Introduction

Explainer videos are one of the most powerful tools for engaging audiences, increasing conversions, and simplifying complex topics—especially for tech startups and SaaS platforms. If you're considering making an explainer video yourself, you might be tempted to use DIY platforms that promise quick and easy results.

In this article, we’ll explore three popular tools for creating explainer videos without professional help. But before you rush into DIY production, we’ll also take a hard look at the hidden downsides of using these platforms and why investing in a professional agency like Foetas ensures you get high-quality, effective videos that truly drive results.

DIY Explainer Video Platforms

1. Vyond – Best for Animated Explainer Videos

Price: Starts at $49/month

Vyond is a popular cloud-based animation platform that allows users to create character-driven explainer videos using pre-built templates, voiceovers, and drag-and-drop elements.

Pros:

• Easy to use with pre-made characters and animations

• Allows lip-syncing for voiceovers

• Great for simple, cartoon-style videos

Cons:

• Limited design customization

• Stock animations can feel generic and overused

• Subscription-based pricing can be costly over time

2. Animaker – Best for Beginners

Price: Free plan available; paid plans start at $12.50/month

Animaker provides an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface where users can create explainer videos using pre-set characters, scenes, and text animations.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly interface

• Wide range of pre-designed templates

• Affordable pricing for basic projects

Cons:

• Free plan has watermarks, which can look unprofessional

• Limited customization, making videos look generic

• Not ideal for high-end, tech-focused startups

3. Powtoon – Best for Whiteboard and Presentation-Style Videos

Price: Free plan available; premium starts at $19/month

Powtoon is a widely used platform that helps users create whiteboard animations and business presentations. It’s often used for internal training, HR videos, and basic explainer content.

Pros:

• Good for simple storytelling

• Integrates well with PowerPoint

• Decent range of animation styles

Cons:

• Lack of originality—many videos look the same

• Not optimized for high-quality marketing videos

• Branding restrictions on lower-tier plans

Why DIY Explainer Videos Might Hurt Your Brand

While these platforms offer a quick and budget-friendly solution, they come with serious drawbacks that can damage your brand’s credibility and effectiveness. Here’s why:

1. Lack of Professionalism = Lost Viewers

Consumers are highly visual and quality-conscious today. A low-quality, template-based video can make your brand appear cheap and untrustworthy. Viewers can instantly recognize a poorly-made, generic video and will click away in seconds.

Fact: Studies show that 62% of consumers are more likely to have a negative perception of a brand if its video content is low quality (HubSpot).

2. Template-Based Designs Look Generic

If you’re using a DIY tool, chances are thousands of other brands are using the same characters, the same animations, and the same generic transitions. Your video won’t stand out—and in marketing, if you don’t stand out, you don’t succeed.

3. No Strategic Sales Approach

A good explainer video is not just about animation—it’s about storytelling, psychology, and conversion-driven scriptwriting. DIY platforms do not offer deep expertise in sales-driven video production, meaning your video might not actually drive conversions.

Example: Dropbox used a strategically crafted explainer video that increased their conversions by 10%, adding millions of dollars in revenue. That’s the difference expert storytelling makes.

4. Poor Audio & Voiceovers Hurt Engagement

DIY platforms often provide robotic, AI-generated voiceovers or force users to record audio without professional editing. Poor sound quality is a major turn-off for viewers and instantly reduces credibility.

Fact: 83% of viewers say they would stop watching a video if the audio quality is bad (TechCrunch).

5. No Customization for Your Brand Identity

Your brand needs a unique, visually stunning explainer video—not something that looks like a generic template. Agencies like Foetas create fully customized animations tailored to your brand, audience, and goals.

When Is DIY a Good Option?

If your budget is below $300 and you need a basic internal-use video, a DIY platform might work. However, if you’re serious about growing your brand, increasing conversions, and building trust, investing in a professionally made explainer video is the smarter choice.

Why Work With Foetas?

At Foetas, we specialize in high-quality, sales-driven explainer videos for tech startups, SaaS platforms, and innovative brands. Here’s what sets us apart:

✅ Custom Animations – No cookie-cutter templates; every video is designed from scratch. ✅ Sales-Driven Scriptwriting – We integrate sales psychology into every video to maximize conversions. ✅ Studio-Quality Voiceovers & Sound Design – Professional audio that keeps viewers engaged. ✅ Seamless Production Process – We handle everything, from script to animation to final delivery. ✅ Designed for Maximum ROI – Our videos don’t just look great—they drive real business results.

Conclusion: Invest in Quality, Invest in Success

While DIY video platforms might seem like a cost-effective solution, the reality is low-quality videos hurt your brand more than they help. Your audience can spot the difference between an amateur animation and a high-end, professional video. Poor quality = lost credibility.

If you want a video that truly converts, Foetas is here to help. Contact us today to create an explainer video that elevates your brand, captivates your audience, and maximizes your ROI. 🚀