Formats · Length 45-120s · 9:16 or 16:9 · intermediate

Explainer video: how to shoot, edit, and prompt it

An explainer breaks down one idea or "why" question with a spoken argument and simple graphics on screen.

By Sulan Zhang, co-founder of Vyra · Updated 2026-09-24 · Example: @sulansart

Platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Reels, Shorts, LinkedIn
Length: 45-120s
Aspect: 9:16 or 16:9
Difficulty: intermediate
Gear: phone or voiceover mic, simple graphics or diagrams

Real examples from @sulansart

At a glance


Best for	Concepts, industry topics, "why does X happen", how your product thinks
Hook style	The question, or a surprising fact
Pacing	10-20 seconds per idea, graphic changes with each one
Caption style	Phrase captions, key terms as big text
Music	Neutral, low
Shot list	Face or voiceover. One diagram per idea. Real b-roll where it exists. A summary card.
Common mistakes	Too many ideas. Graphics that decorate instead of explain. No summary.

Structure

0-3s: the question
3-10s: why it matters to them
10-80s: the explanation, 3 ideas, one graphic each
80-95s: the summary in one sentence
95-100s: what to do with it

How to shoot it

Write the explanation as three sentences before anything else.
Record the voiceover close to the mic, calm.
Sketch one simple diagram per idea. Boxes and arrows.
Film b-roll of the real thing if there is one.
Record the summary line to camera.

How to edit it

Graphic appears the moment the idea is introduced.
Key terms as big text the first time you say them.
Build diagrams piece by piece.
Go back to face or b-roll between graphics.
Summary card with the three ideas at the end.
Captions throughout.

Prompt it in Vyra

This is an explainer on why short videos get more reach. Cut it to 90 seconds. When I introduce each of the three reasons, create a simple motion graphic that shows it. A bar chart for "completion rate", a loop arrow for "replays", and a share icon multiplying for "shares". Make the phrase "completion rate" big text the first time I say it. Phrase captions throughout, summary card with the three reasons at the end.

Keep the graphics minimal, black text and one blue accent, matching the attached reference.

Variations

Whiteboard explainer, drawings appear as you talk.
Data explainer, charts are the main visual.
Myth buster, the claim, then why it's wrong.

FAQ

How many ideas? Three.

Do I need a designer? No. Describe the graphic in plain words and Vyra builds it. Shapes, arrows, one accent color.

Face or voiceover? Face for trust, voiceover for clarity. A lot of explainers use face just for the hook and the summary.