Benefits of 2D Explainer Videos for Businesses

Introduction

Explaining a product, service or business idea clearly is essential for attracting customers and building trust. However, many businesses struggle to communicate complex information in a way that their target audience can quickly understand. Long paragraphs, technical documents and static presentations do not always make it easy for potential customers to see the value of an offer.

This is where 2D explainer video services can make a difference. By combining animation, storytelling, voice-over and sound design, businesses can turn complicated messages into clear and engaging visual content.

Whether you run a technology company, a SaaS business, a healthcare organisation or a professional services firm, a well-planned animated explainer video can support your marketing and communication goals. In this guide, we explore the key benefits of 2D explainer videos and how UK businesses can use them to communicate more effectively, strengthen their brand and engage potential customers.

What Is a 2D Explainer Video?

A 2D explainer video is an animated video that uses two-dimensional illustrations, characters, text, icons and motion graphics to explain a product, service, process or idea.

Unlike traditional live-action videos, 2D animation allows businesses to demonstrate abstract concepts, software features, technical processes and situations that may be difficult or expensive to film.

For example, a software company can use animation to demonstrate how its platform works, while a cybersecurity provider can illustrate how phishing attacks happen and how employees can recognise suspicious activity.

Professional 2D explainer video production typically involves several stages, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, illustration, animation, voice-over recording, sound effects and music.

The result is a video designed around a specific communication objective, whether that is introducing a new product, generating business enquiries, supporting employee training or helping customers understand a service.

1. Simplify Complex Products and Services

One of the biggest benefits of 2D explainer videos is their ability to make complicated information easier to understand.

Businesses operating in technology, cybersecurity, healthcare and professional services often need to explain concepts that are unfamiliar to their audiences. Technical language can confuse potential customers, making it difficult for them to understand how a solution works or why they need it.

Animation helps break information into smaller, manageable steps. Visual demonstrations, character interactions, labels and simple transitions can guide viewers through a process without overwhelming them with information.

For example, a SaaS company could use a 60-second animated explainer video to demonstrate how its software helps businesses organise customer information. Instead of relying on lengthy written explanations, the video could show the problem, introduce the software and demonstrate the main benefits.

This approach makes the message easier to follow and helps viewers understand the value of a product or service.

Best suited to: SaaS companies, technology providers, cybersecurity businesses, healthcare organisations and companies offering specialist services.

2. Capture Attention and Encourage Engagement

Online audiences encounter large amounts of content every day. Businesses therefore need effective ways to communicate their messages and give potential customers a reason to keep watching.

A professionally produced animated explainer video combines movement, narration, visual storytelling and sound to present information in an engaging format.

Instead of asking visitors to read several paragraphs before understanding an offer, a business can introduce its key message through a concise visual story.

For example, a recruitment company could create an animated video showing how its service helps employers find suitable candidates. A strong opening, relatable characters and clear visual examples can help communicate the message quickly.

However, engagement depends on more than animation alone. The opening needs to capture attention, the script must remain relevant to the audience, and the visuals should support the message rather than distract from it.

Businesses should also choose an appropriate video length for the platform and purpose. A short social media advert may need a different structure from a detailed product demonstration on a website.

When these elements work together, animated videos can make business communication more engaging and easier to follow.

3. Strengthen Brand Identity and Professionalism

A consistent brand identity helps customers recognise a business and understand what it represents. A custom 2D explainer video provides an opportunity to incorporate brand colours, typography, illustration styles, characters and visual elements into a cohesive presentation.

For example, a UK technology company with an established visual identity can use its colours and fonts throughout an animated product demonstration. This creates a more consistent experience between the video, website, presentations and other marketing materials.

Custom animation also gives businesses greater creative flexibility. Characters, diagrams and visual metaphors can be designed to suit the company’s audience, industry and communication style.

A professional animation service should consider brand guidelines during the planning and design stages, rather than adding branding only after the video has been produced.

The objective is to create a video that feels like a natural extension of the business, not a generic animation that could belong to any company.

A consistent visual identity can support brand recognition and help businesses present their products and services professionally across different marketing channels.

4. Explain Product Features and Demonstrate Value

Potential customers want to understand what a product does, how it works and whether it can solve their problems. When these points are unclear, customers may hesitate to make an enquiry or explore the product further.

Animated explainer videos can demonstrate a product’s main features in a structured and accessible way.

For instance, a business selling project management software could use animation to show how users create tasks, assign responsibilities, track progress and collaborate with colleagues.

Rather than listing features without context, the video can connect each feature to a practical customer benefit.

This distinction is important. Customers are not simply looking for a list of functions; they want to understand how a solution could help them work more efficiently, address a challenge or achieve a business objective.

A well-structured product explainer typically introduces the problem, presents the solution, demonstrates its key benefits and finishes with a clear next step.

This makes 2D animation particularly useful for software demonstrations, product launches, service introductions and website landing pages.

5. Support Digital Marketing Across Multiple Channels

Another advantage of 2D explainer videos is their versatility. A carefully planned animation can support several marketing activities, provided the format and content suit each channel.

Businesses can publish explainer videos on their websites, YouTube channels, LinkedIn profiles, email campaigns and relevant social media platforms.

For example, a company launching a new service could embed the full video on its website, share it on LinkedIn and use a shorter edit for a social media campaign.

The same core message can also be adapted for different audiences. A product-focused version might demonstrate features, while a customer-focused version could concentrate on the problems the service solves.

It is important to plan these uses before production begins. Horizontal videos are generally suitable for website pages and conventional YouTube videos, while vertical formats are often more appropriate for short-form mobile content.

Captions, readable on-screen text and clear narration can also help make videos more accessible and useful in different viewing environments.

Repurposing content can help businesses maintain a consistent message across marketing channels without having to develop an entirely new concept for every platform.

6. Improve Website Communication and Support Conversions

A business website needs to explain what the company offers, who it helps and what visitors should do next. If visitors cannot quickly understand the value of a service, they may leave without making an enquiry.

A relevant explainer video can support this communication by introducing the offer, demonstrating its benefits and answering common questions.

For example, a cybersecurity company could place an animated video on its service page to explain how its security solution helps organisations manage specific risks. Visitors could then explore the detailed service information or request a consultation.

The video should complement the page rather than replace important written information. Search engines still need accessible page content to understand the subject, and visitors may prefer reading detailed specifications, pricing information or service terms.

Businesses should also include a clear call to action, such as requesting a quote, booking a demonstration or contacting the team.

An explainer video does not automatically increase conversions. Its effectiveness depends on factors such as the relevance of the message, the quality of the offer, the audience, page design and ease of taking the next step.

Tracking enquiries, relevant video engagement and landing-page performance can help businesses assess whether their video is contributing to their marketing objectives.

7. Make Employee Training and Business Communication More Effective

2D animation is not limited to advertising and product promotion. It can also help organisations explain internal processes, workplace policies and employee responsibilities.

Businesses often need to communicate information about cybersecurity, data protection, health and safety, onboarding and workplace procedures. Presenting these topics through long documents alone may make important steps harder for employees to follow.

Animated training videos can turn procedures into visual scenarios. For example, a cybersecurity awareness video could demonstrate how an employee identifies a suspicious email, verifies an unusual request and reports a potential security incident.

Similarly, an onboarding video could introduce company policies, explain key responsibilities and guide new employees through essential processes.

The main advantage is the ability to show a situation and the appropriate response, rather than simply describing them in writing.

Short, focused videos can also be reused during onboarding and refresher training, helping organisations deliver consistent information to different teams.

For the best results, training videos should reflect the organisation’s actual policies and procedures. Businesses should review the content regularly and use additional resources or assessments where required.

8. Create a Cost-Effective and Reusable Marketing Asset

Producing professional video content requires planning and investment, but an animated explainer can continue to serve a business after its initial publication.

A company may use the same video on a service page, during sales presentations, in email communications and at relevant events. This can make the original production useful across several customer touchpoints.

Animation can also be a practical option when filming real locations, specialist equipment or complex processes would be difficult.

However, the overall cost depends on the script, animation style, duration, level of detail, voice-over requirements and number of revisions. Additional formats, language versions and future updates may also affect the budget.

Businesses should therefore define their objectives and requirements before requesting a quote.

A clear brief helps an animation provider recommend an appropriate production approach and avoid unnecessary work. It also makes it easier to compare proposals based on the deliverables, creative quality and project scope rather than price alone.

The best investment is not necessarily the cheapest video. It is the video that communicates the intended message effectively and supports a clearly defined business goal.

How to Choose the Right 2D Explainer Video Service

Choosing an animation provider involves more than reviewing a showreel. Businesses should look for a service that understands their audience, communication objectives and brand requirements.

Before starting a project, consider the following:

• Relevant portfolio: Review previous animation work to assess the provider’s visual quality, storytelling and suitability for your industry.
• Scriptwriting and storyboarding: Confirm how the message will be developed and approved before animation begins.
• Brand consistency: Ask how your colours, fonts, logo and brand guidelines will be incorporated.
• Voice-over and sound: Establish whether narration, music and sound effects are included.
• Video specifications: Confirm the final resolution, file format, duration and any additional aspect ratios required.
• Project communication: Agree on milestones, feedback arrangements, delivery dates and revision terms.
• Clear pricing: Request a quote based on the agreed scope and deliverables.

Providing a finalised script, website link, brand guidelines and reference materials can help the animation team understand your requirements from the outset.

A well-defined production process makes expectations clearer for both sides and helps keep the project focused on the intended outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 2D explainer video used for?

A 2D explainer video can introduce products and services, demonstrate software, promote a business, explain technical concepts and support employee training. Its purpose depends on the audience and the message the organisation needs to communicate.

How long should a business explainer video be?

The ideal duration depends on the complexity of the message and where the video will appear. A 30–90-second video can be suitable for a concise introduction, while a more detailed demonstration or training video may need additional time.

Are 2D explainer videos suitable for small businesses?

Yes. Small businesses can use animation to explain their services, introduce products and communicate their value without requiring a live-action filming setup. The project should be planned around the business’s budget and objectives.

Can an animated explainer video help with SEO?

An explainer video can support a broader SEO strategy when it provides useful information and is placed on a relevant, well-structured page. The page should also include descriptive headings, helpful written content, appropriate metadata and a clear user experience. Video alone does not guarantee higher search rankings.

What do I need to provide to get an animated explainer video made?

It is helpful to provide a finalised script or brief, your website URL, brand guidelines, logo files and any visual references. If you do not have a script, ask whether the provider offers scriptwriting and storyboarding as part of the service.

Conclusion: Use 2D Explainer Videos to Communicate Your Business Value

A professionally planned 2D explainer video can help businesses simplify complex information, present products clearly, maintain a consistent brand identity and support marketing and employee training.

For UK businesses competing in technology, SaaS, healthcare, cybersecurity and professional services, clear communication can make it easier for potential customers and employees to understand important messages.

The key is to start with a defined objective, understand your audience and create a script that focuses on the information people genuinely need. Professional animation, suitable narration and thoughtful visual storytelling can then bring that message to life.

Looking for a professional 2D explainer video for your business?

Explainers Video creates custom animated explainer videos and motion graphics for businesses looking to communicate their products, services and ideas clearly. From script development and storyboarding to animation, voice-over and sound design, the production process can be tailored to your project requirements.

Visit Explainers Video to explore the service and discuss your next animation project. Share your website, project brief and brand guidelines to start planning a video that reflects your business and speaks to your target audience.