Creating an explainer video used to be a headache. You'd spend days wrestling with complex software, only to end up with something that looked amateur or cost a fortune to outsource. But in 2025, AI tools have transformed what's possible – turning what used to be week-long projects into something you can knock out over lunch. Need to explain a product? Teach a complex idea? Show off your brand? Today's tools let anyone create videos that look professional without needing design skills, endless hours, or a massive budget.

Key takeaways

• Explainer videos drive conversions, simplify complex ideas, and build brand trust when done right

• Modern AI tools slash production time from days to hours while maintaining professional quality

• Descript leads the pack with its text-based editing approach and comprehensive AI features that make professional-level production accessible to everyone

Top best explainer video maker tools in 2025

1. Descript

Descript flips video editing on its head with a brilliantly simple idea: you edit the text transcript, and the video follows along automatically. You edit the words, and the video follows. Their AI handles the tedious stuff – writing scripts, cloning voices, removing background noise – so even complete beginners can create videos that look like they hired a production team.

Best For:

Creators who want to produce polished explainer videos without the steep learning curve of traditional editing software.

Key Features:

• Text-based video editing lets you edit video by simply editing text, cutting hours off your workflow

• AI video generation creates complete videos from text prompts, handling script, visuals, and voiceover

• Studio Sound and filler word removal automatically clean up audio for professional-quality narration

Pros:

• Intuitive interface that feels like editing a document rather than wrestling with complex timelines

• Comprehensive AI suite that handles tedious tasks like transcription, background noise removal, and caption generation

• Powerful collaboration features make team projects seamless with real-time editing and comments

Cons:

• Some advanced timeline-based editing techniques require time to discover in the interface

• Best performance requires a decent internet connection for cloud-based AI features

• Free plan limits some features that power users might want

Pricing:

• Free: $0/month - Text-based editing, basic AI tools, 720p video export

• Hobbyist: $16/month (annual) - Watermark-free 1080p exports, more AI features, 30 mins AI speech/month

• Creator: $24/month (annual) - 4K exports, unlimited AI actions, 2 hours AI speech/month, custom avatars

• Business: $50/month (annual) - Team collaboration, 5 hours AI speech/month, priority support, advanced AI

Learn more at Descript.

2. Synthesia

Synthesia's magic trick? No cameras or actors needed. Just type your script, pick a digital presenter, and watch as the AI creates a video that looks like you booked a professional studio. Just type your script, select an avatar, and watch as Synthesia generates a human-like presenter delivering your message, making it an excellent option for explainer video software needs. It's particularly powerful for businesses needing to create training videos or content in multiple languages.

Best For:

Companies that need to create professional-looking spokesperson videos without hiring actors or setting up a studio.

Key Features:

• AI avatars with over 230 diverse, realistic-looking digital presenters to narrate your content

• Text-to-speech in 120+ languages makes global content creation effortless

• Video templates provide professional layouts for quick production of common video types

Pros:

• Creates polished, professional videos in minutes instead of days

• Excellent for localizing content into multiple languages without re-shooting

• No technical skills required - if you can type, you can create videos

Cons:

• Limited creative control compared to traditional video production

• AI avatars, while improving, still lack some of the warmth and personality of real people

• Higher-tier plans needed for most business-quality features

Pricing:

• Basic: $0/month - 3 minutes video/month, 9 AI avatars, no downloads

• Starter: $18/month (annual) - 10 minutes/month, 125+ avatars, Full HD downloads, no watermark

• Creator: $64/month (annual) - 30 minutes/month, 180+ avatars, video dubbing, multiple avatars per scene

• Enterprise: Custom pricing - Unlimited video minutes, 230+ avatars, advanced security features

Check out Synthesia to see the avatars in action.

3. Runway

Runway puts Hollywood-grade visual effects at your fingertips – the kind of stuff that used to require a team of VFX artists and specialized equipment. With just a few clicks, you can transform static images into fluid motion, remove unwanted objects, or completely change the visual style of your footage—making it a perfect partner for the best video editing software. That boring product photo you took with your phone? Runway can turn it into a rotating 3D showcase with dramatic lighting and particle effects that would've cost thousands to create just a few years ago.

Best For:

Creative teams wanting to add cinematic visual effects to their explainer videos without mastering complex VFX software.

Key Features:

• AI-powered video generation transforms images into dynamic video clips with realistic motion

• Advanced visual effects like object removal, motion tracking, and style transfer

• Cloud-based collaboration enables team members to work together from anywhere

Pros:

• Creates stunning visual effects that would normally require specialized skills

• Cloud-based platform means you can edit from anywhere with decent internet

• Regular updates bring cutting-edge AI capabilities to your fingertips

Cons:

• Credit-based system can get expensive for frequent users

• Requires internet connection for all functions

• Some advanced features have a learning curve

Pricing:

• Free: $0 - 125 one-time credits, basic video generation tools, 5GB storage

• Standard: $12/user/month (annual) - 625 monthly credits, watermark removal, upscaled resolution

• Pro: $28/user/month (annual) - 2250 monthly credits, custom voices for lip sync

• Unlimited: $76/user/month (annual) - Unlimited generations in Explore mode, all Pro features

Visit Runway to explore its AI-powered video tools.

4. Pika

Pika strips away all the bloat you find in most video editors, leaving just the essentials so you can get from idea to finished video in record time. While primarily known for image generation, its expanding video capabilities make it worth considering for quick, straightforward explainer videos. If you're on a tight deadline and don't have time to wade through complicated menus and options, Pika's your lifesaver.

Best For:

Creators who need quick, simple explainer videos without the complexity of full-featured editing software.

Key Features:

• AI-powered design tools simplify the creation of visually appealing content

• User-friendly interface designed specifically for non-experts

• Fast rendering and export options optimize for quick turnaround times

Pros:

• Extremely user-friendly with minimal learning curve

• Straightforward pricing without complicated tiers or hidden costs

• Quick results when you need content in a hurry

Cons:

• Fewer specialized explainer video templates compared to dedicated tools

• Limited advanced customization options for complex narratives

• Smaller asset library than more established competitors

Pricing:

• Pro: $12.50/month (billed annually) - Unlimited image generation, high-quality exports, no watermarks, 5,000 image cloud storage

Try Pika at Pika for your next quick project.

5. Luma

Luma AI takes explainer videos into another dimension – literally – with 3D and AR tools that let viewers interact with your content in ways flat video can't match—making it a compelling choice if you’re looking to make animated videos. The platform excels at creating immersive, interactive content that goes beyond traditional 2D explainers. Imagine showing off your product where viewers can spin it around, peek inside, or even place it in their own space through AR – that's what Luma makes possible without requiring a 3D modeling degree.

Best For:

Brands wanting to create futuristic, interactive 3D or AR-enhanced explainer videos that showcase products from every angle.

Key Features:

• 3D modeling and visualization tools create immersive product demonstrations

• AR integration allows viewers to interact with your content in real space

• Advanced AI image and video generation produces high-quality visuals from text prompts

Pros:

• Creates standout, futuristic content that differentiates from standard explainer videos

• Powerful for showcasing physical products from multiple angles

• High-quality output with personalization options

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for utilizing 3D and AR features effectively

• Some advanced features may require specialized hardware

• Pricing structure can be complex for AI generation credits

Pricing:

• Luma's AI tools use a credit-based system with various tiers

• Luma Plus: $59/month (billed annually) - Event platform with advanced features

• Enterprise: Custom pricing - Tailored solutions with advanced security and integrations

Explore Luma's capabilities at Luma AI.

6. Google Veo

While not a dedicated explainer video maker, Google's video tools leverage the company's powerful AI and seamless integration with other Google products. For teams already working in the Google ecosystem, these tools offer a familiar environment with the added benefit of automatic cloud backup and easy sharing. The learning curve is minimal for anyone who's used Google products before.

Best For:

Teams already embedded in the Google ecosystem who want seamless integration with their existing workflows.

Key Features:

• Google Workspace integration connects your video projects with Docs, Slides, and Drive

• Automated transcription creates accurate captions and searchable content

• Cloud-based storage and sharing simplifies collaboration and distribution

Pros:

• Familiar interface reduces learning time for Google users

• Seamless collaboration with team members through existing Google accounts

• Automatic cloud backup prevents lost work

Cons:

• Lacks some specialized explainer video templates and effects

• Not as feature-rich as dedicated video editing platforms

• Limited advanced customization options

Pricing:

• Google's video tools are typically bundled with Workspace subscriptions

• Veo Sports Camera: Separate product with various tiers starting at $67/month (annual)

• For Google's AI and media tools, check current Workspace pricing

Learn more about Google's tools at Google.

7. CapCut

CapCut started as a simple phone app but has grown into a serious editing tool that shines when you need quick, scroll-stopping explainers for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts. The interface is dead simple, and they're constantly adding new effects that match what's trending on social platforms – perfect when you need to crank out content daily. The platform's roots in social video mean it understands what works on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Best For:

Social media creators who need quick, engaging explainer videos optimized for mobile viewing and short attention spans.

Key Features:

• One-tap effects and transitions make adding visual interest quick and simple

• Vertical video optimization ensures content looks great on mobile devices

• Direct social platform exports streamline publishing to TikTok, Instagram, and more

Pros:

• Extremely easy to learn, especially for short-form social content

• Regular updates keep effects and templates fresh and on-trend

• Works well on both mobile and desktop for flexible workflows

Cons:

• Less suitable for longer, more complex explainer videos

• Some premium effects and templates require subscription or credits

• Not as comprehensive for professional-grade projects

Pricing:

• Free: $0 - Core editing features, 150 credits/week for AI features, 500GB storage

• Starter: $24.17/month (annual) - 21,600 credits/year, all AI features, commercial use assets

• Additional credits can be purchased separately as needed

Try CapCut at CapCut for your next social explainer video.

Making your final choice

These tools each solve different problems, depending on what you're trying to create. Synthesia excels with AI avatars for spokesperson videos. Runway delivers cinematic visual effects. Pika offers simplicity for quick projects. Luma pushes boundaries with 3D and AR. Google's tools integrate seamlessly with Workspace. And CapCut dominates social-first content.

But for most creators, Descript offers the best balance of power and simplicity. Editing video by simply cutting and pasting text is a game-changer – it's like going from hunt-and-peck typing to touch typing. The AI features handle the tedious parts of production while giving you creative control over what matters. Plus, its collaboration features make team projects painless. We suggest trying free versions of a few tools that match your specific needs before committing.

Get started today

Want to see how easy making a pro-level explainer has become? Descript's free tier gives you immediate access to text-based editing, AI tools, and everything you need to get started.
Try Descript for free at Descript signup.
Most people are shocked when they see how fast they can turn a rough idea into a polished video that actually gets their point across.

Pro tips for getting the most out of best explainer video maker tools

• Optimize your scripts first. Write and refine your script before recording. A tight, clear script saves hours of editing and reshoots later. Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing before you hit record.

• Use the direct publishing options. Most tools connect directly to platforms like YouTube, Wistia, or social media. Use these connections to streamline your publishing workflow and avoid downloading/uploading files repeatedly.

• Don't sleep on the AI features. Don't just stick with basic editing. Try AI script generation, voice enhancement, or automatic b-roll creation. What used to take an entire afternoon – like cleaning up audio or creating captions – now happens with a single click.

Frequently asked questions

How do I pick the right tool?

Start by asking yourself: What's your budget? How tech-savvy are you? And what kind of videos will you make most often? If you need AI avatars, look at Synthesia. For text-based editing, Descript excels. For social videos, CapCut might be perfect. Most tools offer free trials, so test drive before committing.

Is an explainer video maker worth it?

Hell yes. A solid explainer can double your conversion rates while costing a fraction of the $5,000+ you'd pay an agency for a single video. Modern tools have slashed both the cost and time required to create professional videos. What once took days now takes hours, and the quality gap between DIY and professional has narrowed significantly.

Can I switch between these tools easily?

Most tools support standard video formats like MP4 for export, so you can move your finished videos between platforms. However, project files themselves aren't typically compatible across different software. If you think you might switch tools mid-project, look for options with good import/export capabilities for assets and timelines.