November 14, 2023

The question “How much does an animated explainer video cost?” is quite vague, as there are many nuances determining the final cost. It is like you’re planning a feast for a special occasion, and you want a chef to prepare it, but simply asking, “How much would cooking cost?” won’t get you the precise answer. You’d need to specify the cuisine, the number of courses, and whether the chef will bring ingredients and personnel to wash dishes, etc. So if you simply ask, “How much for an explainer video?” there is a high chance that you are going to get bombarded with questions like: What type of animation video do you want? What should be the length? Will you give us the script, or do we have to take care of it as well? What about the audio narration of the script (the voiceover)? Which music do you want in your video? Free or paid? Would you be asking for revisions or accepting whatever the final product would be? When do you want it? What is your budget (yes, that is asked)? If you want to get the gist of the article without reading it, here are some quick doses for you. An explainer video can cost you somewhere between $50 or $500 and a quarter of a million, depending on who you get it made from and where they are located. The higher the quality, the higher the cost. The more established the freelancer, studio, or agency, the higher the price bracket. Explainer video price correlates with things like the length of the video if the script is given, paid music, quality of the video, level of complexity, number of revisions, etc. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the factors determining the final cost of an explainer video: Type of Animation: Different animation styles demand different skills, longer hours, and different kinds of resources, due to which cost varies from type to type, so whether you want 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, or whiteboard animation, each of them comes with its intricacies and costs. Video Length: In the culinary world, a simple dish takes less time to prepare than a multi-course feast. Similarly, the duration of your video impacts the cost. The shorter the video, the lower the cost. Inclusion of Script, Voiceover, and More: Think of the script, voiceover, and sound design as the special ingredients that enhance the flavor of your dish. These elements not only enhance the depth and appeal of your video but also add to the overall cost. Who You Are Getting It Made From: Who you are getting it from significantly impacts the cost. There are different options at your disposal; you can choose between a freelancer or a professional company for your video. Freelancers give personalized attention and competitive rates, while companies have a team of experts and a more structured approach to their work. Factors That Impact The Cost Of Explainer Video Services Now, let’s dissect what exactly goes into determining the cost of explainer video services. Think of it as understanding the ingredients that make up your favorite dish; each of them contributes to the final flavor. Similarly, every factor in an explainer video influences its cost and quality. Let’s start with the length of the video. Longevity of the Video Longer videos require more content, scripting, and animation, demanding both effort and cost, and it becomes difficult with every second passing to keep the video captivating. Short videos are like quick bites and are also budget-friendly. Animation Style Think of animation style as the cooking technique. 2D animation is like sautéing—fast and straightforward. 3D animation is equivalent to slow cooking, which demands time and precision. Each style has its own unique charm and complexity, influencing the cost accordingly. Complexity of the Script A script is akin to a recipe. Crafting a complex storyline with intricate details is similar to preparing a gourmet dish. It demands thorough planning and expertise to infuse depth into your video, inevitably increasing production time and cost. By composing your own script, the outcome can even rival high-end productions. Voiceover Quality Think of voiceover quality as the presentation of your dish. A professional voiceover makes the video more captivating and hooks the audience throughout. Like a well-served plate, it adds finesse to your video, but at an additional cost, obviously. Design and Animation Complexity The design and animation are equivalent to the flavors and textures in a dish. Intricate designs and smooth animations make your video visually more appealing and hooking. However, extensive artwork and seamless motion require more time and effort, impacting the overall cost. Sound Design Background music, sound effects, and audio quality hook the viewers better. Just like the perfect seasoning elevates a dish, sound design lifts your video, but it’s an additional element to consider in the budget (usually, you have lower music and higher voiceover sound). Revisions Considering the fact that everyone has different tastes, what is initially produced is not necessarily to be liked by you, so how many revisions are in the package also influences the cost. Additional Services (Research, Storyboard) Think of additional services as the special ingredients. Research and storyboarding ensure your video has a solid foundation and directly impacts the captivity of our video. Research provides valuable insights, and storyboarding serves as the recipe guideline. Including these services adds depth to your video but also makes it more expensive. Different Explainer Video Sources Now that you know what goes into making an explainer video and what determines its cost, let’s run through the sources from which we can get it made. Think of this as walking through a big and bustling market, with each vendor offering something unique. Let’s see what different sources can bring to the table and at what rates. Online Video and Animation Creators ($50 – $500) Pros and Cons: Quite affordable and convenient to get it made from them. With a wide array of templates, they give you