It goes without saying that the main purpose of explainer videos is to educate viewers. Brands can use them to introduce a new product, show how services work, inform the audience about new concepts, and more.
But apart from being helpful and educational, explainer videos also have to be entertaining. And this is where video editing comes into play. By adding special effects to your videos, you can completely reshape the viewers’ experience and attract more attention to your brand.
How to Make Explainer Videos with Special Effects: 7 Tips
Adding effects requires a combination of thoughtfulness and creativity. It’s important to add just the right number of effects and find the perfect balance.
Let’s take a look at some tips that will help you with that:
-
Plan Your Effects
Before you edit a video, plan out where and why you’ll use special effects.
All of them should serve a purpose, like highlighting a product feature or enhancing a point in the narrative. This way, the effects don’t distract viewers from the main message.
Get inspired by watching successful examples of explainer videos: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/explainer-videos
-
Use Animations and Motion Graphics
Motion graphics are highly effective for breaking down complex ideas into simple visuals.
Most video editing software includes built-in options. They allow you to insert animated text, stickers, and icons that can move across the screen.
Use a video editor to create motion paths and animate objects. For example, you can add arrows, pop-ups, or animated illustrations to guide viewers’ attention.
-
Experiment with Text Effects
Text is an integral part of explainer videos, often used for titles, subtitles, and callouts. Use text effects to make words stick out so that viewers would know which parts of your speech are especially important.
You can also add text animations (fades, pop-ups, zooms, or typewriter effects, etc.). However, keep the text legible and avoid using too many fonts or colors.
Good video editing software allows you to experiment with various text styles and transitions.
A pro tip is to use “kinetic typography,” where words appear animated in sync with the voiceover. This effect is especially popular in explainer videos.
-
Incorporate Visual Effects
Special effects like blurring, zooms, and focus shifts can help guide the viewer’s attention to specific areas of the video. These effects work well in explainer videos where certain elements need emphasis.
If your video involves showcasing a product, consider using zoom-ins and pans to highlight features or details.
Video editing software allows you to create these effects by adjusting the scale and positioning options.
Visual effects can also add depth, creating a more dynamic experience. Adding elements like shadows, glows, or 3D text can make the visuals stand out.
-
Use Transitions
Transitions can affect the pacing and flow of your explainer video. Video editing software typically offers a range of transition effects and presets, from simple fades and cuts to elaborate dissolves and wipes.
For explainer videos, avoid overusing flashy transitions. Stick to simple transitions that serve the story, such as cross-dissolves or fade-outs. These transitions help keep the focus on the message rather than distracting the viewer with excessive movement.
-
Use Audio Effects
Audio is as important as visuals in creating a successful explainer video. Most video editors allow you to add sound effects and background music directly within the software. Sound effects can add humor, create atmosphere, or emphasize a visual effect.
Sync audio effects with visuals, so they align with animations or transitions. For instance, a “whoosh” sound during a zoom-in can enhance the effect, making the movement feel more dynamic.
Background music is also crucial, as it sets the tone of the video. The audio level should be balanced, with music not overpowering the voiceover. Video editing software often includes audio leveling and editing tools to help you adjust volumes easily.
-
Experiment with Color Correction and Grading
Color correction and grading can make a big difference in the quality of your explainer video. Color correction adjusts the video’s overall color balance, while grading enhances its mood and tone.
Video editing software often provides color correction tools to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and color balance.
Color grading adds a more polished, cinematic feel to the video. Warm tones can make your video feel energetic, while cool tones can create a more professional vibe. Experiment with these settings to see which color schemes fit the theme of your explainer video the most.
Conclusion
Special effects are practically a must for a successful explainer video. They highlight important points and add a level of entertainment to your content.
It’s important to find the perfect balance, though. You shouldn’t overwhelm the viewers by adding too many effects, and you shouldn’t bore them by adding none.
Focus on clean transitions, add effects that complement your message, and don’t forget about audio design. Try to plan everything ahead, and you’ll see that adding special effects in your explainer videos is not only effective but also fun.
