How to Create Explainer Videos in Australia: The Complete Guide for Startup Founders

If you’ve ever struggled to explain your product or service in under 30 seconds, you’re not alone. That’s where explainer videos come in. They simplify complex ideas, tell your story, and make your brand instantly more approachable.

For founders, creating explainer videos is a powerful marketing tool. They combine storytelling, visuals, and sound to capture attention and convert interest into action.

The best part? They don’t just explain—they persuade.

I learned this when launching my first SaaS product. No matter how many words I used on the website, people didn’t “get it.” Once I invested in a 90-second explainer video with simple graphics and a clear script, everything changed. Demo bookings doubled, and customers told me, “I finally understand what you do.” That’s the power of video marketing done right.

They don’t just explain—they persuade. One good explainer video can mean 10+ sales calls saved.

What Exactly Are Explainer Videos?

Explainer videos are short, engaging videos that simplify a product, service, or idea for your audience. They’re designed to quickly answer: What is it? Who’s it for? Why does it matter? How does it work?

Types of explainer videos include:

• Animated videos: Cartoon or motion graphics visuals.

• Live-action videos: Real people, often founder-led storytelling.

• Screen recordings: Perfect for SaaS or digital tools.

• Whiteboard animations: Simple drawings that build as the story unfolds.

Examples:

• Canva uses animated explainers to show how easy their design platform is.

• Startups in Australia often use 60–90 second animated videos on landing pages to boost conversions.

Explainer videos aren’t just content—they’re tools for brand storytelling and customer education.

Why This Could Make or Break Your Business

Explainer videos matter because:

• Clarity wins customers: People won’t buy what they don’t understand.

• Boosts conversions: Landing pages with explainer videos can increase sign-ups by 80%.

• Humanises your brand: Videos add personality and trust.

• Supports multiple channels: One video can be used on your website, socials, ads, and emails.

• Scales your pitch: Instead of repeating yourself, let your video do the work 24/7.

Skip this, and you risk losing people in a wall of text. Nail it, and you give your business a clear, engaging voice.

Before You Start

Before making your explainer video, prepare:

• A clear value proposition (what problem you solve).

• Defined target audience.

• One key message per video.

• Script draft (keep it short and simple).

• Budget range for DIY or outsourcing.

• Tools or platforms (Camtasia, Canva, Adobe, Powtoon, etc.).

This prep ensures your video is purposeful, not just pretty.

How to Create Explainer Videos:

Step by Step

Step 1: Define the Goal

What do you want the video to achieve?

• Increase sign-ups?

• Educate new users?

• Build awareness?

Result: Your script and visuals focus on one clear outcome.

Step 2: Write a Simple Script

Scripts make or break explainer videos.

• Keep it under 150 words for 60 seconds.

• Use plain English.

• Follow the flow: Problem → Solution → How it Works → Call-to-Action.

Result: You have a clear story that viewers can follow easily.

Step 3: Choose the Style

Select the type of explainer video that suits your brand.

• Animated for playful or complex ideas.

• Live-action for authenticity and human touch.

• Screen recording for software walkthroughs.

Result: The format matches your product and audience.

Step 4: Create a Storyboard

Sketch out visuals scene by scene.

• Match key points to graphics or shots.

• Plan transitions and on-screen text.

• Keep visuals simple and relevant.

Result: You avoid confusion and keep production smooth.

Step 5: Record Voiceover or Narration

Narration ties it all together.

• Use a clear, friendly voice.

• Hire a voice actor (Fiverr, Voices.com) if needed.

• Record with a good mic to avoid echo.

Result: Your message sounds professional and engaging.

Step 6: Produce the Visuals

Build the video using tools.

• Canva or Powtoon for simple animations.

• Camtasia or Loom for screen recordings.

• Adobe After Effects or Final Cut for advanced animation.

Result: You bring your story to life with visuals.

Step 7: Add Music and Branding

Sound makes videos memorable.

• Use royalty-free background music (Epidemic Sound, Artlist).

• Add your logo intro and outro.

• Apply brand colours and fonts consistently.

Result: Your video feels polished and on-brand.

Step 8: Edit and Polish

Refine the video.

• Keep pacing tight (1–2 seconds per scene).

• Add captions for accessibility.

• Test with a small group for clarity.

Result: You have a finished product ready for distribution.

Step 9: Publish and Promote

Don’t just upload—strategically place your video.

• Website homepage or landing page.

• Social media platforms.

• YouTube for discoverability.

• Sales emails or onboarding flows.

Result: Your explainer video reaches the right audience in multiple touchpoints.

Mistakes to Avoid

Overcomplicating. 

Result: confused viewers. Fix: stick to one message.

Too long. 

Result: drop-offs after 60–90 seconds. Fix: keep it short.

Skipping captions. 

Result: missed views on silent autoplay. Fix: always add captions.

Forgetting CTA. 

Result: wasted attention. Fix: end with “Sign up,” “Book now,” or clear next step.

Real-World Examples

• A Brisbane fintech created a 90-second animated explainer for their app. Sign-ups doubled within two months.

• A Sydney service-based startup used a founder-led live-action video. It built trust but ran over 3 minutes—most viewers dropped off early. After re-cutting it to 75 seconds, retention improved dramatically.

The difference? Clarity and brevity win.

What It Costs and How Long It Takes

Direct Costs (as of 2025/2026):

• DIY with Canva or Loom: Free–$30/month.

• Freelance animator: $500–$3,000 per video.

• Professional studio: $5,000–$15,000+.

Timeline:

• DIY: 1–2 weeks.

• Freelance: 3–6 weeks.

• Studio: 2–3 months.

Hidden Costs:

• Time wasted on unclear scripts.

• Revisions from poor briefs.

• Missed leads if the video doesn’t land.

Money-Saving Tip: Start with a simple DIY or freelancer video, then invest in a polished studio version once you validate demand.

Bottom line: done is better than perfect when starting.

What to Do Next

By acting now, you turn your ideas into videos that sell for you 24/7.

➡️ Download free business tools from ProDesk’s resource library—built for action-takers who want clarity and quick wins right now [ProDeck.com].

➡️ Don’t guess—have it built for you. From branding to marketing assets, we’ll make sure your explainer videos hit the mark [Noize.com.au].

➡️ Get The StartupDeck—200+ proven business moves in one practical toolkit. Use it to build momentum and scale faster [theStartUpDeck.com].

The Bottom Line

Explainer videos are one of the fastest ways to turn confusion into clarity.

Without them, your message risks being ignored. With them, you give customers a simple, engaging reason to act.

Founders who use explainer videos aren’t just making content—they’re scaling their pitch and building credibility.

FAQs

How long should an explainer video be? 

60–90 seconds is the sweet spot for attention and clarity.

Do I need animation, or can I film myself? 

Either works. Choose animation for complex ideas, live-action for personal connection.

What tools are best for DIY? 

Canva, Loom, and Powtoon are beginner-friendly. Camtasia and Adobe are more advanced.

Can one video work across all platforms? 

Yes, but adjust aspect ratios (square for socials, widescreen for YouTube).

How do I measure success? 

Track views, engagement, conversions, and drop-off points.