10 Best Explainer Video Examples That Captured Millions of Views (And Why They Work)

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, explainer videos have emerged as powerful tools for storytelling, education, and conversion. Businesses across industries—especially startups and SaaS companies—leverage explainer videos to distill complex ideas into engaging narratives. Whether you're exploring options with a professional explainer video agency or just curious about how to make an explainer video, this guide offers real inspiration.

We've handpicked 10 of the best explainer video examples that not only went viral but also exemplify brilliant execution in animated explainer videos, custom explainer videos, and video content for brand storytelling. Each example is followed by insights into what makes it work and how you can apply similar tactics.

1. Dropbox: The Original Explainer Video That Changed Everything

Views: Over 50 million (indirectly attributed to their launch video)

Dropbox’s explainer video is legendary. Simple whiteboard-style animation helped Dropbox gain early traction by clearly explaining the value proposition.

Why It Works:

• Simplicity: Uses clear, jargon-free language.

• Visual Metaphors: Breaks down cloud storage in layman's terms.

• Tone: Friendly and relatable.

Takeaway: Great explainer videos for startups focus on simplicity and clarity. If you’re a founder or product manager, this is a gold standard.

2. Dollar Shave Club: Humor That Converts

Views: 27+ million

This is one of the most viral video content for brand storytelling ever created. It’s not animated, but it functions like an explainer video.

Why It Works:

• Personality: Founder-led, with a strong brand voice.

• Structure: Addresses the pain point and offers a solution.

• Call-to-Action: Strong and immediate.

Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to break the mold—humor can humanize your brand.

3. Slack: Communication Without Chaos

Views: Over 10 million

This polished animated explainer video breaks down Slack's capabilities with flair.

Why It Works:

• Targeted Messaging: Speaks directly to office teams.

• High Production Value: Clean motion graphics and transitions.

• Story-Driven: Follows a character navigating workplace chaos.

Takeaway: A professional explainer video service can elevate your message with engaging characters and storytelling.

4. Spotify: Music for Every Moment

Views: 6+ million

Spotify’s explainer focuses on emotional appeal and custom explainer videos that speak to user experiences.

Why It Works:

• Personalization: Connects music to real-life moods and activities.

• Visual Flow: Smooth animations match the soundtrack.

• Short & Punchy: Delivers impact in under 90 seconds.

Takeaway: Match the tone of your brand with the visual and audio experience.

5. Crazy Egg: Conversion-Focused Animation

Views: Millions (contributed to a $21K/month revenue increase)

Created by one of the best explainer video companies, this piece uses 2D animation explainer videos to illustrate heatmaps and behavior tracking.

Why It Works:

• Metrics-Driven: Backs up benefits with real data.

• Problem-Solution Format: A textbook example.

• Visuals: Crisp and informative animations.

Takeaway: Use data and animation to drive conversions.

6. Mint: Personal Finance Made Easy

Views: Over 2 million

Mint used a straightforward whiteboard explainer video production to explain their financial tool to the masses.

Why It Works:

• Clean Design: Uses motion graphics and icons.

• Explains Benefits Clearly: Focuses on 'what’s in it for the user.'

• Length: Under 2 minutes.

Takeaway: For finance or complex tools, clarity is everything. Consider a whiteboard explainer video service if your topic is highly technical.

7. Headspace: Meditation for Everyone

Views: Millions across platforms

Headspace’s playful, animated explainer is a textbook example of animated explainer videos designed to calm and convert.

Why It Works:

• Soothing Animation: Matches the app’s promise.

• Problem Framing: Shows everyday stress and how meditation helps.

• Voiceover: Friendly and meditative.

Takeaway: Your visual tone should match the product's emotional appeal.

8. Grammarly: Writing, Simplified

Views: Tens of millions

Grammarly’s SaaS video uses character-based storytelling and explainer video production to illustrate how the tool fits into real-life workflows.

Why It Works:

• Narrative Arc: Shows challenges, solutions, and success.

• Real-World Use Cases: Helps users visualize value.

• Pacing: Fast and attention-holding.

Takeaway: SaaS explainer video examples thrive when they show product-in-use moments.

9. Duolingo: Learn Languages With Ease

Views: Over 5 million

This quirky animated video keeps viewers entertained while explaining how the app works.

Why It Works:

• Fun Characters: The owl mascot shines.

• Gamification Elements: Shows progress tracking and streaks.

• Simple Language: Great for all audiences.

Takeaway: Use animation to gamify your explainer video.

10. Trello: Organize Anything

Views: 4+ million

Trello’s explainer shows how teams can visually organize tasks using its card system.

Why It Works:

• Tutorial Format: Demonstrates features live.

• Use Case Scenarios: Covers multiple team types.

• Clarity: Zero jargon.

Takeaway: Focus on functionality and real-world benefits.

Why Explainer Videos Go Viral

While virality isn’t guaranteed, the most shared explainer videos have common ingredients:

• Clarity and Simplicity

• Strong Storytelling

• Professional Production

• Engaging Visuals

• Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

If you're looking to replicate this success, working with a professional explainer video service or explainer video agency can streamline the process. Whether you prefer whiteboard explainer video service or 2D animation explainer videos, the key lies in aligning your message with the right visual style.

How to Make an Explainer Video That Performs

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Identify Your Goal: Awareness, education, or conversion?

2. Know Your Audience: Tailor language and visuals accordingly.

3. Write a Killer Script: Use a problem-solution format.

4. Choose a Style: Live-action, whiteboard, 2D/3D animation.

5. Hire Experts: Consider a best explainer video company if quality matters.

6. Add Voiceover and Music: Match tone with message.

7. Distribute Smartly: Use YouTube, landing pages, email campaigns, and social media.

Read More: How to Make Explainer Video

Conclusion

These 10 explainer video examples offer a rich source of ideas for businesses across sectors. Whether you're a startup pitching a new app or a SaaS platform onboarding new users, investing in custom explainer videos can elevate your brand presence and conversions.

Work with a trusted explainer video agency to bring your vision to life through compelling animated explainer videos and strategic storytelling.

Ready to create a video that captures millions? Get in touch with our team of experts offering professional explainer video services today.