After creating many SaaS product demo videos, I’ve noticed a common point of confusion with new clients: choosing the right style to showcase their platform’s UI—scalable graphics or pixel-based screen recordings.
If that sounds foreign to you, don’t worry I’ll break them down in simple terms so that, by the end, you’ll feel confident selecting the right method for your demo.
1. Animated
The first method is using scalable vector graphics (SVGs).
A vector graphic is a type of image created using mathematical equations rather than pixels, which allows it to scale infinitely without losing quality.
So when you see a demo video that zooms all the way into a UI element without getting blurry, it’s most likely using vector graphics.
A common workflow is to take your Figma UI, export them to scalable vector graphics, import them into After Effects and start animating.
This method will look the most polished since it allows for the most creative control.
The downside is that if you try to do it yourself, After Effects has a steep learning curve, and if you hire, the cost will be more because of the animation involved.
Turnaround times will be longer but the result will be the most professional.Below is an example of a fully animated UI dashboard. You can zoom into elements without any pixelation or blurriness.
2. Screen recording
The next method is pixel-based screen recordings.
Tools like Loom, OBS Studio, Camtasia, Screen Studio are all popular programs to use.
Now because you’re recording your screen in a specific resolution, there’s a limit to how much you can zoom in without getting pixelation.
And this is the main difference between vector-based and pixel-based methods.
It’s ideal for those looking for a quick, budget-friendly solution.
The main downside is that you don’t have as much creative freedom when it comes to editing.
However, it’s the fastest option with the shortest turnaround time and the lowest cost, making it popular for simple walkthroughs or startups on a budget.
3. Combination
It’s also worth mentioning that you can do a hybrid of both methods, where you blend vector and pixel-based graphics for a more dynamic feel without the full cost of an entirely animated production.
A typical workflow might involve screen recording key sections of your software and then highlighting specific UI elements using vector-based animation.
It’s perfect for those who want the best of both worlds—real-time software interactions paired with polished animations.
The downside is that while it offers more flexibility than screen recording, it can still take more time to produce, and costs will be mid-range.