how do you go from idea to polished 30-second video that actually converts? This section walks you through every step from defining your goal to hitting publish.
If you're working with a creative partner like Red Bangle, having access to streamlined workflows, experienced creative teams, and a cloud-based review platform can make the entire process faster and more collaborative.
So, how do you go from idea to polished 30-second video that actually converts? This section walks you through every step from defining your goal to hitting publish.
If you're working with a creative partner like Red Bangle, having access to streamlined workflows, experienced creative teams, and a cloud-based review platform can make the entire process faster and more collaborative.
1. Define Your Goal
Before you touch a script or storyboard, you need clarity. Ask yourself: what do you want the viewer to do after watching?
Tips to stay focused:
Pick one goal: sign-up, purchase, click, or share
Align messaging with that single action
Avoid cramming too many ideas into one video
Make sure visuals and CTA reinforce the same outcome
If you're unsure what kind of video you need, Red Bangle helps clients refine briefs and align messaging to the right video format even before scripting begins.
Before you touch a script or storyboard, you need clarity. Ask yourself: what do you want the viewer to do after watching?
Tips to stay focused:
Pick one goal: sign-up, purchase, click, or share
Align messaging with that single action
Avoid cramming too many ideas into one video
Make sure visuals and CTA reinforce the same outcome
If you're unsure what kind of video you need, Red Bangle helps clients refine briefs and align messaging to the right video format even before scripting begins.
2. Structure: Hook → Problem → Solution → CTA
A strong 30-second explainer video uses a simple 4-part formula. It’s a flow designed to catch attention, build context, offer a fix, and drive action, all in a compact arc.
Here’s the flow:
Hook (0–5s): Start with something that grabs attention fast
Problem (5–10s): Present a relatable or urgent pain point
Solution (10–20s): Show your product or idea solving the issue
CTA (20–30s): End with a crisp, specific next step
When you stick to this format, your message stays clear and your audience stays with you.
A strong 30-second explainer video uses a simple 4-part formula. It’s a flow designed to catch attention, build context, offer a fix, and drive action, all in a compact arc.
Here’s the flow:
Hook (0–5s): Start with something that grabs attention fast
Problem (5–10s): Present a relatable or urgent pain point
Solution (10–20s): Show your product or idea solving the issue
CTA (20–30s): End with a crisp, specific next step
When you stick to this format, your message stays clear and your audience stays with you.
3. Script Length & Pacing
You don’t have space for fluff. A solid script for a 30-second explainer typically clocks in at 70 to 75 words, that’s it.
To get it right:
Read the script out loud to test pacing
Cut filler words and jargon
Write like you speak: short, punchy sentences
Time your script to match your visuals
Leave a second or two for a clean CTA ending
You don’t have space for fluff. A solid script for a 30-second explainer typically clocks in at 70 to 75 words, that’s it.
To get it right:
Read the script out loud to test pacing
Cut filler words and jargon
Write like you speak: short, punchy sentences
Time your script to match your visuals
Leave a second or two for a clean CTA ending
4. Visual & Style Essentials (animation, live-action, mixed)
Your video style should match your message.
What to choose:
Animation: Ideal for workflows, platforms, and tech
Live-action: Best for human stories or service brands
Mixed: Combines clarity and emotion
Best practices:
Keep visuals simple and product-focused
Use concise animation to reinforce key points
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