Did you know that people now have shorter attention spans than… goldfish?
As wild as that sounds, there was a study by Microsoft suggesting just that. Whether it’s true or not, one thing is clear: human attention spans are short. This creates a big challenge for anyone trying to build an online presence for their giving programs.
With 1.8 million nonprofits fighting for attention both online and offline, it’s incredibly difficult to stand out in today’s overcrowded marketplace.
This forces nonprofit organizations spend more money trying to reach potential donors, driving up marketing costs and often leading to even worse results than before.
So, how do you break through the noise?
How do you reach an audience bombarded with up to 5,000 marketing messages every day?
The answer is simple: create content that’s enjoyable, engaging, and easy to understand. That’s where animated explainer videos come in. Time and time again, they’ve been shown to deliver far better results than other forms of online content.
Why Animated Explainer Videos Work
They Capture Attention
Animated explainer videos are entertaining, drawing viewers into the story and making your message much more impactful.
They Educate and Inform
Today’s consumers want content that informs and educates. In fact, 68% of people say they value content that helps them learn. Animated explainer videos are designed to do exactly that, giving a big boost to your marketing efforts.
They Get the Point Across Quickly
You’ve heard that a picture is worth a thousand words, but video takes it even further. According to Forrester Research, one minute of video is worth 1.8 million words. Imagine how quickly you can get your message across with a short animated explainer video.
They Simplify Complex Topics
Explainer videos make it easy to communicate complex or abstract ideas. As viewers’ understanding improves, so can your conversion rates.
They Don’t Feel Like Marketing
Consumers are bombarded with traditional marketing, which they often ignore. Animated videos, however, are enjoyable to watch, making them a subtle way to promote your brand without turning people off.
They’re Highly Shareable
According to one study, 97% of consumers are willing to share a great branded video. Because explainer videos are so engaging, they’re also highly shareable—which means more exposure and new supporters for your brand.
They’re Perfect for Storytelling
People love stories, and there’s no better medium than animation to tell them. Animated explainer videos let you connect emotionally, just like the cartoons that captivate kids—except they work for adults too.
They Boost Engagement
Animated explainer videos are visually dynamic—characters fly, props appear, backgrounds shift. It’s much more compelling than reading blocks of text, which means your audience is more likely to stick around to hear your full message.
They Improve Search Rankings
Getting on the first page of Google isn’t easy, but sites with videos are far more likely to rank well. By using an animated explainer video, you’re giving yourself a better chance to boost your visibility.
They Reduce Donor Questions
Frustrated donors with unanswered questions can be a big challenge. Animated explainer videos address common questions before they’re even asked, reducing your support needs. Businesses have reported significant drops in support calls thanks to videos—for nonprofits, this means more time to focus on stewardship.
They’re Memorable
People remember just 10% of the text they read but can retain up to 95% of a video’s message. Explainer videos keep your brand memorable, which is crucial since most people need multiple exposures before they’ll take action.
That’s why the biggest brands rely on them—regardless of their audience or what they’re selling.
All these companies have the resources to use the most effective marketing tactics in the world—and they choose animated explainer videos because they work incredibly well.
But what about smaller nonprofits? While these videos are a fantastic tool, they’ve traditionally been out of reach for organizations with limited budgets.
That’s why PlannedGiving.com set out to change things. We offer animated explainer videos that speak directly to planned giving donors. They’re engaging, designed to convert, and available to you as-is, branded, or even fully customized—all on budget.
We wanted to create a better solution—one that puts the power in the hands of nonprofits working with tight budgets. Our system allows us to create professional animated explainer videos at a fraction of the cost professional animation studios charge, making it accessible to organizations of any size.
