Types of SaaS Videos: Moving Beyond the Classic Product Explainer

Types of SaaS Videos

It's no secret that video content is driving SaaS growth like never before. Product explainer videos get most of the spotlight, but they're only part of a much bigger picture. Brands that want lasting engagement are turning to a wider mix of SaaS video types, each built to connect with users at different points in their journey.

From quick social clips that boost interest to hands-on demo and onboarding videos that nurture loyal customers, every style brings unique value. A diverse video approach doesn't just show off your software—it creates real connections and solves problems before prospects even ask. We'll show you why blending multiple types of SaaS videos is quickly becoming essential for any brand that wants to stand out.

To get inspired by standout SaaS demo content, take a look at the best product demo videos and see how smart brands use more than just explainer videos to win over their audience.

Why SaaS Brands Need More Than Just Explainer Videos

When it comes to building a strong SaaS brand, relying on classic product explainer videos is like trying to win a race with just one gear. Explainers get the conversation started, but they don’t carry the message across every stage of your customer’s journey. With SaaS markets getting crowded, video content must wear more hats—educating, engaging, converting, and keeping users coming back for more.

Types of SaaS Videos

The Problem with Relying Only on Explainer Videos

Product explainers are helpful. They sum up the “what” and “why” behind your platform, giving prospects a fast way to grasp your software’s appeal. They’re short, polished, and great for landing pages. But they miss deeper connections. Here’s where the cracks start to show when sticking to just this one type:

As discussed in Do SaaS Products Really Need Explainer Videos or Is It ..., even intuitive products can outgrow a single explainer video approach once users crave more detail or real proof of success.

Why a Mix of SaaS Video Types Matters

The most effective SaaS companies use different kinds of video for each stage of their funnel. This strategy guides leads from first touch all the way to loyal customers. Here’s how different video types fit each stage:

Awareness: Grab Attention and Build Brand Memory

Conversion: Build Trust with Social Proof

Retention: Keep Customers for the Long Haul

For a step-by-step guide on how brands use different types of SaaS videos at each step in the funnel, you can explore this breakdown on video marketing for SaaS and see real strategies in action.

Insights from Top SaaS Video Examples

If you look at leading SaaS videos highlighted in these standout marketing trends and explainer video samples, one trend stands out: they use storytelling, animation, and testimonials to create deeper engagement far beyond the first “what is it?” pitch.

Many brands also integrate product walkthroughs and onboarding videos to help new users achieve quick wins. For more insights and up-to-date examples, take a look at 21 SaaS Explainer Video Examples & Trends.

To see how your brand can blend many types of SaaS videos into a powerful content plan, don’t miss our deep dive on video engagement strategies for SaaS platforms.

Moving from One-Note to a Full Video Strategy

Picture your marketing funnel as a story with many chapters. The explainer video opens the book, but each chapter—onboarding, customer stories, behind-the-scenes clips, even regular update drops—keeps the story alive. Today’s SaaS leaders use a full mix of video types to grow awareness, lower churn, and ultimately build an engaged community.

A single explainer is no longer enough. People want proof, depth, and a sense of partnership at every touchpoint. By creating content for every stage, your SaaS brand can turn users into devoted fans who stick around for the whole story.

For more on building memorable video strategies, you might find useful tips in our breakdown of the best SaaS video ad strategies.

Popular Types of SaaS Videos and Their Strategic Purposes

Modern SaaS companies build loyal user bases and increase conversions with more than just product explainers. By mixing different types of SaaS videos, brands can match the right format to the right business goal—speeding up user adoption, earning trust, and driving thought leadership. Below, let's look at the four key video types you’ll find leading SaaS companies using to win customer hearts and minds.

Types of SaaS Videos

Onboarding Videos for User Activation

Onboarding videos are a smart way to guide new users as soon as they sign up. Instead of a long welcome email, these videos walk users through the essentials. They can answer the biggest "what do I do next?" questions at just the right time, cutting down support requests and making those first steps feel easy.

The most effective onboarding content shares these traits:

Companies see better activation rates and fewer drop-offs when every user gets a hands-on intro, not just written instructions. Onboarding videos help bridge the gap between “I’m interested” and “I’m actually using this.” See how other brands harness video in onboarding with practical advice and real-world examples in this comprehensive SaaS video guide.

Product Demo Videos: Showcase Features in Action

Product demo videos dive deeper than explainers, showing actual features and use cases in a live or animated environment. Their main job? Letting prospects see the platform in action—not just hear about it.

A top-notch product demo video:

Demo videos are a turning point in the user journey. When a prospect sees the software solve a problem, it builds both trust and excitement. Viewers can easily picture themselves using the tools day to day. For a roundup of high-performing demo videos with fresh ideas, take a look at these best product demo videos.

You can also find more examples, trends, and practical advice in this collection of SaaS video marketing trends.

Customer Testimonial & Case Study Videos

Few video types move prospects along the decision-making process quite like real user stories. Testimonial and case study videos replace company claims with authentic voices: happy customers, client experts, and even your own customer success team.

These video formats come in a variety of styles:

Great testimonial and case study videos:

A well-produced case study can turn even skeptical leads into believers. Learn how these videos can convert and the strategic variety available at 10 Types of SaaS Videos: Which is the Best for You?.

Educational and Thought Leadership Videos

Educational videos give value first, making your SaaS brand the go-to resource in its space. These videos include webinars, how-to content, and expert panels—each designed to teach, clarify, and inspire your audience.

Ways SaaS companies use educational video content include:

Publishing regular educational and thought leadership videos can help your software become the trusted guide in a complex category. It’s a proven way to boost loyalty and encourage organic growth, as viewers return for answers they can't get anywhere else.

If you want to create standout knowledge-based or expert-driven videos for your software business, look into services like Enterprise Video Production Services for specialized support.

For more insights, check out proven strategies shared in 7 examples of SAAS videos you should be making for brands that are building long-term authority through video.

Each of these types of SaaS videos meets your users where they are—whether they're just getting started, exploring, deciding, or growing with you. Mastering this variety creates a stronger connection and helps your product become a natural part of your customers' daily work.

Advanced and Niche SaaS Video Formats

SaaS brands that move past basic explainers find new ways to stand out. Advanced and niche SaaS video formats can close gaps in user experience, build community, and highlight your company’s unique strengths. Whether your aim is reducing churn, boosting product engagement, or showing off your company culture, these video formats go where traditional product videos can’t.

Tomorrow’s business videos look and feel different from yesterday’s. Growing trends are bridging the gap between what works for internal teams (corporate) and what grabs outsiders’ attention (commercial). Rapid change means video producers must get creative, sharper, and more strategic. Here are some standout shifts happening right now:

Types of SaaS Videos

FAQ & Support Videos to Reduce Churn

Fast answers help keep users from getting frustrated or slipping away. FAQ and support videos meet this need with clear demonstrations that solve problems in minutes, not hours. No one enjoys combing through a text-heavy knowledge base. With video, users get to see exactly how to troubleshoot sticking points.

Some ways FAQ and support videos drive down churn:

Often, a short, well-made FAQ video creates a “lightbulb moment” that text support can’t match. SaaS companies looking to boost retention numbers are bringing more of these videos into their onboarding and help center flows. Learn more about how to structure effective explainers and support videos in this guide to the effectiveness of explainer videos.

Feature Update & Release Videos

Keeping users in the loop makes each update feel like an upgrade, not a disruption. Dedicated feature update and release videos give every new rollout the spotlight it deserves, showing users how enhancements make their work easier.

The best feature release videos:

Some SaaS teams use animation to break down tricky features without overwhelming users—see how brands combine creativity and clarity with 3D Animation Explainer Videos. For more inspiration and trends, browse these SaaS video examples and best practices.

Culture and Recruitment Videos

The people behind your SaaS product are as important as the technology. Culture and recruitment videos lift the curtain and invite viewers inside. They capture your team’s spirit, make your vision feel real, and attract new talent who want a sense of purpose.

What makes these videos valuable?

Candidates often say that an inside look made them hit the "apply" button. Giving your team a voice on video shows you value transparency and connection as much as innovation. If you want to up your recruitment game, partner with a top explainer video company in the UK for a professional touch.

By using these advanced types of SaaS videos, brands move the conversation forward and set themselves apart—even in the crowded SaaS space. Want to see more examples that break the mold? Check out these 30 SaaS product video examples for more ideas on content that goes beyond the typical product explainer.

Best Practices for a SaaS Video Strategy

Building a strong video strategy for a SaaS brand means more than producing random clips and hoping something sticks. It’s about knowing your audience, understanding where they are in their buying journey, and choosing the right types of SaaS videos to support each step. By setting clear goals and adjusting content for each funnel stage, you can make every video count. The right mix will both educate and inspire, helping your product earn trust and adoption.

Types of SaaS Videos

Start with Audience, Funnel Stage, and Goals

Every SaaS company’s video needs are a bit different. To set your brand up for success, match your video content to what's most relevant for your audience and where they are in the funnel.

Here’s how to approach this selection:

For more advice on segmenting content and boosting your funnel, take a look at how experts are structuring successful strategies in Boost SaaS Funnel With Video Marketing.

Practical Tips for a Strong Video Strategy

A few core best practices can help you get the most out of every video you create.

If you're scaling up video production, partnering with a service like Enterprise Video Production can save time and polish your content.

How to Measure Success and Improve

All the best planning in the world won’t help if you don’t track what actually works. Set clear metrics before launch—views, watch time, signups, support ticket reductions, or feature adoption rates.

Ways to measure and improve video ROI:

Get a detailed guide on tracking and improving returns in How to Measure Your Video ROI (And 6 Ways to Improve It).

For SaaS-specific video performance measurement, this expert breakdown explains key metrics and how to tie video activity directly to software adoption and business impact.

The Impact of Professional Production and Ongoing Optimization

The difference between “okay” and “wow” often comes down to production quality. Clear visuals, great sound, and smooth editing keep your videos looking fresh and help build trust. As you grow, it’s smart to revisit your video library, retire old content, and refresh it with new insights or product features.

A professionally produced video grabs attention and keeps users watching, shown by the experiences shared in Why Tech Companies Need Professional SaaS Video Production. When you want your message to stick, investing in production pays off.

Looking for more hands-on tips or support? See how brands handle large-scale video needs by exploring Enterprise Video Production Services.

By using these best practices, SaaS companies can match video content to real user needs and business goals—turning every video into a step forward in the customer journey and strengthening the impact of every touchpoint.

Getting Results: Real Examples and Inspiration

SaaS brands are seeing big returns from branching out with different types of SaaS videos. The impact is much more than flashy graphics and upbeat narration. Companies use everything from honest customer talks to crisp demos to help buyers understand their value. Let’s see how real brands get results—while giving you inspiration for your own video lineup.

Types of SaaS Videos

Explainer Videos That Make SaaS Simple

Some of the most recognized SaaS companies have grown by making complex tools feel simple through explainer videos. ClickUp's explainer is a favorite among users for its easy visuals and friendly voice. The video uses real scenarios, breaking big features into clear steps. This approach helps viewers see how their scattered work can come together within one app—no jargon, no confusion.

Typeform also stands out by turning boring surveys into a story. Instead of lists and charts, their explainer video creates a journey—showing how bland forms become fun, conversational experiences. This creative storytelling isn’t just flash; it drives home product benefits in ways that stick.

For more creative inspirations, check out this curated list of best SaaS explainer videos packed with styles that go beyond the basics.

Demo Videos That Drive Action

Great product demo videos don’t just show a menu—they walk users through a task as if the viewer is behind the wheel. Slack, for example, nails this with a video that follows a new user through setting up a team, sharing files, and customizing notifications. Instead of telling you what’s possible, the demo invites you to “see for yourself,” turning features into real outcomes.

Many successful demos add a dash of personality. Shopify uses a friendly host and real-life examples to prove anyone can launch a store. Viewers go from curious to confident, all within minutes.

If you want a deeper dive and plenty of usable tips, browse these Best Product Demo Videos to see how other SaaS brands move prospects toward action.

Testimonial and Case Study Videos That Build Trust

Nothing builds trust like seeing real customers share their wins. HubSpot uses quick testimonial snapshots to highlight how their all-in-one platform saves teams time and effort. Instead of long interviews, HubSpot cuts together bite-sized stories, each showing a different challenge or industry.

Other brands take the case study approach. Monday.com produced an animated video that follows a customer’s journey from scattered spreadsheets to centralized teamwork. The video draws on results—like hours saved each week—then closes with on-screen stats to hammer the point home.

Authentic stories make it easier for leads to picture themselves succeeding with your service. If you’re weighing options, here’s a roundup of varied video case studies and testimonials that get real results.

Educational and Thought Leadership Videos That Stick

Mixing traditional how-tos with thought leadership sets smart SaaS brands apart. Zapier runs a series of educational clips, teaching users how to automate routine tasks. Their videos don’t just cover the “how”—they teach the “why,” nudging users to make the most of automation.

Intercom’s “Inside Intercom” expert interview series shares insights from both in-house experts and industry leaders. These short, focused videos keep the brand front of mind and position the team as friendly advisers, not just a sales team.

To see more SaaS brands using regular video content to build loyalty and authority, explore this collection of SaaS video examples and trends.

Update and Support Videos That Boost Retention

Not every video is about the first sale. SaaS companies like Asana roll out feature update videos that make upgrades feel helpful, not disruptive. Each update gets its own quick intro, showing what changed and how users benefit right away.

Support videos are another win, especially for tools with steep learning curves. Instead of sinking hours into help docs, users can watch a two-minute answer and go.

If you want inspiration for ongoing user support and engagement, review these top SaaS customer engagement video strategies for practical, actionable ideas.

Going Beyond with Recruiting and Culture Clips

SaaS isn’t just about features. Leading teams, like at Atlassian and Shopify, use behind-the-scenes recruitment and culture videos. These clips show the people behind the software. Potential hires see not just code, but camaraderie and values in action. New talent feels drawn in, and the broader brand reputation gets a positive boost.

Quick Takeaways from Results-Focused SaaS Brands

Inspired? Find more tips and trends by exploring our articles on powerful SaaS video ad strategies and how to boost your SaaS funnel with video marketing.

For a step-by-step breakdown of how to match the right video format with your goals, visit 7 examples of SaaS videos you should be making. The possibilities don’t end at explainers—see what happens when you go beyond.

Conclusion

Great SaaS brands don’t rely on just one style of video. Mixing up the types of SaaS videos you use lets you reach users at every stage—from curious first-timers to loyal experts. Product explainers are a strong starting point, but building trust, driving adoption, and encouraging repeat use means using demos, testimonials, education, updates, and even culture stories.

If you want more ideas to expand your approach, check out these proven SaaS explainer videos that show new ways to keep your messages clear and engaging. Think about where your customers drop off or want extra help, then try a new video format for that stage.

Start analyzing your funnel, experiment with variety, and see what gets real results. The most successful SaaS brands are the ones willing to keep learning and keep sharing. Thank you for reading—if you’ve seen creative video strategies work (or fail), share your story and help us all get better.

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