Why Animated Whiteboard Explainer Videos Might Not Be Your Best Bet in 2024

Chloe Wong

In the past, we have had clients approach us asking if we create whiteboard style animated videos and the answer is, no, we don’t.

We’re not doing this to be mean or awkward, in fact, quite the opposite! We only want the best for our clients, and we don’t believe that whiteboard videos are the best.

In this article, we will explore what whiteboard animations are and why we don’t like creating them for our clients.

What are whiteboard videos?

Whiteboard videos feature a blend of hand-drawn visuals, audio, and text displayed on a whiteboard background. Originally popularised for educational content, these videos have found a broader audience in the business world as a tool for promoting products and services.

Although these videos have been used for years, we believe that there are so many more effective ways to promote your business, service or product to clients.

The reasons we don't make whiteboard videos

Nostalgia Isn't Always a Winner

1. Sure, whiteboards have been a classroom staple since the 50s, but in today's fast-paced digital landscape, viewers crave content that's fresh and engaging. Animated explainer videos should captivate, not conjure memories of school days.

Vanilla Isn't Memorable

2. While simplicity can be powerful in design (just think of Apple), whiteboard animations often fall flat. The monotonous white background and black pen lack the vibrancy needed to make your brand stand out. Colourful backgrounds and elements, on the other hand, inject energy and visual appeal into your message.

Cookie-Cutter Creations

3. Whiteboard videos, by their nature, lack versatility. They all follow a standard format, making it difficult for your message to shine amidst the crowd. Bespoke animated videos, tailored to your brand, offer a unique identity that sets you apart from competitors.

Quality Matters

4. Creating a high-quality whiteboard video requires precision and attention to detail. Unfortunately, not all companies prioritise this, leading to sloppy results. Plus, there is only so much quality to get across with a whiteboard video, as there is a set style to adhere to.

The Superior Alternative: 2D Motion Graphics

Investing in a 2D motion graphics video ensures better quality, making it a worthwhile investment for your business.

At Squideo, we specialise in 2D motion graphics—a step up from traditional whiteboard animation. Our styles offer better quality, brand integration, and entertainment value. While whiteboard videos may seem cost-effective, investing in a 2D animated explainer video pays off in the long run, allowing you to convey emotions and enhance your brand identity effectively.

Ready to Elevate Your Message?

Take the first step towards creating a captivating video by filling out our Quick Quote form. With Squideo, your brand story comes to life in ways that resonate with your audience and drive results.

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5 Ways to Turn Confused Visitors Into Customers in 60 Seconds

by Ben Underwood • 3 September 2025

Struggling to turn website visitors into actual customers? You’re not alone. High traffic means nothing if confused users leave without converting. Whether it’s unclear messaging, overwhelming copy, or a lack of instant clarity; these issues silently kill conversions. In fact, most visitors decide whether to stay or bounce in under 10 seconds. That’s where explainer videos come in. They simplify, clarify, and sell. Below, you’ll discover five proven strategies to fix low CVR with video, all designed to keep users engaged, informed, and ready to take act 1. Hold Attention Instantly: The 10‑Second Rule Most UX studies highlight that website visitors often bounce from a page in just 10–20 seconds unless they’re presented with a clear value proposition immediately. Explainer videos solve that by offering a play button - a low commitment invitation. On average, 79% of users prefer watching a video over reading text, and 97% say the right explainer helped them better understand a product. Action Tip: Place your explainer video above the fold and keep it to 60 seconds or less. That time frame aligns with best practices and keeps users engaged. 2. Cut Through Overload by Simplifying Complex Ideas When visitors don't understand what you're offering, they leave. Explainer videos work because visuals and narration stick better than text. In fact, viewers retain 95% of a message from a video versus only 10% from reading. They also help unpack intricate information, like SaaS features or internal processes, which might otherwise overwhelm. Action Tip: Use animation to highlight how your product solves a problem or improves life, not just what it does. 3. Build Trust Quickly Without Walls of Text Trust is a key conversion driver. When people land on your site, they want answers fast. They’re not looking to scroll through paragraphs to figure out what you do. They want clarity and confidence. That’s why explainer videos are so powerful. They build trust by simplifying your message and delivering it in a way that’s easy to understand and hard to forget. Brands using explainer videos report up to an 81% boost in sales conversions, and some see support tickets drop by over 50%, because the video handles the heavy lifting upfront. There's real science behind it, too. Studies show that people retain information better when it’s delivered through both visuals and audio. An explainer video does exactly that, combining clean animation with clear narration to connect faster and stick longer. If trust is the barrier, video is your shortcut. 4. Seamlessly Guide Viewers to Take Action Explainer videos should end with a clear and compelling CTA. After 90 seconds of content, viewers are primed to act. Videos don’t just engage, they drive deeper attention. Landing pages with video keep visitors on-site longer, increase click-throughs, and boost conversions. Action Tip: Combine your video with a strong visual CTA right below, like “Book a Demo” or “Watch the Next”. 5. Multiply Touchpoints, Multiply Conversions Explainer videos don’t live on landing pages alone. Deploy them across email campaigns, social ads, pitch decks, and internal comms - honestly the list goes on! One study shows that personalised videos in outreach emails can lead to 5× higher open rates and 8× more replies. Action Tip: Reuse your core 60‑second explainer in trimmed formats for LinkedIn, YouTube prereels, and support libraries. Explainer videos aren’t just a marketing accessory, they’re high-conversion powerhouses. When done with clarity, creativity, and strategic placement, they become your silent salesperson. Squideo’s style is clean 2D visuals, a flair for storytelling , and a rhythm that keeps viewers watching. Got a brief ready? Share it with us today for a free , no-pressure quote. Not quite there yet? Download our free brief template to get started in minutes.

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