A bit short on time? I've got you covered!
Check out the 15 Best 3D Explainer Videos in this short compilation to experience their magic in real time.
But if you have some time to spare, let me ask you this...
You must have heard this phrase before.
“It’s not always two-dimensional”
It basically means that there is more than one way of looking at things.
But speaking from a B2B video marketing perspective, this phrase holds even more meaning.
Specifically, it reveals that your B2B explainer videos are the gateway to an even bigger picture than what your audience is seeing through your video content.
All you need now is a delivery mechanism that turns your vision into an undeniable reality.
In this blog, I’ll show you how to do that using 3D explainer videos.
We’ll look at what they are, why they’re important for B2Bs, and 15 amazing examples to show you how it’s done.
These are explainer videos that are partially, or even entirely, made using 3D animation.
But I also need to point out something important here.
According to our Latest Video Marketing Statistics for 2025, 51.02% of B2B businesses gravitate towards 2D animation for their explainer video production.
Which might make you think:
Why take a bet on 3D animation for your explainer videos anyway?
For some intricate B2B marketing applications like (but not limited to):
Simpler styles like 2D animation can fall short at the very moment you need it the most.
In which case, 3D animation becomes a better choice as it expands the perspective of your viewers when they see your B2B offering through your videos.
But is this the only reason why 3D animation can make your explainer videos stand out?
Most certainly not.
Let’s discuss more in the next section.
The simplest way to answer this question is to observe 3D animation from a visual perspective and compare it to other animation styles.
But I’ll go one step further and demonstrate my point in real time.
Contruent is a B2B SaaS brand that provides project management software solutions to businesses across industries ranging from mining to infrastructure development.
Here’s one they made for the oil and gas industry.
When I dug a bit deeper, I found this 2D animation explainer video on ARES PRISM, the earlier version of their project management software
Essentially these videos are subtly promoting the same thing, Contruent’s project management software.
Now I want you to observe both videos very carefully.
Which one of them felt more engaging in comparison?
I’m guessing you chose 3D animation and that is to be expected.
Because 3D animation establishes a good balance between real-life visuals and virtual elements, taking intangible visualizations through your explainer videos out of the equation.
I’m not saying 3D animation is somehow the superior style of animation among many more reliable options like whiteboard animation or mixed-media animation.
What I’m saying is that it is more detailed and realistic, which makes it more appealing and demands attention every time your audience sees your videos.
So how can you get started with making your own 3D explainer videos?
Let’s discuss that next.
Now it’s time to turn your vision into reality.
In this section, we’ll look at 4 robust methods on how you can get started with your 3D explainer video production.
Let’s begin by exploring…
These are ready-made and editable explainer video templates that can be customized based on your video requirements.
Think of explainer video toolkits as a complete package that has everything you need for 3D animation video production.
They also include downloadable 3D assets like characters, graphic elements, etc, that can be added seamlessly into the editable video template.
Here are the 2 best toolkit options I could find:
A preview of Envato’s 3D explainer toolkit (Source: Envato)
This toolkit by Envato is a vast collection of over 205 animated elements designed using photorealistic 3D animation which can be used directly on Adobe After Effects.
It also includes dynamic transitions, visual effects, and video tutorials to take your 3D explainer videos (or any 3D animation project for that matter) to the next level.
To download and use it, however, you would require a commercial license that comes bundled with an Envato subscription of $16.50 a month.
Image Credits: Renderforest
Renderforest is known for their video animation templates. But in 2019, they launched an exhaustive toolkit for 3D explainers which can be created on their website using their drag-and-drop feature.
And since it’s created using their website’s built-in editor, it eliminates the need to download plugins or be constricted to complicated animation software.
You can use the toolkit to create an explainer video for free. But what I liked most about their toolkit is the option they give you when it comes to animation style and orientation.
A glimpse into Renderforest’s 3D animation toolkit (Source: Renderforest)
Only downside is that the free version has some limitations and leaves their watermark when you export.
To remove these restrictions, you need to subscribe to either their Lite, Pro, or Business tiers.
You can check out their pricing details here.
While 3D explainer toolkits are convenient when it comes to getting started, it’s not sustainable for more detailed and dynamic projects.
Mostly because this 1 thing becomes a limiting factors in the long run: Personalization
Since the animated elements are pre-made, the scope for personal touches and more specific visual design with your 3D animation videos becomes limited.
That’s why it’s important to have tools that give you a bit more flexibility so you can communicate your message exactly how you want to.
Here are some top picks that can greatly aid in your 3D explainer video production:
This is one of the most recognizable tools when it comes to anything video animation.
It’s an all-in-one solution to almost every major style of animation you can think of, 3D animation being one of them.
This tool supports various plugins and has built-in features to create 3D animation projects of all shapes and sizes.
The best part? This entire software is free and open source. Giving you freedom without burning a hole through your pocket.
Autodesk Maya is a widely used 3D animation software, used for brand animations as well as big budget Hollywood flicks.
It has become an industry standard when it comes to product demonstrations and various B2B and B2C video marketing applications.
But the software is a bit expensive and some of its features can be overkill based on what’s required for 3D explainer videos in general.
Cinema 4D is another great 3D animation software, designed specifically for 3D simulations.
So if your B2B offering requires you to create a product demo or a SaaS explainer, this software can be the tool you’re looking for.
It can help you add photorealism and intricate design to your 3D explainer videos, taking them to the next level.
But it has a steep learning curve and can take some time to navigate if you’re just starting out.
I understand that most 3D animation tools (or any animation software, for that matter) aren’t user-friendly right out of the gate.
And some tools may be too expensive, taking a major chip out of your marketing and production budget which is the last thing I want.
So to help you out with some beginner-friendly and free animation tools, check out the blog on the 21 Best Free Animation Video Makers next.
And if this is your first time with 3D animation in general, we have outlined a step-by-step guide to help you get started with this animation style in our blog on “How to Make 3D Animation Videos” which you can check next.
These are software tools specifically made for 3D animation.
How are they different from 3D animation software, you ask?
3D animation software has a broad set of functionalities while 3D explainer video makers only have the essentials to get the job done.
Let me give you a better perspective.
FlexClip is known for their free online video maker, which also includes a fairly capable 3D video maker with an in-built video editor, templates, and animated overlays.
If you want to make a quick 3D explainer video that’s simple yet elegant, the free version of FlexClip can get the job done.
But the video resolution is capped at 720p. For HD exports, you need to subscribe to their Plus and Business tier.
This is an online 3D animation video maker that uses AI to simplify your animation process.
It’s free to use and has some powerful features which are mostly available in more complex and paid animation software tools.
While the free version can help you get started, their paid subscriptions start from $9 a month and go up to $83 a month for their Studio tier.
Since we’re on the subject of AI, here’s another 3D video maker called Krikey that uses AI to create amazing character animations for your B2B explainer videos.
Apart from that, it can also create several 3D avatars and animations for your social media videos and B2B presentations.
It has a Pro and a Team tier with even more functionalities, with the latter being a great option for B2Bs that are producing their videos in-house.
But do you notice something interesting here?
AI has come a long way since its chatbot days. Now making its way into full video productions and making the animation process even more fun.
Wondering how AI-generated videos can play a huge role in your explainer video production workflow?
Our comprehensive ebook is your gateway to leveraging AI to the fullest.
Complete with a step-by-step guide on how to get started, and several examples to show how AI got results that exceeded expectations.
To learn more, download our ebook for FREE here.
The above methods can prove quite useful if you’re going with in-house production of your explainer videos.
But seeing the nature of 3D animation, I would strongly recommend seeking external help.
Meaning, hiring an external animation agency is a better alternative as it can help you save on precious production time and stay within your marketing budget.
If you’re looking for top agencies to choose from, you can check out our detailed blog on the 20 Best Explainer Video Production Companies next.
But if you’re interested in entrusting Broadcast2World with your 3D explainer video, you’re in good hands.
All you have to do is contact us here to get started.
Now let’s put the wheels of inspiration into motion.
In this section, I’ll be going over 15 amazing examples for 3D explainer videos and give you insights on what makes each of them unique.
Starting with…
Artificial grass carpeting isn’t something most of us think about too often.
But when the time comes that you need to install some, you’re in for a hassle, because they’re only sold in giant rolls of it regardless of how much (or little) you actually need.
So Megagrass set out to disrupt that market by giving customers highly customizable ordering options to make life easier for everyone involved.
And just as innovative, their 3D video is an excellent way of how you can tackle an unusual or obscure topic and problem, be relatable to the audience, and explain how your brand will solve all their problems– and animated videos can do all this while also being entertaining and friendly.
Here’s a delightful example of how 3D animation really makes things pop and brings ideas to life.
Even somewhat abstract ideas, like time management, can be turned into lively physical characters to help relate to the challenge the viewer is facing, and also explain the solution that can be unlocked by Toggl.
The video takes the time to build relatability, with the animated characters being in the middle of it all.
In art, sometimes less is more.
But in the pursuit of minimalism, your videos may miss the mark, coming off as too bland.
Meaning, a balance between minimalism and effectiveness needs to be established.
Which is all the more reason why I love this clean and minimal 3D animation video for Slack.
It uses gorgeous but simple elements to enhance a smart script to really communicate the philosophy behind their USP.
Putting the viewer at ease and letting the visuals do the talking.
When I was searching for examples to add to this list, I noticed an interesting pattern.
It seems that every great 3D explainer video subtly uses 3D motion graphics to hook the viewer.
The best part?
The viewer doesn’t really notice it as they’re busy being enamored by the 3D animation.
This example from American Express will give you a good idea of what I’m talking about.
It explains their no-return protection policy to give their customers a worry-free shopping experience.
Figuring out your data plan can be such a hassle.
Even if you solve those problems with a superior offering that can delight your customers,
Explaining how it works is an equally big hassle.
But thanks to this clever 3D explainer video, Smarty was able to break through the fog that’s delightfully entertaining as well as enlightening.
Talk about being a Smarty! Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
When we’re talking about medical products, there’s two perspectives attached to it
One is through the eyes of a healthcare professional who will directly interact with the product.
The other is from the healthcare institution’s point of view who are responsible for purchasing the product based on their needs.
The latter perspective is very important to B2Bs in healthcare as it drives their sales efforts.
GE Healthcare brings this second perspective to life in this video using 3D animation.
It talks about their state of the art MRI machine and relies on photorealistic animation to make it feel like the real deal.
Why go the extra mile for a product demonstration here?
Because when it comes to healthcare products, responsibility is just as important as driving sales.
So an accurate and detailed presentation clarifies utility and makes its usage all the more relevant for those hospitals and healthcare institutions that will ultimately purchase from GE Healthcare.
Here’s a truth every B2B needs to know about playing the long game.
If you don’t keep up with changing times, you quite literally fall behind.
Most brands get a leg up through efforts like rebranding or constantly updating their offerings to provide even more value.
But what does this implementation look like?
Here’s an example from Glorify that demonstrates this with 3D animation.
They take viewers through their newly redesigned mobile app and use vibrant colors and visual design to show how it’s the next best thing for their loyal customers.
3D animation has turned this mobile app explainer video into a grandiose presentation that generates excitement while retaining the brand appeal of Glorify.
This is an explainer video we made for 3Flow, a leader in airflow management systems for corporate workplaces.
They noticed that the physicality of their airflow systems essentially prevented a proper visualization of how their fume hood systems will work before installation.
We solved their problem with this 3D animation explainer video.
The video begins by building an accurate description of their product, using detailed models of their fume hoods and corporate environments to make the presentation feel realistic.
Using visual storytelling helped us reveal important features of their fume hoods in a way that kept the viewers watching intently.
Turning their sales pitch into a genuine ask that created intrigue and purchase intent.
Like we saw in GE Healthcare’s case,
3D animation turned their healthcare product from pixels on a screen to something real.
Almost as if you were in the room as things unfolded.
This example from Siemens Healthineers is no different.
In this video, they use minimalistic 3D animation to introduce their floor mounted radiography machine.
On the surface it almost looks like a live-action presentation.
But all you need to do is look closely to prove otherwise.
The thing that stood out to me in this 3D explainer video was their tag line “Strengthen your image”.
It’s specific but, most importantly, it highlights a benefit that’s far more relevant than the technical features their radiography machine may have.
With 3D animation showing the benefits in real-time to drive their point home.
To understand this example from Bankwest, you need some context.
A major challenge in financial services is that of excessive regulations.
Or, as Bankwest addresses it in this video, redtape.
So when you watch this 3D explainer video and find an animated character cutting through redtape using a chainsaw, don’t be daunted by it.
It’s actually a very clever way of using symbolism to communicate Bankwest’s message in its purest form.
And when I made this connection, I could finally understand why it mesmerized me in just under 30 seconds.
I’m sure it will do the same for you too.
Remember when “AI” was something of a buzzword a few years back.
Nowadays, every video seems to have embraced the AI spiel.
While this isn’t a bad thing, it has created a certain monotony that’s easily noticeable.
So how can you make your AI offering stand out from the crowd?
I’ll let IBM demonstrate that with this 3D explainer video.
They use 3D geometric shapes and contrasting colors on a white backdrop to make their presentation pop in every frame.
But they add a special touch of personality by letting their Global Finance Transformation Leader, Monica Proothi, do the voiceover.
Which adds an undeniable layer of authority and credibility to the video.
This 3D animation explainer is one we made for Thermo Fisher Scientific.
When they reached out to us, they wanted to help small forensic laboratories make the shift from manual forensic extraction to automated solutions in an effort to increase productivity for lab personnel.
We brought their forensic extraction machine to life using 3D animation.
Using a combination of 2D and 3D animation, we tried to replicate a real-world scenario in a forensic laboratory setting to make it relevant to their target audience.
We went the extra mile and built an intricate model of Thermo Fisher’s product and used various visual techniques to help their audience understand their product’s utility
This next example comes from SafePal.
It takes a rather indirect approach to talking about their blockchain offering and celebrating their 5th year anniversary.
The visual design gives a hint of this by beginning in a rather luxurious home that feels real thanks to the use of 3D animation.
We’re again greeted by symbolism that associates SafePal to convenient crypto management, and subsequently, wealth generation.
Such sub-contexts make explainer videos not just a medium to consume but an exciting riddle to solve and derive greater meaning from.
Addressing pain points isn’t just about highlighting consumer challenges.
It’s also about correcting common misconceptions that chip away at brand trust.
Here’s an example from Google to show you what I mean.
Taking help from Oddfellows, they use this 3D explainer video to demystify Google Password Manager.
With the ultimate goal of shifting viewer perception towards password management solutions and to also help Google build brand awareness.
This final example is a promotional video for Dropbox.
If you use Dropbox and know its layout, then the visual design will look very familiar.
But if you don't use Dropbox, let me spill the beans on what’s going on in this video.
They have turned almost every major UI element from Dropbox’s layout into its own 3D animated character.
Turning them from just shapes in an animated video to living and breathing members of the visual orchestra that is this 3D explainer video.
Where everything has come together to bring interested users one step closer to embracing Dropbox.
Not as another SaaS product but an essential addition to people looking for a reliable online file management solution.
Explainer videos are designed to simplify and educate in the most efficient way possible.
3D explainer videos bring visualization to the equation, making seemingly intangible concepts and brand messages feel more intuitive.
Which is helpful across several B2B marketing use cases.
Usually you would need a 3D animation software to get started with 3D explainer videos.
I outlined a few tool options in the section on “How to Make 3D Explainer Videos” so do check that out.
Unlike other animation styles, 3D animation requires a lot more extensive planning as the effectiveness of your explainer video is directly related to the quality of your 3D visual design.
So you need to spend some time in the pre-production stage hashing out the nitty gritty.
It can involve building a storyboard, creating a rough animation of how each scene will play out, and making changes till you get it right.
Since this is a more detailed visual style, you can expect your 3D explainer video to cost somewhere from $7500 to $25k.
In some instances, it can be even higher.
So the real answer to this question depends on what you’re trying to achieve with your 3D explainer video.
To get a more detailed outlook on realistic video pricing, I would recommend checking out our blog on explainer video cost breakdown where we take a few of our client examples and give you accurate numbers on video production costs so you can create a reasonable budget.
So there you have it.
Animation is a powerful tool, and 3D explainer videos are especially so.
There are many good reasons why all the top corporations and brands around the world use animation in their strategy, marketing, advertising, social media and even internal training.
And we saw some amazing examples of that along the way.
Now where do you go from here?
You can get started with your 3D explainer videos taking this blog as your guide to do so.
And keep your curiosity high and eyes peeled for how other B2B brands in your industry are using 3D animation.
Take notes on what they’re doing differently and find ways to incorporate them into your explainer videos.
Which will ultimately help you attract your audience and expand your bottom line exponentially.
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