I’m a big fan of explainers and other alternative story formats — research shows readers prefer multimodal storytelling over a traditional 800-word story.

Explainers, in particular, should be part of your content repertoire this year. What’s an explainer and how can you write an effective one? I rounded up some advice and best practices. 

Vox is well-known for its explainers, which are touted this way: “We live in a world of too much information and too little context. Too much noise and too little insight. That’s where Vox’s explainers come in.” 

The New York Times wrote an explainer on explainers: Why We Write Explainers: An Explainer. Here are some excerpts from the article:

What are they?

“Explainers break down tricky news topics quickly and clearly — and answer questions that readers are searching online. They can also guide readers through personal quandaries, such as how to file their taxes.”

What topics make good explainers?

“A good explainer question is one that people can’t answer with a quick Google search.”

What is the value of explainers?

“The Q&A format is easily navigable and more digestible, especially on a phone screen, than an article with continuous paragraph formatting.”

OK, so how do you write an effective explainer?

• Complex topics in the news often make for good explainers. For instance, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a flurry of executive orders on his first day back in office, and several media outlets wrote great explainers breaking down those actions and what they mean. Processes also can make for effective explainers, such as how to file an insurance claim.

• Start the piece with a breakdown of the topic, followed by questions and answers or subheads that introduce the various elements. Consider what questions readers will have (and surface what readers are googling on the topic).

• Write in a conversational tone. Don’t use jargon and keep the writing clear and concise.

• Make sure the article stands on its own and is not dependent on knowledge of the topic. Include links in case people want to go deeper.

• Consider video explainers. Videos are a great format for breaking down a complex subject and can be added as an element to other stories on the same topic. Here’s an example from NBC News: How Trump’s second term agenda could affect the economy.

Finally, here are a few other recent examples for inspiration:

• How the Los Angeles fires highlight the challenge of disaster relief.

• What to know about spasmodic dysphonia, the condition that affects RFK Jr.’s voice.

• Donald Trump’s trade tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China explained visually.

• Five takeaways on Trump’s opening trade salvo.

Does your newsroom do explainers? Have any good examples to share? Let me know: amalie.nash@inma.org.

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