Optimising Explainer Videos for Mobile Viewing

The way people consume video content has changed dramatically. With mobile devices now accounting for the majority of online video views, businesses need to ensure that their explainer videos are optimised for mobile viewing. Without proper optimisation, even the most well-produced video can lose engagement and fail to convert potential customers.

As more businesses invest in explainer video production, ensuring that videos are mobile-friendly is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Here’s how to optimise explainer videos for the best mobile viewing experience.

Why Mobile Optimisation Matters for Explainer Videos

The rise of mobile-first browsing means that viewers are more likely to watch videos on their phones than on desktops. In fact, studies show that more than 75% of global video consumption happens on mobile devices. This shift means that businesses must consider how their explainer video production translates to smaller screens and different user behaviours.

When a video isn’t optimised for mobile, viewers may struggle with slow loading times, awkward formatting, or difficulty following the visuals and text. Poor mobile optimisation can lead to lower engagement, increased bounce rates, and missed conversion opportunities.

1. Keep Your Video Short and Engaging

Attention spans on mobile are significantly shorter than on desktop. Viewers are often multitasking, scrolling through social media, or watching videos in between other activities. This means that explainer videos need to get to the point quickly.

• Aim for a length of 60 to 90 seconds to maintain engagement.
• Hook viewers in the first few seconds with an attention-grabbing opening.
• Keep messaging concise, focusing on key benefits rather than excessive details.

Shorter videos tend to perform better on mobile, ensuring that viewers stay engaged and absorb the message.

2. Use Large, Clear Text and Bold Visuals

Since mobile screens are much smaller than desktops, text and visuals need to be designed for easy readability. Small fonts and cluttered visuals can make it difficult for viewers to follow along.

• Use large, legible fonts that stand out against the background.
• Keep text overlays brief and to the point.
• Ensure visuals are high-contrast and easy to understand at a glance.

Explainer videos that rely too much on small details or text-heavy elements risk losing mobile viewers who may not be able to follow along comfortably.

3. Optimise for Vertical and Square Formats

Traditionally, videos were created in widescreen format, but mobile users often prefer vertical or square videos. Many platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook encourage these formats because they fill the entire screen without requiring users to rotate their devices.

• Consider creating vertical versions of your explainer video for mobile-first platforms.
• Square videos work well for social media feeds, taking up more space and increasing engagement.
• If using widescreen format, ensure that key visual elements remain clear when cropped for mobile.

By optimising for multiple aspect ratios, businesses can increase reach and engagement across various mobile platforms.

4. Add Captions for Silent Viewing

A significant percentage of mobile users watch videos without sound. Whether they’re in public spaces, at work, or simply prefer reading along, captions ensure that the message still gets across.

• Include subtitles or on-screen text to highlight key points.
• Use animated captions that enhance engagement rather than distract.
• Ensure captions are large enough to be read comfortably on small screens.

Captions make explainer videos more accessible and ensure that they retain their impact, even when watched on mute.

5. Reduce Load Time with Compressed Video Files

Mobile users expect fast load times, and if a video takes too long to buffer, they’re likely to move on. Slow-loading videos lead to higher bounce rates and lower engagement.

• Compress video files without compromising quality to reduce load time.
• Use adaptive streaming technology that adjusts video quality based on internet speed.
• Choose reliable hosting platforms that support fast mobile playback.

A seamless viewing experience keeps mobile users engaged and prevents drop-offs due to frustration with buffering.

6. Optimise Video Thumbnails for Mobile Click-Through

The first thing viewers see before clicking on a video is the thumbnail. A poorly designed thumbnail can result in lower click-through rates, especially on mobile, where users quickly scroll past content.

• Choose a high-contrast, visually appealing thumbnail.
• Use minimal text that’s easy to read at a small size.
• Select an image that accurately represents the video content.

A well-optimised thumbnail increases the chances of mobile users clicking and watching the video.

How Mobile-Friendly Videos Improve Engagement

Explainer videos that are optimised for mobile tend to see higher engagement rates compared to those that aren’t. With more users consuming content on their phones, businesses that tailor their explainer video production to mobile audiences benefit from:

• Increased watch time, as mobile-friendly videos are easier to follow.
• Higher social media shares, since mobile users prefer content that fits their screen.
• Improved brand awareness, as more viewers engage with and retain the message.

By ensuring that videos are optimised for mobile, businesses can significantly improve engagement and reach a wider audience.

Using Mobile-First Platforms to Maximise Reach

Not all video platforms are created equal when it comes to mobile viewing. Businesses looking to optimise their explainer videos for mobile should consider where their audience is most active.

Popular mobile-first platforms include:

• Instagram Reels and Stories – Short, engaging videos perform well here.
• TikTok – A rapidly growing platform where vertical videos thrive.
• Facebook and LinkedIn Feeds – Square videos work best for capturing attention.

Each platform has its own best practices, so adapting explainer videos to fit mobile-first trends can improve overall effectiveness.

How to Test and Improve Mobile Video Performance

Once an explainer video is live, it’s important to track its performance and make necessary adjustments. Businesses can analyse mobile engagement through:

• Watch time metrics to see how long viewers stay engaged.
• Click-through rates to measure how many viewers take action.
• Drop-off points to identify where viewers lose interest.

Testing different formats, thumbnail styles, and video lengths can help refine mobile video strategies over time.

Ensure Your Explainer Videos Are Mobile-Optimised

With mobile viewership continuing to rise, optimising explainer videos for mobile is crucial for engagement and conversions. Businesses that adapt their explainer video production strategy to mobile-first trends gain a competitive edge in reaching and retaining their audience.

If you’re ready to create high-performing explainer videos designed for mobile audiences, Venture Videos can help. Let’s make your video mobile-friendly and maximise its impact.