In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, explainer videos have become an essential tool for businesses to communicate their message, showcase their products or services, and connect with their target audience. With the rise of DIY video creation tools and platforms, many businesses are tempted to take the DIY route, while others prefer to hire a professional explainer video company. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dive into the great debate of DIY vs professional explainer, exploring the pros and cons of each approach, and helping you decide which one is right for your business.

The Rise of DIY Explainer Videos

With the advent of affordable video creation tools like Powtoon, GoAnimate (now known as Vyond), and Adobe Spark, creating explainer videos has become more accessible than ever. These DIY platforms offer a range of templates, animations, and customization options, making it easy for businesses to create their own explainer videos in-house.

The benefits of DIY explainer videos are:

1. Cost-effective: DIY explainer video tools are often affordable, with some platforms offering free plans or trials.
2. Easy to use: Intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality make it easy for non-technical users to create videos.
3. Fast turnaround: With DIY tools, you can create and publish your video quickly, often in a matter of hours or days.

However, there are some significant drawbacks to consider:

1. Limited creative control: While DIY tools offer customization options, they can be limited, and your video may not stand out from the crowd.
2. Lack of professional expertise: Without experience in video production, your DIY video may lack a cohesive narrative, engaging visuals, or a compelling message.
3. Quality concerns: DIY videos may appear amateurish, with lower production values, poor sound quality, or awkward editing.

The Benefits of Professional Explainer Videos

Professional explainer video companies offer a range of benefits, including:

1. High-quality production: Professional studios invest in high-quality equipment, software, and talent, ensuring a polished and engaging final product.
2. Expert storytelling: Experienced scriptwriters, animators, and directors work together to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience.
3. Customization and flexibility: Professional studios can tailor your video to your specific needs, brand, and goals.
4. Measurable results: Professional studios often provide analytics and metrics to help you track the performance of your video.

However, professional explainer videos also come with some drawbacks:

1. Higher costs: Hiring a professional studio can be more expensive, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.
2. Longer production timelines: Professional videos require more time and planning, often taking several weeks or months to complete.

Key Considerations for Your Business

When deciding between DIY and professional explainer videos, consider the following factors:

1. Your budget: If you have a limited budget, DIY might be a more affordable option. However, if you have the resources to invest in a high-quality video, a professional studio might be a better choice.
2. Your goals: If you need a simple, straightforward video for internal use or a small social media campaign, DIY might suffice. However, if you’re looking to create a flagship video that represents your brand or drives significant conversions, a professional studio is likely a better bet.
3. Your target audience: If your audience is highly discerning or expects high-quality content, a professional video may be necessary to build credibility and trust.
4. Your brand identity: If you have a strong brand identity and want to ensure consistency across all your marketing channels, a professional studio can help you create a cohesive visual brand.

Case Studies: DIY vs Professional Explainer Videos

Let’s examine two real-life examples:

DIY Example: Dropbox

In its early days, Dropbox created a simple, DIY explainer video that showcased its cloud storage service. The video was low-budget, but effective in communicating the value proposition and helping the company grow its user base.

Professional Example: Slack

Slack, a popular communication platform, created a high-end explainer video that showcased its features and benefits. The video was produced by a professional studio and features a mix of animation and live-action footage. The video helped Slack establish its brand identity and resonated with its target audience.

The Verdict: DIY or Professional?

Ultimately, the decision between DIY and professional explainer videos depends on your business goals, budget, and target audience. If you:

Have a limited budget and need a simple video for internal use or a small campaign, DIY might be a good starting point.
Need a high-quality, engaging video that represents your brand and drives significant conversions, a professional studio is likely a better choice.

Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Approach

If you’re unsure about which approach to take, consider a hybrid approach:

1. Script and storyboard: Create a script and storyboard in-house, then hire a professional studio to bring your vision to life.
2. DIY for internal use: Create DIY videos for internal use, such as training or explainer videos, and hire a professional studio for customer-facing content.

Conclusion

The debate between DIY and professional explainer videos is ongoing, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. By considering your business goals, budget, and target audience, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs.

If you’re looking to create a high-quality, engaging explainer video that resonates with your audience, a professional studio is likely the better choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget and need a simple video for internal use or a small campaign, DIY might be a good starting point.

Whichever approach you choose, remember that an explainer video is an investment in your business. Take the time to plan, create, and optimize your video to ensure it drives real results and helps you achieve your marketing goals.

Additional Resources:

For more information on DIY explainer video tools, check out our list of top DIY video creation platforms.
For inspiration and examples of professional explainer videos, browse our collection of case studies and video examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does a professional explainer video cost?
A: The cost of a professional explainer video can vary widely, depending on factors such as video length, complexity, and studio rates. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.

Q: Can I create a high-quality explainer video on a budget?
A: While it’s possible to create a good explainer video on a budget, it may require more time, effort, and creativity. Consider using DIY tools or working with a freelancer or small studio to get the job done.

Q: How long does it take to create an explainer video?
A: The production timeline for an explainer video can vary depending on the approach. DIY videos can take a few hours or days, while professional videos can take several weeks or months to complete.

By taking the time to consider your options and choose the right approach, you can create an explainer video that effectively communicates your message, engages your audience, and drives real results for your business.