home   TEMPLATES    AV Script

Explainer Video Script Template

Write the next great explainer video

Explainer videos are a great way to build brand awareness and educate an audience. These types of videos require a script that looks different than your typical film/TV screenplay: the AV script.

StudioBinder’s AV script writing software will help you harness the power of a two column script custom built for your writing convenience. Let's look at some explainer video script examples as we run through the steps.

  • Hone your idea
  • Write voiceover
  • Plan visuals
  • Time the script
  • Collaborate

How to make an explainer video script

Creating an explainer video script requires careful planning and attention to detail. We'll use StudioBinder's explainer video script template to visualize each step in our walkthrough, but keep in mind that this process is universal and can be applied whether you're using software to create your AV script or simply pen and paper.

Step 1

1. Decide on your idea

Explainer videos often have a similar formula, but they can look very different based on your video’s goal and aesthetics. Once you know the type of video you want to make, you can add a description that lays out the tone, direction and structure of your script.

How to Write an Explainer Video Script Add segment titles and new rows
info bubble grey
How to do this in StudioBinder
  1. Create segments and banners. 
  2. Drag and drop rows or entire segments to finesse the structure.

Step 2

2. Write your audio

In the left-hand column, you’ll write out what you want your narrator to say. When writing an explainer video, keep it concise — remember, everything your VO says will require a visual to go along with it.

How to Write an Explainer Video Write audio or voiceover
info bubble grey
How to do this in StudioBinder
  1. Add italics and bold to indicate important words.
  2. Add hyperlinks for tricky pronunciations.
pro tip bulb

Pro Tip — Split up your narration into segments by topic, just as you would create a new paragraph in an essay. This makes the script easier to navigate.

Step 3

3. Plan your visuals

Now you have the explanation for your explainer video script. Time to add the video half. In the right-hand column, describe the visuals that will correlate with the VO on the other side. The final result can almost look like a shot list.

How to Write an Explainer Video Script Write video descriptions
info bubble grey
How to do this in StudioBinder
  1. Add hyperlinks for specific references. 
  2. Add images to the image column. 

Step 4

4. Time the script

To understand how long you’ll need your visuals to be for each segment of narration, you’ll want to time yourself. This will give you a general idea of your script’s duration.

How to Write an Explainer Video Script Add durations to each row
info bubble grey
How to do this in StudioBinder
  1. Use the timer to save your runtime.
  2. Check the total runtime tallied at the bottom of the script. 
pro tip bulb

Pro Tip — Your explainer video may have moments where your narration pauses. Factor that into your total expected runtime.

Step 5

5. Share with collaborators

You probably aren’t going to be making this explainer video alone. Now that you have your explainer script written, it’s time to bring your collaborators in. Getting their thoughts now will minimize any creative differences down the line.

How to Write an Explainer Video Script Collaborate and get approval on Explainer Video Script
info bubble grey
How to do this in StudioBinder
  1. Share the script using a "view-only" link.
  2. Add collaborators for line-specific comments that move with the script.
  3. Mark each row with status colors to track the script's progress.

Conclusion

Your explainer video script is complete!

Using a well-structured explainer video script template streamlines the production process and ensures clarity in your message. 


By organizing your ideas and visuals, you can create an engaging experience for your audience. Utilize our other templates to save time on all your other projects. Check out our complete collection of AV script templates.

Start your AV Script

Time to turn your idea into a professional explainer video script.

av script customization graphic
Copy link