The Role of Humour in Explainer Videos
Take a look at Dollar Shave Club, a company that exploded onto the scene with a humorous explainer video. In 2012, their viral video, featuring CEO Michael Dublin casually explaining the simplicity of their razor subscription service with irreverent humour and an unexpected punchline, became an instant success. It did more than just explain their service; it entertained viewers, built a connection with their audience, and turned a mundane product into something exciting. Dollar Shave Club’s approach demonstrates how humour, when used effectively in explainer videos, can captivate an audience and make a lasting impact.
In this article, we will explore the role of humour in explainer videos. We will take a look at why humour is such an effective tool for holding viewers’ attention, how different types of humour work, and best practices to keep in mind when incorporating humour into an explainer video. We will also discuss the potential pitfalls to avoid to ensure it does not detract from the message but enhances the information explained. By the end, you will understand how humour can transform an explainer video from a simple instructional tool into a memorable and enjoyable experience for your audience.
Why Humour Works in Explainer Videos
humour is universally appealing. It is a tool that can grab attention, break the ice, and keep viewers interested. In explainer videos, humour serves multiple purposes that can make a video more effective:
- Engagement and Attention: Humour captures a viewer’s attention almost immediately, especially in a time when viewers have a very short attention span. When humour is introduced early in the video, it can hook the audience and keep them watching until the end. Without this element, viewers might disengage quickly, particularly if the video feels too dry or overly technical.
- Improved Recall: One of the most significant advantages of using humour in explainer videos is that it helps the information stick. People are more likely to remember something that makes them laugh compared to something that is purely informative. This enhanced recall is beneficial for businesses that want their brand message or product features to stay top of mind long after the video has ended.
- Humanising the Brand: Humour can make a brand seem more approachable, relatable, and human. Brands that use humour well can form a stronger connection with their audience, making them more likely to trust the company and feel positively about it. Humour creates a sense of personality, making the brand appear less corporate and more in touch with its audience. The everyday consumer has grown accustomed to authenticity, and humour helps bridge the gap by making the brand feel more approachable.
Types of Humour in Explainer Videos
Humour in explainer videos can take several forms, and it is important to choose the right style that suits both the message and the target audience. Below are the different types of humour commonly used in these videos:
- Loud Humour: This type of humour is overt and easily noticeable. It includes elements such as puns, jokes, exaggerated situations, and slapstick comedy. This kind of humour works well when the goal is to immediately grab attention and entertain the audience.
- Subtle or Silent Humour: In contrast to loud humour, subtle humour often relies on visual cues, such as the humorous body language or facial expressions of secondary characters, or clever background details. This type of humour is more understated and can be appreciated by viewers who pay close attention.
- Visual and Verbal Humour: Combining both animation (visual) and clever dialogue (verbal) can create a dynamic humour experience. For example, an animated character might say something funny while interacting with the surroundings, adding another layer of engagement for viewers. This combination can create a memorable viewing experience.
Best Practices for Using Humour in Explainer Videos
While humour can be very effective, it is important to use it in a way that supports the main message of the explainer video. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when incorporating humour:
- Understand Your Audience: Humour is subjective, and what works for one demographic may not work for another. For instance, jokes that appeal to Gen Z may not be funny to older generations. It is important to have a clear understanding of your target audience so that the humour appeals to them. Knowing their preferences, values, and even their sense of humour will help you create a more impactful video.
- Balance Humour with Information: The primary purpose of an explainer video is to convey important information. Humour should enhance, not overshadow, the message. If the humour is too dominant, it can confuse the viewer or distract them from the main point. It is important to maintain a balance where the humour complements the message without overshadowing it. The humour should fit the content naturally rather than feeling forced.
- Avoid Overcomplicating the Message: Explainer videos are designed to simplify information. Adding humour should not make the message more difficult to understand. In fact, humour should help make the information easier to digest. Avoid using overly complex or abstract humour that may require additional explanation. Keep the humour simple and relevant to the topic being discussed.
- Steer Clear of Sensitive Topics: Humour can be risky, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects like politics, religion, or personal identities. While humour can break barriers, it can also create divisions or offend viewers. It is essential to avoid controversial topics to prevent alienating potential customers. A well-placed joke can lighten the mood, but inappropriate humour can damage the brand’s reputation.
Challenges and Pitfalls of Using Humour
While humour can greatly enhance the effectiveness of an explainer video, there are also potential pitfalls. Here are some of the challenges to consider:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Humour does not always translate across cultures. What may be funny to one group of people could be confusing or even offensive to another. If your explainer video will be viewed by a global audience, it is essential to consider cultural differences when using humour. What works in one country may not work in another, so it is vital to ensure that the humour is universally acceptable.
- Overdoing the Humour: If the humour is too frequent or too intense, it may overwhelm the main message of the video. The key is moderation. The humour should be subtle enough to not take over the entire video, and it should be aligned with the information being presented. It is important to strike a balance between entertainment and education.
- Potential for Misinterpretation: Humour can sometimes be misinterpreted, particularly if it relies on sarcasm or complex wordplay. While this type of humour can be entertaining, it can also confuse the viewer or detract from the message. It is important to ensure that the humour is clear and easily understood by the target audience.
Conclusion
Humour does more than just entertain—it makes your message stick. In a world flooded with content, people remember what made them laugh. According to recent studies, people are three times more likely to share videos that entertain them, and guess what? That is the magic of humour in explainer videos. It transforms basic information into something people want to engage with, remember, and talk about. Humour can create a connection between a brand and its audience, which is the key to making your explainer video more than just a simple tutorial. Next time you need to make an explainer video, ask yourself: “How can I make this a little more fun?” It could be just the thing to turn a good video into a great one.
A little humour goes a long way—let Sound Idea Digital help make your explainer video one to remember! Contact us today!