Explainer Video Cost – A Price Guide For Any Budget

The research methodology & rules

We anonymously contacted 152 explainer video creators and received 110 responses.

While some companies didn't respond, many required an online meeting before offering a quote. This is why we ended up with 110 data points.

To ensure consistent comparisons, we sent everyone two samples from our portfolio (sample 1, sample 2). We then requested quotes for a typical 1-minute explainer video from each creator.

Here's what we found.

Overall average cost of explainer video

Our research revealed that the overall average cost of a 60-second explainer video is $8,746. This figure can vary depending on factors like quality, customization level, and the company's location. The lowest quote we received was $950, and the highest reached a staggering $250,000.

It's important to remember that these prices are unnegotiated. As you might expect, there's usually leeway for negotiation, and we believe a 10% discount could be achievable.

Cost of a custom explainer video

While you might find explainer videos offered for under $4,000, it's crucial to understand what you're getting. Our research suggests videos at this price point may lack the customization and polish typically associated with professional explainer videos.

Here's what you might encounter with very low-cost videos:

• Templates: Instead of a unique video tailored to your brand, you might receive a pre-made template used for other clients.
• Stock footage and graphics: These generic visuals can make your video feel impersonal and fail to represent your brand effectively.
• Limited creative control: Online tools often restrict customization options, making it difficult to achieve the specific look and feel you envision for your video.

Reasonable price for an explainer video

While investing in quality is important, there's a limit to how much you should spend on an explainer video. Our findings show that the quality difference between videos priced at $7,000 and $20,000 can be minimal – or even unnoticeable.

This means you could be overpaying simply because you're working with a top-tier agency, especially if they're located in high-cost cities like New York.

Based on our research, the sweet spot for explainer video pricing lies between $4,000 and $10,000.  Within this range, we found a strong balance between:

• Customization: You'll have greater creative control and receive a video tailored to your brand.
• Quality: High-quality visuals, animation, and storytelling can be expected.
• Value: You'll avoid overpaying for marginal improvements typically found in higher-priced videos.

Our conclusions

For most startups and SMBs, the sweet spot for a 60-second explainer video cost lies between $4,000 and $7,000. This range offers a balance between affordability and quality, crucial factors for businesses with budget constraints.

However, getting an explainer video involves more than just hiring an agency. You have three additional options. Here is a breakdown of all of them, as well as a detailed analysis of the pricing factors to help you make an informed choice.

Figuring Out The Cost Requires Information

Asking upfront about video production cost makes sense. It’s your hard-earned money; you want to be spending it wisely.

The answer to the question, though, has many variables. I know, I know, it sounds like a deflection.

But stay with me here for a moment.

If you only ask “How much does an explainer video cost,” you’ll get pretty much the same answer as if you ask “How much does a car cost?”

Without specifying any further, the answer you’ll receive is “Anywhere between $500 and a couple hundred grand.”

Not so easy, is it?

If you’re buying a car you need to add more details. Does it need to be fast? Carry a family? Look good?

All of those questions (and plenty more) need to be taken into account in order to get an accurate answer. And, of course, none of these are even the most important question of all:

“Does it fit within my budget?”

Below, we break down the various options available to you and provide guidance on how to navigate these choices to make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.

Pricing Options Overview

When considering the production of an explainer video, businesses and individuals have four primary options, each with its unique cost structure and service offering.

To give you a clearer picture of what each option entails and to help guide your decision-making process, here's a detailed breakdown of these pricing options, including the benefits and potential drawbacks associated with each.

Option 1: Online Video And Animation Creators ($50 – $500)

The first option you have for an explainer video is not a bad idea, just a very limited one.

It only really has potential to work for one type of situation – basically if you’re a solo entrepreneur with little money but a bit of time.

You’ll need the time because while you’ll be able to access simple tools and stock footage on the platform, you’ll still have to come up with your own script and ideas on how to implement your message.

With online video creators, you’re kind of getting an end result that only looks professional to viewers who aren’t professional.

Like one of those “celebrating five years of friendship” videos on Facebook that simply plugs in personal photos to a pre-existing template.

You’re not going to get much content customized to your brand, message, or marketing. However, you can customize the fonts, text animation, or color palettes of your video according to your branding.

That said, this is a great option and we can’t totally discount looking into it if, again, your budget is less than a dinner out with the family. Also, you should have a bit of time to write and edit a script, play with some ideas, and tinker around the online video platform to see what you can come up with.

Here Are A Few Online Video Makers To Check Out

• Biteable ‍
• Animaker‍
• Moovly‍
• Renderforest‍
• Rocketium
• ‍Adobe Creative Cloud Express‍
• Animoto‍
• Animatron‍
• Wideo

Option 2: Hire Freelancers (Costs Vary)

This second option is another choice for special cases.

You wouldn’t want to make your entire video this way, but if there’s a piece of the video you need, freelancers are a way to go.

Why not make your whole video with freelancers?

Well, for one, you’ll end up paying waaaaay more than if you work with a video production company and have your entire explainer video created under one roof.

Freelancers charge 2-4 times what they would normally get paid to do the same work as employees of a production house or agency, and for good reason.

They’re out there hustling for every gig, the work is rarely steady, and even the best talent can go weeks or months in between jobs. Plus, there are all the headaches that go with it – like dealing with clients who refuse to pay making you ultimately have to take legal action against them after trying to collect for over a year. Ask me how I know.

There are also all the other issues that come into play when trying to assemble a team of freelancers:

• Finding and vetting talented people
• Aligning schedules (and the more talented they are, the less open their schedule)
• Getting everyone (who probably have never worked together) on the same page with your project.

How much does freelance animation cost?

To sum up, the cost of producing animation with a freelancer can vary widely, ranging from $2,500 to $12,000. This depends on the complexity and quality of the animation, the experience of the freelancer, and even their geographical location.

Websites For Finding And Hiring Explainer Video Producers

1. Fiverr
2. Upwork
3. Guru
4. Freelancer
5. PeoplePerHour
6. Videopixie

Interested in explainer video?

Get a custom quote!

Option 3: Hiring An Explainer Video Production Company ($4500 – 10000+)

Imagine a world where your entire explainer video is custom created from start to finish for your brand and the message you want to share!
That’s what you’re getting with your third option – a full-service experience from the first meeting to the final produced video.

Learn more about animation production process and how studios put all the pieces together to make an explainer video.

Remember earlier when I mentioned the challenges with hiring a band of freelancers? Well, there are distinct advantages to hiring a video production company to counter that:

✓You get a full team of professionals who have loads of experience working together

✓With an established explainer production house, you’ll be able to see plenty of work in their portfolio and know the kind of quality you’ll ultimately get

✓There will be far less work and hassle on your end

✓You can rest assured that the best choices are being made to represent your brand

✓You’ll have a project manager that you can communicate with at any time as a point of reference

This is the option that best fits most businesses looking for an explainer video. You can get incredible work and promote your product for a reasonable price (our prices begin at $4500, learn more ).

Helpful References

List of The 30 Best Explainer Video Companies

Who are the top Explainer video production houses?

Option 4: Hiring A Full-Service Marketing Agency ($15000 – $100000 And More)

The main difference between this and Option 3 is that you’re getting the added benefit of a marketing team who will be working with you on strategic plans to take your explainer video and maximize the ROI.

But would you like to know a secret?

Sometimes they aren’t even creating the video themselves. Sometimes they outsource the entire production process to video production companies just like ours. Now, don’t be mistaken, this isn’t meant to be shady or under the table. Sometimes it happens when the agency workload is too high or it’s a style that we may be better at then they are.

But it does happen, and it happens all the time.

So why would you even consider this as an option instead of coming straight to us?

Simple – we aren’t in the marketing game!

We’re a tight family that loves making animated videos, and we prefer to focus only on that to do as great of a job as possible for our clients.

For those of you with enterprise or corporate video needs, though, we totally understand, which is why we’re happy to provide you with a list of great marketing agencies should you go that direction.

Interested in explainer video?
‍ Get a custom quote!

Now that you know what your four options are, hopefully, you’ll have a much sharper idea of what will work best for your business needs. In closing, I do want to cover just a few more things that will surely help.

What factors influence the cost of an explainer video?

When it comes to an explainer video, a similar collection of information is needed to give you an accurate answer. Here are some of the aspects that need to be considered:

• What information needs to be conveyed? For example, complex subjects require more time to be understood.
• How long does the explainer video need to be to convey the information?
• What will the visual style be (the type of explainer video)?
• Do you need different edits for different homes (i.e., landing page, social media, boardroom presentation, etc.)?
• How soon do you need it?
• Do you need more than one video and if so, will it require a different style?
• Is a marketing strategy required?
• Where is the production company based?

Considering all these complexities, let's dive into the details. We're about to explore each factor that influences the cost of an explainer video, one by one.

Cost per minute analysis

We all know that one of the most important price indicators in animation production is length. But to understand how the formula works, here’s something additional you need to know:

Short videos cost more per second.

Here’s why.

Even if the video is just 10 seconds, you still have to do the same amount of work for many elements such as brand discovery, style creation, concept, and story.

The longer the video, the cheaper the price per second because all the research and concept work has already been done and your only main expenses are the production costs.

How much does it cost to make a short animated video?

To create a short animated video, typically ranging from 8 to 25 seconds, you should budget between $2,000 and $6,000. However, if your requirements are not very specific, it may be cheaper to create a longer 60-second video and then edit it into 2-3 shorter versions for different purposes.

How much does a 30-second animated explainer video cost?

A 30 second, high quality animated explainer video production costs between $2700 – $4500, depending on the style and number of revisions in the process. To bypass big expenses you should avoid 3D animation and traditional animation, going instead with 2D motion graphics.

90-second explainer video pricing

90 seconds of animation production costs around $4200 – $5500. Generally, longer videos are cheaper per second in animation production costs. But on the flip side, videos longer than 2 minutes could flop if they are not created professionally. You should exercise caution beyond a couple minutes.

Explainer video cost by styles

It’s all about the time and energy it takes, and creating assets in 3D is literally adding an extra dimension worth of visuals that need to be designed.

Every part of that process requires more time and money (that we must pay our designers as well), from creation to revision.

Even finalizing (rendering) the video takes much longer than with, say, a 2D or motion graphics animated video.

That said, the most popular styles anyway are 2D motion graphics and 2.5D. Sometimes adding a 3D element or two really makes the video pop as well, and it’s much less time-consuming for that than if the entire video is 3D.

Animated video cost vs Live-action production cost

The price for either of those can range from $500 – $90K. Yes, that’s a wide window! There is no clear general winner or loser here. Everything depends on the quality and style —, especially with animation.

If you’re struggling with picking the right style, then start with your video goals, budget, and media channels where the video will be living.

If your budget is extremely tight, you can record your video on your mobile or make a screencast video with your own voice. Something is often better than nothing at. Don’t try and do anything fancy in that case, just be professional and answer questions customers may have.

If your budget is under $5000, it’s best to go with animated video because with this budget you will have a custom, unique, high-quality professional video.
There are a lot of options, so you need to talk to a video strategist. You can book a free, no-obligation consultation here to figure out where to start.

What is the cost of 2D explainer video?

2D animation video costs per minute can vary between $4500 – $9500 for 1 minute of animation production, depending on the level of complexity. For every additional minute of production the price will be lower, from $3500 – $4000. If you’re looking for something unique and eye-catching, a good rule of thumb is to plan your budget around $5500.

3D Animation Price

3D animation video costs start at $5500 – $9500 per 60 seconds and can sometimes go higher than 50K. Generally in 3D animation, there are a lot of pricing variations and every small detail can bump up the costs. So it’s difficult to predetermine the pricing without having the storyboard or a detailed brief.

Motion graphics explainer cost

Motion graphics pricing per minute can vary from $2000 – $3500 for 60 seconds if there are no characters in the video. If you add characters or 3D elements then the price can grow up to $4500. If your video is just an infographic animation without a script or voice over, then the price will be around $1500-$2000.

How much is the cost for a cheap explainer video?

We have done a detailed research-backed report on cheap explainer or corporate videos and you can read it here. All in all, what you need to know is that cheap videos can cost from $5 to $1500, but the ultimate ROI can end up hurting your business and waste your time. Remember, you get what you pay for.

How much does whiteboard animation cost

The cost for a 60-second whiteboard animation typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. The price of a video is influenced by factors like its style and scope. This includes things like having a professional voiceover or complex sound design.

However, should you opt for a whiteboard animation? Generally, the answer leans toward no. Whiteboard animations are seen as outdated and no longer trendy, with declining demand. In today's market, for a slightly higher investment, you could access a full-color, bespoke animation. It's advisable to explore more contemporary and appealing options before settling on whiteboard animation.

Infographic animation price

Prices for infographic animation can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per minute, depending on the length, style, and complexity. This estimate applies to simple, data-centric animations that do not require voiceover.

Subject matter as a pricing factor

This aspect is quite straightforward. If the subject matter is simple, imagine it's another project management tool. In this case, all you need to do is grasp how it differs from competitors and craft a great concept. This process doesn't demand a lot of time.

However, when the subject is more novel or complex, it's a different story. Take, for example, when Solana approached us with their revolutionary cryptocurrency proofing concept. We dedicated a significant amount of time to thoroughly understand their idea in order to create an impactful video.

Geographical factor

Our research sheds light on another crucial factor affecting explainer video costs: location. We observed a significant difference in average prices between the US and Europe:

• US-based companies: The average cost in the US is approximately $12,667.65.
• European companies: The average cost in Europe is roughly $5,662.50

Pro tip:

Another great balance we found offering both affordability and quality is when explainer video companies employ two separate teams:

• Scriptwriters: Based in the US, they understand the business culture and create native-sounding narratives.
• Production team: Based in Europe, they provide a cost-effective option while maintaining quality.

Hidden hosts and how to avoid them

At Yans, we never have hidden fees. It’s bad business, period. There can be extra fees, but we will always be transparent and let you know if you are in danger of accruing any. This usually happens when it is requested that we work beyond what our contract states. Here are some examples of where extra fees can arise:

• Major revisions (we include 2 rounds of minor revisions with most stages of the process, but if you decide to start from scratch halfway through production, this will result in extra fees)
• Changing the VO after it has been approved and recorded
• Tight deadlines
• Purchasing stock footage to include in your video

While the initial quote might seem clear-cut, hidden costs and extras can sneak in, impacting your final explainer video budget.

Here's a quick rundown to keep in mind:

Potential extra fees

• Rush jobs: Need it fast? Expect a 15-30% premium for expedited delivery.
• Voiceover licenses: Costs vary based on usage (online, ads, TV).
• Extra revisions: Be prepared for potential additional charges for revisions beyond the agreed-upon scope. ‍

Pro tip: Ensure clear communication and final approval of deliverables to avoid unnecessary revisions and associated costs.

Discount opportunities

• Pre-done elements: If you have a script or character designs ready, inquire about discounts.
• Extra content: Some companies offer discounted rates for additional video footage beyond the first minute.
• Repeat business: Many companies provide discounts for subsequent videos.

Pro tips:

Ensure clear communication and final approval of deliverables to avoid unnecessary revisions and associated costs.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of a 2D Animated Explainer Video?

If you’re on a tight budget, here are some tips to help you cut down production costs:

• Shorten the Script: Try to compress your message into 150 words, which equates to about one minute of video. Don’t worry—if your video's script is clear, people will understand your message. Remember, if you can’t explain your concept in one minute, five minutes won’t be enough either.

• Choose Cost-Effective Animation Styles: Opt for motion graphics or 2D animation, as they are the most cost-effective options for explainer videos. You can also consider typography or templates, but motion graphics and 2D styles strike the best balance between price and marketing effectiveness.

• Find Affordable Voice-Over Talent: Look for voice-over artists on budget-friendly platforms, or reach out to them directly to negotiate a lower price.

• Repurpose Animations with Multiple Voice-Overs: Use the same animation with different voice-overs for various funnel campaigns. This way, you get multiple videos for the price of one. Just avoid too many specific visual details, so the animation remains versatile.

• Hire an Animation Team from Europe: Consider working with animation teams based in Europe. They often deliver the same quality as those in the USA or Canada but at a more affordable price.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this clears up a lot of the confusion about explainer video costs and why they can vary so much. If you have any further questions, we’re always happy to chat, so please reach out to us any time!