Using Explainer Videos to Drive Investment Marketing in 2025

Simplifying Your Investments with High-Impact Video Content

Investment products are complex by nature. Whether you’re marketing an ETF, structured note, or private fund, translating that complexity into clarity for investors is one of the biggest challenges in investment marketing. That’s why explainer videos have become an indispensable tool for investment firms trying to increase investor understanding without compromising compliance.

At Defiance Analytics, we help investment firms communicate complex investment products clearly and effectively through strategic content development and compliance-driven video marketing. We specialize in designing high-impact explainer content that not only engages but also complies with industry regulations while boosting conversions.

Let’s explore why explainer videos work so well, what makes them effective, and how to leverage them in your next campaign.

Why Explainer Videos Work in Investment Marketing

Explainer videos use a powerful combination of visual storytelling and simple messaging to explain a product, service, or concept. According to Wistia, video is not only more memorable than text-based content but also improves on-site engagement. In fact, 73% of viewers finish watching explainer videos that are two minutes long, compared to just 11% who finish reading blog posts.

For investment marketers, that kind of engagement is critical, especially when you’re working to build trust, simplify complex investment ideas, or drive conversions.

Moreover, explainer videos are easy to repurpose across channels. From landing pages and emails to YouTube and social campaigns, these assets provide a flexible foundation for multimedia campaigns that drive results.

Use Case: ETFs, Wealth Management, and Investor Education

Take ETFs as an example. While ETFs have exploded in popularity, many investors still don’t understand the nuances of how they work, how they differ from mutual funds, or what specific strategies like covered calls or active management mean for them.

With a well-produced explainer video, firms can educate investors on fund strategy, holdings, and potential risks, without overwhelming them. This also helps meet regulatory demands for clarity and transparency.

The same applies to wealth managers and private equity firms trying to simplify performance fee structures, lock-in periods, or diversification strategies. Short videos that speak directly to investor pain points can drastically reduce confusion, save time for advisors, and shorten the sales cycle.

And when used alongside intent data and attribution tracking, firms can personalize video distribution to high-intent leads, further improving ROI.

What Makes a Great Explainer Video

A well-crafted explainer video blends storytelling, clarity, and brand identity. From animated walkthroughs to talking-head explainers or screencasts, your format should reflect your product and your audience’s expectations.

Here are the four elements that matter most:

1. Clear, Concise Scripting

The script should identify a problem, introduce the solution (your product), explain how it works, and close with a clear call to action. Investing is already dense, so avoid jargon and keep the tone conversational. According to Forbes, even 60 to 90 seconds of video can drive significant results when done well.

2. Visual Simplicity

Use clean animation, intuitive graphics, and consistent branding. Investment-focused explainer videos often perform better when abstract concepts (like diversification or risk parity) are broken down visually. This enhances retention and avoids overwhelming viewers with data.

Our team at Defiance Analytics can assist with the video production process, from scripting and managing filming to editing and compliance review. We ensure every piece aligns with brand voice and regulatory expectations.

3. Compliance-First Storytelling

The SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies require fair and balanced communication. That means you can’t just highlight the upside. Your explainer video must also include risk disclosures, balanced messaging, and non-promissory language.

That’s why our approach to compliant content creation is grounded in investment industry expertise. We help ETF issuers, private funds, and advisors communicate clearly without tripping compliance flags.

4. Platform-Optimized Delivery

Different formats perform better on different platforms. For instance, short square or vertical videos work best on social platforms, while longer, landscape videos work better on websites or investor portals. Our paid media team tailors every asset for cross-channel distribution to maximize reach and engagement.

Measuring Performance: What to Track

Video marketing shouldn’t stop at the view count. Here’s what to track:

• Completion rate: Are viewers watching the entire video?
• Engagement: Are they clicking CTAs or interacting with overlays?
• Attribution: Are viewers converting later in the funnel?
• Demographics: Who is watching, and where are they coming from?

At Defiance, we offer advanced site traffic ID and attribution tools that identify which prospects watched your explainer videos, helping you retarget with precision and connect the dots between awareness and action.

Conclusion: The Future of Investment Education Is Visual

Explainer videos aren’t a trend, they’re becoming essential in a market where investors demand transparency and compliance standards are only tightening. When executed well, they not only educate but convert.

If your firm is ready to engage investors more effectively, improve compliance communication, or scale your investment-focused video strategy, we can help.

Book a demo with Defiance Analytics today to see how explainer videos can become your most valuable asset in educating and converting investors.

FAQs

What’s the ideal length for an explainer video for investors?

Between 60 to 120 seconds is ideal. It’s long enough to explain the essentials but short enough to keep viewers engaged.

Can explainer videos be compliant with FINRA and the SEC?

Yes, if scripted and produced properly. This includes using fair and balanced language, proper disclosures, and avoiding promissory content. Our team has deep experience with compliant creative.

Where should I use explainer videos?

Use them on landing pages, product pages, email campaigns, and social media ads. We also recommend using them as top-of-funnel content to improve investor engagement.