Video Animated Production FAQ

Looking for someone to help with video animated production? Video Igniter Animation is an online animated video production company that makes custom animated videos for businesses, brands, agencies, video production companies, startups, non profits and anyone that thinks it would be fun to see their idea turned into an animated video.

If you have a question about animated video production that isn’t answered in this article, you can use our contact form to ask your question or click the image below to with a member of our production team:

What is animated video production?

Animation – aka animated video production is the art of hand drawing images or using computers to create custom illustrations that create the illusion that the images are in motion. Movies are created by displaying 10-60 images per second in rapid succession to seemingly create a picture that looks like it is moving.

Hand drawn animations require large teams of talented illustrators to individually draw and add color and texture to every scene.

Modern computer animation dramatically simplifies the animated video production process by providing tools to animators so they can digitally manipulate a smaller number of images in order to create an animation – as opposed to hand drawing every single frame individually.

How do I find animated video producers

Websites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find cheap freelance animators. YouTube, Behance, Vimeo, Instagram and Google are all great places to find beautiful animations and connect with studios and creatives.

Shameless Plug: Video Igniter was designed to provide outsourced animation production services through the Internet to clients around the world. Here are 20+ reasons companies love outsourcing animated video projects to us.

What to look for when hiring an explainer video company

 

Animation Style References

The most important thing you can do when hiring an animator is to review samples of other videos they’ve created. Does their work demonstrate the ability to make good design decisions? Are they able to produce an animated video similar to the visual style you want for your video?

Project Availability

How many projects they take on at once and how your project will be prioritized relative to their other projects? Is there enough time to complete your animation on time before the deadline? Maybe you’ll need to explore rush delivery animation to speed up production.

Responsiveness

What are your expectations when it comes to customer service? Do you need the to collaborate with your animator in-person? Or can you work remotely? Are timezones going to be an issue?  How quickly do you expect a response from your animator? Make sure to discuss responsiveness and estimated turnaround times for your project.

Storytelling Ability

When you hire an animator, you’ll want to make sure they’re a competent storyteller. There are a lot of amazing visual artists out there that haven’t connected the dots between the art of storytelling and the art of visual design. If you love their artistic ability but you aren’t a fan of their story telling skills, consider writing the script and making the storyboard for your animated video and just rely on them to create the animations for your video.

Revisions Policy

Check to see what kind of revision policy your video animator offers. If you aren’t paying your animator by the hour, make sure you check to see how many revisions are included in the flat rate you were quoted for the project. Most animators and studios only offer 1-3 rounds of revisions before they will need to charge you extra.

Audio

How’s the audio in their videos? Do the voiceovers sound clean and professional? Does the background music enhance the video or distract you?

More Tips

For more tips on what to look for when you want to hire an animator, check out this companion article:

 

How do I hire an animated video production company?

Looking for someone to produce your animated video but not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking to hire an animation studio, a freelance animator, or a production service like Video Igniter Animation, there are many factors to consider including: pricing, visual style, storytelling, customer service, production timelines and more.

Here are some resources to help you figure out the right production option for your video:

• 9 Things to Look For When Hiring An Animator to create an animated video.
• How to outsource an animated video project?
• How do you hire an animator?
• Pros and Cons of Different Animation Styles
• What’s the difference between hiring an animation studio, a freelance animator and Video Igniter?
• What goes into production cost of an animated video?
• Considering making the animated video yourself? Learn about DIY options.
• Need your video fast? Learn about rush delivery.
• What is Video Igniter Animation?

What animated video services does Video Igniter offer?

Video Igniter Animation can help you create any kind of custom 2D or 3D animated video you can imagine. We can help you:

• Create all types of 2D and 3D animated videos.
• Write your script
• Create your storyboard
• Translate your animated video into other languages
• Optimize your video so more people click play, watch your video longer and engage with your CTA at the end of your video.
• Run paid promotions for your ad to get more exposure and awareness for your company and video (let us know when you get a quote).

See this page for a comprehensive list of services Video Igniter offers.

Looking help with animated corporate video production?

Visit: https://videoigniter.com/animated-corporate-video/

How does the animated explainer video production process work?

If you’re like us and prefer learning by watching videos instead of reading, we created a video that explains what the animated video production process is like. Below is a more detailed writeup about what to expect during each stage of the production process:

Script

The first step of the production process is writing the script for your animated video. You can hire Video Igniter or your animated video producer to write the script for you. Or you can write the script yourself to speed up production and save money on your production budget.

If we’re writing your script, we’ll start by sending you a questionnaire to learn about what you want us to talk about in your video and who the intended audience is. We’ll use this information to draft a script that is designed to speak to your target audience.

We’ll send you the first draft so that you can review it and let us know if we need to make any changes to the script. If you love it as-is, we’ll proceed to creating the storyboard. Otherwise we’ll continue to work with you to revise the script until you are thrilled with it.

Script Writing Downloadable Resource

If you want to write the script yourself, check out our script writing resources and download our script writing template.

Storyboard

Now that your script is production-ready, it’s time to create the storyboard. The storyboard is like the blueprint for your animated video. It tells the illustrators what they are supposed to create and it explains to the animators how they are supposed to make the images move.  Video Igniter (or your animated video creator) can help you develop the storyboard or you create it yourself to speed up production and save money on your production budget. Storyboards are important for production because if the production team doesn’t have consensus with you about what they’re supposed to create, it can lead to extra production costs and more time needed to finish your animated video.

Here’s a diagram of what each page of your storyboard will look like:

Each slide contains:

– a sentence from your script

– a rough mockup of the scene

– directions for the animators

– a list of all the assets needed to create the scene (audio and visual)

After we create the first draft of your storyboard, you will get a chance to review it and send us feedback. We will continue to work with you to revise your storyboard until you are 100% satisfied with the direction of your animated video project.

Animated Video Production Budget Saver

Want to save hundreds of dollars off the cost of your production budget? Download our free storyboard creation template and storyboard creation guide.

VoiceOver

After your script and storyboard are locked in, we can audition voiceover talent for your animated video. For most projects, we’ll order auditions from multiple voiceover talents so that you can listen to what each of them sound like while they read a few sentences from your voiceover. If you love one of the auditions, we’ll hire them to record the full voiceover and coach them through the energy, pacing and pronunciation of your script. Not in love with any of the auditions? Let us know why and we’ll happily order up some new auditions for you to listen to.

Soundtrack

Our sound team will identify several soundtracks that we can license for your animated video and run them by you to review. If you’re in love with one of the options, we’ll procure the appropriate broadcast rights for the soundtrack. Not a fan of any of the soundtracks? Let us know what you’re feeling and we’ll select some new options for you to consider. Or, maybe you like several of the soundtrack options and can’t decide which one is best? In that case, we’ll help you preview each of your selected soundtracks alongside your animated video when the first draft is ready. This way, you can hear which soundtracks feels right within the context of your animated video.

For more tips on soundtrack selection, read our animated video soundtrack selection guide.

Illustrations

As soon as your storyboard is approved, the art team will begin the process of creating the custom illustrations for your animated video. First, the art director will review your branding and any style references you provided. Then, they will select a key scene from your animated video and design that scene one or more times using a custom designed visual style. The art director will send the concept art to you and wait for your feedback.

If you love one of the pieces of concept art as-is, let the art director know and they will begin creating the rest of the art for your animated video using the approved concept art as a style reference.

If you love aspects of multiple pieces of concept art, let the art director know. They will use your feedback to integrate the best aspects of all the concept art you loved and create a new piece of concept art for you to approve or send additional feedback on.

Not in love with any of the concept art? That’s totally ok! Just let us know your honest feedback and we’ll continue working with you to create the perfect visual style for your animated video before we produce the rest of the art.

Once the illustration team has finished creating all the custom art for your video, they’ll send it over to you and give you a chance to send feedback and revision notes for each scene. We’ll review your notes, incorporate the revisions and send the art back to you to review and sign off before we move on to animation.

Animation

Finally – the art and voiceover are approved and we can dive into animation! It takes about a minute to animate each minute of video. If we’re making a longer video for you, we’ll discuss options for speeding up animation by adding additional animators to the project. When the first draft is ready, we recommend giving it a detailed internal review and previewing it with members of your target audience to ensure the content is easy to understand, memorable and relatable.  Collect all your feedback, send us your revisions and we’ll incorporate them into the final draft of your custom animated video.

Examples of videos created with our animated video production services:

Are you looking for an example of a different style of animation? Send us a message to let us know what kind of animation example you want to see and we will follow up with relevant production samples.

 

How long does it take to make an animated video?

It takes 3-8 weeks to create a 1-2 minute 2D animated video. 3D animated videos take about twice as much time to produce. Want to learn more about what’s involved at each stage of the production process and how long each part of production takes? Check out this companion article.

How much does video animated production cost?

Most animated videos cost between $1500-$7500 to create each 60 seconds of custom 2D animation. 3D animated videos easily cost twice as much to produce. To learn more about what goes into the cost of making an animated video, check out this companion article: What goes into the cost of an explainer video?

For the latest production rates from Video Igniter, request access to our price sheet here.

Benefits of Video Animated Production for Businesses

Video animated production is more than just a creative process—it’s a strategic tool for businesses. Unlike traditional live-action video, animation gives brands the flexibility to explain complex topics in a simple, engaging way. Animated videos can condense technical processes, product demonstrations, or data-driven insights into easy-to-digest visuals that audiences actually enjoy watching.

For startups, animated production helps them look polished and professional without the heavy costs of a live-action shoot. Larger companies use animated video to maintain brand consistency across global markets, since visuals can be easily updated and localized. Nonprofits and educational organizations benefit from video animated production because it keeps audiences emotionally engaged and inspired to take action.

Types of Video Animated Production

Not all animated videos are created the same. Depending on your goals, different production styles may be more effective:

• 2D Animation – A cost-effective and versatile choice for explainer videos, tutorials, and storytelling.
• 3D Animation – Offers depth, realism, and cinematic quality for product demos, architectural walkthroughs, or immersive experiences.
• Motion Graphics – Perfect for presenting data, infographics, and professional presentations.
• Whiteboard Animation – Great for step-by-step explanations or educational content.
• Cel Animation – A hand-drawn style that feels organic and artistic, ideal for brands seeking a unique identity.

When considering video animated production, it’s important to align the animation style with your message and target audience.

Why Video Animated Production Outperforms Static Content

In today’s crowded digital landscape, static content often gets ignored. Animated video, on the other hand, captures attention within the first few seconds. Eye-catching motion, vibrant colors, and dynamic storytelling keep viewers engaged longer than text or still images.

Studies show that people retain up to 95% of a message when it’s delivered through video, compared to just 10% from text. That makes animated video production one of the most powerful tools for boosting brand recall, driving conversions, and improving overall marketing ROI.

Video Animated Production for Marketing Campaigns

Animation isn’t just for explainer videos—it can power every stage of a marketing campaign. Brands use animated production for:

• Social Media Ads – Short, punchy animated clips are perfect for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Email Campaigns – Adding animated GIFs or micro-videos increases click-through rates.
• Website Landing Pages – An animated hero video immediately captures interest and reduces bounce rates.
• Event Promotions – Animated teasers build hype for webinars, trade shows, or product launches.

With its adaptability, video animated production ensures that your content can be repurposed across multiple platforms without losing impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Video Animated Production

Even with a talented team, animated video projects can go off track if you’re not careful. Here are common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Skipping Pre-Production Planning – Jumping into animation without a solid script and storyboard can lead to miscommunication and costly revisions.
2. Overcomplicating the Message – Too much detail can overwhelm viewers. Keep scripts simple and concise.
3. Ignoring the Target Audience – A highly polished animation is useless if it doesn’t connect with the people you’re trying to reach.
4. Underestimating Timelines – High-quality animated production takes time. Rushed deadlines often result in lower-quality output.
5. Neglecting Audio – Crisp voiceovers and carefully chosen music tracks make as much impact as the visuals.

How to Plan a Successful Video Animated Production Project

A successful video animated production project starts before an animator opens their software. While the creative production itself is important, the decisions made before and around production can have a major impact on how effective the finished video will be.

Businesses that approach animated video production as both a creative project and a communication strategy are more likely to end up with a video that serves a specific purpose rather than simply looking impressive.

Here are several additional factors to consider when planning your next video animated production project.

Define the Business Objective Before Starting Production

One of the first questions to answer is not “What should the animation look like?” but “What should this video accomplish?”

An animated video might be designed to generate leads, explain a product, introduce a company, increase product adoption, support a sales team, answer customer questions, or educate an audience. Each objective can require a different approach to the video’s structure and presentation.

For example, a product video designed for a landing page may need to move quickly toward a call to action. A sales enablement video may need to provide more detailed information that helps a salesperson explain a complicated product. An onboarding video may prioritize clarity and comprehension over entertainment.

Defining the objective early gives the video animated production team a standard against which creative decisions can be evaluated.

Identify the Viewer and Their Level of Knowledge

The same animated video can perform very differently depending on who watches it.

Before production begins, consider what your audience already knows about the subject. Are they seeing your product for the first time, or are they existing customers who already understand the basics?

This distinction is especially important for technical, financial, healthcare, software, and B2B animation.

If the audience is unfamiliar with the subject, the video may need to introduce basic concepts before presenting more complicated information. If the audience is highly knowledgeable, spending too much time explaining obvious concepts can make the video feel slow.

It can also help to consider the viewer’s job role, industry, age range, geographic market, and reason for watching the video. These details can influence vocabulary, examples, pacing, humor, visual references, and the overall tone of the production.

Create a Visual Hierarchy

An animated video can contain a tremendous amount of visual information. If every element receives the same amount of attention, however, the viewer may not know where to look.

A professional video animated production should establish a clear visual hierarchy. Important information should generally receive more visual emphasis than supporting information.

Animation can create this hierarchy through scale, movement, position, contrast, timing, and depth.

For example, when presenting an important statistic, the number itself might become the dominant visual element while secondary information remains smaller and less animated. When demonstrating software, the interface element being discussed can be emphasized while unrelated parts of the screen become visually subdued.

This approach makes animation more than decoration. Motion becomes a tool for directing the viewer’s attention.

Plan for Different Video Formats and Platforms

Another consideration that should be addressed before production is where the finished video will be used.

A video created exclusively for a website may have different requirements from one intended for YouTube, LinkedIn, television, digital advertising, presentations, or vertical social media platforms.

Think about the required:

• Aspect ratio
• Video resolution
• Frame rate
• Maximum file size
• Caption requirements
• Video length
• Audio specifications
• Platform-specific safe areas

Planning these requirements before production can prevent the team from having to redesign scenes later.

It can also be worthwhile to plan for multiple versions of the same production. For example, a company might produce a primary 90-second video while also creating 30-second, 15-second, square, and vertical versions. Designing the original animation with these future adaptations in mind can make the overall production more efficient.

Consider Accessibility During Video Animated Production

Accessibility should be considered during the creative process rather than added as an afterthought.

Captions are one of the most important accessibility features for animated videos. They allow people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as viewers watching without sound, to understand the narration.

Visual accessibility is also important. Text should have sufficient contrast against its background, important information should not be communicated exclusively through color, and on-screen text should remain readable at the size at which the video will actually be viewed.

Depending on the audience and distribution environment, a production may also benefit from audio descriptions, transcripts, accessible versions, or other accommodations.

Building accessibility into the video animated production workflow from the beginning can be considerably easier than trying to retrofit these elements after the video has already been completed.

Think About Localization Before Designing the Video

Companies operating internationally should consider localization before the animation is produced. Translating your video into other languages is a great way to extend your video’s reach.

Translating the voiceover isn’t always enough. Different languages can require significantly different amounts of screen space. A sentence that fits comfortably in English may become substantially longer after translation into another language.

On-screen text, graphics, character dialogue, typography, and timing may therefore need to be designed with localization in mind.

A production team can also structure the project so that certain text and graphics can be replaced without rebuilding an entire scene. This can make it much easier to create localized versions for different countries.

Planning localization during video animated production can save significant time when a company eventually expands the video’s use into additional markets.

Establish Ownership and Usage Rights

Businesses should also clarify intellectual property and usage rights before production begins.

An animated video can contain numerous creative components, including illustrations, music, voiceover recordings, fonts, stock assets, logos, sound effects, and original animation. The client should understand what rights they receive when the project is completed and whether any third-party assets have usage restrictions.

For example, licensing terms may differ depending on whether a soundtrack is being used in an internal training video, online advertisement, broadcast commercial, or worldwide marketing campaign.

It is also useful to clarify whether the client will receive only the finished video or whether editable project files and source assets are included.

Having these details documented before production helps prevent misunderstandings after the animation is finished.

Determine Who Needs to Approve the Video

Large organizations often have multiple people involved in approving creative work. Marketing may have one opinion, legal may have another, and product, sales, communications, or executive stakeholders may have additional requirements.

If everyone reviews the video independently and sends feedback at different times, production can become unnecessarily complicated.

Before video animated production begins, identify the people who have actual approval authority. Establish who provides feedback, who consolidates comments, and who gives final approval.

This creates a clear decision-making structure and prevents situations where a video is considered approved by one department only to be reopened by another stakeholder later.

Take a look at our checklist to learn how to properly review each deliverable for your animated video.

Build a Versioning Strategy

Many businesses discover after completing an animated video that they need additional variations.

A single production might eventually need different versions for different audiences, products, regions, campaigns, or sales channels.

For this reason, it can be useful to think about versioning before production starts.

For example, a company could design a master animation that allows the team to easily replace:

• Product names
• Pricing information
• Statistics
• Calls to action
• Website addresses
• Voiceovers
• Languages
• Brand elements

This approach can turn one animation project into a reusable content asset rather than a one-time video.

Use a Review Process That Matches the Production Stage

Not every type of feedback is equally useful at every stage of production.

Early reviews are the appropriate time to discuss major creative decisions. Later reviews should generally focus on refinement and technical accuracy.

For example, changing the fundamental story after animation is complete can require substantially more work than changing a small visual detail. Likewise, discovering that the wrong product feature was demonstrated after a scene has been fully animated can create unnecessary production work.

A strong video animated production workflow therefore establishes clear approval milestones. The client should know what is being approved at each stage and what types of changes are still practical afterward.

Prepare the Video for Sales and Internal Teams

Animated videos aren’t necessarily limited to public marketing campaigns. They can become useful tools for employees and sales teams as well.

A product animation can help a salesperson demonstrate a complicated feature during a presentation. A company overview can help new employees understand the organization. A technical animation can give customer support representatives a visual resource to share with customers.

When planning video animated production, consider whether the finished asset could serve additional internal purposes.

A video originally created for marketing might also become part of a sales presentation, onboarding program, customer-support library, trade-show display, or internal communications campaign.

Measure More Than Views

Video views are useful, but they don’t necessarily tell you whether an animated video accomplished its business objective.

Depending on the purpose of the production, useful metrics may include:

• Average watch time
• Percentage of viewers who reach the end
• Click-through rate
• Conversion rate
• Lead generation
• Product sign-ups
• Demo requests
• Sales-assisted conversions
• Engagement from specific audience segments

The right measurement strategy depends on where the video appears and what the business is trying to accomplish.

For example, an animated advertisement may be judged primarily on cost per acquisition, while an onboarding animation may be evaluated according to completion rate and subsequent product usage.

Treat Animated Video as a Reusable Business Asset

One of the biggest advantages of professional video animated production is that the finished video can potentially remain useful long after its initial launch.

Instead of thinking of an animation as a single marketing deliverable, consider how its underlying creative assets might be reused.

Individual scenes can potentially become short-form social content. Illustrations can be incorporated into presentations. Character artwork can be used in educational materials. Short clips can support email campaigns or paid advertisements.

A well-planned production can therefore create a library of visual assets that supports future marketing and communications efforts.

The Best Video Animated Production Combines Creativity and Strategy

The quality of an animated video isn’t determined solely by how sophisticated the animation looks. A visually impressive production can still fail if it communicates the wrong message, targets the wrong audience, uses an ineffective format, or doesn’t provide viewers with a clear next step.

Effective video animated production combines creative execution with strategic planning. The production team needs to understand not only how to animate the project, but also why the video is being created, who will watch it, where it will be distributed, and what the business hopes viewers will do afterward.

By considering audience, objectives, accessibility, distribution requirements, localization, rights management, approval structures, versioning, and measurement before production begins, businesses can get substantially more value from their investment in animated video.

Video Animated Production for Training and Education

Beyond marketing, animated videos are incredibly effective for learning and development. Training employees through animation increases engagement and reduces costs compared to traditional seminars or printed manuals.

E-learning platforms often rely on video animated production to simplify technical content and keep learners motivated. Complex concepts—such as compliance policies, software tutorials, or medical procedures—become easier to understand when paired with animated visuals and step-by-step narration.

Future Trends in Video Animated Production

The animation industry is constantly evolving, and businesses that stay ahead of trends can maximize their impact:

• AI-Assisted Animation – Artificial intelligence is speeding up the production process while reducing costs.
• Interactive Animated Videos – Viewers can now click, choose, and influence the story path.
• AR and VR Integration – Animated production is expanding into immersive experiences for training, sales, and entertainment.
• Personalized Animation – Custom-tailored animated content, such as videos that include a viewer’s name or industry, creates stronger emotional connections.
• Hybrid Production – Combining live-action footage with animated elements is becoming increasingly popular for unique storytelling.

By embracing these trends, brands can future-proof their video marketing strategies.

How to Maximize ROI from Video Animated Production

Producing an animated video is just the first step. To maximize your investment, it’s essential to distribute your video strategically. Upload it to your website, share it on social platforms, include it in email campaigns, and consider running paid ads to extend its reach.

Additionally, track performance metrics such as watch time, click-through rates, and conversions. This data not only proves ROI but also provides insights for refining future animated video productions.

Looking for cheap animated video production?

Custom animated videos require many hours to produce by a talented of multiple designers, animators, story tellers, voiceover artists and project managers. This is the main reason animated videos cost a few thousand dollars to produce. That being said, if you are looking for a cheap way to make an animated video, there are a few options to consider. Check out this resource guide to learn about the different ways you can make cheap animated videos. There are even some ways to make animated videos for free!

What Is The Video Igniter Animated Video Production Site?

Video Igniter offers animated video production services online. We’re modernizing the experience of creating a custom animated video to help you create high quality original content quickly while helping you save $ on your production costs. We streamlined the complex production process for making an animated video and do all the work for you. All you need to do is tell us what you want us to create. We’ll make everything for your video and you tell us what you like and what you want us to revise.

If you’re looking for a website to make an animated video, Video Igniter is a new kind of custom animated video production service that enables you to create any kind of animated video you can imagine. Our talented staff collaborates behind the scenes to create custom 2D and 3D animated videos so you don’t have to figure out if you have the right animator or studio for the kind of animation you want to get created. We handle all the technical and creative aspects of production for you including helping you develop your script and storyboard (if you haven’t already created them yourself).

Hire Video Igniter To Produce Your Animated Video

Video Igniter can make video animations using 2D, 3D or Cel Animation.

Check out our animation portfolio.

+20 reasons companies love hiring us to create custom animated videos.

Animated Video Production Demo Reel

 

Animated Video Production Success Stories and Testimonials

“I am beyond satisfied with my experience with Video Igniter. The first drafts of the work were almost exactly what I had in my head when developing the concept. After that each step along the way was seamless until arriving at a perfect finished product. And all this at a tremendous value. Anyone who has considered creating a marketing video should check out Video Igniter.”

Anonymous Customer Feedback

“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

“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

Get In Touch About Making Your Animated Video

Get a quote for us to create your animated video.

Schedule a call with our production team.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief, and we’ll start creating your animated video.