Let’s face it, standing out online as a small business is no walk in the park. That’s where explainer videos come in. These short, punchy videos break down your product or service in a way that’s simple, memorable, and (most importantly) drives action. But here’s the kicker: not all explainer videos are created equal. The top explainer video styles for small businesses are the ones that actually get people clicking Buy Now. Others? Not so much.
So, how do you figure out which style works best for your goals, your industry, and your budget? That’s exactly what we’re covering here—plus some real-world stats, expert tips, and a little help from our team at Ice N Fire Media.
Why Explainer Videos Actually Work (Yes, the Numbers Back It Up)
Still wondering if explainer videos are worth the investment? Check this out:
- 81% of businesses say they’ve helped increase sales (Wyzowl, 2024)
- 72% saw a boost in website conversions (Video Brewery)
- 74% of viewers ended up making a purchase after watching one (HubSpot)
- 97% of marketers agree that explainer videos help people better understand what a business does (Wyzowl)
- 84% of viewers say they were convinced to buy after watching one (Wyzowl)
- Adding one to your site can bump traffic by 76% (Forbes)
- Email campaigns with video? They get up to 300% more clicks (Campaign Monitor)
If those numbers don’t make you pause and think about adding video to your strategy, we’re not sure what will. Consider using Explainer Video Services for your business and see the rapid growth in your business.
Explainer Video Styles That Actually Deliver
Alright, let’s get into it. These are the top explainer video styles for small businesses—and here’s why they’re working so well.
| Style | What It Is | Great For | Why It Works |
| 2D/3D Animation | Animated visuals with personality | Startups, SaaS, eCommerce | Visually fun, clear messaging, cost-effective |
| Whiteboard Animation | Real-time sketch-style drawings | Consultants, education, services | Budget-friendly, makes complex stuff easy |
| Live-Action | Real people + real settings | Local businesses, coaches | Builds trust and emotional connection |
| Screencast/Demo | Screen recordings, walkthroughs | Apps, tools, tech products | Super practical and direct |
| Motion Graphics | Clean animations + voiceover | B2B, financial services | Looks polished, perfect for abstract info |
| Hybrid | Mix of animation and live shots | Brands that want flexibility | Dynamic and modern vibe |
So, What Makes These Styles So Effective?
Here’s the deal: your explainer video style should match the vibe of your brand and the expectations of your audience.
- 2D animation breaks down technical info in a fun, digestible way.
- Whiteboard videos feel like a quick class—but without the boring parts.
- Live-action helps your audience connect with your team or product face-to-face.
- Screencasts are perfect for showing someone exactly how something works.
- Motion graphics bring serious polish when you’re talking numbers, data, or strategy.
How to Pick the Right Style for Your Business
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a video expert to get this right. Just think about a few key factors:
- Budget: If you’re working lean, animation often gives the best bang for your buck. Live-action tends to cost more (actors, crew, locations), but the authenticity can pay off big time.
- Your Resources: No actors or cameras? Stick with animation or screencasts. They’re easier to produce and still look pro.
- Your Audience: Selling to younger folks or startup founders? Animation’s a hit. Going after execs or older buyers? Live-action or motion graphics might feel more legit.
- Your Goal: Want fewer support calls? Screencast it. Need emotional pull? Go live-action. Want to explain a tricky concept fast? Go animated.
Which Style Converts the Best?
If we’re talking straight conversions, animated explainer videos tend to come out on top.
- Short, sharp videos (under 90 seconds) can increase conversions by 20% or more
- They’re perfect for landing pages, social posts, or even in your emails
- Bonus: they’re easy to update or repurpose later
That said, don’t sleep on live-action—especially for high-ticket services or trust-heavy industries. It’s just about matching the format to your message.
Animated vs. Live-Action: The Showdown
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Feature | Animation | Live-Action |
| Cost | Generally cheaper | More expensive |
| Custom Branding | Fully personalized | Limited to real-world visuals |
| Trust Factor | Moderate | High if done right |
| Scalability | Easy to reuse | Harder to update or repurpose |
| Emotional Pull | Varies | Strong—especially with testimonials or personal stories |
Do Explainer Videos Outperform Other Marketing Tools?
Yes, and here’s why:
- They generate 66% more qualified leads than non-video content (OptinMonster)
- Visitors spend more time on your site and remember your offer better
- 55% of small businesses using video make over $100K/year from it (Animoto)
Let’s put it simply: a strong explainer video is like hiring your best salesperson to work 24/7, on your homepage, landing page, emails, social, and beyond.
Why Work with Ice N Fire Media?
At Ice N Fire Media, we’ve helped countless small businesses turn video content into real results. Our team handles it all, strategy, scripting, animation, voiceovers, production, editing, you name it.
What we do:
- Animated explainer video production (2D/3D, whiteboard, hybrid)
- Motion graphics for pro-looking B2B videos
- Live-action videos that build trust
- Scripting, voiceovers, and full production
- Custom explainers for SaaS, services, startups, and more
Want to see some magic in action? Head over to Ice N fire Media and check out our latest explainer video examples.
Final Thoughts
Explainer videos aren’t a trend—they’re a tested way to grab attention, build trust, and close more sales. The key is choosing the style that speaks to your audience, fits your brand, and meets your goals.
If you’re still not sure where to start, don’t sweat it. Ice N Fire Media is here to help you figure it out and bring it to life. Let’s make a video your customers can’t stop watching.
Boost sales with top explainer video styles for small businesses—let Ice N Fire Media craft the perfect one for your brand today!
