Video explainers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and while stock tools may offer convenience, there are several compelling reasons why businesses and creators should avoid using them and opt for a more personalised approach.
Lack of Originality and Creative Control
Stock tools must be more original, often resulting in generic, uninspired content that fails to distinguish a brand or product. In addition, the pre-set designs & animations often need to be customised to suit specific branding or messaging requirements, which means that the final product may not accurately reflect the intended tone or style. This lack of creative control can be a missed opportunity to create a unique and memorable video.
Overuse of Stock Footage and Disconnect with Viewers
Stock videos and animations can be overused, leading to a lack of novelty and engagement with the viewer. Over time, viewers may tune out videos that use the same tired tropes and stock footage. This is especially problematic when creating explainer videos for a product or service intended to stand out in a crowded market. Moreover, stock tools may need to accurately represent the promoted product or service, leading to a disconnect with the viewer.
Undermining Brand Credibility
Using stock tools may undermine the credibility of a brand or business. For example, if the viewer recognises duplicate stock footage or animation in multiple videos, it can erode trust & lead to a perception that the company is cutting corners or lacks originality. This is especially problematic in industries where creativity and innovation are highly valued.
Best Practices for Creating Effective Explainer Videos
Given the limitations of stock tools, what are some best practices for creating compelling explainer videos? First and foremost, it’s essential to clearly understand the intended audience and the message the video is designed to convey. This can inform the video’s tone, style, and content and help ensure it resonates with viewers.
Investing in quality products, including custom animation, graphic design, and voiceover work, is also essential. While this may be more time-consuming and expensive than stock tools, the result is likely more compelling & effective. Moreover, investing in custom work can help distinguish a brand or product from competitors, leading to a stronger market position and increased customer loyalty.
Engagement and interactivity are also essential considerations. Explainer videos that feature interactive elements, such as quizzes or clickable links, can help increase engagement and provide additional value to viewers. Additionally, incorporating humour or storytelling elements can make the video more memorable and enjoyable.
Finally, it’s essential to consider the distribution & promotion of the video carefully. Posting the video on social media, embedding it on a website, and incorporating it into email marketing campaigns can help increase visibility and drive traffic to the brand or product. In addition, measuring metrics such as views, shares, and conversion rates can help assess the effectiveness of the video and inform future video creation efforts.
Conclusion
While stock tools may offer convenience and cost savings, they are often not the best choice for creating compelling explainer videos. Personalised, custom content is more likely to capture the viewer’s attention, accurately represent the brand or product & distinguish the business from competitors. By prioritising originality, creativity, and engagement, companies and creators can create compelling explainer videos that drive engagement, increase brand awareness, and convert viewers into customers.
