How to promote your app with an animated explainer video

Video is a great way to showcase the features and benefits of your app, as you can use a screencast or even have you animation team mock-up a similar animated version of your apps interface, to show the user a sneak peak of the best bits without them even having to download it.

This simply encourages downloads, as prospects can see the exact features and direct benefits via video, something the would be unable to seee using just a static image or text.

How do you make an animated explainer video for your app? 

First, you need to set your goals for the video:

• Who is your target audience?
• What is the key message the video?
• Where will the video be placed? 

Knowing the answers to the above questions will help you craft a compelling script directed towards your target audience, give you a good idea of video length, and give you a head-start when brainstorming visual ideas for the storyboard. 

Once you have a comprehensive plan, you can begin the creative process. Start by approaching some animated explainer video agencies to get a quote for your video is the best starting block. Agencies differ in price depending on their turnaround time, production process and the quality of the animation, so you need to find out what’s right for you.

At Squideo, we specialise in ROI focussed 2D animated explainer videos, so we’re a little more cost-effective than some other UK-based agencies. You can check out our examples here and request a video quote here. 

The 9 best mobile app explainer video examples of 2021

Kava aims to solve the problem of not being able to receive healthcare whilst abroad or on holiday. They connect users with licensed healthcare professionals via the Kava portal or using the Kava app, so if you’re a business in hospitality, you can take care of your guests health and wellbeing with ease.

This video is slightly longer than the average explainer video, however the video spends a lot of time running through the typical pain points a user receives without Kava, which only grips the viewer further into discovering why Kava is a good idea. 

2. Pay Ticket

Everyone hates speeding tickets and paying a foreign speeding ticket is a headache nobody wants to endure. Pay Ticket explains in this animated video how quick and easy it is to pay your ticket straight through their app.

This video is nice to watch due to the restricted colour palette or white and grey, yet using the blues and purple of the brand colours for highlights. Not only does this ensure the brand colours are inflicted to the user, but makes the video more retainable.

3. Microsoft Office

This software focussed animated explainer video blurs the boundaries between real-life and technology.  Clever animation tricks are used such as using a bubble to navigate the app, turning office logos into cushions and layering files like pieces of paper, adding an extra layer of interest and creativity to the video. Using a flat screen rather than a phone and making the app an object rather than a piece of software, the animations portray subliminal messaging that this app is an extra piece of office equipment, which would otherwise not achievable through text or an image alone. 

4. McDonalds App 

McDonalds used this explainer video to explain to their customers not only how to use their app, but also how to redeem the benefits and special offers. This encourages users to download the McDonalds app, as they have been shown they get extra benefits and its quick and easy to use, win-win! 

5. JoyScore

JoyScore’s business revolves around their app, which stays on the phone of the user for ease of use and so they can log in every day. Reflecting the brand and the purpose of the app, Joy Score have made this video with little movement, keeping your eyes in the middle of the screen and using warm earthy colours from their branding to make you feel relaxed. The video runs through the purpose of the app and its features, so you know exactly what to expect before you download it. 

6. Big Box Souq 

Big Box Souq have an app which allows users to purchase fresh food which is then delivered straight to their home. Sounds simple, right? Well, what sets this apart is the magic of the business lies in the app, with a smart algorithm which actually builds your shopping cart for you, and also a handy points scheme which benefits your friends and family! 

This video was created to appeal to the target audience with fun, block colours and simple shapes and images to reflect the style of the logo.

7. Waze

Waze is a navigational app used around the world as a satnav plus more. They’re not just using a video to encourage users to download the app, but using a video to encourage businesses to advertise through the Waze app, using the video format to show how it would appear to app users. 

8. Remote Post

This explainer video created for Remote Post highlights the features and benefits of the remote post app, showing how viewers can connect with sound artists and colourists to complete urgent jobs remotely. By showing characters using the app from both sides, this makes the video more relatable for viewers giving them a better understanding of how it works. 

9. LinQup

LinQup used their animation video to advertise their sport connecting app. This video has been created using stick footage, with animated transitions and overlays to create an upbeat and fast-paced video.

When you want real footage in a video, it can be difficult to make it look like the people are part of the team and show they are not stock footage, however we think its been captured perfectly in this video! 

We hope you're feeling inspired to create your animated explainer to promote your app after watching our examples. If you need more animated explainer video inspiration, be sure to check out The Ten Best Animated Explainer Videos of 2021 So Far.

If you're looking for more information about a video project for your business, get in touch with the team today!