Are you looking for an animator for hire? If so, you’re in the right place!

Animation is one of the most effective ways to convey complex ideas and messages to people in a fun and engaging way. As businesses continue to prioritize online marketing, the need for visual content has become increasingly important. Whether you’re creating an explainer video, a promotional video, or an animated series, hiring an animator can help you bring your ideas to life. Unfortunately, not all businesses have the resources to create their own animations in house. That’s where hiring an animator comes in.

In this FAQ, we’ll discuss why you should consider hiring an animator, what to look for when you hire an animator, and how to work with them effectively. We’ll also highlight why Video Igniter is a great option for businesses looking to create high-quality animations without having to hire an animator at all!

Examples of Videos You Can Get When You Hire Video Igniter’s Animators

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. Check out the example videos below.

To start your project contact us, schedule a call with our production team or request access to our new pricing page.

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.

Why Hire an Animator?

Hiring a professional animator can help ensure that your animation is of the highest quality, while also saving you time and effort. At VideoIgniter.com, we offer professional animation services that are tailored to the needs and budget of each client. Animated videos can help you stand out from your competitors and create a unique brand identity. Animation can be used for a variety of purposes, including explainer videos, promotional videos, and social media content. While animation can have a significant impact on your business, it can be expensive to produce. Hiring a freelance animator or VideoIgniter.com is a cost-effective way to bring your vision to life without the expenses of hiring a full time animator.

Additional benefits of hiring Video Igniter or an animator

✅  The ability to create custom branded video content that aligns with your brand identity.

✅  Time savings, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.

✅  Access to specialized animation production skills and software.

What to Look for When You Hire An Animator

When looking for an animator to hire, there are several factors to consider. First, you should look for an animator who has experience creating the type of animation you need. Bonus points if they have experience in your industry or niche. If you’re looking for a 2D animator, you should look for someone who specializes in 2D animation. You should also look for an animator who has a strong portfolio that showcases their work and style. Check out their testimonials and don’t hesitate to ask for references! In addition to technical skills, it’s important to look for an animator who has good communication skills and is easy to work with. The right animator will be able to understand your vision and work with you to bring it to life.

Traits to look for when hiring an animator

✅  Their portfolio and past work

✅  Technical skills, such as proficiency in animation software

✅  Original artistic style and creative vision

✅  Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate

✅  Project management skills and adherence to deadlines

✅  A problem-solving mindset and adaptability

At VideoIgniter.com, you’ll find a team of talented animators with a proven track record of creating high-quality, custom animations for businesses like yours.

Benefits of Hiring a Freelance Animator

Hiring a freelance animator is more affordable than hiring a full-time animator or an animation studio. Freelancers also have more flexibility in terms of their availability, you can often work with them on a project-by-project basis, and they can offer faster turnaround times. Additionally, freelance animators can bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to your project. However, working with a freelance animator can also have its challenges. Freelancers may not always be available when you need them, and you may need to manage multiple freelancers if you’re producing a large animation project (more than 1-2 minutes).

Advantages of hiring a freelance animator

✅  Cost savings compared to hiring a full-time employee

✅  Flexibility to work on a project-by-project basis

✅  Access to a diverse pool of talent with a range of skills and styles

✅  Faster turnaround times on projects

At VideoIgniter.com, we offer all these benefits and more – including our team of professional animators who can work together via our streamlined production process to produce high-quality animations that meet your business needs.

How to Find the Right Animator To Hire for Your Project

There are several ways to find animators for hire online. One way is to search for animators on freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr. Another way is to search for animators on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. You can also check out online animation communities or forums to find animators who are looking for work. When searching for an animator, it’s important to review their portfolio and look for examples of work that are similar to the type of animation you need. You should also read reviews from past clients to get an idea of the animator’s work ethic and communication skills.

How To Find The Perfect Animator

✅  Define your project scope, including goals, target audience, and desired visual style

✅  Research and compile a list of potential animators based on skills, experience, and portfolios

✅  Conduct interviews to assess communication and collaboration skills

✅  Request quotes and compare pricing

✅  Check references to gauge reliability and professionalism

Alternatively, save time and effort by choosing VideoIgniter.com, where you’ll have access to a vetted team of expert animators, ready to bring your vision to life.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Animator

Before you hire an animator, here’s a list of questions you should ask them to ensure they’re the right fit for your project:

✅  Ask about their experience creating the type of animation you need.

✅  Ask about their availability to work on your project.

✅  Ask about their process for creating animations

✅  How do they handle revisions?

✅  What is your experience with animation in my industry or niche?

✅  What is your timeline for completing the project?

✅  What is your pricing structure?

✅  Can you provide examples of past work similar to my project?

✅  What is your preferred animation style and software?

✅  How do you manage project timelines and deadlines?

Tips for Hiring an Animator on a Budget

If you’re on a budget, there are several ways to hire an animator without breaking the bank. One way is to hire a student or recent graduate who is looking to build their portfolio. Another way is to hire a freelance animator who is just starting out and may be more affordable than more experienced animators. These animators are less experienced but hungry to build their portfolio to showcase their talents.

If you’re working with a limited budget, consider these tips for hiring an animator

✅  Clearly define your project scope to avoid unnecessary revisions

✅  Seek animators who offer competitive rates without sacrificing quality

✅  Consider hiring a less experienced animator with a strong portfolio

✅  Negotiate rates and payment terms to fit your budget

✅  Limit the complexity of your animation to reduce costs

✅  Write the script for your video instead of hiring the animator to do it for you.

✅  Create the storyboard for your video instead of hiring the animator to create it.

✅  Provide the voiceover for your animation

✅  Consider letting the animator use stock assets or pre-created models to save on production costs.

✅  Use free (legal) music.

✅ Start production ASAP to avoid rush delivery costs.

✅ Check out our article on creating affordable animations for more tips!

With VideoIgniter.com, you’ll get competitive pricing without sacrificing the quality of your animation.

Where to Find Animators for Hire Online

As mentioned earlier, there are several places to find animators for hire online. Some of the best places to look include freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr, social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, online animation communities and forums, or you can ask for recommendations from other businesses in your industry.

Platforms where you can find animators you can hire

✅  Freelance job boards and marketplaces, such as Upwork or Fiverr

✅  Animation and design forums

✅  Social media platforms, like LinkedIn and Behance

✅  Industry-specific websites and job boards

VideoIgniter.com offers a convenient, one-stop solution for sourcing highly skilled animators who are ready to tackle your project.

How to Work with an Animator After You Hire Them

Once you’ve hired an animator, it’s important to establish clear communication and expectations from the outset. You should provide the animator with a detailed brief outlining your project goals and requirements. This brief should include information such as the animation style you’re looking for, the length of the animation, and any specific elements that need to be included. It’s also important to establish a timeline for the project and agree on a schedule for check-ins and revisions. This will help ensure that the project stays on track and that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.

✅  Establish clear communication channels and expectations

✅  Provide a detailed project brief, including goals, style, and target audience

✅  Set milestones and deadlines to track progress

✅  Offer constructive feedback and revisions as needed

✅  Celebrate successes and show appreciation for their hard work

Overview of the production process once you hire an animator:

Payment #1: 50% of the estimated project total is due before production begins. Check out this article for a deep dive on animated video payment terms.

Script: You or the animator write the script for your animated video. If you hire the animator to create the script, they will share it with you to get your feedback so that you can request revisions before approving it for production.

Storyboard: You or the animator can create the storyboard for your animated video. If you hire the animator to create the storyboard for you, you will get a chance to review it and request revisions before approving it for production.

VoiceOver: You can provide the voiceover for your video project. Otherwise, the animator will order up a voiceover recording from one of their voiceover talent partners. You get to review it and request edits before approving the final draft.

Illustrations: The animator will create concept art and request your feedback to help establish the visual design for your video. Then, they will create all of the illustrations and give you a chance to review them and request revisions.

Soundtrack: The animator will select several soundtrack options and let you pick out the one you feel is best for your target audience.

Animation: After everything has been approved, the animator will animate your video. Give the first draft of your video a detailed review and share your honest feedback with the animator. They will incorporate your revisions and render out the final draft for you to use.

Payment #2: The animator will send you the final invoice for your animated video. You will receive the unwatermarked version of the final draft of your video after payment has been completed.

Tips For Negotiating Rates with an Animator

When negotiating rates with an animator, it’s important to be transparent about your budget and project requirements. You should also be open to negotiating on the scope of the project or the timeline to help meet your budget constraints. It’s also important to clarify what the animator’s rates include. For example, do they include revisions, or will you need to pay extra for additional rounds of revisions? Will you be responsible for any additional fees, such as licensing fees for music or sound effects?

When negotiating rates with an animator, consider the following strategies:

✅  Be upfront about your budget limitations

✅  Offer a clear project scope to help the animator determine an accurate quote

✅  Ask about bundled services or package deals

✅  Inquire about discounts for long-term or repeat business

✅  Propose a payment schedule that aligns with project milestones

VideoIgniter.com offers competitive pricing, flexible payment options to suit your budget and project needs, and unlimited revisions.

What to Include in an Animator’s Contract

When hiring an animator, it’s important to have a contract in place that outlines the scope of the project, the timeline, and the payment terms. The contract should also include details about ownership of the animation and any copyright or licensing agreements. It’s important to review the contract carefully before signing it to ensure that you understand all of the terms and conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to address them before signing.

Key elements to include in the contract are

✅  Scope of work, including project goals, deliverables, and timelines

✅  Payment terms, such as rates, invoicing, and payment schedules

✅  Intellectual property rights and ownership

✅  Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements

✅  Termination clauses and dispute resolution procedures

What does it cost to hire an animator?

The cost of hiring an animator can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of animation you need, the complexity of the project, the geographic location of the animator, and the experience of the animator. Freelance animators may charge anywhere from $25 to $150+ per hour, while American animation studios may charge anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 or more for each minute of animation they create for you.

If you are hiring an animator to create a 2d animation, expect to spend $1,500-$10,000 per minute animation they are creating. Multiply the price 2-3x for 3D animation. At VideoIgniter.com, we offer competitive rates for our animation services that are tailored to each client’s unique needs and budget. Our rates are transparent and include unlimited revisions, so you won’t have to worry about any hidden fees or charges.

Deep Dive: How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Animator?

How long does it take for an animator to create a video?

That answer depends on:

• The length of the video.
• How detailed the animation is going to be.
• Are you providing the script + storyboard or are you hiring the animator to create them for you?
• 2D or 3D animation?
• How quickly you respond to feedback when the animator sends you project files to review.

To give you a ballpark range, it takes about 4-5 weeks for 1 animator to create a 60 second, 2D animated video. 3D animated videos take 2-4x more time to create.

What Type of Animator Should You Hire?

Before searching for an animator for hire, determine what type of animation your project actually requires. “Animator” is a broad term that can describe professionals with very different specialties.

Hiring someone with the right specialization can make a significant difference in both the quality of the finished video and the efficiency of the production process.

2D Animator

A 2D animator creates animation using two-dimensional artwork. This can include character animation, motion graphics, illustrated scenes, kinetic typography, explainer videos, advertisements, educational videos, and social media content.

A 2D animator may be the right choice if you want a stylized, illustrated, playful, or graphic look without the additional production requirements associated with 3D animation.

3D Animator

A 3D animator works with three-dimensional models, environments, lighting, cameras, textures, and visual effects.

Consider hiring a 3D animator if your project requires realistic product visualization, complex environments, simulations, realistic characters, architectural visualization, or a cinematic visual style.

3D animation can require significantly more production work because models, textures, lighting, rigs, and other assets may need to be created before animation can begin.

Motion Graphics Animator

Motion graphics animators specialize in animated graphic design elements such as text, logos, icons, charts, diagrams, shapes, and interfaces.

This type of animator can be a good fit for corporate videos, presentations, advertisements, product demonstrations, social media videos, and B2B marketing content.

Character Animator

If your project revolves around animated characters, look for an animator with demonstrated character animation experience.

Character animation requires more than simply moving an illustration around the screen. Good character animation involves posing, timing, facial expressions, body mechanics, gestures, and other details that make a character feel believable.

Explainer Video Animator

Some animators specialize in business and explainer videos. These projects typically combine scriptwriting, storyboarding, illustration, voiceover, sound design, and animation.

If your primary goal is to explain a product, service, process, or concept, finding an animator or animation team experienced in explainer videos can be more useful than simply hiring someone based on their general animation skills.

How to Evaluate an Animator’s Portfolio

An animator’s portfolio is one of the most important things to review before hiring them, but don’t judge a portfolio solely by whether you like the overall aesthetic.

Instead, look for evidence that the animator can solve the specific creative problem your project presents.

Start by asking whether the portfolio contains work similar to your project. If you need a 3D product animation, for example, a portfolio consisting entirely of 2D character animation may not tell you much about the animator’s ability to produce your project.

Pay attention to several areas:

Animation quality: Does movement look intentional and polished? Are transitions smooth? Do characters move naturally?

Design quality: Are the illustrations, environments, typography, and compositions professionally designed?

Storytelling: Does the animation communicate an idea clearly, or does it primarily showcase visual effects?

Consistency: Do visual elements maintain a consistent style throughout each project?

Range: Can the animator work in different visual styles when necessary?

Technical complexity: Does the portfolio demonstrate the level of technical ability your project requires?

You should also determine whether the person you’re considering actually produced the work shown in the portfolio. Larger projects may involve multiple artists, designers, animators, editors, and other specialists. If you’re hiring an individual animator, ask which parts of each example they personally handled.

How to Hire an Animator for a Specific Project

The process becomes much easier when you provide prospective animators with enough information to understand what you’re asking them to create.

Before contacting an animator for hire, prepare a basic project brief.

Your brief should ideally include:

• The purpose of the video
• Your target audience
• The desired video length
• The type of animation
• Your brand guidelines
• A script, if one already exists
• A storyboard, if one already exists
• The desired delivery date
• Where the video will be used
• Examples of visual styles you like
• The required video dimensions or aspect ratios
• Your approximate budget
• Any required characters, products, logos, or other assets

You don’t need to know exactly how the animation will be produced. That’s part of what you’re hiring the animator to determine.

However, giving the animator enough context allows them to provide a much more accurate estimate and identify potential problems before production begins.

What Should an Animator Deliver?

Before hiring an animator, clarify exactly what you will receive when the project is complete.

A basic animation project may include a finished video file, but more comprehensive animation production can involve many additional deliverables.

Depending on your project, you may want to receive:

• A final high-resolution video
• Versions optimized for social media
• Vertical and horizontal versions
• A version with captions
• A version without captions
• Individual animated clips
• Thumbnail artwork
• Source project files
• Illustration or design assets
• Audio stems
• Voiceover files
• Music and sound effects
• Alternate versions with different CTAs

If you anticipate using the animation in multiple marketing campaigns, discuss those requirements before production starts.

For example, it may be considerably easier to create a vertical version while the animation is being produced than to redesign the entire video months later.

What Makes a Good Animator Easy to Work With?

Technical animation ability is only one part of the equation.

An animator can be extremely talented but still be difficult to work with if they consistently miss deadlines, communicate poorly, misunderstand feedback, or fail to manage project files properly.

Look for someone who can explain their process clearly and tell you what they need from you at each stage.

A good animator should also be comfortable receiving feedback.

Animation projects frequently involve subjective creative decisions. You may like a particular character design while another stakeholder prefers something completely different. The animator should be able to separate personal artistic preferences from the requirements of the project.

Responsiveness is also important. Delayed feedback from either side can cause an animation project to fall behind schedule.

For larger projects, project management becomes even more important. If your animation requires scriptwriting, storyboarding, illustration, voiceover, sound design, and animation, you may benefit from hiring an animation team that can coordinate those responsibilities instead of trying to manage every specialist yourself.

Red Flags When Hiring an Animator

There are many talented animators available, but there are also warning signs that should make you reconsider a potential hire.

No Relevant Portfolio Examples

If an animator cannot show examples that demonstrate the skills your project requires, ask them how they plan to approach the project before making a decision.

Extremely Low Quotes

Price should not be the only deciding factor.

An unusually low quote may mean that important services are excluded, the animator has limited experience, the production process is less comprehensive, or the final quality may not meet your expectations.

Ask exactly what is included before comparing quotes.

Unclear Revision Policy

Find out how many rounds of revisions are included and what qualifies as a revision.

It’s also useful to understand whether changes requested after a particular production stage can result in additional costs.

No Clear Timeline

A professional animator should be able to provide a reasonable estimate of how long the project will take.

The exact timeline may change as the scope develops, but there should be a general production schedule with milestones.

Poor Communication

If communication is already difficult before you hire the animator, the problem is unlikely to disappear after production begins.

Pay attention to how quickly they respond, whether they answer your questions directly, and whether they clearly explain what they need from you.

No Written Agreement

Always establish the project scope, pricing, deliverables, payment terms, revision policy, ownership, and timeline in writing before production begins.

Should You Hire One Animator or an Animation Team?

For a small project, hiring a single animator can make sense. A talented freelancer may be able to handle the entire project from start to finish, particularly if the script, storyboard, artwork, voiceover, and other assets are already available.

Larger or more complex projects can benefit from an animation team.

An animation production team may include:

• Producer or project manager
• Scriptwriter
• Art director
• Illustrator
• Storyboard artist
• Animator
• Voiceover artist
• Sound designer
• Video editor

The advantage of a team is that each person can focus on their specialty. This can be especially useful when producing longer videos, multiple videos, sophisticated 3D animation, or an ongoing series of animated videos.

The disadvantage is that working with multiple specialists can increase project management requirements if you have to coordinate everyone yourself.

For businesses that don’t have an internal creative team, an animation studio can provide a middle ground: you get access to multiple specialists while communicating primarily with one production team.

How to Give Better Feedback to an Animator

The quality of your feedback can directly affect the efficiency of the animation project.

Instead of saying that a scene “doesn’t feel right,” explain what isn’t working and what outcome you want.

For example, instead of:

“I don’t like this scene.”

Try:

“The product isn’t clear enough in this scene. Can we make it larger and reduce the background elements so the viewer immediately understands what we’re showing?”

Specific feedback gives the animator something actionable to work with.

It’s also helpful to consolidate feedback whenever possible. If five people on your team review an animation independently and send separate emails containing conflicting changes, production can become unnecessarily complicated.

Designate one person to collect internal feedback and provide the animator with one organized list of revisions.

This approach reduces confusion and helps keep the project moving.

How to Prepare Before Hiring an Animator

You don’t need to have every detail figured out before contacting an animator, but preparing a few key pieces of information can make the hiring process much easier.

Start by identifying the purpose of the animation.

Ask yourself:

What do I want viewers to understand?

Who needs to understand it?

What should viewers do after watching?

Where will the animation be shown?

How long should the video be?

What visual style fits the brand?

When does the finished video need to be delivered?

What is the available production budget?

Once you have answers to these questions, you can provide potential animators with a much clearer project brief.

You should also collect a few examples of animation styles you like. These examples don’t need to come from the animator you’re considering. They can come from advertisements, explainer videos, films, websites, social media, or other sources.

Visual references are often much easier for an animator to interpret than descriptions such as “modern,” “professional,” or “fun.”

How to Compare Animator Quotes

When you receive several quotes from animators for hire, don’t automatically select the cheapest option.

Instead, compare what each quote actually includes.

For example, one animator might provide a low price for animation only while another quote includes scriptwriting, storyboarding, custom illustration, voiceover, music, sound effects, editing, and several rounds of revisions.

Those aren’t equivalent offers.

Create a simple comparison that considers:

• Total project price
• Animation style
• Video length
• Production timeline
• Scriptwriting
• Storyboarding
• Illustration
• Voiceover
• Music
• Sound effects
• Editing
• Number of revisions
• Source files
• Additional video formats
• Usage and ownership rights

This gives you a better understanding of the actual value you’re receiving.

The cheapest animator for hire isn’t necessarily the least expensive option if poor communication, missed deadlines, or extensive rework ultimately increase the total cost of the project.

When Should You Hire an Animator?

It’s generally better to hire an animator before you have finalized every creative detail rather than waiting until the last minute.

An animator can often provide valuable input about what is realistic within your budget and timeline.

For example, you may have an idea that sounds simple but would require extensive character rigging, 3D modeling, or custom illustration. An experienced animator can identify those requirements early and suggest alternative approaches.

Similarly, if your budget is limited, an animator can help simplify the visual concept without eliminating the central message.

Give yourself enough time for the complete production process, including creative development, scriptwriting, storyboarding, illustration, animation, feedback, revisions, rendering, and final delivery.

Last-minute animation projects may be possible, but rush production can limit your creative options and potentially increase costs.

How to Get the Most Value From an Animator You Hire

The best way to get value from an animator isn’t necessarily to negotiate the lowest possible price. It’s to make sure the animator’s time is being spent on the work that has the greatest impact on your project.

Provide existing brand assets whenever possible. Give the animator access to your logo files, fonts, brand guidelines, product screenshots, photography, illustrations, and other assets that can be used in the project.

Have your internal stakeholders review the script and storyboard before animation begins. Changes are generally easier to make during the planning stages than after detailed animation has already been completed.

Think about future uses for the animation as well. If you know that you will need social media clips, advertisements, presentation graphics, or alternate versions, communicate those requirements upfront.

Most importantly, give the animator a clear objective.

A professional animator doesn’t simply move objects around a screen. They translate an idea into visual communication. The clearer the objective, audience, and desired outcome, the more effectively they can use animation to accomplish it.

Tips for Working with an Animator Remotely

If you’re working with an animator remotely, there are several tips you can follow to ensure a smooth working relationship.

1). Establish clear lines of communication and agree on a schedule for check-ins and updates.

2). Use project management tools to keep track of the project’s progress, such as Video Igniter, Frame.io, Asana or Trello.

3). Be flexible and open to feedback and revisions throughout the process.

Why Hire VideoIgniter.com?

While there are many animators for hire online, VideoIgniter.com stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, the team at VideoIgniter.com has extensive experience in creating high-quality animations for businesses of all sizes and industries.

Video Igniter has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results for clients ranging from small startups to Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, Video Igniter offers a wide range of animation services, including 2D and 3D animation, whiteboard animation, and explainer videos.

We also offer competitive pricing and work with clients to ensure that their animations are delivered on time and on budget.

Check out our demo reel!

Still have questions about hiring an animator?

Do you have a question about hiring an animator 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.

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

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

“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

“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

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.

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.

Download Video Igniter’s Free 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:

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

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.

Whether you’re looking to hire an animator or an animation studio, there’s a laundry list of things you should look for when selecting a producer for your animation. Take a look at our checklist of recommendations to help your animated video project get off to a strong start.

If you have a question about hiring an animator 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:

Hire Video Igniter’s Animators to Create Videos Like These

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. Check out the example videos below.

To start your project contact us, schedule a call with our production team or request access to our new pricing page.

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.

Top Platforms to Hire an Animator

When you’re ready to hire an animator, knowing where to look can make all the difference. There are several popular platforms where clients can find freelance animators or animation studios, each with its own strengths and considerations.

• Video Igniter – For businesses seeking high-quality, custom animated videos with a streamlined production process, Video Igniter is a top choice. Our platform connects you directly with professional animators and manages the full animation workflow—from script to screen—so you don’t have to vet freelancers or juggle production details. If you want to hire an animator and get studio-quality results without the hassle, Video Igniter makes the process simple and effective.
• Upwork – This popular freelance platform allows you to browse animator profiles, view portfolios, and post your job for animators to apply. It’s great for hiring freelance animators with flexible pricing, but finding a quality match can take time.
• Fiverr – Ideal for small budgets, Fiverr lets you hire animators offering fixed-price services. However, while there are many talented animators, the quality can vary significantly, so it’s essential to vet portfolios carefully.
• Behance – A portfolio site where many professional animators showcase their work. While you can’t hire directly through Behance, it’s a great place to find animators whose style matches your vision and then reach out directly.
• Reddit (e.g., r/animationcareer) – Niche communities on Reddit can be helpful for finding emerging talent or getting honest feedback on where to hire an animator. Just be mindful that these forums are informal and require more manual vetting.

Each platform has its own strengths, but if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to hire an animator without spending hours on research and project management, Video Igniter is one of the most efficient and reliable options available.

What to look for when hiring an animator?

Animation Style References

The most important thing you can do when looking to hire an animator is to check out examples of previous videos they’ve created. Does their work demonstrate their ability to make good design decisions? Are they able to produce an animation similar to the style you want for your video?

Project Availability

Check to see how many projects they take on at once and how your project will be prioritized relative to other projects. Will they have enough time to complete your video before your deadline?

Responsiveness

What are your expectations when it comes to customer service. Do you need the ability to collaborate with them 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 hiring 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. Make sure your animator of choice is able to make images that are appropriate for your story and enhances their presentation for the viewer.

Revisions Policy

Check to see what kind of revision policy your 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.

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?

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

https://videoigniter.com/9-things-to-look-for-when-hiring-an-animation-studio/

Essential Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Animator

Before you hire an animator, asking the right questions can save you time, money, and headaches. Whether you’re speaking to a freelancer or a studio, here are the key questions you should always ask:

1. Can I see your animation portfolio?
   Reviewing past work helps ensure the animator’s style matches your vision and quality expectations.
2. Have you worked on similar projects before?
   Industry-specific experience (e.g., explainer videos, educational animations, app demos) ensures they understand your needs.
3. What is your revision policy?
   Clarify how many rounds of revisions are included and whether additional changes cost extra.
4. How do you handle the script and voiceover?
   Some animators only work with a finished script. If you need help with scripting or voice talent, confirm it’s part of the service.
5. What is your timeline and availability?
   Always ask when they can start, how long the animation will take, and whether they can meet your deadline.
6. How do you communicate during the project?
   Clear communication is critical. Ask how often you’ll receive updates and which tools they’ll use (email, Slack, Trello, etc.).
7. Who owns the final animation?
   Confirm you’ll receive full rights to the finished video once payment is complete.

Asking these questions upfront helps ensure a smoother production experience and improves your chances of hiring the right animator for your project.

How to choose a producer for your custom animated video?

Looking for someone to make a custom 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 custom animated video:

– Pros and Cons of Different Animation Styles

– What’s the difference between hiring an animation studio, vs a freelance animator vs Video Igniter?

– Considering making the animated video yourself? Learn about DIY options.

– What is Video Igniter Animation?

Difference between hiring a freelance animator vs an animation studio?

Cost

Freelance animators are often (but not always) cheaper to work with than a full animation studio. It all depends on the style and length of the animation you’re hiring them to create. That, and the timeline…

Speed

… speaking of timelines, how quickly do you need your animated video? If you’re looking for something relatively simple, a freelancer can create what you’re looking for in a few hours, days or weeks. Studios are typically reserved for longer projects that require multiple people illustrating and designing so that the project can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.

Customer Service

Animation studios have more staff to handle client reviews and address questions so their animators and designers can continue working with minimal interruption. Freelancers make money when they’re animating so they’re more likely to request you send your revision notes in text form so they can easily digest them and make fixes in your animation. Some freelancers are willing to get on calls with clients to have more in depth discussions about how to create specific parts of your animation.

Artistic and technical ability

Freelance animators typically specialize in a few styles of animation and get really good at those. Animation studios are staffed with art directors that can develop new unique visual styles and coordinate a team around them to help execute on that unique artistic vision.

How long does it take a freelance animator to make an animation?

Custom animated videos take a lot of time and attention to produce. It takes about 2-4 weeks for a freelance animator to produce a 60 second animated video. To learn more about the animated video production process and how long each stage of production takes, check out this companion article.

What does an animator cost per hour?

Animators earn between $10-$150+/hr depending on their experience and technical skillsets. For your average corporate/business/startup animated promo video, expect to spend $25-$50/hr for a quality 2D animator.

How much does a 2D animator cost per hour?

Usually $20-$60/hour.

How much is a 3D animator per hour?

$25-$75+/hour. 3D animators can get substantially more expensive. Highly technical, complicated and detailed animations can easily cost over $100/hour to produce.

How to pay an animator?

Payment Methods

Animators love receiving prompt payment for their hard work. But fast payments usually means they need to sacrifice 2.9%-5%+ of their earnings to cover transaction costs when they receive payment. Some animators may ask you to cover this expense. Others may be open to receiving payment via check, bank transfer or crypto to avoid losing their earnings to cover transaction costs.

Payment Terms

Most animators and animation studios use the same set of animated video payment terms: send an invoice for 50% of the estimated production cost to start production and the remainder of the project budget is due when the final draft is approved. The unwatermarked version of your animated video will be delivered after final payment is completed.

If you are hiring an animator for ongoing projects, have the animator log their hours and report them every two weeks for payment.

Flat rate vs Hourly

For shorter animated projects, it’s common in the animation world for freelancers and studios to quote a flat rate for a project and instead of charging by the hour. Animations longer than a few minutes will more than likely be billed by the hour because it’s too difficult to generate an accurate estimate for the number of labor hours required to create the video.

Extra Revisions

How many revisions does the animator allow for each phase of production? Most animators will cut you off at 1-2 revisions but some will be generous and allow a 3rd round of revisions for free. Whatever the situation is, make sure you two are in agreement about the production terms before you get started so that you don’t end up with unexpected costs at the end of production.

How much does it cost to hire an animator to make an animated video?

If you’re creating a 2D animated video, expect to spend between $1,000-$4,000 to cover the cost of animating a 60 second video.  Illustration can add another $750-$2,000+ per minute of animation. 3D animated videos easily cost 2-3x as much because additional people are needed to create 3D models for characters, scenes and objects and make them look lifelike.

Tips to keep your animated video production budget low

Consider the following budget-saving tips to keep your animated video production cost down.

Create your script

You can save hundreds or thousands of dollars off your production budget by writing the script for your animated video. Freelance animators and animation studios are capable of helping you craft your script. However, as the originator of the idea for a video, the heart of the story is in your mind. You have the best chance of creating a first draft that will articulate the story you want to present. Don’t worry about making your script perfect. If you can provide the first draft of your script, your animation team can help you make it production-ready and you can still save some money on your production budget.

Here are a few resources to help you create a script for your animated video:

How To Write An Animated Video Script

7 Tips to Supercharge Your Video Script Writing

Examples Of Explainer Video Scripts + How To Write A Script

Get our free script writing template here.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

Download our free template to help you write the script for your animated video.

Create your storyboard

A storyboard is like a blueprint for an animated video. It tells the animators and illustrators what to create. By creating the storyboard for your custom animated video, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars off your production budget. You don’t need any artistic ability to create a storyboard. Your job is to brainstorm visuals to correspond with each line of your script and then write simple instructions for the illustrators and animators so they understand what you want to show in each scene.

Free Download: Get our free storyboard creation template.

Deep Dive: Building a great storyboard for an animated explainer video.

Record the voiceover

You can try sourcing low cost voiceover talent from sites like Fiverr or VoiceBunny. English-speaking voiceover artists tend to charge $10-$199 for 1-2 minutes of recorded audio.

You can also record the voiceover yourself for free! Check out Episode 3 of The Video Igniter Show (at 1:31) to see how you can record the voiceover for your animated video for free without having to buy any expensive equipment or software.

Use stock assets

Using pre-created assets can help you keep your budget down because they usually cost less to buy or license than it would to create something comparable.  Free (or low cost) icons, clip art, stock images, fonts, graphs and video clips are available on sites like Mixkit, TheNounProject, Google Font Library and Envato Elements.

Use free music

Soundtracks typically cost $10-$299 each. If you plan to promote your animation using paid media (TV and or Online), you may need to pay even more for the broadcast rights to use the soundtrack in paid promotional campaigns. Looking for free, legal music? Check out Incompetech and Facebook’s Sound Collection.

Why Businesses Choose to Hire an Animator

Whether you’re a startup, small business, educator, or enterprise marketing team, the decision to hire an animator can elevate your content and create a lasting impression on your audience. From explainer videos and app tutorials to brand intros and product demonstrations, animation offers a visually compelling way to simplify complex messages.

Many businesses choose to hire an animator because animated content is more engaging, memorable, and versatile compared to live-action videos. It’s also scalable: you can reuse and repurpose animated assets across social media, email marketing, websites, presentations, and more.

Hiring an animator ensures your video stands out from competitors and delivers a polished, professional finish that builds brand trust.

How to Hire an Animator for Your Specific Needs

When you’re ready to hire an animator, it’s essential to consider the type of animation that aligns with your goals. Some projects benefit from traditional 2D animation, while others require the depth and realism of 3D animation. Whiteboard animation, motion graphics, and character animation are also popular formats.

Before hiring an animator, identify your project’s goals:

• Are you trying to explain a product or service?
• Do you want to create branded entertainment or an educational series?
• Are you looking for an attention-grabbing ad for social media?

Different types of animation require different skill sets. Make sure to hire an animator who specializes in the kind of animation you need. You can mention your vision, brand tone, audience, and goals when reaching out to animators or filling out creative briefs.

How to Hire an Animator Without Risk

Hiring an animator online can involve risks if you’re not careful. To minimize potential issues, follow these steps:

1. Review Their Portfolio
   Always start by looking at the animator’s past work. Do they have experience creating the kind of video you want? Are their visuals polished and professionally produced?
2. Start with a Small Project or Test Sample
   If you’re unsure, consider starting with a short 10-15 second animation. This gives you a preview of their communication, turnaround time, and quality.
3. Get Clear Terms in Writing
   Before you hire an animator, define deliverables, deadlines, revision policies, and payment terms. Use contracts or detailed service agreements to avoid miscommunication.
4. Use a Secure Payment System
   Whether you hire a freelance animator or an agency, use a platform that holds funds in escrow until milestones are delivered, such as Upwork or Fiverr.
5. Request Regular Updates
   Ask for progress updates at key stages (e.g., script, storyboard, rough animation) so you can give feedback and keep the project on track.

Why You Should Hire an Animator Instead of DIY

There are many DIY animation tools available online, but hiring a professional animator delivers better results in most cases. Here’s why:

• Custom Design: Animators can create unique visuals tailored to your brand instead of relying on templates.
• Technical Expertise: Animation software has a learning curve. Professional animators know how to produce smooth, appealing motion and integrate audio correctly.
• Time Savings: Animation is time-consuming. Hiring an animator lets you focus on your business while a pro handles the creative work.
• Script & Storytelling Support: Many animators (especially through platforms like Video Igniter) can help you craft a compelling narrative that drives results.

If your goal is to create a video that builds trust, converts viewers, and looks polished across all devices, it’s smarter to hire an animator than try to do it all yourself.

How to Hire an Animator for a Long-Term Relationship

Many businesses benefit from developing an ongoing relationship with a trusted animator. When you find someone who understands your brand and communication style, they can quickly produce high-quality content for future campaigns.

To build a long-term working relationship when hiring an animator:

• Provide clear feedback and appreciation for good work.
• Be prompt with payments and responses.
• Discuss retainer agreements or ongoing projects.
• Introduce them to your broader marketing or creative team if you anticipate future projects.

Hiring an animator doesn’t have to be a one-time deal—it can be a strategic move that enhances your brand’s visual identity across all channels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Animator

Many businesses run into preventable issues when they hire an animator. Here are some of the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them:

1. Skipping the Portfolio Review
Never hire an animator without thoroughly reviewing their portfolio. Make sure their animation style aligns with your brand and your project goals.

2. Providing a Vague Project Brief
Unclear direction leads to more revisions and misalignment. Always provide a detailed brief including your script (if available), visual preferences, goals, and target audience.

3. Ignoring the Revision Policy
Not all animators include unlimited revisions. Understand how many changes are allowed, what constitutes a revision, and whether changes after final delivery are permitted.

4. Hiring Based Solely on Price
While budget matters, choosing the cheapest option often results in lower quality. Look for value, not just price, when hiring an animator.

5. Overlooking Communication Skills
Great animation requires collaboration. If your animator is slow to respond or unclear in their communication, your project could suffer.

6. Rushing the Timeline
Animation is a craft that takes time. While rush delivery animation is possible, unrealistic deadlines can lead to rushed work or missed milestones. Plan ahead and allow for reasonable production time.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you hire an animator who delivers professional, impactful results—whether you’re producing a 2D explainer, product demo, or animated series.

What to Prepare Before You Hire an Animator

Knowing what you want to create before contacting an animator can make the hiring process substantially easier. You do not need to have every creative decision figured out, but you should be able to explain the problem the animation needs to solve.

A useful starting point is a short creative brief. Your brief can be as simple as one or two pages and should give the animator enough context to understand the project before discussing creative execution.

Include information such as:

• The purpose of the video: Explain what you want the animation to accomplish.
• The target audience: Identify who will watch the video and what they already know about the subject.
• The core message: State the single most important thing viewers should understand or remember.
• The distribution channels: Explain whether the animation will appear on a website, social media, YouTube, television, an internal presentation, a trade show display, or somewhere else.
• The approximate length: Even an estimated duration helps an animator determine the scope of the project.
• Brand requirements: Provide logos, brand guidelines, fonts, colors, existing illustrations, product screenshots, and other assets that need to appear in the animation.
• Required deadline: Identify when the final files need to be ready and whether there are important launch dates or marketing campaigns involved.
• Examples you like: Share several examples of animation, design, cinematography, or motion graphics that communicate the direction you have in mind.

The more useful information you provide at the beginning, the less time an animator has to spend trying to infer what you want. A strong brief also makes it easier for multiple animators or studios to provide comparable proposals.

Determine Who Needs to Be Involved in the Project

One issue that is frequently overlooked when businesses hire an animator is determining who has authority to approve the work.

Animation projects can involve multiple stakeholders. A marketing manager might oversee the project, while a brand manager, product specialist, legal department, executive, or client may also need to approve different aspects of the finished video.

If everyone is allowed to provide independent creative direction, production can become unnecessarily complicated.

Before production begins, identify:

1. The primary project owner — the person responsible for communicating with the animator.
2. The creative decision-maker — the person who has final authority over visual and storytelling decisions.
3. Subject-matter experts — people responsible for verifying technical or industry-specific information.
4. Legal or compliance reviewers — if the video contains regulated, proprietary, financial, medical, or other sensitive information.
5. The final approver — the person who ultimately signs off on delivery.

Ideally, feedback should be consolidated before it reaches the animator. Instead of sending five separate emails containing contradictory comments, have the internal team agree on one set of notes.

This is particularly important for companies producing animation for clients. If you are an agency hiring an animator on behalf of a client, establish who on the client side has final approval before animation begins.

Ask an Animator to Explain Their Production Workflow

A portfolio shows you what an animator has produced, but it does not necessarily tell you how they work.

Before you hire an animator, ask them to walk you through what will happen after the contract is signed. A professional production workflow should have identifiable stages and approval points rather than simply progressing from “start” to “final video.”

Depending on the project, the process may include:

Creative brief → script → visual direction → storyboard → design → voiceover → animation → sound design → review → final delivery

The exact workflow will vary depending on the project, but the important thing is that you understand when major creative decisions will be made.

For example, it is much less expensive to discover that the visual concept is wrong during the storyboard stage than after an animator has already spent weeks animating the finished scenes.

Ask questions such as:

• What happens after I approve the proposal?
• When will I first see the visual direction?
• At what stage do I approve the storyboard?
• When will animation begin?
• Will I see a rough animation before the final version?
• How are technical issues discovered and corrected?
• When does the project enter final production?
• What happens immediately before delivery?

An animator who can clearly explain the workflow gives you a better understanding of how your project will be managed.

Establish Approval Milestones Before Production Starts

One of the best ways to keep an animation project under control is to establish formal approval milestones.

Rather than reviewing every detail continuously, divide the project into major stages. For example, you might approve the script first, then the storyboard, then the visual design, and finally the animation.

Once a stage is approved, the project moves forward.

This approach has an important advantage: it prevents major creative decisions from changing after they have already been incorporated into subsequent stages.

Imagine that you approve a finished animation and then decide that the entire visual concept should be different. The animator may need to redesign illustrations, rebuild scenes, change transitions, redo animation, and potentially re-record audio.

A milestone-based approval process reduces this risk.

Before hiring an animator, ask what constitutes approval at each stage and how feedback should be submitted. Establishing these expectations in advance can make the project significantly easier to manage.

Discuss Final File Formats and Technical Specifications

Another important consideration when you hire an animator is determining exactly what you will receive at the end of production.

A video may look excellent but still create problems if it is delivered in a format that does not work for your intended distribution channel.

Before production begins, identify where the video will be used and ask the animator what technical specifications are appropriate.

Depending on your project, you may need:

• 1920×1080 HD video
• 4K video
• Vertical video for mobile platforms
• Square video for social media
• Shorter cutdowns for advertisements
• Different aspect ratios for different platforms
• A version without captions
• A version with burned-in captions
• A clean version without text or graphics
• Still images extracted from the animation
• Short animated clips or GIFs
• Different language versions

If you know that the animation will be distributed across several platforms, mention this before production begins. Designing an animation with multiple formats in mind from the beginning is generally easier than trying to convert a finished video afterward.

Plan for Multiple Versions of the Animation

Businesses often discover after completing an animation that they need additional versions.

For example, a company may initially commission a 90-second explainer video and later realize that it needs a 30-second version for paid advertising, a 15-second version for social media, and several short clips for sales presentations.

If you anticipate needing multiple versions, tell the animator before production starts.

This can influence how scenes are designed, how text is presented, how voiceover is recorded, and how animation assets are organized.

You may also want versions aimed at different audiences. A technical product demonstration, for example, might require one version for engineers and another simplified version for prospective customers.

Thinking about repurposing during the initial production stage can make your animation library substantially more useful over time.

Consider Localization Before You Hire an Animator

If your company operates internationally, localization should be considered before animation begins rather than after the final video has already been completed.

Translation can affect considerably more than the voiceover. Different languages may require different amounts of screen space, which can affect typography, captions, layouts, timing, and animation.

For that reason, tell your animator if you expect the video to be translated into other languages.

You may need:

• Multiple voiceover recordings
• Translated on-screen text
• Subtitles
• Re-edited scenes
• Alternative graphics
• Right-to-left language support
• Different versions for regional markets

Designing the animation with localization in mind can make future versions easier and less expensive to produce.

Ask About Accessibility Requirements

Accessibility is another consideration that should be addressed before production.

If an animated video is being used for public-facing communication, education, training, government communication, or corporate communications, you may need to consider how viewers who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have other accessibility needs will experience the content.

Depending on the application, accessibility considerations may include:

• Accurate captions
• Transcripts
• Descriptive audio or audio descriptions
• Readable typography
• Sufficient visual contrast
• Avoiding information that is communicated exclusively through color
• Clear pacing for viewers who need additional time to process information

Ask your animator what accessibility requirements they can support and determine which responsibilities belong to the production team versus your internal team.

Addressing accessibility during pre-production is generally more efficient than attempting to retrofit it after the animation has been completed.

Make Sure the Animation Can Work With Your Brand

Hiring an animator is not simply about finding someone who can make attractive visuals. The finished animation should feel like it belongs to your organization.

If your company has established brand guidelines, provide them before design begins. This may include your logo, color palette, typography, illustration guidelines, photography style, iconography, and examples of existing marketing materials.

You should also explain which brand elements are mandatory and which can be interpreted creatively.

For companies that produce videos regularly, it can be useful to develop a reusable visual system rather than treating every animation as an isolated project.

For example, an animator could establish a consistent approach to characters, icons, transitions, typography, backgrounds, and motion. Future videos can then build upon that system.

This creates greater visual consistency across your marketing materials and can make future production more efficient.

Ask What Happens to Your Project Files

When discussing ownership with an animator, it is worth going beyond the question of who owns the final video.

Ask what project files, source assets, and editable materials are included in the agreement.

For some projects, you may only need the finished video. In other situations, access to editable project files can be valuable if you anticipate creating future versions, changing text, updating product information, or working with another production team later.

Clarify whether the deliverables include:

• Final rendered video files
• Editable animation project files
• Original illustrations
• Character designs
• Audio files
• Voiceover recordings
• Fonts or licensed assets
• Music licenses
• Individual scene exports

Not every project requires every source file, and source files may involve additional costs or licensing restrictions. The important thing is to establish expectations before production begins rather than discovering limitations after delivery.

Evaluate the Animator Based on Problem-Solving Ability

When comparing animators, consider more than artistic ability.

A strong animator should be able to make creative decisions when the original concept does not translate perfectly into animation. They should be able to identify confusing ideas, simplify complicated information, and suggest visual solutions when something is not working.

During the hiring process, pay attention to the questions an animator asks you.

Someone who immediately says “yes” to every idea may not necessarily be the best creative partner. An experienced animator may occasionally challenge an idea because they recognize that a particular approach will be confusing, expensive, visually cluttered, or ineffective.

You want someone who can understand your objective and then determine the best way to achieve it visually.

The most valuable question is not simply, “Can this animator make the kind of animation I want?”

It is:

“Can this animator understand what I’m trying to accomplish and use animation to solve the communication problem?”

Think Beyond the First Video

If animation is going to become an ongoing part of your marketing, communications, training, or sales strategy, consider the first project an opportunity to establish a repeatable production system.

A successful first project can create reusable visual assets, templates, characters, animation conventions, and brand standards that make subsequent videos easier to produce.

For example, a company creating employee training videos could establish a consistent animated character library and visual language that can be reused across an entire training series.

A software company might develop reusable animated interface components, product illustrations, transitions, and motion graphics.

An agency might develop a reliable network of animators and production partners that can support different client projects as they arise.

When you hire an animator with this larger strategy in mind, the value of the relationship extends beyond a single finished video.

How to Measure Whether Your Animation Was Successful

The final animation should not be judged exclusively by whether it looks good.

If the video was created for a business purpose, determine how success will be measured before publishing it.

The appropriate metrics depend on the video’s purpose.

For a marketing video, you might monitor:

• Video views
• Average watch time
• Completion rate
• Click-through rate
• Conversion rate
• Leads generated
• Cost per conversion
• Engagement from different audience segments

For an educational or training animation, useful measures could include:

• Completion rate
• Quiz or assessment performance
• Knowledge retention
• Learner engagement
• Support requests
• Employee performance after training

For a product demonstration, you might evaluate whether the video helps prospects understand the product, increases demo requests, reduces repetitive sales questions, or improves conversions on a landing page.

Establishing these objectives before you hire an animator can influence creative decisions throughout production. The best animation is not necessarily the one with the most elaborate visuals. It is the one that effectively accomplishes the job it was created to do.

A Practical Pre-Hiring Checklist

Before you hire an animator, make sure you can answer the following questions:

• What is the primary purpose of the animation?
• Who is the intended audience?
• What is the single most important message?
• Where will the video be published?
• Approximately how long should it be?
• What brand assets need to be incorporated?
• Who is responsible for approving the project?
• What is the desired launch date?
• Will the animation need multiple versions?
• Will it need to be translated?
• Are there accessibility requirements?
• What video formats and resolutions are required?
• Do you need editable source files?
• Will the animation become part of a larger series?
• How will you determine whether the finished video was successful?

Having these answers prepared will make it easier to compare potential animators and receive accurate proposals. It also gives the animator the information they need to recommend an appropriate creative and production approach.

Ultimately, hiring an animator is not simply a matter of finding someone who can create attractive motion graphics. You are selecting a creative partner to transform information, ideas, products, or stories into a visual communication tool. The more clearly you define the problem, audience, distribution requirements, approval process, and desired outcome, the more likely you are to end up with an animation that provides lasting value.

How to get the most out of your animated video?

Animated videos aren’t cheap to produce. If you’re hiring someone to make one, here are some resources to help ensure your project goes as smooth as possible. Is your animated video being created to help serve a business objective or initiative? These resources will also help you improve the marketing impact of your animation.

– 7 Tips to help you write a great script for your animated video.

– Pick the right visual style for your animated video.

– 6 Tips To Increase Viewer Engagement for your animated video.

– Review the Do’s and Don’ts of Promotional Explainer Videos.

– 7 Tips For Using and Improving Your Businesses’s Video.

– Learn how to interpret your video’s viewer stats to see if it needs improvement.

– A/B Test variations of your animated video to improve its conversion rate.

Final Thoughts: Why Hiring an Animator Is a Smart Investment

The decision to hire an animator isn’t just about creating a cool video—it’s about creating a communication asset that drives engagement, builds authority, and tells your story in a memorable way.

With so many platforms and pricing tiers available, it’s easier than ever to hire an animator who fits your style, budget, and timeline. Whether you choose Video Igniter, a freelance platform, or a boutique animation studio, taking time to find the right animator will pay off in the form of better video performance and stronger brand impact.

Ready to hire an animator? Contact Video Igniter today to get started with your next animation project.

Hire Video Igniter to create your animation

World class design talent at prices small businesses can afford.

We can make any kind of 2D or 3D animated video you can imagine.

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

Do you want to create an animated cryptocurrency video or an animated blockchain explainer video that explains how your technology works? We can help with that too.

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Animator Success Stories & Testimonials

“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

“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 made 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

Get in touch to hire an animator

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video.

Get a quote for your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Check out our animated video portfolio to see our latest and greatest creations.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief, and then we’ll make an animated video for you.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Resources For Hiring An Animator

We recommend these popular articles if you’re still looking for information about hiring animators:

Learn about animated video production.

+160 Free Resources To Help You Create Animated Videos

What is a storyboard? If you want to make an animated video, creating a storyboard is the second step of the animated video production process – right after creating your script.  Without a storyboard, your whole project might fall apart.

What is a storyboard?

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

What is a story board?

So… what is a storyboard? According to dictionary.com, it’s:

“…a panel or panels on which a sequence of sketches depict the significant changes of action and scene in a planned film, as for a movie, television show, or advertisement.”

To put it another way, a storyboard is a blueprint that includes written instructions and visual mockups that explain what is going to happen for each scene of an animated or live action video. It helps keep the production information organized so that the production team knows what they are creating. You can create this document yourself using an application like PowerPoint or Keynote – or, if you don’t want to create the storyboard yourself, animation studios and freelancers are usually willing to help you create a storyboard for your animated video before they move forward with production.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

The purpose of a storyboard is…

It is important to create a storyboard that documents in simple terms: what art do you want the designers to create and how do you want the animators to apply motion to the art?

A storyboard is a working document that explains what to create, how to sync the voice over to the animation, and what animated sequences need to be created. By having all of this information organized together, animators and designers have a clear understanding of what they need to design and how they need to create it so that it works within the animation, without having to constantly ask the producer, “what do we create here?”

If there is ambiguity in your storyboard, illustrators or animators may create the wrong thing. Or, it could delay production while the project manager gets clarification from the client about what they intend to show in a particular scene. It’s best to over explain what you want to show using simple language. If needed, include reference images within your storyboard to help the illustrators and animators better understand the intended vision.

Storyboard Format

So, what does a storyboard include? Each slide of a storyboard is comprised of four parts:

1). Script

Each slide of the storyboard contains one sentence or a part of a sentence that will be heard by the viewer while the current visuals are displayed on screen.

Want to improve your script? Check out this article for tips to help you improve your video script writing.

2). Visual Mockup

This is a rough sketch or a mockup of whatever you want to show during this part of the script. You can create the visual mockup for your storyboard by sketching it on paper, taking a photo with your smartphone and inserting it into your storyboard. You can also use free images and icons you find online to mock up all the scenes for your animated video.

3). Directions

A bullet point list of instructions that explain what motions happen on screen in what order. Simple, clear instructions are best and should be documented in chronological order so that the animator reads it like, “first I do this, then this happens, then this.”

4). Asset List

A list of all the audio and visual assets that need to be created for this scene (i.e. red Android phone, dial tone sound effects, etc).

Deep Dive: Check out this article for additional tips to help you build a great storyboard for an explainer video.

Storyboard Diagram

The diagram below shows examples of what kinds of information should be included on each slide of your storyboard.

Animated Video Storyboard Diagram

Next Steps: Want to learn what happens after you make your storyboard? Check out this article to learn how we use your storyboard to create an animated video.

How to build a storyboard

Check out this article for detailed instructions on how to create your own storyboard.

Download Our Free Storyboard Template

When you hire Video Igniter to make video animations, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars off your animated video production budget if you create the storyboard yourself. You don’t need any artistic ability to create one. All you need to be able to do is brainstorm ideas for the visuals to correspond with each part of your script and then create simple instructions for the illustrators and animators so they understand what you want them to create. Download our free storyboard PDF template here.

What does a storyboard look like for an animated video?

Below are some examples to show you what you scene mockups may look like for your video project. Your sketches/mockups don’t need to look professional, they are just there to provide simple visual context in the instructions. The art team is responsible for taking in all your information and turning it into professional looking custom art for your animated video.

Hand Drawn Example:

Example of what a hand drawn storyboard looks like.

Clip Art / Icon-Based Example:

Example of what an animated video storyboard looks like when you use clip art and stock images to mock up the scenes.

Either format is acceptable

Use free clip art, stock assets, icons and sketches to mock up the visuals for your animated video.

What does the final art look like?

Don’t worry about making your storyboard mockups look professional. It’s our job to turn your mockups into professional looking art. Just focus on providing clear instructions so the illustrators and animators understand what you want them to create.

Your mockup turned into professional animated art.

Example of what a storyboard looks like and the animation that was created from it

Click here to download a PDF example of a full storyboard. Below, you can see the animated video that was created from the storyboard. We recommend skimming through both to get an understanding of how much detail you need to include in your storyboard so that the designers and animators know what to create.

Storyboard Animation Example

What Are Some Other Storyboard Formats?

The storyboard format described above is the ideal format because it keeps the information organized and provides information in a written and visual format. This facilitates a more streamlined design and animation process because the designers and animators have a better idea of what they are supposed to create. That being said, there are other, easier ways to create a document similar to a storyboard that can still do a decent job of explaining your ideas to the production team.

Example 1: Written Storyboard

A written storyboard includes no visuals and relies entirely on visual description. Start by writing a sentence of the script. Then put the next line in [brackets like this] when you describe what is supposed to be happening visually on screen during this part of the script.

Example Of A Written Storyboard For An Animated Explainer Video

Example 2: Written Storyboard V2

Sometimes people will organize their written storyboard into a table to look like this:

Example of a written storyboard formatted into a table

Example 3: Sketched Storyboard

Sometimes people create storyboards by simply sketching out a scene, connecting it with the corresponding part of the script and including a little blurb about the motion design for that scene. In this case, the design and animation teams are heavily relying on detailed sketches that clearly show the details of the scene and how the visuals change from scene to scene. This type of storyboard is only recommended if the artist sketching out the scenes is capable of making sketches that are high quality.

Example of a hand drawn storyboard for an explainer video.

Benefits Of Using Storyboards

Written storyboards can be used to speed up the production process and lower production costs for simple animations. For more complex projects, they’re a requirement because they will simplify production and lower production costs in the long run once we’ve documented all of the visual details that need to be produced by the animators.

Here are the top 3 benefits of creating storyboards for your animated video project:

1). Efficient Planning: Storyboards enable teams to play around and experiment with changes in the storyline before moving the video into production. They also enable production teams to plan camera angles and figure out how scenes will transition from one scene to the next.

2). Visualize The Narrative: Storyboards are a visual representation of the key scenes in your video’s storyline. By documenting each individual scene, we can ensure each scene is will be designed to properly fit into the story.

3). Enhanced Collaboration: Creating a storyboard makes it easier for our team to communicate with your team about what will be shown every scene. It’s the easiest way to ensure we share the same vision for the video and have group consensus locked in before the illustrators and animators get to work. Ultimately, this helps you avoid paying extra for scenes that weren’t designed properly the first time.

Tools To Help You Create A Storyboard

These digital tools come in handy to speed up the creation of your storyboard:

Slides/Keynote/Powerpoint: These popular presentation applications are a fantastic free option you can use to create your storyboard. Download our storyboard template and paste it into your favorite presentation application.

Boords: This paid service makes it easy for you to create and organize your storyboard. Upload images to the service and then type in the script and your notes for the motion design in each scene. Boords also makes it easy for your team to add comments on each slide so we can keep track of revision requests and changes to the storyboard.

AI: If you aren’t sure what kind of visual should go along with part of your script, use AI to suggest ideas.

Taking things a step further, if you don’t have the ability to draw rough sketches for each scene, you can also use AI to generate sketches or mockups of each scene to help visualize what each scene should look like.

Canva: Canva has their own library of storyboard templates you can use to plan and design the storyboard for your next animated video project.

Deep Dive: Check out this companion article for more tips to help you create a storyboard: How To Create a Storyboard For an Animated Video.

Common Storyboarding Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Creating an effective storyboard is a crucial step in producing a successful animated video. However, even experienced artists and animators can fall into common pitfalls that can lead to confusion, inefficiencies, or a lackluster final product. Below, we’ll explore some of the most frequent storyboarding mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Overcomplicating the Frames

One of the biggest mistakes in storyboarding is adding excessive detail to each frame. While it’s tempting to create highly intricate sketches, the primary purpose of a storyboard is to communicate the flow of the video, not to showcase fully rendered illustrations. Overly detailed frames can clutter the visual message and slow down the production process.

How to Avoid It: Keep your sketches simple and focused on key elements, such as character placement, primary actions, and scene composition. Stick to clear, readable compositions that help the team understand the shot without unnecessary distractions.

2. Lack of Continuity

Inconsistent character positioning, improper framing, and disjointed transitions can disrupt the flow of a storyboard. When continuity mistakes go unnoticed, they can lead to confusion during animation and require costly revisions later in production.

How to Avoid It: Review each frame carefully to ensure consistency in character positioning, proportions, and background elements. Use reference guides for character placement and maintain a logical flow between scenes. Consider flipping back and forth between frames to check for continuity errors.

3. Ignoring Camera Movement

Storyboards should clearly communicate how the camera moves throughout a scene. Even though animated videos are made without camera’s, it’s still important to think through every way the viewer will see things moving through each scene.  Failing to indicate pans, zooms, tilts, or tracking shots can lead to misinterpretations, resulting in static or awkwardly framed animations.

How to Avoid It: Use arrows and notes to indicate camera movements like zooming in, panning across a scene, or shifting focus. If necessary, create an animatic—a rough animated version of the storyboard—to visualize how the camera movements will enhance the storytelling.

4. Skipping the Planning Phase

Jumping straight into storyboarding without a well-thought-out concept can lead to disorganized scenes, unclear storytelling, and wasted effort. Without proper planning, you may find yourself revising large portions of the storyboard later, delaying the entire project.

How to Avoid It: Before sketching, outline the key beats of your story, define character actions, and establish the overall tone. Having a script or shot list in place can help guide the storyboarding process and reduce unnecessary revisions.

5. Not Considering the Audience

A storyboard is more than just a visual plan—it’s a tool for communicating a story effectively to a specific audience. If the visual style, pacing, or framing doesn’t align with the target viewers’ expectations, the final animation may miss the mark.

How to Avoid It: Keep your audience in mind when designing your storyboard. Consider factors like age group, cultural background, and viewing preferences. For example, if the video is meant for young children, use bright, clear visuals with exaggerated expressions and actions to maintain engagement.

When Should You Create a Storyboard?

One of the most common questions people ask after learning what a storyboard is concerns when they should create one.

The answer is simple: a storyboard should be created immediately after the script is approved and before any artwork or animation begins.

The production process for most animated videos follows this order:

1. Creative Brief
2. Script Writing
3. Storyboard Creation
4. Voiceover Recording
5. Illustration & Design
6. Animation
7. Sound Design
8. Final Delivery

Creating a storyboard before design and animation saves time, money, and frustration because it allows everyone involved in the project to review the visual direction before significant production resources are invested.

Imagine spending weeks designing custom illustrations only to discover that the visual concept doesn’t communicate the message effectively. With a storyboard, these issues can be identified and corrected early when revisions are inexpensive.

For this reason, professional animation studios, advertising agencies, film studios, and video production companies almost always require storyboard approval before moving into production.

Who Creates a Storyboard?

Depending on the project, several different people may be responsible for creating a storyboard.

Marketing Teams

For marketing videos, members of the marketing department often create an initial storyboard to communicate their vision to a production company.

Creative Directors

Creative directors frequently develop storyboards to ensure the visual style and storytelling align with the overall campaign objectives.

Storyboard Artists

Large productions often hire specialized storyboard artists whose entire job is to translate scripts into visual sequences.

Producers

Video producers commonly create rough storyboards to communicate ideas to designers, illustrators, animators, and clients.

Business Owners

For smaller projects, business owners may create simple storyboards themselves using sketches, screenshots, icons, or stock imagery.

The important thing to remember is that storyboards do not need to be artistic masterpieces. Their primary purpose is communication. Even simple stick figures can effectively communicate an idea when accompanied by clear instructions.

How Detailed Should a Storyboard Be?

Many people worry that their storyboard isn’t detailed enough.

In reality, the level of detail depends on the complexity of the project.

Simple Storyboards

Simple storyboards may include:

• A script
• Rough visual concepts
• Basic motion directions
• Simple scene transitions

These are often sufficient for straightforward explainer videos, social media ads, and internal training videos.

Detailed Storyboards

Complex productions may require:

• Camera angles
• Character expressions
• Background designs
• Transition notes
• Animation timing
• Visual effects
• Asset references
• Audio cues

The more complicated the project becomes, the more detailed the storyboard should be.

A useful rule of thumb is this:

If an animator or designer could misunderstand your instructions, add more detail.

Storyboard vs. Animatic: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms storyboard and animatic interchangeably, but they are actually different production assets.

Storyboard

A storyboard is a collection of static images that illustrate what will happen in each scene.

Storyboards help teams:

• Plan visuals
• Organize ideas
• Review concepts
• Obtain stakeholder approval

Animatic

An animatic is a rough video created using storyboard frames.

The storyboard images are arranged in sequence and timed to match the voiceover or soundtrack.

Animatics help teams:

• Review pacing
• Evaluate scene timing
• Test transitions
• Identify storytelling problems

Think of it this way:

A storyboard is a blueprint. An animatic is a rough prototype.

Many professional animation studios create animatics after the storyboard is approved and before full animation production begins.

Types of Projects That Use Storyboards

While storyboards are commonly associated with animation, they are used in many different industries.

Animated Videos

Animated explainers, commercials, product demos, educational content, and motion graphics projects all benefit from storyboarding.

Live-Action Videos

Film directors and cinematographers use storyboards to plan:

• Camera angles
• Shot composition
• Scene transitions
• Special effects

Television Commercials

Advertising agencies often create detailed storyboards to secure client approval before filming begins.

Video Games

Game developers use storyboards to visualize cut scenes, character interactions, and cinematic sequences.

E-Learning Content

Instructional designers frequently use storyboards to organize educational content before producing training materials.

Mobile Apps & Software

Product teams may use storyboard-style planning documents to map user experiences, onboarding flows, and software demonstrations.

How Long Does It Take to Create a Storyboard?

The amount of time required to create a storyboard depends on the length and complexity of the project.

Here are some general estimates:

The goal should not be speed.

A well-planned storyboard can prevent dozens of hours of revisions later in production.

Many production teams find that spending an extra day refining a storyboard can save weeks of rework during animation.

Can AI Create Storyboards?

Artificial intelligence has dramatically changed how storyboards are created.

Today, AI tools can help users:

• Generate scene concepts
• Create rough sketches
• Brainstorm visual metaphors
• Produce reference images
• Explore different creative directions

AI can be especially helpful when you’re struggling to visualize a particular section of your script.

However, AI-generated storyboards still require human review.

AI may generate visuals that look impressive but fail to communicate the intended message, maintain continuity, or align with a brand’s style guidelines.

The most effective workflow combines AI-assisted ideation with human creative direction and review.

Frequently Asked Questions About Storyboards

Do I need artistic skills to create a storyboard?

No. Stick figures, screenshots, stock images, icons, and simple sketches are usually sufficient. The goal is communication, not artistic perfection.

Can a storyboard change during production?

Yes. Storyboards are working documents and may evolve as new ideas emerge or stakeholder feedback is received.

Is a storyboard required for every video?

Not necessarily. Very simple videos may be produced without one. However, most professional productions benefit from storyboarding because it reduces misunderstandings and production risk.

How many storyboard frames do I need?

There is no fixed number. Some projects require only a few frames while others may contain dozens or even hundreds. Include enough frames to clearly explain the visual progression of the story.

Why do animation studios require storyboard approval?

Storyboard approval helps ensure everyone agrees on the creative direction before design and animation work begins. This significantly reduces costly revisions later in the production process.

What is Video Igniter?

Video Igniter provides animated video production services online. We’ve modernized the experience of creating an animated video to help you create custom content fast. Our production process also helps you save money on your production costs.  We do 99% of the work for you. All you need to do is:

1). Tell us what you want us to create

2). Review the assets we create for your video (script, storyboard, voiceover, soundtrack, art and animation).

If you’re looking for a website to create an animated video online, Video Igniter’s custom animated video production service enables you to work with our animation team 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 video animator for the job. We handle all the technical and creative aspects of production – including helping you develop your script and storyboard (if you haven’t already created them yourself!)

Interested in learning more about the production process? Check out our walkthrough guide: “How To Make A Video Animation.”

Outsource Your Storyboard Creation & Animation to Video Igniter

– +20 reasons companies love outsourcing their animation projects to Video Igniter.

– You can use Video Igniter to outsource the production of any kind of 2D or 3D animated video you can imagine.

– Check out our portfolio!

– World class design talent at prices small businesses can afford.

Animation Demo Reel

Success Stories & Testimonials

“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

“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 made 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

Get in touch

Schedule a call to discuss creating a storyboard and an animated video for your company.

Get a quote for your animated video.

Check out our animated video portfolio.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief, and then we’ll make your animated video for you.

This explainer video guide will teach you how to write an animated video script that will help you increase sales and grow your business.

When you start making an animated explainer video, it is important to take the time to write a strong script for your video because it is the framework from which your animated video will be created. Everything from the voiceover to the visual style will be informed by the decisions that are made during the script writing process. This explainer video guide will teach you Video Igniter’s tips, tricks and best practices for writing a script that will help deliver results for your sales and marketing.

If you have a question about animated video scripts 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:

Before you start writing your animated video script…

Before you even begin formulating the concept for your video script, here are a few points we ask our clients to think through (and preferably write down!):

1). What is the goal for this video?
2). Who is this video for?
3). What is the core message you want to convey? Or what is the process to get to success?
4). Why should people care?

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

1). What is the goal for this video?

Start by being concrete about what action you want people to take when they’ve finished watching your video. Do you want them to sign up for a free account? Should they contact you for more information? Or download your app? Whatever that thing is you want your audience to do to move one step down the funnel towards a relationship with your company, be concrete about what that goal is and then use the whole video to illustrate why it’s in the best interest of your target audience to do that thing.

2). Who is this video for?

Being specific about who your target audience is very helpful because it informs what you say and how you should say it. If everyone is your target audience, you’re going to have a more challenging time creating a compelling message that applies to everyone. On the other hand, the more you can connect with the way your target audience talks, the more effective your video will be.

We’ve created hundreds of animated explainer videos for tech companies and we always want to know whether or not we’re creating a video for a ‘technical’ audience. If it is a technical audience, we’ll spend more time illustrating the process and the details for how a new system works. If the audience for that tech product/service is going to be purchased by someone who is less technologically savvy, then we’ll ease off the technical mumbo-jumbo and focus more on the value and benefits the service will bring about if it gets implemented.


Knowing who your specific audience is enables you to make informed decisions during the writing process because you’re able to speak directly to what resonates with them. If your company sells in multiple industries, you should consider creating different versions of your explainer video that specifically illustrate the ways you serve the problems of each industry.

3). What is the core message that should be conveyed in your animated video’s script?

It sounds obvious that you should know what you want to say in your video – after all, it is about your company/product/service. But if you don’t take the time to consider what’s really important to say in your video, there’s going to be a temptation to want to cram in as many details as possible – and that is going to clutter and distract from the parts of your message that are important.

Before you start writing your script, be specific about what key talking points need to be conveyed in the video so that you can prioritize those messages when drafting your script. In fact, we recommend you actually write them down and not keep them in your head so that you can see what key details you actually committed to before you started writing your video script.

How many words are in a 60 second script? The target is 150 words for a video that’s 1 minute long (meaning every word counts!) Focus the story of your script around these main points (2-3 are good for a 1 minute video). Anything that doesn’t support the narrative around these main talking points should be cut out so that you don’t detract from the main purpose of the video.

Aim for 125-150 when writing the script for a 60-second video.

4). Why should people care?

So far, it’s all been about me in this creative exercise: how do I benefit. As you go through the script writing process, everything must be written from the perspective of your target audience – speak directly to what matters to them. You can make a good video that talks about how awesome you are, but your video will be more effective if you focus on your audience’s problems and how you can solve them to make their lives better.

Animated Video Script Structure

Now that you’ve documented the key details, here is how you should structure and organize your explainer video outline:

1). What is the problem
2). What is the solution
3). How does it help / what is the process to get success?
4). What should interested people do next?

Script Writing Time

When you’re ready to write your explainer video script, don’t worry about getting it right the first time. Just follow this video script template, get your ideas on paper and come back later to refine them and make them more cohesive.

1). Introduce the problem

What is a real problem or pain point that your target audience experiences and how can you creatively illustrate that idea in a way that uniquely resonates with them? A lot of explainer video scripts start with the words, “Meet Bob…” and then go on to talk about how Bob works in <insert corporate department here> within a big company and he has this problem. This explainer video structure works because it’s simple and straightforward, but you have a bigger opportunity to connect with your target audience if you can create a unique visual scenario to illustrate their problem.

What problem does your target audience experience?

While you are writing the script for the introduction, think about how you can tell a visual story or create a visual metaphor that illustrates the nature of the problem your audience experiences, rather than just saying, “Bob hates importing contacts into his CRM.”

For a 60 second explainer video, introducing the problem typically takes about 10 seconds or roughly 25 words.

2). Introduce the solution (your product or service)

Here’s the moment where your company/product/service gets to shine – but don’t come on too strong like you’re an advertisement. Your product or service gets introduced to the scenario from the introduction and is presented as a solution to improve the status quo. When your product/service gets introduced, magic happens and your target audience gets the first clue that the big pain in their life or their job can be remedied.

Introduce the solution in your animated video script.

For a 60 second explainer video, the introduction of the solution typically lasts 10 seconds or about 25 words.

3). How does it help / what is the process to get to success?

Remember when I said to be clear about what your main talking points are? Well this is the area to bring those details into your explainer video script. It’s now your job to paint a picture of how your solution improves the scenario through it’s unique value and benefits. Many companies say their product/service can “Save you time and money” – instead, you should use animation as a unique way to show a visual story about the way your product/service enables someone to save time and money.

Your animated video script should show how you are going to help save time and money for your clients.

Time-pending, we recommend you use this part of the video script to talk about your top 3 talking points. Don’t just tell people, show them 3 ways you make their life better. You get about 10 seconds for each talking point. In some cases, particularly for videos about tech products with a tech-savvy target audience, it makes more sense to spend this part of the video explaining the exact process that helps the target audience accomplish something new – how do they get from where they were to where they could be.

For a 60 second explainer video, the main section of your video typically lasts 30 seconds or about 75 words.

4). What should interested people do next?

Examples of popular CTAs for your explainer video.

Here’s where you take it all home. Summarize how life can be better for your target audience and how they take the first step to making that part of their life. Typical CTAs include signing up for a free account, contacting a sales rep, and downloading an app.

For a 60 second explainer video, the CTA section typically lasts 10 seconds or about 25 words.

This is a tried and true animated video script template for crafting a narrative that gets people interested in learning more about your product/service/organization. For more tips and tricks to revise and improve your script, check out our article called: Supercharge Your Animated Video Script Writing.

Animated Video Script Examples

Want to see examples of animated video scripts and the videos they were turned into? Check out this guide to learn all about animated explainer video scripts and how to write explainer video scripts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Animated Video Script

Even with a strong structure, many businesses make common mistakes that weaken their animated video script. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your video is clear, engaging, and results-driven:

Being Too Vague: A compelling animated video script should focus on specific benefits, not just general statements. Instead of saying, “Our software makes work easier,” explain exactly how it saves time or streamlines processes.

Overloading with Information: Your audience doesn’t need every detail—stick to 2-3 key points in your animated video script to keep it focused.

Ignoring Storytelling: A successful animated video script should tell a story, not just list features. Weave a relatable problem, solution, and transformation into your video.

Lack of a Clear Call to Action: Your animated video script should end with a strong CTA, guiding viewers on what to do next—whether it’s signing up, requesting a demo, or visiting your website.

How to Make Your Animated Video Script More Engaging

An effective animated video script captures attention and keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

Use Conversational Language: Your animated video script should feel like a natural conversation with your audience—avoid jargon and overly complex language.

Incorporate Humor or Emotion: People remember videos that make them feel something. Adding humor or a heartfelt story to your animated video script can make it more memorable.

Add a Hook in the First 5 Seconds: The first few seconds of your animated video script are crucial. Start with a question, an interesting fact, or a relatable problem to keep viewers watching.

Use a Unique Perspective: Your animated video script should differentiate your message from competitors. A fresh angle—such as a creative character-driven story—can make your video more compelling.

Deep Dive: For more tips to make your animated videos script more engaging, read our companion article about “How To Improve Your Animated Video Script Writing.”

Choosing the Right Voiceover Style for Your Animated Video Script

The voiceover brings your animated video script to life. Choosing the right voice ensures your message resonates with your target audience. Consider these factors:

Casual vs. Formal Tone: A casual tone in your animated video script may work well for startups or lifestyle brands, while a formal tone is better suited for finance or legal industries.

Energetic vs. Calm Delivery: The tone of your animated video script should match your product and audience. An upbeat, high-energy voice may be great for tech startups, while a calm, reassuring tone works for healthcare or insurance videos.

Male vs. Female Voiceover: Both can be effective, but it’s worth A/B testing different voiceovers to see what resonates best with your audience. Choose a voice that complements your animated video script and brand identity.

Visual Storytelling: How to Align Animation with Your Animated Video Script

Your animated video script should seamlessly translate into visuals. Here’s a few tips to ensure your script is animation-friendly:

Write with Visuals in Mind: As you draft your animated video script, consider how each scene will be visually represented. Animation allows for creative storytelling, so leverage it!

Use Metaphors and Analogies: An animated video script can simplify complex concepts using visual metaphors. For example, showing a rocket launch to symbolize business growth.

Ensure Pacing Matches the Script: Each line of your animated video script should align with smooth transitions and animations. A well-paced video ensures that viewers absorb the key message without feeling rushed.

How to Format an Animated Video Script

Knowing what to say is only half the process of writing an effective animated video script. You also need to organize the script in a format that makes it easy for a voiceover artist, storyboard artist, animator, and client to understand exactly what should happen in each scene.

A professional animated video script usually contains more than just narration. At minimum, each section should identify:

• Scene number: Helps everyone on the production team keep track of the video.
• Voiceover: The exact words the narrator or character will say.
• Visual direction: A description of what the audience should see while the voiceover is being delivered.
• On-screen text: Any headlines, statistics, labels, captions, or other text that appears on screen.
• Sound effects or music: Optional notes about important audio cues.
• Timing: An estimate of how many seconds the scene should occupy.

For example, an animated video script could be formatted like this:

Scene 1 — The Problem | 0:00–0:08

Voiceover:
“Managing customer data shouldn’t require your team to spend hours jumping between spreadsheets.”

Visual:
Show an overwhelmed employee surrounded by spreadsheets and browser windows. The screens begin multiplying until the character can barely see over them.

On-screen text:
“Too much data. Too many spreadsheets.”

Sound:
Fast-paced typing and notification sounds.

This format gives the animation team something much more useful than a paragraph of marketing copy. It establishes the relationship between the words and the visuals before production begins.

Why You Should Write the Visuals Into Your Animated Video Script

One of the most common mistakes when writing an animated video script is treating the script like a piece of website copy.

A website can explain something with several paragraphs of text. An animated video has a limited amount of time and can communicate information through movement, characters, graphics, diagrams, transitions, and visual metaphors.

That means you should ask a simple question about every major sentence:

“What will the audience see while they hear this?”

If you cannot think of an interesting visual for a sentence, the sentence may need to be rewritten.

For example, consider this line:

“Our platform provides businesses with a comprehensive solution for improving operational efficiency.”

It sounds professional, but it gives an animator very little to work with.

A more visual version might be:

“Instead of switching between five different tools, your team can manage everything from one place.”

Now the animator has an obvious opportunity: show a character switching between multiple applications before bringing everything together inside a single platform.

The second version is easier to understand, easier to visualize, and more natural to hear in a voiceover.

Write an Animated Video Script for the Ear, Not the Page

A video script is meant to be heard.

This sounds obvious, but many scripts are written as though they are intended to be read silently. That can result in long sentences, complicated terminology, awkward transitions, and language that sounds unnatural when spoken aloud.

After writing your first draft, read the entire animated video script out loud.

If you find yourself running out of breath, stumbling over a sentence, or wanting to rephrase something while speaking, that’s a good indication that the script needs editing.

Use shorter sentences. Choose familiar words. Remove unnecessary qualifiers. Write the way an intelligent person would actually speak to another person.

For example:

Written-style version:
“Our innovative platform enables organizations to efficiently streamline their workflow management processes while simultaneously improving collaboration between team members.”

Voiceover-friendly version:
“Our platform helps your team manage workflows, stay organized, and work better together.”

The second version contains less information, but it communicates the idea faster and is considerably easier to listen to.

Avoid Writing One Sentence Per Animation

Your animated video script should not attempt to describe every movement an animator will make.

You do not need to write:

“Character raises right hand, moves hand toward computer, clicks button, computer screen changes, character smiles, camera zooms into screen…”

That level of direction can unnecessarily restrict the animator and make the script difficult to read.

Instead, describe the intended visual idea:

“Show the character using the platform to complete the task. The interface becomes simpler as unnecessary steps disappear.”

This gives the creative team enough information to understand the concept while leaving room for them to determine the best way to animate it.

How to Write a Strong Hook for an Animated Video

The opening of your animated video script has an important job: give viewers a reason to continue watching.

Your hook does not necessarily need to be shocking or humorous. It simply needs to establish relevance quickly.

Some effective approaches include:

Start With a Problem

“Still spending hours every week manually entering customer data?”

This works because it immediately identifies a problem experienced by the intended audience.

Start With a Question

“What would your team accomplish if you got five extra hours every week?”

A question can encourage viewers to mentally participate in the story.

Start With an Unexpected Statement

“Most companies aren’t losing customers because their products are bad.”

This creates curiosity because the viewer wants to know what the actual problem is.

Start With a Visual Situation

Animation gives you an advantage that live-action video does not always have: you can immediately create an exaggerated visual scenario.

For example, instead of beginning with:

“Managing projects can be difficult.”

You could show a project manager attempting to keep dozens of spinning plates in the air while notifications, emails, spreadsheets, and deadlines pile up around them.

The voiceover can then say:

“Keeping a project on track shouldn’t feel like a circus act.”

The visual and verbal hooks reinforce each other.

Add Proof to Your Animated Video Script

Many explainer videos explain the problem and introduce a solution but never answer the viewer’s next question:

“Why should I believe you?”

Adding proof can make an animated video script more persuasive.

Depending on your business, proof could include:

• A customer result
• A statistic
• A testimonial
• The number of customers served
• Years of experience
• A recognizable customer or partner
• A before-and-after comparison
• A specific performance improvement
• An industry certification
• A demonstration of the product itself

For example, instead of saying:

“Our software saves businesses time.”

Consider:

“Teams using our platform have cut their weekly reporting time from five hours to less than one.”

The second statement is more specific and gives the audience something concrete to remember.

Be careful not to add statistics simply because statistics sound impressive. Every claim in your script should be accurate and supportable. A specific, credible result is more useful than a vague collection of impressive-sounding numbers.

Use Benefits Instead of Listing Features

A feature tells the viewer what your product does. A benefit explains why the viewer should care.

For example:

Feature:
“Automated reporting.”

Benefit:
“Get your weekly report without spending Friday afternoon building it.”

The benefit is more relatable because it connects the product to a real-world outcome.

A useful way to develop your animated video script is to create a simple feature-to-benefit table before writing:

This exercise can help you determine which features actually deserve space in a short animated video.

The “One Video, One Main Idea” Rule

One of the hardest decisions in animated video script writing is deciding what not to include.

A company may have dozens of features, several target audiences, multiple differentiators, and years of history it wants to communicate. A 60- or 90-second video cannot effectively explain all of them.

Instead, identify the single idea you want viewers to remember after the video ends.

For example:

Too broad:
“Our platform helps businesses manage sales, marketing, customer service, accounting, projects, analytics, and communication.”

More focused:
“Your sales team can finally see every customer interaction in one place.”

The second message gives the video a clear purpose.

If you have several important messages, consider creating a series of shorter animated videos rather than forcing everything into one script. One video could explain the product at a high level, while additional videos could demonstrate individual features, answer common questions, or address specific industries.

How to Revise an Animated Video Script

The first draft should rarely be the final draft.

After completing your animated video script, perform several separate editing passes instead of trying to fix everything at once.

Pass 1: Message

Ask:

Can I summarize the entire video in one sentence?

If you cannot, the script may be trying to accomplish too much.

Pass 2: Audience

Look at every section from the perspective of the viewer.

Does the script explain why the problem matters to them? Are you using terminology they understand? Are you spending more time talking about your company than solving their problem?

Pass 3: Length

Calculate the approximate word count and compare it with your intended video length.

Do not simply cram more words into the available time. If the script is too long, remove information that is less important rather than asking the narrator to speak unnaturally fast.

Pass 4: Visuals

Read the voiceover one sentence at a time and ask:

“What can we show instead of simply saying this?”

Look for opportunities to replace abstract statements with characters, demonstrations, diagrams, visual metaphors, comparisons, or motion graphics.

Pass 5: Voiceover

Read the script aloud.

Listen for awkward phrases, repetitive words, overly long sentences, and transitions that sound unnatural.

Pass 6: Call to Action

Finally, make sure the viewer knows exactly what to do next.

A CTA such as “Learn more” can work, but a more specific action is often clearer:

“Book a free demo.”

“Start your free trial.”

“Download the guide.”

“Contact our team for a quote.”

The CTA should be appropriate for where the viewer is in the buying process.

Can AI Help You Write an Animated Video Script?

AI can be useful during the animated video script writing process, particularly for brainstorming ideas, creating initial outlines, identifying repetitive language, and generating alternative ways to communicate a concept.

However, an AI-generated first draft should not automatically become the final script.

AI tends to produce generic marketing language when it is given generic information. Phrases such as “revolutionize your business,” “unlock your potential,” and “streamline your workflow” may sound polished, but they do not necessarily give viewers a specific reason to care.

A better workflow is to use AI as a writing assistant rather than as a replacement for creative strategy:

1. Define the audience and goal yourself.
2. Gather the product information, customer pain points, and proof points.
3. Create the core message.
4. Use AI to brainstorm hooks, structures, or alternative phrasing.
5. Rewrite the strongest ideas using your company’s actual voice and experience.
6. Fact-check every specific claim.
7. Read the finished script aloud.
8. Review the script with someone who understands the target audience.
9. Finalize the script before beginning animation.

The goal should not be to produce the most AI-sounding script. It should be to produce a script that contains useful information, specific examples, and a perspective that could not have been produced by simply combining generic information from dozens of other websites.

Animated Video Script Checklist

Before approving your script, use this checklist:

• Does the video have one clearly defined goal?
• Is the target audience specific?
• Is the main problem introduced quickly?
• Does the opening create curiosity or relevance?
• Is the solution clearly connected to the problem?
• Are benefits prioritized over features?
• Are the most important claims supported by specific evidence?
• Can every major voiceover point be represented visually?
• Is the language natural when spoken aloud?
• Is unnecessary jargon removed?
• Does the script fit the intended runtime?
• Is there a logical beginning, middle, and end?
• Does the ending reinforce the main benefit?
• Does the viewer have a clear next step?
• Has the script been reviewed from the audience’s perspective?

If you can answer “yes” to most of these questions, your animated video script is in a much stronger position to move into storyboarding and production.

A Simple Animated Video Script Template

If you need a starting point, use this basic template:

HOOK — 0:00–0:05
Introduce an interesting question, problem, statement, or visual situation.

PROBLEM — 0:05–0:15
Explain the specific problem your target audience experiences.

SOLUTION — 0:15–0:30
Introduce your product, service, organization, or idea as the solution.

BENEFITS — 0:30–0:50
Show the two or three most important ways the solution improves the viewer’s situation.

PROOF — 0:50–0:55
Provide a compelling result, statistic, testimonial, customer example, or other evidence when appropriate.

CALL TO ACTION — 0:55–1:00
Tell the viewer exactly what they should do next.

This structure is not a rule that every animated video must follow. Some videos work better as character-driven stories, product demonstrations, educational narratives, case studies, or visual metaphors. The best structure is ultimately the one that communicates the message clearly to the intended audience.

The important thing is to treat the animated video script as more than narration. It is the blueprint for the story, visuals, pacing, and audience experience. When the script is strategically focused and written with animation in mind, the production team has a much stronger foundation for creating a video that is clear, memorable, and persuasive.

How to Optimize Your Animated Video Script for Different Video Lengths

The length of your animated video script depends on your marketing goals. Here’s how to structure your script for maximum impact:

30-Second Videos: Best for quick, high-impact brand awareness. Your animated video script should focus on a single message or value proposition.

60-Second Videos: The sweet spot for most animated video scripts. This length allows enough time to introduce a problem, present your solution, and include a CTA.

90+ Second Videos: If your product or service requires a detailed explanation, a longer animated video script may be needed. However, keep it engaging and ensure the pacing keeps viewers interested. If you have multiple key messages to convey, consider breaking up your video into multiple videos.

Wrap Up

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about writing your script or if you want to speak with us about having one of our writers develop your script for you.

This video provides additional tips about how to write your script and shows how to get production started on your video once your script is ready.

To connect with us about improving your script or having our writers help you create your explainer video script, write to: Start@VideoIgniter.com.

Hire Video Igniter to Write Your Script & Create Your Animated Video

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