Explainly
Explainly is a bootstrapped custom video production agency producing 2D, 3D, live-action, and mixed media explainer and brand videos on a project basis for Fortune 500 enterprises (Amazon, Google, JPMorgan, Uber Eats), high-growth technology companies, and nonprofits, operating from six US offices and London.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersNovato, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Explainly does
Explainly is a privately held, bootstrapped custom video production agency founded in 2018 and operated as Explainly, LLC. The company produces 2D animated, 3D animated, live-action, mixed media, stop motion, and motion graphics video content on a project basis for a client base that spans Fortune 500 enterprises (Amazon, Google, JPMorgan, Visa, T-Mobile, Uber Eats, HubSpot, McKesson, Universal, Peacock, Safeway, Toast, CLEAR, Alibaba), high-growth technology companies (Avast, SentinelOne, Gainsight, myQ Chamberlain, DriveSavers, Kegg), education and finance publishers (Dotdash Meredith's Investopedia and VeryWell Health brands, with 145+ branded episodes produced at roughly 50 videos per quarter), food and beverage brands (Cupcake Vineyards), and nonprofit organizations (DomesticShelters.org, DASH D.C.).
The core offering is an end-to-end custom video production service, from strategic discovery and script writing through style frames, illustrated storyboards, professional voice over, music and sound effects, and final delivery, with add-on solutions for localization, social cuts, Lottie file outputs, and physical video cards. Pricing is custom per project, with discrete tiers including a Standard all-inclusive package (script writing, storyboard, voice over, music and SFX, HD quality, 6-8 week turnaround, two rounds of revisions, ownership rights, and a personalized video dashboard) and a Premium package with rush turnarounds, bundle pricing, and additional revisions; standalone testimonial packages range from $1,500 (Self Capture) to $6,000-$9,000+ (On-Site Filming). In 2025, Explainly extended its offering into Paid Advertising Services for media buying across Google, Meta, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify.
The go-to-market model is hybrid: an enterprise field sales motion targeting Fortune 500 buyers via direct outreach, phone consultations (888.415.0415), and HubSpot-powered meeting scheduling, combined with an inside sales motion for mid-market and startup clients via website quote requests. Distribution is augmented by a partner program for agencies and marketing service providers. The company is led by founder and CEO Alex Hagan, maintains six offices across the United States (Sausalito headquarters, Santa Monica, New York, Chicago, Austin) and one in London, and has accumulated 14 Davey Awards, 14 Muse Awards, 17 Telly Awards, an Inc. Best Workplaces 2024 recognition, and a 2022 Telly Gold for nonprofit work.
Explainly firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Explainly
- Legal name
- Explainly, LLC
- Website
- https://explainly.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Explainly is a bootstrapped custom video production agency producing 2D, 3D, live-action, and mixed media explainer and brand videos on a project basis for Fortune 500 enterprises (Amazon, Google, JPMorgan, Uber Eats), high-growth technology companies, and nonprofits, operating from six US offices and London.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Explainly industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Video Production Services
- NAICS
- Motion Picture and Video Production (512110), Motion Picture and Video Production (51211), Postproduction Services and Other Motion Picture and Video Industries (51219)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Production (7819)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Product & Explainer Videos (Demos, How-To, SaaS/Product Walkthroughs) (MPADAEAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- 3D Product/Explainer Animation (MPAHACAD), Corporate & Internal Communications Video (MPADAEAC), Training, Safety & Compliance Video (MPADAEAM), Content Production (Video, Design, Copy, Studio) (BPAFAAAF)
Keywords
Where Explainly is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Novato
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Explainly business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Custom Video Production: Project-based custom video production services including 2D animation, 3D animation, live-action, mixed media, and motion graphics. Pricing varies based on video type, complexity, and package tier. Additional revenue from add-on services such as localization, social cuts, Lottie files, and video cards.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard All Custom Video Package includes core production elements |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Premium Custom Animation with optional add-ons |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Self Capture testimonial package |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Remote Interview testimonial package |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | On-Site Filming testimonial package |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Animated Overlay add-on |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Case Study Add-On |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Explainly product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Explainly is a global video production agency that creates custom animated and live-action videos for businesses as an end-to-end service solution. The agency's core offerings are 2D Animated Videos, 3D Animated Videos, Live Action Videos, and Mixed Media Videos, which can be supplemented with add-on solutions including Localization, Social Cuts, Lottie Files, and physical Video Cards. Production is delivered on a project basis with custom pricing per engagement, supporting use cases such as brand explainers, product demos, promotional commercials, support tutorials, and industry-specific content for software, cybersecurity, finance, healthcare, education, and non-profit clients.
Product overview
Explainly is a global video production agency that creates custom animated and live-action videos as an end-to-end service solution. The core offerings are 2D Animated Videos, 3D Animated Videos, Live Action Videos, and Mixed Media Videos, which can be supplemented with add-on solutions including Localization, Social Cuts, Lottie Files, and Video Cards. The company produces various video types (Explainer Videos, Promo/Commercial Videos, Support & Tutorial Videos, Product Marketing Videos, Sales Tools) tailored for specific industries (Software & Tech, Cybersecurity, Finance & Fintech, Healthcare, Education, Non-Profit). Pricing tiers include Standard Package (full production with script writing, storyboard, voice over, and revisions) and Premium Package (enhanced options with rush turnarounds and additional add-ons).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- 2D Animated Videos Two-dimensional cartoon animation services for product demos, teasers, promos, and commercials; can be character-based storytelling or flat/linear/isometric graphics with on-screen text and UI demonstrations for B2B clients.
- 3D Animated Videos Three-dimensional digital animation that immerses audiences with depth, including 360-degree fly-around shots, interior views, and product renderings used for retail sites and product showcases for enterprise clients.
- Live Action Videos Real-people filmed video production using state-of-the-art 4K cameras to capture authenticity with genuine emotions and tangible settings, including motion graphic overlays, for enterprise and mid-market clients.
- Mixed Media Videos Video production blending 2D animation, 3D animation, live-action footage, still images, text, and visual effects into a cohesive, visually engaging mixed-media style tailored to each client's brand.
- Paid Advertising Services Campaign strategy and management service including target audience personas, platform selection (Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify), placement, and monthly reporting on key performance metrics for enterprise and mid-market clients.
- Testimonial Video Services Customer interview video production with three packages - Self Capture ($1,500+), Remote Interview ($2,000+), and On-Site Filming ($6,000-$9,000+) - including deliverables such as social cutdowns and subtitled versions, plus optional Custom Animated Overlay ($1,500) and Case Study Add-On ($1,200).
- Localization Video localization services including translated voice over, on-screen text updates, and closed captioned subtitles in multiple languages to extend videos for global audiences.
- Social Cuts Video reformatting for social media platforms, including custom cuts, alternate aspect ratio sizing, and A/B testing variations optimized for Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook distribution.
- Lottie Files Infinitely scalable JSON-based vector animation files that work on any device without pixelation, designed as an upgrade from GIFs and are interactive and web-embeddable.
- Video Cards Physical video business cards with an embedded LCD screen that auto-plays the embedded video upon opening, featuring up to 2GB / 10 minutes capacity, a 1-year dormant battery, and 1-hour continuous playback.
Quantifiable outcome
- Series scalability from 2-3 videos to 300+ videos per engagement
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Explainly
Customer profileNamed customers25 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Explainly technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Explainly partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Dotdash MeredithflagshipPartnership with Dotdash Meredith, America's largest digital and print publisher, to produce 145 Investopedia and VeryWell Health branded episodes - the largest and fastest production output in Explainly's history. Explainly serves as an extension of the Dotdash team, producing dozens of educational pieces every quarter for their brands while following highly specific brand design guidelines.
- Yeti LLCcorePartnership with Yeti LLC for the Cupcake Vineyards 'Joy Through the Decades' campaign. Yeti ensured every user had a joyful experience interacting with the campaign's UI environment and designed the software to encourage repeat engagement. Created API integration with Google Analytics capturing hundreds of data points and Mailchimp integration for customer follow-up marketing.
- Wolf-Like MarketingminorPartnership with Wolf-Like Marketing for the Cupcake Vineyards Joy Through the Decades campaign, collaborating on the creative direction and marketing execution of the interactive mobile software experience.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Explainly competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Vidico: Video production agency producing branded explainer videos, product demos, and commercials for tech-driven brands. Direct competitor in the same premium animated-video niche with overlapping client verticals.
- Yum Yum Videos: Specialized explainer video production agency offering 2D, 3D, and live-action explainer videos for B2B and SaaS clients. Closely comparable in service offering, target buyer (marketing leaders), and project-based custom pricing model.
- Demo Duck: Explainer video production company producing animated and live-action explainer videos for brands and tech companies. Operates in the same boutique-agency segment with a similar end-to-end service model and premium positioning.
- Giant Ant: Animation and motion-graphics studio producing animated explainer videos and commercials for brands. Comparable in style mix (2D, 3D, mixed media) and target of brand and product marketing teams.
- BuzzFlick: Animated explainer video production agency producing 2D, 3D, and motion-graphic videos for brands. Comparable boutique-agency positioning with custom production and add-on services.
- Switch Video: Explainer video agency producing animated explainer videos for B2B brands. Comparable custom-service model, SaaS/tech focus, and emphasis on script-led storytelling.
- Krative: Explainer video production agency focused on animated explainer videos for enterprise and SaaS. Comparable in service design, custom project pricing, and B2B target audience.
- Bluehouse (formerly Casual Animation): Explainer video agency producing animated and live-action videos for B2B brands. Direct competitor with similar production capabilities, client base, and project-based pricing.
Emerging players
- Vyond: DIY animated explainer video platform that competes with Explainly's SMB segment by enabling in-house teams to produce explainer videos without an agency. Threatens the lower end of Explainly's market but addresses different buyer (in-house marketer vs. outsourced agency).
- Synthesia: AI-generated video platform for corporate and training videos. Represents the most disruptive emerging alternative to traditional explainer-video production, compressing the cost of basic explainer and training content.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Explainly social profiles
Digital presenceExplainly financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Explainly leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Explainly funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Explainly M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Explainly
What does Explainly do?
Explainly is a global video production agency that creates custom animated and live-action videos for businesses as an end-to-end service solution. The agency's core offerings are 2D Animated Videos, 3D Animated Videos, Live Action Videos, and Mixed Media Videos, which can be supplemented with add-on solutions including Localization, Social Cuts, Lottie Files, and physical Video Cards. Production is delivered on a project basis with custom pricing per engagement, supporting use cases such as brand explainers, product demos, promotional commercials, support tutorials, and industry-specific content for software, cybersecurity, finance, healthcare, education, and non-profit clients.
Is Explainly a public or private company?
Explainly is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Explainly founded?
Explainly was founded in 2018. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Explainly based?
Explainly is headquartered in Novato, United States, in the North America region.
How does Explainly make money?
One revenue line is on record: custom Video Production.
Who are Explainly's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Vidico, Yum Yum Videos, Demo Duck, Giant Ant, BuzzFlick, Switch Video, Krative and Bluehouse (formerly Casual Animation). Emerging players are Vyond and Synthesia.
Does Explainly have an API?
No public API is recorded for Explainly.
What industry is Explainly in?
Explainly's product category is Video Production Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADAEAD, Product & Explainer Videos (Demos, How-To, SaaS/Product Walkthroughs), with a secondary code of MPAHACAD, 3D Product/Explainer Animation. Its NAICS code is 512110 and its SIC code is 7812.