The Future of Explainer Videos: AI, Animation & Engagement

Introduction

In an age where attention spans are shorter than ever, the need to stand out has never been greater. Businesses are no longer asking whether they should use in Future of Explainer Videos—they’re asking how to make them smarter, faster, and more engaging. With animation evolving, AI entering the game, and multi-platform engagement becoming essential, the future of explainer videos is unfolding fast.

Recent surveys show that 91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, and over 80% of marketers believe video directly improves sales. That said, the question is no longer “Why video?” but rather “What’s next for video?”

In this blog, we explore what’s next for animated explainer videos, how artificial intelligence is transforming production, and why personalisation and interaction are key to keeping your audience hooked.

Why Explainer Videos Are Still Evolving

Future of Explainer Videos have earned their place as a go-to marketing tool. From simplifying complex ideas to driving up conversion rates, they continue to be essential in digital marketing strategies. But as platforms, preferences, and technology shift, so must the videos themselves.

Here are a few reasons Future of Explainer Videos are evolving:

Viewers demand shorter, sharper, more visual content that delivers value instantly.
Platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube Shorts are redefining video formats and pushing creators to think mobile-first.
Emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and interactive media are opening new creative doors.
Personalised content is becoming the expectation, not the exception.

If your explainer video still looks like it’s from 2015, you’re already behind.

The audience today expects clarity, creativity, and connection—all within the first 15 seconds.

The Rise of AI in Explainer Video Creation

AI is no longer a buzzword—it’s an active player in how videos are created. From script writing to voiceover generation and even auto-animation, AI is streamlining explainer video production. Creators can now generate a first draft in hours instead of days, allowing more time for revisions and fine-tuning.

Tools Making It Happen:

Synthesia: Create AI-generated avatars that deliver your script in multiple languages. These avatars look realistic, speak naturally, and can represent your brand globally. It’s especially useful for creating training videos, multilingual product explainers, and professional presentations without hiring actors or voice talent.
Pictory: Turn blog posts or long-form articles into short, shareable videos with automatic summarisation. It uses AI to pick highlights, visuals, and transitions, helping repurpose existing content into engaging, bite-sized explainers suitable for social sharing.
Lumen5 & Animoto: AI-assisted editing tools that automatically match text with visuals, transitions, and music. These tools are ideal for marketers and content creators who want to build stylish videos without complex software.
Descript: Edit video like a document. Useful for both beginners and pros who want to streamline their workflow. With overdub voiceovers, screen recording, and text-based editing, it reduces production time significantly.

Pros:

Speeds up production timelines dramatically: What used to take weeks can now be done in days or even hours. AI tools streamline every step from scripting to editing, helping teams meet tight deadlines with ease.
Enables quick A/B testing of different versions: You can test voiceover tones, messaging angles, and visuals to find out what works best for different audience segments. AI makes it easy to tweak and iterate.
Lower costs for basic or rapid-turnaround videos: AI tools reduce the need for large teams or expensive studios, making Future of Explainer Videos accessible even for small businesses.
Helps non-video professionals create high-quality content: Marketers, bloggers, or educators without video editing skills can still produce polished, brand-aligned videos using intuitive AI platforms.

Cons:

Lacks the nuance of human storytelling, tone, and humour: While AI is efficient, it may miss subtle emotional cues or narrative arcs that human writers excel at.
Can feel robotic or generic if not customised properly: Relying on default settings or stock visuals can result in bland, unmemorable content that fails to connect.
Requires oversight to ensure brand voice and messaging integrity: AI outputs must still be reviewed and edited to stay consistent with your brand’s tone and message.

“AI is great for scale, but human creativity still sets the tone.”

The best results come when AI is used as an assistant, not a replacement.

Next-Gen Animation Styles to Watch

Animation is no longer limited to flat 2D or basic motion graphics. The next wave of explainer video animation includes:

Hyper Realistic 3D Animation

Adds depth, realism, and visual flair, making it perfect for high-tech products or complex services. These animations can showcase intricate designs, demonstrate technical features, or visualise how a product works in the real world. By offering a more immersive viewing experience, 3D animation helps brands explain abstract or complex ideas in a way that’s both accessible and engaging.

Particularly valuable in industries like healthcare, architecture, automotive, and SaaS, where clear visual communication is key to understanding complex ideas. For instance, a healthcare company might use 3D animations to simulate how a new device functions within the human body, while an architectural firm could use them to present a building walkthrough.

3D animation also enhances brand perception, making your business appear more modern and innovative to potential customers. It conveys a sense of premium quality and technological sophistication, which can strengthen trust and improve brand image across digital platforms.

Though more expensive than 2D, the visual payoff and long-term reusability of 3D assets can justify the cost. Many companies repurpose 3D models across product demos, training materials, social media, and advertisements, making them a versatile and worthwhile investment. the visual payoff and long-term reusability of 3D assets can justify the cost.

Kinetic Typography with Advanced Transitions

Uses fast-moving text and bold graphics to deliver your message quickly. This style captures attention instantly and is highly effective on social media platforms where speed is essential.
Appeals to viewers who prefer fast, energetic content and don’t have the time or patience for slow build-ups or lengthy intros.
Great for product launches, social ads, or Future of Explainer Videos targeting Gen Z and millennials who respond well to short, snappy, and visually dynamic content.
This style also reinforces branding when matched with your typography, colours, and messaging tone.

Interactive Future of Explainer Videos

Viewers can make choices that affect what content is shown next. For example, selecting their role, pain point, or product interest can trigger a customised video flow.
Encourages active engagement rather than passive watching, resulting in longer watch times and better comprehension.
Ideal for onboarding, product walkthroughs, or educational platforms where step-by-step guidance is necessary.
Interactive videos also double as data collection tools, capturing user behaviour and preferences that inform future marketing.

Looking to try a new style? Visit our Services Page for visual inspiration and see how each style fits different business needs.

Data-Driven Personalisation in Video

Imagine your explainer video addressing the exact pain point of each viewer.
Thanks to CRMs and advanced video tools, this is now possible—and increasingly expected.

Example Use Cases:

A software company sends tailored onboarding videos based on feature usage.
A real estate platform presents different property types depending on user search history.
An eCommerce brand creates product Future of Explainer Videos that change based on location or device.

Tools Enabling This:

Vidyard and HubSpot for segmented video delivery.
Storylane for product tours that adapt based on user input or click behavior.
Wistia for analytics, A/B testing, and gated video content.

Why it matters:

Personalised explainer videos have been shown to boost engagement by up to 80%.
Viewers are more likely to stay, click, and convert when they feel the content speaks directly to them.

Multi-Platform Engagement: Beyond Your Website

Explainer videos are no longer confined to your homepage. They now power full-scale marketing funnels across:

LinkedIn: Great for professional, B2B messaging with case studies or brand intros.
TikTok & Instagram Reels: Perfect for snappy, attention-grabbing visuals under 30 seconds.
Email Campaigns: Videos boost email click-through rates by 2–3 times.
Sales Pages: A quick explainer video can reduce bounce rates and increase purchases.
Webinars & Demos: Short intros and breakouts within longer formats increase engagement.

Pro Tip:

Create a content stack:

A 90-second full version for your website
A 30-second social clip with subtitles
A GIF teaser or static thumbnail for emails

A single video concept can be repurposed into 5+ marketing assets.

The Human Touch: AI Can’t Replace Emotion

AI is amazing, but human creativity still rules when it comes to tone, empathy, and trust. Here’s why:

A real voiceover builds a personal connection that AI voices still struggle to emulate.
A unique character or branded illustration makes your business feel relatable.
Story-driven explainers that mirror the viewer’s challenges build trust fast.

While AI is powerful, the human element remains irreplaceable in:

Storyboarding
Emotional appeal
Comedic timing
Cultural nuances

Best practice: Blend AI efficiency with human creativity to get the best of both worlds.

What Businesses Should Start Doing Now

The future is already here. Here’s how to get ahead:

Test AI tools for scriptwriting, editing, and voiceovers
Refresh your old videos with modern visuals and background music
Create modular videos that can be adapted for different audiences or use cases
Invest in mobile-first video formats for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts
A/B test everything — thumbnails, length, call-to-actions, and even background music
Track analytics using tools like Wistia, YouTube Studio, and Google Analytics to measure ROI

Businesses that adapt early will lead the video-first future. Learn more about Explainer videos.

Case Study: A SaaS Brand Leverages AI for a 2x Boost in Engagement

One of our clients, a B2B SaaS company, updated their outdated explainer video using:

AI-generated voiceovers in four languages
Animated 3D product walkthroughs for onboarding
Personalised segments tailored to different user roles (developer, manager, CMO)
Social media optimised cuts for LinkedIn and Instagram

The result?

2x more engagement on their homepage
40% higher email CTRs from video-embedded newsletters
3.5x more social shares compared to their previous static content

This proves that when creativity meets innovation, the ROI is undeniable.

Want similar results? Contact us for a free video concept and consultation.

Final Thoughts: Future of Explainer Videos Are Evolving – Fast

Explainer videos are no longer just about explaining. They’re about connecting, engaging, and converting in a world where audiences expect instant value and seamless experiences.

Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, it’s time to:

Embrace new animation formats like 3D and kinetic typography
Leverage AI to scale without sacrificing quality
Personalise videos to meet users where they are
Share your video across every platform your audience uses

At Spire Video, we help you create:

AI-powered Future of Explainer Videos
Animated content tailored to your audience
Engaging, multi-platform video strategies that work

Ready to Innovate with Your Next Explainer?

Frequently Asked Question:

Q: Will AI replace human voiceovers and video creators?
A: No, but it will assist them. AI speeds up production, but storytelling still needs a human touch.

Q: What are the top tools for AI video creation?
A: Synthesia, Pictory, Lumen5, Vyond, and Descript are among the most popular.

Q: How short should a social media explainer video be?
A: Under 30 seconds works best for TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Q: Can explainer videos be interactive?
A: Yes! Interactive video platforms like Storylane and Wistia make this possible, allowing viewers to engage with clickable paths.

Q: How do I personalise explainer videos?
A: Use tools that integrate with your CRM to deliver segmented video experiences based on viewer behavior or profile.

Q: Are explainer videos worth the investment in 2025?
A: Absolutely. With ROI ranging from higher engagement to better conversion rates, explainer videos remain one of the most effective tools in any marketer’s toolkit.