3D Explainer Video | Start Creating Your 3D Explainer Video Today

Do you want to hire an animator to create a 3D explainer video but aren’t sure how or where to get started? Video Igniter’s guide to 3D explainer videos has answers to all of your top questions including:

How to make a 3D explainer video?
How do I find the right producer for my 3D explainer video?
What does it cost to create a 3D explainer video?
How long does it take to create a 3D explainer video?

All that, plus tips to help you save $1,000 or more off the cost of creating your 3D explainer video! But first, let’s take a look at examples of 3D explainer videos that Video Igniter can create for you.

3D Explainer Video Examples

Video Igniter can make any kind of 3D (or 2D) explainer video for you. Check out some of our favorite examples below. You can see additional examples in our animation portfolio and you can request access to our rate sheet and demo reels.

Are you looking for a different type of 3D explainer video example? Send us a message to let us know what kind of production example you want to see and we will follow up with some relevant production samples.

How To Make A 3D Explainer Video

Let’s take a quick look at the production process so you have a high level understanding about how your 3D explainer video will come together.

1). Contact Us For A Quote

To get the ball rolling, contact all of the 3D animation studios you are considering hiring for your project and ask them for a quote for your 3D explainer video. We recommend sharing the following information when you request a quote:

How long will your 3D explainer video be?
What kind of visual style do you want us to use?
Will you provide the script and or the storyboard?
How quickly do you need the final draft?

After you receive production quotes from each 3D animation studio, review their portfolios one more time before you make your decision.

Contact the animation studio you want to work with when you’re ready to move forward. You will receive a production contract to sign and an invoice for the first 50% of your production budget.

2). Script

Now that production is underway, our team will spend time getting to learn:

What key messages you want to include in your 3D explainer video?
Who is the target audience for your video?
What problem(s) are you solving for them?
What do you want viewers to do when they’re done watching your video?

Then, we’ll use this information to draft a script for your 3D explainer video that shows how your product/service addresses your customer’s pain points. When the first draft of your script is ready, you will receive a link to a copy of the script you can review, share and comment on. After you add your revisions, we’ll incorporate your edits and share the updated script with you to review and approve.

3). Storyboard

Next, we turn your script into a storyboard so that our production team has a visual blueprint to understand what they are supposed to create for every part of your script.

Give the storyboard a detailed review to ensure it includes all of the information our team needs to create your 3D explainer video. If an object needs to be shown a specific way, let us know so we can include images or links to videos within the storyboard so our team knows exactly what to create.

4). VoiceOver

You will receive several voiceover auditions for your 3D explainer video. Give them a listen and let us know which one is your favorite. We’ll hire that person to record the full voiceover and coach them through the recording so they use the right tone and pacing. You get an opportunity to listen to the full recording and request edits, if necessary.

5). Soundtrack

Our team will select several soundtracks that we can use in your 3D explainer video to set the energy and emphasize key moments in your video. Give the music a listen and let us know which is your favorite. We’ll take care of acquiring the proper broadcast license so we can legally use the music in your video.

6). Concept Art

Video Igniter’s art director will review your storyboard, branding and style references and then create create concept art for your 3D explainer video. Concept art may come in 2D and or 3D form.

Let the art director know which concept is your favorite. You can also work with the art director to revise and refine your favorite visual concept until all of the details are perfect.

7). 3D Models

After the concept art is approved, our team will create all of the 3D models needed for your video. This includes creating characters, scenes, objects and special effects.

At first, the models will look something like this:

You get to collaborate with the 3D modelers to revise and refine the shape of the models until everything is pixel perfect.

8). Color, Lighting, Rigging and Staging

After your models are locked in, our team will add colors, textures, lighting and rigging to all of the elements in your 3D explainer video. After you approve of the visual design, our team will arrange all of the 3D models to create the layout for each scene in your video.

9). Animation

Now that everything is approved, it’s time for us to animate your 3D explainer video! As soon as the first draft is ready, you will receive a link to download your video. Give it a detailed review with your team and members of your target audience. Collect everyone’s feedback and send it our way. We’ll integrate all of your edits and render out the final draft of your 3D explainer video.

What does it cost to make a 3D explainer video?

A 60-second 3D explainer video usually costs between $5,000 and $15,000 to create. Fancier and more detailed animations may require a larger budget.

Send us a message to get a quote for your 3D explainer video.

How long does it take to make a 3D explainer video?

It takes between 6-16 weeks to create a 60-second 3D explainer video. If you need to speed up production, we do offer a rush delivery production upgrade.

How do I find the right 3D animator for my explainer video project?

Finding and hiring the right production company for your specific project is the most important step in the production process. That’s why we wrote an entire article devoted to the topic: How To Hire An Animator.

In the article, you’ll learn:

Where to look for 3D animators you can hire.
What to look for when evaluating different animators.
How to hire a freelance animator or studio.
Tips to negotiate your production budget.

All that and so much more in the guide! Show me more.

3D Explainer Video Budget Saving Tips

3D animation is 2-4x more expensive than 2D animation. Looking for ways to save money on your production budget? These tips will help you save $1,000 or more off of your animation cost:

1). Write The Script For Your 3D Explainer Video

If you know what you want to say in your 3D explainer video, you can save $500 off the cost of each minute of content we create for you by providing the script for your project. Download our free script writing template to get started.

2). Record The VoiceOver

It costs between $50-$500 to record and license each voice that is used in your 3D explainer video. You can skip this production cost by recording your own voiceover at home for free. Watch 1:31 in the video on this page to learn how you can record professional quality voiceovers without needing to buy any expensive equipment or software.

3). Use Pre-Made 3D Assets

Instead of creating all of the 3D models for your video from scratch, it may be possible for us to lower your production cost by purchasing pre-made 3D models that we can customize for your video. Ask if this is a possibility when you get a custom quote for your 3D explainer video.

4). Create The Storyboard

You can save an additional $500 off the cost of each minute of 3D animated content we create for you if you create the storyboard for your project. Download Video Igniter’s free storyboard template and review the included storyboard creation guide to help you get started.

5). Source Free, Legal Music

Popular songs cost tens of thousands of dollars to license for commercial projects. Producing custom music for your 3D explainer video will cost at least $1,000. Stock soundtrack licenses cost between $19-$399.

If you want to avoid paying music licensing costs to reduce your 3D explainer video budget, you can source free, legal music from sites like Incompetech and Facebook’s Sound Collection.

6). Start Production ASAP

Rush delivery can increase your production budget by 25%-50% or more! Avoid rush delivery production increases by starting production on your 3D explainer video as soon as possible. Send us a message or schedule a call to get the ball rolling.

Still have questions about 3D explainer videos?

Do you have a question about 3D explainer videos that wasn’t addressed in this FAQ? Use this form to send us your question and we’ll follow up with an answer. We’ll also post the question and answer to this page so other people can benefit from the knowledge.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Video Igniter Animation is an online animated video production service. By working with our team online, you can get your custom animated video produced faster and for less than hiring a brick and mortar animation studio.

We can help you create any kind of 2D animated video or 3D animation you can imagine. Check out our animated video portfolio!

Need help syndicating your animated video? Ask us about video promotion!

Watch our explainer video on our home page to learn more about how we can help you create an animated video. For examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce, check out the demo reel below:

Looking For An Animated Video Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it – these testimonials highlight Video Igniter’s reliability, creativity, flexibility and ability to deliver animations that exceed expectations. When you choose Video Igniter Animation, you can rest assured that you are working with a trusted and reputable studio.

“Video Igniter were very easy to work with and the entire process for creating and suggesting edits was seamless and stress-free. I would work with them again and would recommend to others looking to create a modern and stylish explainer video.”

Clair Simpson – VP Marketing, Repool.com

“I run a video production company and outsource animation. The team at Video Igniter did a great job in taking the concept I very crudely drew out and making it into a beautiful animation. The review process was easy and their turnaround time was very quick. I’d def recommend them if you’re looking for an animation project.”

Pat Henderson – Founder, Path8 Productions

“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”

Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

Get in touch!

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video project.

Get a quote for us to create your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief for your video and we’ll begin production as soon as we receive your production deposit.

3D Explainer Video | How To Make A 3D Explainer Video