How much does an animated explainer video cost? This is the question you’ll inevitably ask when planning an explainer video production. Yes, the final cost of an explainer video depends on several factors, such as the overall concept in general and the complexity of graphics and animation, just to name a few. But if you’re ready to create an animated explainer video for your business and are curious about the average figures, you have come to the right place!
Today, we’re going to do the math and look at what the cost of making an animated explainer video depends on, at least when you select Alconost as your animated explainer video production company.
We at Alconost distinguish 3 main factors that determine explainer video pricing. Among them are:
When determining how much to charge for an explainer video, many companies calculate their price based on the total length of the video. However, we approach it differently, by counting the number of scenes. After all, the main task of the selling video is to sell, not overload the viewer with information, isn’t it? On average, a scene is 3-5 events in a single setting; changing the setting means the beginning of a new scene.
Curious how long a scene could last? The average duration of a scene is between 5 and 15 seconds, with opening and closing scenes closer to the lower time limit, and the scenes in the middle closer to the upper limit. To help you imagine how many scenes an average explainer can consist of, here’s a hint: a 90-second video usually has from 7 to 13 scenes of different complexity.
Not only the quantity of scenes, but also their complexity affects the price of the video. The simpler the scenes, the lower the total explainer video cost will be. Complex scenes require a more detailed approach, such as drawing sophisticated graphics or even modeling objects or environments in 3-D.
2-D animation is generally considered to be the easiest, fastest and cheapest animation type. Choosing 3-D animation results in a more costly production in comparison with a 2-D video, not least because of labor-intensive design work and time-consuming rendering steps.
Sometimes clients ask for "extra" options, which certainly affects how much an animated explainer video costs. This can be creating a music track from scratch, or detailed 3-D model development, or drawing unique characters or environments.
If you don’t want to splash out, think of whether you actually need these extras, or if they are only embellishments. In other words, would these assets help to make your video a better sales pitch, illustrate your product better, or increase viewer engagement?
From our experience, you might not need extra assets in the majority of cases. However, if you need a video to promote a physical, tangible product, 3-D modeling is an option to consider to vividly showcase it, while a detailed environment or characters can support the story you tell in a convincing manner.
Live action videos use real footage and actors to explain a product or concept and motivate viewers to try it. Undoubtedly, film equipment rentals, location fees, actors and crew salaries are costly. But the good news is that actual shooting with all the bells and whistles listed above is not the only way to create a live-action explainer video!
First, you can use stock videos that fit your topic and create the right mood, and insert these live scenes into your animated video. Second, you can get professional advice on how to shoot a video suitable for business needs, record it on your own, and use this film as one of your assets for a future video.
In the table below you’ll find rough estimates of production costs at Alconost for animated explainer videos.
As we mentioned earlier, duration isn’t actually the determining factor when it comes to the cost of animated explainer videos produced at Alconost, but you can use the length as a reference to get the price range in broad strokes.
Please note that the numbers below are ballpark figures. Video production is done with custom pricing at Alconost, and your project cost will be calculated with your requirements towards your future video taken into account. But if you are wondering about an average cost for animated explainer video production, the figures below can be helpful.
The prices listed below include script writing, storyboarding, animation, voiceover recording and sound design.
| Explainer Video Type | Length | Price Range, US dollars |
| Animated Explainer | up to 60 seconds | 1,800 - 2,500 |
| 60-90 seconds | 2,200 - 3,300 | |
| 90-120 seconds | 2,800 - 4,500 | |
| Here you can find more specific numbers on animated explainer video pricing and see how the costs vary for 2-D and 3-D scenes. | ||
| Live-Action Explainer | The price depends on the origin of the live-action scenes in the explainer video; check the options by clicking this link. | |
Explainer videos can be created in different ways, each with varying degrees of complexity and cost. While live shooting and sophisticated animation can significantly affect the production budget, remember that the cost of the video does not necessarily determine its effectiveness in selling your product.
The most important factor is that your explainer video clearly communicates the key benefits of your product or service to the viewer. Even with a tight budget, an effective explainer video can still be created and help to promote your business.
Figuring out how much an animated explainer video costs for your product is easy to do. Send us a request and get a preliminary calculation for free!
Hopefully, this article sheds some light on explainer video pricing, and if you're eager to create an animated video for your business, we're here to help!
Whether you need a 3-D animated explainer, an easy-to-watch 2-D animated video, or a live-action explanatory video, we at Alconost know how to make the video work in your favor. We take care of everything from the original script to the voice-over and help you avoid superfluous expenses without skimping on quality. Contact us to order an explainer video for your business!