Brand Video vs Explainer Video
What’s the Difference and When to Use Each
When you're staring down the barrel of a video brief, it can be hard to know which style will actually make the greatest impact. Should you lead with a polished brand video or go straight for an explainer that tells people exactly what you do?
Both are powerful tools. But they serve different purposes, and knowing when to use each can save your marketing budget from being spent in the wrong place.
What is a Brand Video?
Think of a brand video as your business' personality distilled into a short film. It focuses on who you are – your values, your mission, your vibe. It doesn’t always dive into the nitty gritty of what you offer, but it leaves viewers with a clear impression of what you stand for.
This is the kind of content you put on your About page, share on socials, or lead with at events. It’s big picture, emotional, and crafted to build trust before a sales conversation even starts.
Best used for:
Launching a rebrand or new identity
Setting the tone at the top of your homepage
Recruitment campaigns
Awards submissions or investor decks
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What is an Explainer Video?
Explainer videos are your go-to for clarity. These are typically shorter, punchier, and focused on what you do. They're designed to explain a product, service, or process in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand.
They answer questions like:
How does this thing work?
What problems does it solve?
Why should I care?
Best used for:
Website product pages
Sales enablement decks
Customer onboarding
Internal training tools
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Why Both Matter
Choosing between a brand video and an explainer video isn’t about preference – it’s about understanding where each one fits in the buyer journey.
A brand video helps people feel something about your business. It creates emotional connection.
An explainer video helps people understand what you do. It creates clarity and action.
When done well, the two work together beautifully: brand first to build interest, explainer next to drive conversion.
What We See That Works
At CactusCan, we've seen time and again how these video styles compliment each other. One client came to us unsure of what they needed. We helped them launch with a brand video that nailed their tone and story, followed up by a clear explainer video that lived on their landing page. Engagement spiked, conversion rates improved, and they didn’t have to keep explaining what they did on every sales call.
It’s not just about having video. It’s about using the right kind of video at the right time.
Working with a Video Partner Who Gets It
If you're navigating the world of video for the first time, the difference between video types might seem subtle. But it makes a huge impact.
A smart video production company Sydney like CactusCan will guide you through what you actually need, not just what looks good on a reel.
We offer full-scale video production services Sydney and work with clients from first brief to final frame. Whether you need a punchy explainer or a story-driven brand piece, we script, plan, and deliver it with purpose.
If you prefer the guidance of a professional cameraman, reach out to CactusCan Sydney. As a film production company with a focus to creating the best video content in Sydney, let’s make the best content for your business.
CactusCan Media is a trusted name in Sydney’s video production scene, offering high-quality, results-driven content tailored to your business goals. As one of the top video production companies in Sydney, we help brands create compelling visual content—from corporate videos and brand stories to social media clips, explainer videos, case studies, event coverage, and photography. If you’re searching for expert video production services near you, our Sydney-based team is here to turn your ideas into powerful, shareable content.
About the Author
Sarah Watts
As our Marketing and Project Manager, Sarah is the driving force behind our successful projects and campaigns. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence, Sarah orchestrates seamless collaborations that ensure our clients' vision becomes a reality.
Her innate understanding of marketing dynamics make her the go-to expert for developing effective strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Sarah is passionate about crafting compelling narratives and overseeing every project's journey from inception to fruition, resulting in remarkable success stories.
