Ever tried downloading an app but had no clue what it actually does? Imagine scrolling through the App Store, and instead of reading a long, boring description, you see a short, engaging video that instantly shows how the app works and why you need it. That's the power of an app explainer video!
But if you're new to this, it's totally understandable if you're not sure where to start—let alone how to make one that actually turns viewers into users. No worries though, because in this guide we'll break it all down—what makes a great app explanation video, and even some real-world examples of successful app explainer videos.

Just scroll down to find out more!
In this article
Part 1. Essential Guide to Crafting Impactful App Explainer Videos
What's an App Explainer Video
Basically, an app explainer video is a short, engaging video that quickly shows what your app does, how it works, and why people should download it. You've probably seen these videos on App Store and Google Play listings, social media ads, and even website landing pages—because they work!
Why Does Your App Need One?
A great app explanation video helps more people discover your app since videos stand out on the App Store, Play Store, and social media. It also makes it super easy to show what your app does without long, boring text. Most importantly, it turns viewers into downloads—because when people see your app in action, they're way more likely to hit install!
Key Elements of a Killer App Explainer Video
That said, if you want your app explainer video to stand out and actually get people to download your app, you need to nail a few key elements. Here's what makes a great one:
- A Clear & Engaging Script: Keep it short, simple, and focused on how your app benefits users. Nobody wants to sit through a long-winded pitch!
- Eye-Catching Visuals: Use screen recordings, animations, or motion graphics to show your app in action and keep things visually interesting.
- Great Background Music & Voiceover: A solid soundtrack and a clear, engaging voiceover can make your video much more enjoyable to watch. Don't forget to add voiceover for a personal touch!
- A Strong Call to Action (CTA): Don't leave viewers hanging! Tell them exactly what to do next—download the app, visit your website, or learn more.
Part 2. How to Create an App Explainer Video That Turns Viewers Into Users
Now that you know what makes a killer app explainer video, let's talk about how to actually make one! You don't need to be a pro editor to create a high-quality video—all you need is the right tool. And when it comes to making an explainer video that checks all the boxes, there is no better option than Wondershare Filmora.

Here's how Filmora makes the process super easy:
- Explainer Video Templates: Filmora has tons of ready-made templates to help you create a professional-looking video in minutes so you don't have to start from scratch.
- Screen & Voice Recorder: Easily capture your app in action with Filmora's built-in screen recorder, and add a high-quality voiceover right in the app to explain everything clearly.
- Complete Editing Toolkit: You can trim, delete, and edit your video clips in Filmora, making your video look smooth, polished, and engaging.
- Extensive Media Library: Filmora is packed with transitions, filters, stickers, and cool video effects to make your app explainer video stand out.
- Advanced Features: Filmora is filled with many powerful features that can take your video to the next level such as Text-to-Speech, AI Copywriting, AI Music Generator, and more.
- Easy Sharing: Once you create your app explanation video, you can share it to various social media such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and more.
Not to mention, Filmora is super affordable—even with all these awesome features! It offers flexible pricing plans, plus a free version so you can test it out before committing. With tons of templates and a massive library of effects, you can easily create app explainers that fit your style.
Now, let's dive into the different ways to make a mobile app explainer video. Follow these two simple guides to get started!
How to Create an App Explainer Video Instantly with Templates
Step 1. Access Filmora and Start a New Project
If you haven't done so yet, download and install the latest version of Filmora on your computer. Once it's set up, launch the program and click "New Project" to start creating your video!

Step 2. Add Background Video
Now that you're in Filmora's editing timeline, start by adding a background video for your app descriptions. Go to the "Stock Media" tab and browse through the available options. A warm and simple background works best for this. Once you've found the right one, just drag it into the timeline and adjust the video duration in the property panel on the right.

Step 3. Choose Templates
Next, go to the "Templates" section and type "App" in the search bar to find a variety of app explainer video templates. For example, if you're creating a mobile app explainer video for a fitness music app, pick a template that fits the theme. Then, drag it onto the timeline, placing it above the background video.

Step 4. Modify the Template
Now, click on "7 items to be replaced" in the timeline. Replace the placeholders with your own app photos and videos by selecting each one and uploading your files. To make your app explainer more engaging, especially since this example is about creating playlists for workouts, focus on showing people using the app while exercising instead of just displaying the app itself.

Next, go to the property panel on the right and click "Text" to start customizing. Here, you can add key details about your app, like its best features and benefits.

Step 5. Add Descriptions Using Title Text
To make your app more appealing and get people excited to download it, add catchy taglines or descriptions to grab attention. To make them stand out, go to the "Titles" tab, browse through Filmora's unique options, and drag the one you like onto your video wherever it fits best.

Next, open the property panel, click on "Text", and edit the descriptions or taglines to fit your app. Adjust the position until everything looks just right.

Step 6. Record Voiceovers
As you can see and hear for yourself, the template already includes background music, so now you just need a voiceover to guide your viewers. To add one, go to the "Media" tab, click "Record", and select "Record Voiceover".

Then, record your narration about the app and ensure it matches the length of your explainer video. Once you're done, the voiceover will be added to the timeline automatically. You can then adjust the audio levels in the property panel on the right, making sure it blends well with the background music and doesn't get drowned out.

Step 7. Save Your Video
Before saving your video, check out the media library for filters, stickers, and transitions to make it even more eye-catching! Once you're happy with it, click "Export" in the top-right corner. To save it to your device, select "Local", or if you're posting it online, choose "Social Media". Before finishing, make sure to update the title, description, format, and resolution so everything looks perfect!

How to Create an App Explainer Video Manually with Filmora
If you prefer to have more control over your app explainer video instead of using templates, you can create it from scratch. To switch things up, since the last example was about a workout playlist app, this time let's make an app explanation video for a fitness tracking app. Here's how you can do it step by step using Filmora:
Step 1. Open Filmora and add background video
Just like before, open Filmora, select "New Project", and go to the "Stock Media" tab to add a background video for your app descriptions. Don't forget to adjust the video duration in the "Property Panel" on the right.

Step 2. Upload your app clips
Since the last example didn't show the app's interface, let's do that this time. To do that, go to the "Media" tab, click "Import", and upload all your fitness app photos. Then, drag and place them on the timeline where they fit best.

If you're creating a video for a desktop app instead, you can use Filmora's screen recorder to capture how the app looks and works in action. To learn how the feature works, check out: Filmora Recording Official Guide.
Step 3. Add descriptions
Just like before, you'll want to make your app more appealing and get people excited to download it. Add catchy taglines or descriptions to grab attention. Go to the "Titles" tab and explore Filmora's unique options. Then, open the property panel, click on "Text", edit the message, and adjust its position until it looks just right.

Step 4. Insert background music
To make your mobile app explainer video more engaging, add some background music. Filmora's built-in music library makes it easy to set the right vibe. Just go to the "Audio" tab and use the search bar to find the perfect track.
Once you find one you like, drag it onto the timeline to add it to your video. You can also adjust the volume and other audio settings in the property panel on the right.

Step 5. Add narration with text-to-speech
Once you've added background music, it's time to add your narration. Instead of recording it yourself like in the previous example, try using Filmora's Text-to-Speech feature. Just click "Audio" in the top menu, select "Text to Speech", and hit "Start".

In the next window, type out your app explainer narration. If you're unsure what to say, you can use Filmora's AI Copywriting to generate a script—just choose a category, click "Generate", and it'll create one for you.

Once you have the script, paste it in, pick a voice, and adjust settings like speed and pitch to make it sound just right. When you're happy with it, click "Generate", and AI will create the voiceover for you!

Step 6. Enhance with stickers and transitions
Make your video more fun and polished by adding stickers and transitions! Just head to the "Stickers" tab, pick the ones you like, and place them where they fit best in your video. You can adjust their size and duration however you like to match your creative vision!

Next, head to the "Transitions" tab, choose one you like, and drag it between two clips on the timeline. This makes your video flow smoothly instead of jumping abruptly from one scene to another.

Step 7. Save your video
Once your video is ready, click "Export" in the top-right corner. Choose "Local" to save it to your device or "Social Media" to upload it directly online. Before finishing, make sure to update the title, description, format, and resolution so everything looks perfect!

Part 3. Successful App Explainer Videos
As you can see, learning how to make an app explainer video with Filmora is fast, simple, and fun. But here's the thing… knowing how to make one is just the first step. The real challenge is making a video that grabs attention and actually gets people to download your app—that's a whole different game.
So, how do you make an app explainer that really works? Well, the best way to learn is by looking at real examples! So, let's see some successful app explainer videos and break down what makes them so effective.
1. Groundswell
App: Groundswell, an app designed to inspire young people to become philanthropists
- Video Style: Quick-edit style that clearly showcases the app's purpose
- Features: Smooth display of the app's features and how it works
- Narration & Text: Combination of narration and on-screen text for easy understanding
- Outcome: Viewers know exactly where to download the app by the end of the video
2. JoyScore
App: JoyScore, designed to help people find inner peace and reduce stress
- Tone: Warm, calming tone with relaxing background music to match the app's purpose
- Visuals: Shows exactly how the app looks on a mobile device
- Effectiveness: Helps viewers easily understand how the app works
3. Duolingo
App: Duolingo, a language-learning app
- Creative Approach: Uses fun and smooth animations featuring a character to represent the app's purpose
- Visuals: The character runs around, earns points, and demonstrates language skills
- Engagement: Fun and engaging approach that stands out and keeps viewers interested
- Outcome: Effectively shows how the app works in an entertaining way
Conclusion
Creating an app explanation video is a great way to help potential users understand your app better and boost downloads. So, this guide breaks down how to make an effective app explainer video, covering key elements and real examples of successful app videos. Plus, with Wondershare Filmora, you have everything you need to create a mobile app explainer video.
Whether using ready-made templates or customizing the video from scratch for more control, Filmora provides all the tools needed. Moreover, with features like a built-in screen recorder, an extensive media library, and advanced editing options, it makes the process smooth and helps create a professional, engaging video.