SaaS Explainer Videos: Why Your Software Needs One

If you're building or marketing a SaaS product, you already know how important clarity is. People need to understand what your product does, how it helps them, and why it matters—all in the shortest time possible.

That’s exactly what a great SaaS explainer video does.

Explainer videos are one of the most powerful tools SaaS companies can use to simplify messaging, reduce churn, and increase conversions. In this post, we’ll walk through what makes them so effective and how to get one that actually works.

What Is a SaaS Explainer Video?

A SaaS explainer video is a short, animated video (usually 60 to 90 seconds) that helps people understand your software product. It usually covers the problem you solve, how your product works, and the benefits of using it.

The best SaaS explainer videos focus on the user’s pain point, not just features. They answer questions fast and show how your product makes life easier.

Why Your SaaS Product Needs an Explainer Video

1. It Simplifies Complex Features

SaaS products often have deep functionality, but explaining that clearly is hard. A video can visually walk users through your core features in a way that’s quick, easy to follow, and hard to forget.

2. It Improves Conversion Rates

Adding an explainer video to your homepage or landing page can increase conversions by up to 80 percent. When users understand what they’re getting, they’re more likely to sign up, try it, or book a demo.

3. It Reduces Onboarding Time

Use the same video during onboarding to give new users a quick, effective overview of how your product works. That means fewer support requests and faster time to value.

4. It Builds Trust and Credibility

A well-made video shows you care about the user experience and are willing to invest in making your product easy to understand. That builds confidence, especially with new leads or first-time visitors.

5. It Works Across Channels

One great video can be repurposed everywhere—on your website, in email campaigns, on social media, in investor decks, and at conferences.

What Makes a Great SaaS Explainer Video?

Keep It User-Focused

Don’t start by talking about your platform or features. Start with the pain point your user is feeling and lead with empathy.

Keep It Short

60 to 90 seconds is the sweet spot. Focus on your most valuable features and leave the rest for a follow-up or deeper dive.

Make the Benefits Clear

Your video should answer this question: what will your customer be able to do better, faster, or more easily after using your product?

Use a Visual Style That Matches Your Brand

Whether you’re minimal and modern or fun and colorful, your video style should feel like a natural extension of your product and site.

Examples of SaaS Video Use Cases

  • Homepage explainer for product value

  • App store previews or Chrome extension demos

  • New feature announcements

  • User onboarding videos

  • Investor or pitch presentations

  • Social media ads or retargeting

Final Thoughts

Your SaaS product might be brilliant, but if people don’t understand it quickly, they won’t stick around. A clear, well-designed explainer video can change that.

It helps users “get it” faster, trust you sooner, and start using your product with confidence.

If you’re ready to create a video that does all that, we’d love to help.

Previous
Previous

Top Explainer Video Styles and How to Choose the Right One

Next
Next

How to Create an Explainer Video That Actually Works