Choosing the right type of explainer video

Quick Answer: There are several types of explainer videos, each serving a unique purpose in conveying information effectively.

If you’re searching for the perfect explainer video style for your brand, you’re already ahead of the game. The right type of explainer video (whether it’s 2D animation, 3D, mixed media, or live action) can turn complexity into clarity and drive measurable business results.

You’ve done the research, you know explainer videos drive results, and you’re ready to bring one to life for your brand. But one big question stands between you and your next “aha!” moment: Which type of explainer video actually fits your story (and your audience) the best?

We get it. With so many options on the table, choosing can feel overwhelming. Do you lean into the clean simplicity of 2D? The immersive power of 3D? Maybe you want the best of both worlds with mixed media, or the human touch of live action? The stakes are high: this isn’t just a creative decision, it’s a strategic one that shapes how your audience perceives your brand and how effectively your message lands.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the main types of explainer videos Digital Brew offers. You’ll see the strengths, use cases, and business impact of each style…plus real scenarios to help you visualize what’s possible. By the end, you’ll have a clear, confident answer to “Which explainer video style is right for us?”

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Why Your Explainer Video Type Matters: More Than Just a Creative Choice

Let’s address the biggest misconception up front: the type of explainer video you choose is not just about visual preference. It’s about business outcomes.

Problem: Too often, brands select a style based on what they think “looks cool” without tying it back to goals, audience, or message clarity. That’s like picking the fanciest coffee mug, but forgetting what blend you’re brewing.

Insight: The right explainer video type aligns with where your buyers are in their journey, how complex your product or service is, and the emotional connection you want to build.

Solution: At Digital Brew, we always start with your objectives and audience, then recommend a style that brews up the right mix of clarity, engagement, and brand fit.

Action: Ask yourself: “Do I need to simplify something technical? Humanize a brand? Show off innovation?” Let your answers guide your choice, not just the trends.

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The Five Main Types of Explainer Videos: What Digital Brew Offers

Not all explainer videos are created equal. Here’s a quick look at the main styles we create at Digital Brew:

Video Type	Visual Style	Best For	Popularity (2025)
2D Non-Character	Flat, icon-driven, simple	Process, data, SaaS, B2B sales	Moderate
2D Character	Animated characters	Brand storytelling, culture, HR	Consistently strong
3D Animation	Realistic, dimensional	Product demos, tech, premium positioning	Most popular
Mixed Media	Combines styles	Brand sizzle, explainer + live action	Rapidly growing
Live Action	Real people, real places	Trust-building, testimonials, culture	Steady

Why this matters: This isn’t just a creative menu. Each option has a strategic sweet spot, which we’ll dig into next.

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2D Non-Character Animation: Clarity for the Complex

Problem: You need to distill a technical process or concept into something anyone can understand without distractions.

Scenario: Imagine your SaaS platform is rolling out a new workflow automation tool. You want customers to get it, use it, and see value…fast.

Insight: 2D non-character animation excels at clarity. Icons, diagrams, and smooth motion graphics break down the steps, highlight key benefits, and keep the focus on your message.

Statistic: According to HubSpot, 96% of people have watched an explainer video to learn more about a product or service (HubSpot). That means simple, clear visuals meet buyers right where they are.

Action: If you’re launching a technical feature or want crisp, no-nonsense communication, this style keeps things clean and effective.

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2D Character Animation: Storytelling with Heart

Problem: Your brand wants to feel approachable and human, not just another logo in the crowd.

Scenario: Think about onboarding a new employee or showing prospects how your company puts people first. Characters bring that vision to life.

Insight: 2D character animation is perfect for building empathy, illustrating journeys, and creating memorable branded “mascots.” It’s playful, relatable, and highly customizable.

Statistic: Videos with characters are 20% more likely to hold viewers’ attention through to the end compared to non-character animations (Forbes). Attention is currency in a crowded B2B landscape.

Action: Use this style when you want your audience to see themselves in the story, or when you want to make a complex process feel simple and friendly.

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3D Animation: Realism, Polish, and Wow Factor

Problem: You have a product or solution that needs to stand out in a saturated market, and static images just won’t cut it.

Scenario: Picture launching a new piece of hardware, medical tech, or a software interface that needs to be experienced in three dimensions.

Insight: 3D animation creates a level of realism and depth that is hard to beat. You can spin, zoom, and fly through your product or concept, offering a cinematic reveal that builds excitement and trust.

Statistic: Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to 10% when reading it in text (Forbes). With 3D, that message feels even more tangible and immersive.

Action: If you’re aiming for premium positioning or want to give your audience a “wow” moment, 3D animation is the go-to. At Digital Brew, 3D and mixed media are leading the pack in 2025 for brands that want both sophistication and versatility.

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Mixed Media: The Best of All Worlds

Problem: Sometimes one style isn’t enough. Your story needs the flexibility to blend animation with real footage, infographics, or bold text overlays.

Scenario: Think about a product launch video that combines a live-action CEO intro, animated product shots, and customer testimonials—all in a seamless flow.

Insight: Mixed media explainer videos let you break the “format wall” and play to the strengths of each medium. The result? Videos that surprise, engage, and connect across different buyer personas and stages.

Statistic: Marketers who use video grow revenue 49% faster than those who don’t (HubSpot). Mixed media gives you multiple opportunities to create those growth-driving touchpoints.

Action: If you want to maximize impact and adapt to changing campaign needs, mixed media is a future-proof choice. It’s our most requested style for brands who want both storytelling depth and dynamic visuals.

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Live Action: Authenticity and Trust, On Camera

Problem: In B2B, trust is everything. Sometimes, only real people and real settings can deliver that.

Scenario: Imagine a customer testimonial, office tour, or thought leadership interview. Live action captures real voices, genuine reactions, and your brand’s culture in action.

Insight: While animation opens creative doors, live action puts faces and voices to your brand. It’s especially powerful for testimonials, leadership messages, or behind-the-scenes culture pieces.

Statistic: 54% of consumers want to see more video content from brands they support (HubSpot). And when it comes to trust, seeing is believing.

Action: Choose live action when human connection is the story—especially for talent acquisition, executive updates, or major announcements.

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How to Match Explainer Video Types to Your Brand Goals

With all these choices, the key is alignment: match your video type to your strategic objectives.

• Educate or Train? Lean into 2D non-character for clarity or 2D character for engagement.
• Launch or Demo? 3D animation gives your product center stage.
• Inspire or Convert? Mixed media lets you layer proof, emotion, and information.
• Build Trust? Live action brings authenticity and relatability.

Table: Matching Video Types to Goals

Brand Goal	Best Video Types	Why It Works
Educate	2D Non-Character, Mixed	Clarity, focus, repeatability
Engage & Humanize	2D Character, Live Action	Relatable, personal, story-driven
Dazzle & Demo	3D Animation, Mixed	Visual wow, detail, innovation
Build Trust	Live Action, Mixed	Real people, social proof

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3D and Mixed Media: The Modern Marketer’s Power Combo

Problem: The market moves fast, and B2B buyers expect both innovation and credibility.

Insight: In 2025, 3D and mixed media explainer videos are surging because they balance sophistication with flexibility. 3D adds polish and technical credibility. Mixed media provides narrative agility—combine interviews, animation, infographics, or footage as your campaign evolves.

Statistic: 83% of marketers say video gives them a good ROI (HubSpot). 3D and mixed media give you tools to stand out and measure real business impact.

Action: If you’re debating which style feels “next level,” start by exploring these two options. They’re the sweet spot for memorable, high-converting explainer videos in today’s landscape.

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Digital Brew’s Process: Helping You Choose and Create with Confidence

Problem: Even with all this information, choosing can still feel risky.

Scenario: Maybe you’re comparing samples, trying to imagine your message in each style—or you need a partner who can guide you through the options.

Insight: At Digital Brew, our award-winning team works closely with you from the first cup of coffee (or virtual meeting) to final delivery. We don’t just make beautiful videos—we craft stories that educate, inspire, and connect, always with your business goals in mind.

Solution: Our process includes:

• Strategic discovery sessions
• Style consultations with real examples
• Script and storyboard drafts
• Regular checkpoints and collaboration

Action: You don’t have to choose alone. We help you see, feel, and test which style is right for your brand, then brew up a finished product that does more than get views—it drives action.

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Wrap Up: Key Takeaways for Choosing the Right Explainer Video Type

• The type of explainer video you choose has a real impact on clarity, engagement, and business outcomes.
• 3D and mixed media explainer videos are leading the pack for brands seeking both polish and flexibility in 2025.
• Match the video style to your objectives: clarity, empathy, innovation, or trust.
• At Digital Brew, we guide you through every step to ensure your explainer video tells the right story for your audience, and delivers measurable results.

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