7 Awesome Startup Explainer Videos: Inspiring Examples of Effective Storytelling
In the world of startups, explaining what you do in a clear and compelling way is key to success. That’s where explainer videos come in. These powerful and engaging videos help you tell your story and show off your product or service in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand.
That’s where explainer videos come in. Understanding what is an explainer video and its strategic role in startup communication helps frame why these seven examples work so effectively, they don’t just explain features, they create emotional connections and build trust through storytelling that resonates with target audiences.
In this article, we’ll take a look at seven fantastic startup explainer videos that showcase some really good storytelling techniques. These videos are great examples of how to tell a story in a way that’s easy to understand and keeps you interested.
For broader collections of storytelling excellence across different contexts, explore these curated examples:
More storytelling inspiration:
What are 12 explainer video examples that prove storytelling still wins? showcases diverse storytelling approaches across industries
10 best animated explainer videos for 2025 demonstrates cutting-edge animation techniques
5 B2B explainer video examples that simplify complex products reveals enterprise storytelling strategies
Trello
Title: Trello | Take A Tour Of Trello
Duration: 2:16 minutes
Objective: Highlights how to use Trello’s project management software.
Trello’s explainer video is a great example of how to use animation to simplify a complex concept. The video introduces viewers to Trello’s project management software, using a series of animated characters and visual metaphors to explain how the app works. The video’s clear and concise narration, combined with its engaging visuals, makes it easy for viewers to understand the app’s key features and benefits.
Airbnb
Title: How to Airbnb | Live There With Your Family | Airbnb
Duration: 1:10 minutes
Objective: Highlights the key benefits of Airbnb’s platform.
Airbnb’s explainer video is a masterclass in storytelling. The video tells the story of a traveller who uses Airbnb to find a unique and affordable place to stay while visiting a new city. The video’s emotional narrative, combined with its stunning visuals and evocative music, creates a powerful and immersive experience that resonates with viewers on a personal level. The video also highlights the key benefits of Airbnb’s platform, such as its ability to connect travellers with local hosts and provide a more authentic travel experience.
Uber
Title: Welcome To Uber | Uber
Duration: 2:02 minutes
Objective: Highlights how Uber works?
Uber’s explainer video is another great example of effective storytelling. The video tells the story of a character who needs a ride, and how Uber’s app makes it easy for him to find a driver and get to his destination quickly and safely. The video’s fast-paced editing, combined with its upbeat music and energetic narration, creates a sense of excitement and urgency that makes viewers eager to try out the app for themselves.
Shopify
Title: Shopify Anywhere
Duration: 1:08 minutes
Objective: Highlights its offerings.
This animated startup video for Shopify is excellent. It’s crucial for an e-commerce leader like Shopify to present its offering simply while maintaining reputation and brand values. That’s why this explainer video is fantastic—it elegantly demystifies B2B storytelling. The use of motion graphics and vibrant colours gives the video its own life and makes it enjoyable to watch.
5. HubSpot
Title: HubSpot Explainer Video
Duration: 2:17 minutes
Objective: Highlights its features.
HubSpot’s explainer video is a great example of how to use animation to simplify a complex idea. The video uses simple, colourful illustrations to explain how HubSpot’s marketing automation software works. The video is short and to the point, with clear, easy-to-understand explanations. It’s a great example of how to use animation to make a complex idea more accessible.
Mailchimp
Title: New Business Drive | All in a Day’s Work
Duration: 2:18 minutes
Objective: Highlights the benefits of the platform.
Mailchimp’s explainer video is an excellent example of how to use humour and animation to make a memorable impression for a new business opening. The video uses a character to demonstrate Mailchimp’s email marketing features, making it easy for viewers to understand the benefits of the platform. The video effectively communicates the value of Mailchimp as a powerful yet user-friendly email marketing tool, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
Grammarly
Title: Words That Work | Communicate Clearly With Grammarly
Duration: 1:34 minutes
Objective: Highlights the benefits of the platform.
The video uses a quirky character to demonstrate Grammarly’s writing and editing features, making it easy for viewers to understand the benefits of the platform. The video effectively communicates the value of Grammarly as a comprehensive and user-friendly writing tool, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals looking to improve their written communication skills.
Industry-Specific Storytelling Examples
While these seven startups demonstrate broad storytelling principles, specific industries require tailored approaches:
For B2B SaaS storytelling:
The Shopify and HubSpot examples show how complex platforms can be explained simply, but for more B2B-specific approaches, [5 B2B explainer video examples that simplify complex products](link to: 5 B2B Explainer Video Examples That Simplify Complex Products) provides tactical frameworks for enterprise storytelling.
For detailed case study breakdowns:
Individual case studies reveal creative decisions behind successful videos:
- Story in motion: how did Cubee’s explainer video build trust in a global trading platform? shows community-focused storytelling
- Story in motion: how did Pazo’s explainer video help retail brands fix shelf errors? demonstrates retail automation storytelling
- Story in motion: how does Fuse use brand video to simplify dealership software? reveals automotive industry approaches
Conclusion
Animated videos are helpful for companies that want to stand out in the market.
They can help explain what a company does in a fun and creative way and make people interested in the brand. Many startups have used animated videos to make their customers happy.
Key takeaways:
- Storytelling beats feature lists
- Characters create emotional connections
- Simple visuals communicate complex ideas
- Concise messaging holds attention
We hope these examples give you some good ideas!
At Motionvillee, we specialize in creating captivating and effective startup explainer videos that communicate the essence of your products and services while driving audience engagement. When you need startup explainer video production that tells your story, Motionvillee combines the storytelling excellence demonstrated in these seven examples with strategic expertise tailored to early-stage companies,helping startups explain complex ideas, build trust, and drive growth through compelling video narratives.
As a video production partner for startups across America](link to: Video Production Services USA, we understand the unique challenges startups face and create videos that don’t just look great, they drive measurable results through customer acquisition, investor interest, and brand awareness.
If you’re ready to explore how animation can elevate your brand, schedule a call with our team to discuss your vision and next steps.
