What are the best practices for creating social media explainer videos using online presentation tools?

1 Choose the right tool

When choosing an online presentation tool, there are many features you should consider. For instance, a user-friendly interface that allows you to create and edit slides with ease; a selection of templates, themes, and graphics that match your brand and message; a video recording and editing feature with voice-over, music, captions, and transitions; and a video export and sharing feature with options to download, embed, or upload to social media. Examples of online presentation tools that have these features are Prezi, Powtoon, Biteable, and Lumen5.

2 Plan your script and storyboard

The next step is to plan your script and storyboard. A script is a written document that outlines what you want to say and how you want to say it, while a storyboard is a visual representation of how your video will look like, using sketches or images of each slide. Planning your script and storyboard can help you define your target audience and their pain points, craft a clear and compelling message that solves their problems, organize your information into a logical sequence and structure, and decide on the tone, style, and length of your video. As a general guideline, it's best to keep your video under 2 minutes and follow the AIDA formula: Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action.

3 Design your slides

The third step is to design your slides. This is the part where you can use the online presentation tool to create and customize your slides with the help of templates, themes, and graphics. To make your slides more effective, use simple and consistent fonts, colors, and backgrounds. Additionally, add high-quality and relevant images, icons, and animations to your slides. Contrast, alignment, and whitespace should also be applied to create visual hierarchy and balance. Furthermore, charts, graphs, and diagrams can be used to illustrate data and concepts while bullet points, headings, and subheadings can be used to highlight key points.

4 Record and edit your video

The fourth step is to record and edit your video, which is done using an online presentation tool. To ensure a successful recording, use a good microphone in a quiet environment and speak clearly, confidently, and with enthusiasm. Additionally, make sure to match your voice-over with the timing and pace of your slides. Music should be chosen to suit the mood and message of the video, while captions will make it accessible and understandable. Finally, use transitions to create smooth changes between slides.

5 Export and share your video

The final step is to export and share your video. To do this, you can use an online presentation tool to download, embed, or upload your video to social media platforms. When doing so, make sure you choose the right format and quality for your video, depending on the platform and device you want to use. Additionally, don't forget to add a catchy title, description, and thumbnail for your video. You should also use hashtags, keywords, and tags to optimize your video for search and discovery. Furthermore, encourage feedback, comments, and shares from your audience and monitor and measure the performance and impact of your video. By following these best practices, you can create effective and engaging social media explainer videos using online presentation tools. Give it a try and see the results for yourself!

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?