explainer

An explainer is a type of informational content designed to clarify a topic that may be complex or unfamiliar. It presents essential facts, context, and how things work in clear language, often accompanied by visuals. Explainers appear as videos, articles, interactive graphics, or multimedia posts, and they typically emphasize conciseness and comprehension.

In media and education, explainer formats include explainer videos, which commonly use animation, narration, and diagrams to show how something works, why it matters, and what the implications are. They may follow a narrative arc that begins with a question or problem, proceeds through key points, and ends with a summary or takeaway.

The term gained prominence with digital journalism in the 2010s, where outlets produced concise pieces to unpack complex current events. Tech companies and government portals also use explainers to help users understand products, policies, data, or procedures. The structure often answers the core questions: what is it, why is it important, how does it work, and what are the next steps?

Common features include plain language, careful definitions of terms, logical sequencing, and the use of visuals such as charts, diagrams, or annotations. Good explainers tailor depth to the audience and provide sources or further reading.

Criticism notes that explainers can oversimplify or omit nuance. When well executed, they balance accessibility with accuracy, serving as a bridge between expert knowledge and general audiences.