Understanding the new software can be the hardest part of it, all things that initially seem quite frustrating. Clicking around complicated dashboards, confusing workflows, and unclear features don’t help in a hurry to surrender, even to the very best of products. Now, good news: videos for onboarding SaaS change everything.
A simple, engaging video will make new users comfortable by helping them get around very easily. SaaS companies now understand how powerful the best customer onboarding video can be and have actually employed it as their greatest weapon for better adoption and retention.
Let’s get into the details of what a SaaS onboarding video is, why it works, and how your business can benefit.
What is a SaaS Onboarding Video?
It’s simply a short, user-friendly explainer video that explains to a new customer how to use the SaaS product effectively. One can imagine it to be a quick walkthrough for an individual that would answer the most immediate questions and teach that individual key actions to begin working successfully.
This is quite important in the SaaS industry, where most of the products are complex, feature-rich, and offer a lot of functionality. These videos can also serve as part of a comprehensive SaaS onboarding strategy. This allows users to gain confidence and build trust in the platform.
Why SaaS Onboarding Videos are Important
Let’s look at some numbers to understand the importance of onboarding videos:
Poor user onboarding is one of the main reasons for SaaS product churn, according to Statista. More than 63% of the customers say that they have stopped using a product due to not understanding it properly.
This is what it tells us. People leave if they don’t feel comfortable using your product. Onboarding videos eliminate these struggles and make onboarding a smooth experience for new users. With SaaS onboarding videos, people learn faster, stay longer, and are more satisfied.
Let’s break down why these videos are so important:
Key Reasons Why SaaS Onboarding Videos Matter:
| Reason | Benefit |
| 1. Simplify Complex Products | Easier product learning |
| 2. Build User Confidence | Users adopt tools confidently |
| 3. Speed Up Learning | Quicker understanding and usage |
| 4. Increase User Retention | Better user engagement and loyalty |
| 5. Reduce Support Queries | Fewer repetitive customer issues |
| 6. Enhance First Impressions | Strong and lasting first-user experience |
Tip: A well-made SaaS onboarding video reduces frustration and gives users that “Aha!” moment faster.
Benefits of SaaS Onboarding Videos
Making customer onboarding videos is not the process of demonstrating to them how your product works. It is guiding them in their quest for success.
Here are some significant benefits:
1. Faster Learning for Users
Onboarding videos use simple language, visuals, and animations to make learning easy. By combining 2D animation and helpful narration, users grasp even complex workflows without feeling lost.
2. Higher Product Adoption
When users feel comfortable with your SaaS product quickly, they’re more likely to stick around. These videos help customers start using the software effectively from Day 1.
3. Lower Support Costs
Instead of handling the same support calls repeatedly, SaaS onboarding videos answer common questions ahead of time, saving resources.
4. Boost Retention Rates
Businesses with effective customer onboarding videos see higher retention. Engaged users are loyal users who explore more features and stick with your service.
5. Improve Customer Satisfaction
A well-crafted SaaS product onboarding video keeps customers happy by giving them the support they need at the right time.
6. Support Scalable Growth
Onboarding videos scale as your business grows. With one-time video production, you can onboard thousands of customers worldwide without extra costs.
SaaS Onboarding Examples That Work
Here are some SaaS onboarding examples that prove how effective onboarding videos can be:
1. Slack Onboarding Video
Slack uses short, engaging customer onboarding videos to show new users how to send messages, create channels, and set up notifications. By simplifying every step, users get started in just minutes.
2. Dropbox Welcome Tour
Dropbox’s SaaS product onboarding uses simple animations and clear steps to guide users in uploading and sharing files.
3. Asana’s Getting Started Tutorial
Asana’s onboarding video examples break down task management features into digestible, easy-to-follow clips for faster learning.
Insight: SaaS onboarding examples from top platforms teach us how important visuals and clear instructions are in capturing user attention and increasing adoption.
Also Read: 6 Reasons Your Explainer Videos Need a Professional Voice-Over
Features of Effective SaaS Onboarding Videos
To be successful, your SaaS onboarding video should include the following:
| Feature | Description |
| 1. Simplicity | Clear, concise language that’s easy to follow |
| 2. Visual Appeal | High-quality visuals and 2D animations for clarity |
| 3. Short Duration | Keep it short (2-5 minutes) and focused on value |
| 4. Actionable Steps | Show users how to perform specific tasks |
| 5. Engaging Narration | Use a friendly, positive tone in the voiceover |
| 6. Personalization | Videos should align with user goals and needs |
| 7. End with a Call to Action | Encourage users to take the next step |
Which Industries Use SaaS Onboarding Videos?
SaaS onboarding videos are widely used in many industries.
Here are a few examples:
- Education Platforms: Help teachers and students navigate LMS platforms.
- E-commerce: Onboard sellers to list products and manage orders.
- CRM Software: Train teams to manage customer data and relationships.
- Healthcare Software: Guide hospitals in using management tools.
- Finance Tools: Teach users to analyze financial reports.
- Marketing SaaS Platforms: Explain campaign management features to marketers.
No matter the industry, a clear onboarding video simplifies the process for new users.
How 2D Animation Improves SaaS Onboarding Videos
Using 2D animation is one of the smartest ways to create customer onboarding videos that are both engaging and effective. Here’s why:
- Visually Appealing: 2D animations are colorful, fun, and easy on the eyes.
- Explains Complex Ideas: Abstract workflows become crystal clear with visual storytelling.
- Keeps Users Focused: Animated content grabs attention faster than plain text.
- Flexible and Scalable: 2D animation can adjust to your SaaS product’s unique style and branding.
Tip: Use short animated clips to highlight tricky steps or processes in your onboarding video.
You May Also Like: Why 2D Animation in Modern Anime Still Defines the Industry
Steps to Create a Winning SaaS Onboarding Video
Follow these steps to create customer onboarding videos that convert:
- Know Your Audience: Understand your user’s pain points and goals.
- Plan the Script: Write an easy-to-follow, step-by-step script.
- Design Visuals: Add 2D animations, icons, and product clips.
- Keep it Short: Make your video concise, under 5 minutes.
- Add Narration: Use a clear and friendly voiceover.
- Test and Improve: Get feedback and make adjustments.
Conclusion
SaaS onboarding videos are the easiest way to guide users, reduce frustration, and improve product adoption. By combining visual storytelling with simplicity, onboarding video examples prove they work across industries to enhance user retention.
Whether you are going to use 2D animation or real product screens, for every SaaS business today, creating an engaging SaaS product onboarding video is a must.
Start now. Your customers will welcome and embrace your platform faster, better, and longer.
