Quick answer: To make a SaaS explainer video, research what your buyers already understand, write a 60 to 90 second script that leads with their problem, storyboard every scene, record a professional voiceover, animate with your brand system, and launch it in every aspect ratio. Done professionally, the process takes 10 to 15 days.
Step 1: Research before you write
The biggest explainer video mistake is starting with what the product does. Start with what the market already knows. Study the videos ranking in your category, note what they lead with and what they skip, and find the one idea your buyer must believe before signing up. This research decides more of the final result than the animation does.
Step 2: Write a conversion-focused script
Structure it in four beats: the problem your buyer feels today, the before state and what it costs them, the transformation your product creates, and the result plus a single call to action. Keep it under 160 words for a 60 second video. Read our full explainer video script guide for a template.
Step 3: Storyboard every scene
A storyboard maps each script line to a visual. This is where clarity is won: the viewer’s eye should land on the number, button or screen at the exact moment the voiceover names it. Approve the storyboard before any animation starts, changes are cheap here and expensive later.
Step 4: Voiceover, design and animation
- Voiceover: record it before animating so timing is exact. Choose a voice that matches your buyer, not your brand ego.
- Design: build scenes from your product’s real UI and brand palette. Generic illustration kits read as templates.
- Animation: pace it to the voiceover with deliberate emphasis on the moments that sell.
Step 5: Launch in every format
One video should ship as 16:9 for your homepage and YouTube, 9:16 for Reels, TikTok and Shorts, 1:1 for feed ads, plus short hook cuts for paid testing and a custom thumbnail. If your studio charges extra for these, find another studio.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Professional production runs $1,485 to $10,000 depending on length and complexity, see our full explainer video cost guide. Most projects finish in 10 to 15 days with revision rounds at every stage.
FAQ
Can I make an explainer video myself? Yes, with AI tools or templates, but conversion suffers when the script and visuals are generic. The script strategy is what you are really paying a studio for.
What makes a SaaS explainer different? Software is invisible. The video must turn abstract features into a story a buyer can see, which is why script research matters more than animation style.
Want it done for you? Our SaaS explainer video production starts at $1,485 with everything included, or get a free custom sample first.
