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The Benefits of a Live Action Explainer Video

September 9, 2024

The Benefits of a Live Action Explainer Video

One of the most powerful tools in marketing is an explainer video and this week we’re taking a look at a very specific kind, the live action explainer video. Unlike animated videos or static text, live action explainer videos engage viewers on a deeper level, making it easier for businesses to convey their brand story, explain complex concepts, and drive conversions. We’ve talked before about which style of explainer video is right for you. But this week, we’re going to do a deep dive into the live action explainer video and see if it’s right for your business.

What is a Live Action Explainer Video?

Before getting into the benefits, let’s clarify what a live action explainer video actually is. It’s a short, informative video that uses real people, real settings, and real products to explain a concept, service, or product. These videos are typically used by businesses to demonstrate their offerings, educate their audience, or provide step-by-step instructions.

Unlike animated explainer videos, live action explainer videos rely on the authenticity and relatability of in person scenarios. Using real actors, settings, and props allows these videos to create a different kind of emotional connection with your audience.

Why Choose Live Action Explainer Videos Over Other Formats?

When it comes to explainer videos, there are several formats to choose from, like 2D, 3D, or mixed media. However, live action explainer videos offer distinct advantages that set them apart from other formats. Let’s take a look at why these are the preferred choice for many businesses.

Authenticity and Relatability

One of the key benefits of a live action explainer video is its authenticity. Unlike animated videos, live action videos showcase real people in real-life situations, which can resonate more with viewers. Audiences are more likely to trust and relate to a brand that presents itself in a genuine and authentic manner.

For example, if you are a company offering a healthcare service, a live action explainer video featuring real doctors and patients will establish credibility and trust far more effectively than an animated character could. When viewers see real people using your product or service, they can better imagine themselves in those situations, making your message more impactful.

Emotional Connection

Humans are naturally wired to connect with other humans. By featuring real people in your live action explainer video, you create an emotional connection with your audience. This connection is vital for driving engagement, building trust, and ultimately influencing purchasing decisions.

Whether it’s the tone of voice, facial expressions, or body language, live action videos convey emotions in a way that other formats simply cannot. These emotional cues can help to humanize your brand and make your message more memorable. A heartfelt testimonial in a live action explainer video can evoke empathy and trust, which are crucial for converting potential customers.

Versatility and Flexibility

Another significant advantage of live action explainer videos is their versatility. These videos can be tailored to suit various styles and tones, depending on your target audience and the message you want to convey. Whether you need a serious and professional tone for a corporate audience or a lighthearted and humorous approach for a younger demographic, live action explainer videos can adapt to different scenarios.

Moreover, live action explainer videos are flexible in terms of length and format. You can create short, attention-grabbing clips for social media or longer, more detailed videos for your website or presentations. This adaptability ensures that your video content can be effectively used across multiple platforms and marketing channels.

Enhanced Brand Identity

A live action explainer video offers an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand’s identity. From the choice of actors and locations to the tone of the script and the overall visual style, every aspect of the video can be customized to reflect your brand’s personality. This level of customization allows you to create a consistent brand image that resonates with your audience.

If your brand is all about innovation and technology, a sleek, modern live action explainer video can convey that message. On the other hand, if your brand emphasizes community and human connection, a warm, heartfelt live action video featuring relatable characters will reinforce that image.

Simplifying Complex Ideas

Explaining complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand can be challenging, especially if you’re relying on text or static images alone. A live action explainer video can break down intricate concepts into simple, digestible pieces of information, making it easier for your audience to grasp the message.

By using visuals, demonstrations, and real-life scenarios, live action explainer videos can simplify even the most complicated topics. This is particularly useful for industries like technology, finance, or healthcare, where products or services may require detailed explanations. With a live action explainer video, you can visually illustrate how your product works, providing clarity and helping potential customers understand the value you offer.

Improved Viewer Engagement

In a world where attention spans are shrinking, capturing and maintaining the attention of your audience is crucial. Live action explainer videos are highly effective at engaging viewers and holding their attention throughout the duration of the video. The combination of real people, storytelling, and visuals makes these videos inherently more engaging than static text or images.

Moreover, live action videos are more likely to be shared on social media platforms and increase your brand’s reach and visibility. A well-executed live action video can go viral, generating buzz and driving traffic to your website or social media channels. This level of engagement is invaluable in today’s competitive digital landscape.

Building Trust and Credibility

Trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship. In today’s digital world, where consumers are bombarded with information from all directions, building trust is more important than ever. A live action explainer video can help establish your brand’s credibility and build trust with your audience.

By showcasing real people, real products, and real experiences, live action videos provide a level of transparency that other formats simply cannot match. When viewers see real customers or employees sharing their experiences, they are more likely to trust your brand and feel confident in their decision to do business with you.

Demonstrating Product Use

If your product requires a demonstration to show its features and benefits, a live action explainer video is the perfect tool for the job. Live action videos can showcase how your product works in real-life situations, allowing potential customers to see the product in action before making a purchase decision.

This is particularly useful for physical products, as it gives viewers a clear understanding of how the product looks, feels, and functions. Whether you’re launching a new gadget, beauty product, or piece of fitness equipment, a live action explainer video can demonstrate its use effectively, helping to build confidence in your product.

Improved SEO and Website Performance

In addition to the direct benefits of engaging and converting your audience, live action explainer videos can also improve your website’s search engine performance. Google and other search engines prioritize websites that feature high-quality video content, making it more likely that your website will appear higher in search results.

Like we’ll do with this blog, incorporating keywords such as “live action explainer video” into your video description, title, and metadata can enhance your SEO strategy and drive more organic traffic to your website. Videos also encourage visitors to spend more time on your website, reducing bounce rates and signaling to search engines that your content is valuable and relevant.

Professionalism and High-Quality Production

When done correctly, a live action explainer video can exude professionalism and showcase your brand’s commitment to quality. High-quality production values, including professional lighting, sound, and cinematography, contribute to the overall perception of your brand. Audiences are more likely to associate your brand with excellence when your video content reflects those qualities.

Working with an agency like Digital Brew (that’s us!) who employs skilled videographers, directors, and scriptwriters ensures that your live action explainer video is polished and impactful. The investment in high production values will not only make your video more engaging but will also reflect positively on your brand as a whole, portraying you as a company that cares about delivering the best possible experience to your audience.

Adaptability to Various Marketing Strategies

Another reason why a live action explainer video is such a valuable asset is its adaptability. Whether you’re launching a new product, running a seasonal campaign, or trying to generate leads, live action explainer videos can be customized to suit various marketing strategies.

During a product launch, your live action video can focus on demonstrating how the product works, showcasing its key features, and highlighting the benefits it offers. On the other hand, during a holiday season campaign, your live action video could emphasize how your product or service makes the perfect gift, complete with festive imagery and messaging.

The versatility of live action explainer videos allows you to keep your marketing fresh and relevant, no matter the occasion or campaign objective.

Increased Shareability and Social Media Reach

In the age of social media, content that is shareable has the potential to reach millions of people in a short amount of time. A well-executed live action explainer video is more likely to be shared across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, especially when it resonates with your audience.

Live action videos that are humorous, emotional, or inspirational are particularly effective at encouraging viewers to share them with their networks. This social sharing can amplify your reach, attracting new customers who may not have discovered your brand otherwise. In this way, a live action explainer video can act as a powerful tool for organic growth.

Moreover, social media platforms prioritize video content in their algorithms, meaning that your explainer video is more likely to appear in users’ feeds. By optimizing your video for social media, you can maximize its impact and ensure that your message reaches a broader audience.

Bringing Your Brand’s Personality to Life

Your brand has a unique personality, and a live action explainer video is one of the most effective ways to bring that personality to life. Whether your brand is fun and quirky, serious and authoritative, or somewhere in between, live action videos allow you to express your brand’s identity in a way that resonates with your audience.

Through elements such as dialogue, tone, music, and visuals, you can communicate your brand’s values and culture in a memorable and engaging way. For example, a playful and energetic live action explainer video can show your audience that your brand is approachable and fun, while a more formal and polished video can convey professionalism and expertise.

By showcasing your brand’s personality in a live action explainer video, you create a stronger connection with your audience, making them more likely to remember and engage with your brand.

Higher Retention Rates

Research shows that viewers retain information better when it is presented in video form. According to studies, people remember 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to just 10% when reading it in text. This is particularly relevant for businesses looking to convey complex information or explain how their product works.

A live action explainer video can help improve retention rates by presenting information in a dynamic and visually appealing way. The combination of visuals, audio, and storytelling makes it easier for viewers to absorb and remember your message. This increased retention can lead to higher conversion rates, as potential customers are more likely to recall your brand and take action after watching your video.

Brewing Live Action Explainer Videos

As we’ve seen, the benefits of a live action explainer video are vast and varied. From building trust and credibility to driving conversions and enhancing your online presence, live action videos are a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. By leveraging the authenticity, emotional connection, and versatility of live action videos, you can effectively communicate your brand’s message, engage your audience, and achieve your marketing goals.

As you consider your next marketing strategy, investing in a live action explainer video could be the key to unlocking new opportunities for growth and success. Whether you’re looking to educate your audience, showcase your products, or build stronger relationships with your customers, a live action explainer video can help you achieve those objectives and more.

Now, we will say that a lot of these benefits can also be applied to animated explainer videos. Every project is unique and requires a unique video, whether it’s animated or live action. There’s no wrong answer. But that’s what’s great about working with a company like Digital Brew. With more than a decade of experience in making videos, we’ve seen it all and can help guide you if you’re not sure which way to go. So if you’re ready to get started on your new video or just want to know a little more about our process, you can always reach out to us here.

Let’s Brew This!