How to Plan a SaaS Explainer Video That Turns Confused Visitors into Curious Leads
Every click to your SaaS website costs you something—money, effort, or time. But what happens when a potential customer lands on your homepage and… doesn’t get it? You’ve got about 10 seconds (maybe less) to turn confusion into curiosity. That’s where a SaaS explainer video comes in.
This blog walks you through how to plan a high-converting SaaS explainer video—from setting clear goals to crafting an engaging script—so your visitors go from “What is this?” to “How do I sign up?”
Why SaaS Explainer Videos Work
SaaS products often solve complex problems—but explaining them with just text and screenshots can feel clunky or overwhelming. A short explainer video compresses your pitch into 60–90 seconds of compelling storytelling. It grabs attention, simplifies your product’s value, and boosts conversion rates. In fact, 84% of people say they’ve been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a brand’s video. For SaaS, the impact is even greater—especially when used on landing pages, product tours, and onboarding sequences.
Define the Goal of Your Video
Before you write a single word of your script or choose a design style, define the purpose of your video. What are you trying to achieve? Are you aiming to increase demo signups, reduce bounce rates, improve onboarding, or even impress investors? Each goal should drive the direction of your messaging and structure. If your objective is fuzzy, your video will be too.
Understand Your Target Audience
You can’t sell if you don’t know who you’re talking to. Is your product for non-technical founders or seasoned developers? Are your users overwhelmed by manual work or struggling to scale growth? Great SaaS explainer videos feel personal. Speak directly to your ideal user’s pain point and show how your product creates a solution. The more specific you are, the more persuasive your message becomes.
Simplify Your Message
The biggest mistake in SaaS explainer videos? Trying to explain everything. Don’t list out every feature—instead, focus on the single most important outcome you help users achieve. Keep your message simple: Problem → Solution → Result. For example: “Struggling with high churn? Our platform automates customer retention emails—so your users stick around longer, without lifting a finger.” Clarity beats cleverness every time.
Write a Script That Sells
Your script is your sales pitch in disguise. The best explainer videos follow a proven structure:
- Hook your viewer in the first 5 seconds.
- Present the problem they face.
- Introduce your product as the solution.
- Briefly show how it works.
- Focus on benefits, not just features.
- End with a clear and compelling call to action.
Keep your word count between 150–200 words. Use a conversational tone. Avoid jargon. Talk like a human solving a problem—not a company talking about itself.
Choose the Right Visual Style
The look and feel of your video should reflect your product and audience. Some common styles include 2D animation (perfect for abstract ideas), screen-recorded walkthroughs (great for demo-driven products), or live-action with motion graphics (ideal for trust-building). Your visual style doesn’t need to be flashy—it needs to be functional, professional, and aligned with your brand voice.
Voiceover, Music & Sound Design
Voiceovers can make or break your video. Choose a tone that fits your brand—friendly, authoritative, casual, or quirky. Add background music that sets the pace but doesn’t distract. Use subtle sound design—like clicks, whooshes, or transitions—to make your visuals feel more polished. These details signal quality and keep the viewer engaged.
Optimize for Conversion
Don’t let your video be a dead-end. Place it above the fold on your homepage or landing page. Add a clickable call-to-action near the video (“Start Free Trial” or “Watch Demo”). Use captions for social media platforms where sound is off by default. Consider A/B testing thumbnails, copy, and placement to find what works best.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Too many SaaS videos fall flat because they try to do too much—or worse, they sound like an infomercial. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overloading with features instead of outcomes
- Skipping mobile optimization
- Running longer than 90 seconds
- Ending without a CTA
- Sounding too robotic or salesy
Keep it sharp, clear, and value-focused.
FAQs
What is a SaaS explainer video?
A SaaS explainer video is a short animated or live-action video that explains how a SaaS product works, what problems it solves, and why someone should use it. It’s typically used on landing pages, demo pages, ads, or onboarding flows.
How long should it be?
60 to 90 seconds. That’s the sweet spot for attention span and message clarity.
Where should I place it?
Above the fold on your homepage, on your product or pricing page, and anywhere you want visitors to take action—especially near demo or trial signups.
Can I make one without a big budget?
Yes. Tools like Vyond, Loom, or SaaSlooper’s creative studio services make it easy to build high-quality explainer videos without hiring a full production crew.
Final Thoughts
Your SaaS product might be brilliant—but if users don’t understand it quickly, they won’t stick around. A well-crafted explainer video solves that problem by simplifying your message, building trust, and guiding the viewer toward action.
So, instead of confused visitors bouncing off your site, give them a reason to stay curious.
👉 If you’re ready to create a high-converting SaaS explainer video, visit SaaSlooper — where SaaS brands grow on autopilot.
At SaaSlooper, we help SaaS companies scale fast with:
- Smart ad and email automation
- Killer landing pages
- Conversion-focused content
- Scroll-stopping social media
→ Let your explainer video actually convert.
