Are you looking for an animated explainer video maker to help you create a custom animated video? If so, you’re in the right place!

Animated explainer videos have become an essential tool for B2B marketers to communicate their brand message, product features, and services in an engaging and effective way. With the rise of video marketing, animated explainer video makers have become an increasingly popular choice among businesses to create high-quality videos quickly and easily. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about animated explainer video makers, including their benefits, how much they cost, and the best tools to use.

Examples of Animated Explainer Videos That Video Igniter Can Make For You

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 demo reels and price sheet.

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.

What is an animated explainer video maker?

An animated explainer video maker is a tool that enables you to create animated videos using pre-built templates, characters, and backgrounds. With an animated explainer video maker, you can create professional-looking videos that explain your product or service, showcase your brand, and convey your message to your target audience. These tools are designed to be user-friendly and require no prior experience in animation or video production.

What are the best animated explainer video makers?

There are several animated explainer video makers available in the market. Here are some of the best tools that you can use to create your own animated explainer videos:

1. Powtoon is a popular animated explainer video maker that offers a wide range of templates, characters, and backgrounds. With Powtoon, you can create explainer videos, product demos, and marketing videos quickly and easily.

2. Wideo is a powerful animated explainer video maker that enables you to create professional-looking videos using pre-built templates, characters, and backgrounds.

3. Animaker is a cloud-based animated explainer video maker that offers a wide range of features, including pre-built templates, characters, and backgrounds. With Animaker, you can create videos in different styles, including live action videos, 2D animation, and kinetic typography animation.

4. Video Igniter is a done-for-you animated video production service. Describe the video you want and Video Igniter’s team of professional animators creates a custom animated video for you. You don’t need to have any video experience. Just provide feedback when Video Igniter shares parts of your video; Video Igniter does the rest of the work for you.

Pros and Cons of Using an Animated Explainer Video Maker

Using an animated explainer video maker comes with several benefits and drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons you should consider before using an animated explainer video maker:

Pros:

• Quick and easy: With an animated explainer video maker, you can create professional-looking videos quickly and easily without any prior experience in animation or video production.
• Cost-effective: Animated explainer video makers are more cost-effective than hiring a professional animator or video production company.
• Customizable: Most animated explainer video makers offer a wide range of templates, characters, and backgrounds that you can modify to fit the visual style of your brand.

Cons:

• Limited customization: While most animated explainer video makers offer a wide range of templates, characters, and backgrounds, your video may end up looking similar to other videos created with the same tool. Since everyone is using the same sets of pre-created characters, know that other companies are also featuring that same character in their company branded videos.
• Lack of control: When you use an animated explainer video maker, you have limited control over what you can and can’t animate, which can result in a video that doesn’t fully meet your expectations.
• Learning curve: While animated explainer video makers are designed to be user-friendly, there is still a learning curve involved. Expect it to take you a few days to figure out how to make your first video.

What does it cost to use an animated explainer video maker?

The cost of using an animated video maker depends on the tool you choose and the features you need. Most animated explainer video makers offer subscription plans that range from basic to premium. Here are some of the popular animated explainer video makers and their pricing (as of June 2023):

• Powtoon offers subscription plans that range from $15 to $190 per month.
• Wideo offers subscription plans that range from $0 to $199 per month.
• Animaker offers subscription plans that range from $19 to $79 per month.
• Video Igniter charges based on the length of content we produce for you. Current price sheet here.

How do you use an animated explainer video maker?

Using an animated explainer video maker is a simple process that involves the following steps:

Choose a template

Most animated explainer video makers offer a wide range of templates that you can choose from. Choose a template that best fits your brand and message.

Customize your video

Once you have chosen a template, you can customize it by adding text, images, and other elements to the video.

Choose characters

Most animated explainer video makers offer a wide range of characters that you can choose from. Choose characters that best fit your brand and message.

Add a voiceover, music and sound effects

You can add a voiceover, music and sound effects to your video to make it more engaging and entertaining.

Preview and publish

Once you have customized your video, preview it to make sure everything looks good. Once you are satisfied with your video, publish it to your website, social media channels, or other marketing channels.

How do you make a custom animated explainer video?

If you want to create a custom animated video that stands out from the crowd, you can hire a professional animator or a video production company. Here are some steps involved in creating a custom animated video:

Develop a script

The first step in creating a custom animated video is to develop a script that outlines your brand message and the key points you want to convey in your video.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

Create storyboards

Once you have a script, you can create storyboards that outline the visual elements of your video. Storyboards are a series of sketches that show the action and movement in each scene of your video.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

Choose a style

There are several styles of animation, including 2D animation, 3D animation, whiteboard animation, and stop-motion animation. Choose a style that best fits your brand and message.

Create the illustrations

Once you have your script, storyboards, and style, you can start creating the illustrations for your animation. This process involves creating the characters, backgrounds, and other visual elements of your video. Our team will create all the art and give you a chance to review it before approving it for production.

Animate

After everything is approved, it’s time for us to animate and create the first draft of your explainer video.

Add music and sound effects

Once the first draft of the animation is complete, we’ll add music and sound effects to make it more engaging and entertaining.

Preview and publish

Now that you have the complete first draft of your custom animated video, preview it to make sure everything looks good. If there are any revisions requests, send them over to our team and we’ll make the edits. Once you are satisfied with your video, syndicate your video online: publish it to your website, social media channels, and other marketing channels.

How To Choose The Right Animated Explainer Video Maker For Your Business

Not all animated explainer video makers are created equal. While many tools promise fast, affordable results, the right choice depends on your goals, timeline, and the level of quality your brand requires.

At a high level, there are three main options:

• DIY animated explainer video maker tools (template-based platforms)
• Freelancers or small creative teams
• Full-service animation studios

DIY tools are great for speed and affordability—but they often rely on pre-made templates, limited character options, and generic visuals. This can make your video feel similar to others in your industry.

Freelancers offer more customization, but quality and reliability can vary widely depending on experience and availability.

Full-service animation studios (like Video Igniter) provide the highest level of customization, creative direction, and production quality—especially if your goal is to stand out, increase conversions, or explain something complex.

If your brand positioning matters—or if your product is nuanced—it’s often worth investing in a custom animated explainer video instead of relying solely on a basic video maker.

What Makes A High-Converting Animated Explainer Video?

An animated explainer video maker is just a tool. What really drives results is how the video is crafted.

High-performing explainer videos typically include:

1. A Strong Hook (First 5–10 Seconds)

Your video needs to immediately capture attention. This could be:

• A bold statement
• A relatable problem
• A surprising statistic

Without a strong opening, viewers are likely to drop off early—especially on social media or landing pages.

2. Clear Problem → Solution Structure

The most effective explainer videos follow a simple storytelling framework:

• Identify the problem
• Agitate the pain point
• Introduce your solution
• Show how it works
• End with a clear call to action

This structure helps viewers quickly understand why your product matters.

3. Visual Clarity Over Complexity

Animation gives you unlimited creative freedom—but more isn’t always better.

Simple, focused visuals that reinforce the narration outperform cluttered scenes. As noted in video marketing best practices, animated explainers work because they simplify complex ideas into easy-to-understand visuals.

4. Professional Voiceover & Sound Design

Audio quality has a massive impact on perceived production value. Even the best visuals can feel amateurish if paired with poor voiceover or mismatched music.

5. A Clear Call-To-Action (CTA)

Every explainer video should guide viewers toward the next step:

• Book a demo
• Sign up
• Contact your team
• Learn more

Without a CTA, you risk losing the momentum your video builds.

Animated Explainer Video Maker Use Cases (That Drive ROI)

Here are some of the most common—and highest ROI—use cases:

SaaS & Tech Product Demos

Animated explainer videos are ideal for software products that are difficult to visualize. Instead of showing complex UI flows, animation simplifies the experience into a clear narrative.

Startup Fundraising & Pitch Videos

Startups use explainer videos to communicate their vision quickly to investors. A polished animation can make your pitch more memorable and easier to understand.

Homepage Conversion Videos

Placing an explainer video on your homepage can significantly increase conversion rates by helping visitors understand your value proposition faster.

Paid Ads & Social Media Campaigns

Short-form animated videos perform well in paid campaigns because they capture attention and deliver information quickly.

Training & Internal Communications

Animation is also highly effective for onboarding, training, and internal messaging—especially when explaining processes or abstract concepts.

SEO Tip: Why “Custom” Animated Videos Often Outperform Templates

From an SEO and conversion standpoint, custom animated videos often deliver stronger long-term results than template-based videos.

Here’s why:

• Higher engagement rates → Longer time on page (good for SEO)
• Better brand differentiation → Lower bounce rates
• Improved clarity → Higher conversion rates
• Unique content → More likely to be shared and linked to

Search engines increasingly prioritize content that demonstrates experience, expertise, authority, and trust (E-E-A-T). A custom animated explainer video reinforces all four by showcasing your brand in a polished, professional way.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using An Animated Explainer Video Maker

Even with the best tools, there are a few pitfalls that can reduce the effectiveness of your video:

Overloading the Script

Trying to fit too much information into a 60–90 second video can overwhelm viewers. Focus on one core message.

Ignoring Brand Consistency

Using mismatched colors, styles, or tone can make your video feel disconnected from your brand identity.

Choosing Style Over Substance

Flashy animation doesn’t matter if the message isn’t clear. Story always comes first.

Skipping Strategy

Before creating your video, define:

• Who your audience is
• What problem you’re solving
• What action you want viewers to take

Without this clarity, even a well-produced video may underperform.

The Future of Animated Explainer Video Makers (AI + Custom Hybrid)

The landscape of animated explainer video makers is evolving quickly—especially with the rise of AI-powered tools.

Today, some platforms can generate basic animated videos from a script in minutes.

While these tools are improving, they still have limitations:

• Generic visuals
• Limited storytelling nuance
• Lack of brand-specific customization

This is why many businesses are adopting a hybrid approach:

• Use AI or templates for rapid prototyping
• Upgrade to custom animation for final production

This approach balances speed with quality—and ensures your final video actually stands out.

When Should You Upgrade From A DIY Video Maker?

If you’re currently using an animated explainer video maker, here are signs it may be time to upgrade:

• Your video looks similar to competitors
• You’re not seeing strong conversion results
• Your product is complex and hard to explain
• You want to elevate your brand perception
• You need a video for high-stakes use (ads, pitch, homepage)

At this stage, investing in a custom animated explainer video can unlock significantly better performance.

Ready To Create A High-Quality Animated Explainer Video?

If you’re exploring animated explainer video maker tools, you’re already on the right track.

But if you want a video that’s fully customized to your brand, designed to convert, and built to stand out—working with a professional animation team can make all the difference.

At Video Igniter, we handle everything—from scriptwriting and storyboarding to illustration, animation, and sound design—with unlimited revisions to ensure your video turns out exactly how you want.

If you’d like help creating a custom animated explainer video, you can request a quote or schedule a call to discuss your project.

Still have questions about animated explainer video makers?

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

What is Video Igniter Animation?

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

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

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

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

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

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

“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.

Animated videos are more popular than ever, and it’s easy to see why. They’re engaging, informative, and can help you tell your brand’s story in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. But creating an animated video requires a unique set of skills, and it can be challenging to find and hire the right animator for your project. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hiring animators, from defining your needs to evaluating candidates and selecting the right one.

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 demo reel 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.

Step 1: Define Your Needs

The first step in hiring an animator is to define your needs. What type of video do you want to create? What is your budget? Do you need help with the script or storyboarding? Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your video, you can start to look for animators who specialize in that area.

Step 2: Research Animators & Evaluate Their Skills

The next step is to research animators who have experience in your industry and can deliver the results you’re looking for. You can start by searching for animators online, reading reviews and testimonials, and checking out their portfolio. You can also ask for recommendations from colleagues and industry groups.

Step 3: Get Quotes From Animators You Want To Hire

Once you’ve found a few animators that meet your criteria, it’s time to get quotes for your video project. Be clear about your project requirements and budget so that you can get an accurate quote. Don’t be afraid to negotiate or ask for a sample of their work before committing to a contract.

Deep Dive: Learn how much does it cost to hire an animator.

Step 4: Sign a Contract Before Hiring An Animator

Before you hire an animator, it’s important to sign a contract that outlines the scope of the project, timelines, and payment terms. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what the animator will deliver and when. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements down the line.

Types of Animators You Can Hire

Not all animators have the same skill set. Before you start searching, it helps to understand the different types of animators available so you can match the right talent to your project.

2D Animators These artists work in two-dimensional space, creating flat or stylized visuals that range from simple motion graphics to expressive character animation. 2D animation is the most common style for explainer videos, social media content, and brand storytelling. Within 2D, there are further specializations — some animators focus on frame-by-frame illustration, others on rigged character animation, and others on motion graphics and typography.

3D Animators 3D animators build and move objects in a three-dimensional digital environment. This style is common in product visualization, architectural walkthroughs, medical animations, and cinematic content. 3D work requires proficiency in software like Blender, Cinema 4D, or Maya and typically commands higher rates than 2D.

Motion Graphics Designers Motion graphics artists animate text, shapes, icons, and data visualizations. This style is ideal for corporate presentations, data-driven explainers, and broadcast graphics. If your video is more informational than character-driven, a motion graphics specialist may be the right hire.

Whiteboard Animators Whiteboard animation simulates a hand drawing images on a white background. It’s a popular style for educational content and training videos. While it looks simple, quality whiteboard animation still requires skilled illustration and timing.

Stop Motion Animators Stop motion involves photographing physical objects frame by frame to simulate movement. This style is a niche specialty and less common for marketing videos, but it creates a distinctive, tactile aesthetic that stands out.

Knowing which type you need before you start hiring will save you significant time filtering through portfolios and candidates who aren’t the right fit.

Where to Find Animators to Hire

Once you know what type of animator you need, the next question is where to find them. Here are the most effective channels:

Freelance Platforms Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer host thousands of animators at every price point and skill level. These platforms make it easy to review animation portfolios, read client reviews, and get quotes quickly. The tradeoff is that quality varies widely, and vetting takes time.

Animation Studios Hiring a full-service animation studio means you’re getting a team — a project manager, scriptwriter, storyboard artist, animator, and sound designer — rather than a single individual. Studios are ideal for larger or more complex projects where coordination and consistency matter.

LinkedIn LinkedIn is underused for finding animation talent. Searching for animators by skill, location, and industry experience can surface professionals who aren’t actively advertising on freelance platforms. It’s also easier to verify their professional background and mutual connections.

Dribbble and Behance These design portfolio platforms are excellent for discovering animators with strong visual styles. Many professionals post their best work here, making it easier to evaluate creative fit before reaching out.

Referrals Asking peers, marketing colleagues, or industry contacts for animator recommendations is still one of the most reliable methods. A referred animator comes with a built-in trust signal — someone you know has already vetted their reliability and output quality.

Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring an Animator

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to look for. Watch out for these warning signs during your search:

No original portfolio work — If an animator can’t show you samples of completed client projects or personal work, that’s a significant concern. Generic demo reels pulled from templates don’t demonstrate real production capability.

Vague pricing — Animators who refuse to provide a written quote or give only verbal estimates with no itemized breakdown create risk for budget overruns. Always get pricing in writing.

No contract offered — A professional animator or studio will expect a contract. If someone resists formalizing the agreement, walk away.

Overpromising on timelines — Quality animation takes time. An animator who promises a two-minute fully custom video in three days is either planning to use templates or will deliver substandard work.

Poor communication during inquiry — How an animator communicates before you hire them is usually how they’ll communicate during production. Slow responses, vague answers, or difficulty understanding your brief are early warning signs.

Freelance Animator vs. Animation Studio: Which Should You Hire?

One of the most common decisions when hiring for animation is choosing between an individual freelancer and a full-service studio. Here’s how to think through it:

Hire a freelance animator if:

• Your project is short (under 60 seconds) and stylistically straightforward
• You have a limited budget and can manage the production process yourself
• You already have a script, storyboard, and voiceover sorted
• You need flexibility and direct one-on-one collaboration

Hire an animation studio if:

• Your project is longer or involves multiple videos
• You want a managed process with clear milestones and accountability
• You need additional services like scriptwriting, voiceover casting, or sound design
• The video is a high-visibility asset where quality risk needs to be minimized

Neither option is universally better — it depends on your project scope, internal resources, and how much production management you’re willing to take on yourself.

How to Write a Strong Creative Brief for Hiring an Animator

The quality of your brief directly affects the quality of the quotes and work you receive. A strong creative brief covers:

Project overview — What is the video for? Where will it be used? What’s the primary goal — explain a product, drive signups, train employees?

Target audience — Who is watching? Describing your audience helps animators calibrate the tone, complexity, and visual style of their approach.

Animation style reference — Link to two or three examples of videos whose style you like. This is the single most useful thing you can include in a brief. It removes ambiguity and aligns expectations immediately.

Video length — Even a rough estimate (30 seconds, 60–90 seconds, 2 minutes) helps animators scope the work accurately.

Script and voiceover status — Let them know whether you have a finished script, a rough draft, or need the studio to write it from scratch.

Deadline — Be honest about your timeline. If it’s flexible, say so — it may reduce your cost.

Budget range — Sharing a budget range upfront filters out animators who can’t work within your parameters and saves everyone time. Animators who know your budget can also tailor their proposal to maximize what you get for the money.

What to Expect During the Animation Production Process

First-time clients are often surprised by how long animation takes and how many steps are involved. Here’s a typical production timeline so you know what to expect after hiring an animator:

Script Finalization — If the studio or animator is writing your script, this comes first. Expect one to two rounds of feedback before it’s locked.

Storyboard / Style Frames — The animator creates static visual frames showing how key moments in the video will look. This is your chance to confirm visual direction before any animation begins.

Animatic — Some studios create a rough animated version with placeholder audio to confirm timing and pacing before full production starts.

Voiceover and Sound Design — Voiceover is often recorded after the script is approved and then synced with the animation. Music and sound effects are added in the final stage.

Animation — The main production phase. Depending on complexity and length, this can take anywhere from one to six weeks.

Revisions and Final Delivery — After your review, the animator incorporates feedback and delivers final files, typically in MP4 format along with any agreed source files.

Understanding this process helps you set realistic internal deadlines and avoid pressuring your animator in ways that compromise quality.

Hiring Animator: Wrap Up

Hiring an animator is an important step in creating a successful animated video. By defining your needs, researching animators, evaluating their skills, getting quotes, and signing a contract, you can source the ideal animator for your next video project. Remember to take the time to explore your options before choosing an animation partner who can bring your vision to life and help you achieve your marketing goals.

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.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

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

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.

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

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

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

“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.

SaaS Explainer Videos: The Complete Guide to Turning Complex Software Into Compelling Stories

If you’re marketing a SaaS product, you’ve likely faced a version of the same frustrating challenge: you know exactly what your software does and why it’s valuable, but when you try to explain it to a potential customer, their eyes glaze over somewhere between “cloud-based” and “automated workflow integration.”

This is where a SaaS explainer video becomes one of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal. Done right, a SaaS explainer video can communicate your product’s core value in under two minutes, dramatically improve conversion rates on your homepage, and help your sales team close deals faster. This guide covers everything you need to know — from what makes a great SaaS explainer to how to get one produced.

What Is a SaaS Explainer Video?

A SaaS explainer video is a short animated or live-action video that explains what a software-as-a-service product does, who it’s for, and why it’s better than the alternatives. Most SaaS explainer videos run between 60 and 120 seconds and follow a problem-solution narrative structure: here’s the pain your audience experiences, here’s how your product solves it, and here’s how they can get started.

What separates a SaaS explainer from a generic product demo or a feature tour is the emphasis on story over specifications. A feature tour walks viewers through a product’s functionality. A SaaS explainer video makes viewers feel the problem before introducing the solution — and that emotional connection is what drives conversions.

Animation is the dominant format for SaaS explainer videos, and for good reason. SaaS products often live entirely inside a screen, which makes them hard to visualize through traditional filming. Animation allows you to represent abstract concepts — automated data pipelines, permission hierarchies, real-time collaboration — in a visually intuitive way that no screen recording can match.

SaaS Explainer Video Examples

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. Check out our animation portfolio here. Request access to our demo reels and price sheet here. Contact us or schedule a call to start making your video.

Why SaaS Companies Need Explainer Videos

The SaaS market is crowded. Across virtually every software category — project management, CRM, HR, cybersecurity, analytics — buyers are evaluating multiple vendors simultaneously. In that environment, the company that can communicate its value most clearly and memorably wins the consideration phase, regardless of how impressive its feature list is.

Here’s why a SaaS explainer video is particularly effective at doing that:

Visitors make decisions in seconds. Research consistently shows that website visitors decide within the first few seconds whether to stay or leave. A SaaS explainer video placed in the hero section of a homepage gives you the best possible chance of earning those seconds. Moving visuals and narration communicate faster than any headline or paragraph of text.

Software is abstract; animation makes it concrete. The challenge with selling software is that the product itself is invisible. You can show a dashboard, but a screenshot doesn’t convey the experience of using it. Animation solves this by letting you show the story of a user’s journey through your product — the friction before, the ease after — in a way that resonates emotionally.

Video drives measurable results. Adding a video to a landing page has been shown to increase conversion rates significantly across industries. For SaaS companies specifically, where the cost of acquiring a customer is high and the sales cycle can be long, improving top-of-funnel conversion by even a few percentage points has an outsized impact on revenue.

It arms your sales team. A great SaaS explainer video isn’t just a marketing asset — it’s a sales tool. Sales reps can share it before a demo call to warm up the prospect, embed it in proposals and follow-up emails, and use it to re-engage leads that have gone cold.

The Anatomy of an Effective SaaS Explainer Video

Not all SaaS explainer videos are created equal. The ones that convert share a specific structure and set of qualities. Here’s what separates a forgettable product video from one that genuinely moves the needle.

A Hook That Earns Attention in the First Five Seconds

The first few seconds of your SaaS explainer video are the most important. If you open with a company logo animation or a generic statement like “In today’s fast-paced business environment…”, you’ve already lost most of your audience.

The most effective hooks start with the problem — presented in a way that makes your target user lean in and think, “That’s exactly what I deal with.” A strong hook could be a visual metaphor showing the chaos of the status quo, a surprising statistic about how much time is wasted on the problem you solve, or a quick scene that dramatizes the frustration your product eliminates.

A Clear and Specific Value Proposition

Once you have the viewer’s attention, your SaaS explainer needs to deliver a single, clear answer to the question: what does this product do? Not a list of features — a distilled value proposition that a 10-year-old could repeat back to you.

This is harder than it sounds. Most SaaS companies have spent years building features and tend to want to include all of them in the explainer. Resist that impulse. The goal of a SaaS explainer video is not to explain everything — it’s to communicate enough to motivate the viewer to take the next step, whether that’s signing up for a free trial, booking a demo, or watching a more detailed product walkthrough.

A Relatable Main Character

The best SaaS explainer videos don’t talk about software — they tell the story of the person who uses it. Introducing a protagonist (a project manager, a small business owner, a customer success rep) who shares the viewer’s job title, challenges, and goals creates immediate identification. When the viewer sees themselves in the character, the product’s value becomes personal rather than abstract.

Visual Consistency with Your Brand

Your SaaS explainer video is often the first impression a potential customer has of your company. The visual style — character design, color palette, typography, illustration style — needs to feel like a natural extension of your brand identity. A mismatch between your polished website and a generic-looking template video creates a subtle but real sense of distrust.

Custom animation, produced by a studio that builds everything from scratch for your brand, produces a significantly stronger impression than a template assembled from stock elements. It also performs better: a video that looks distinctive is shared more, remembered longer, and associated more strongly with your brand in a buyer’s memory.

A Confident, Specific Call to Action

Every SaaS explainer video should end with a single, clear call to action. Not “learn more” or “find out how” — something specific: “Start your free 14-day trial,” “Book a 20-minute demo,” or “See how [Company Name] works for teams like yours.”

The call to action should match the viewer’s stage in the buying journey. If the video lives on a top-of-funnel blog post or a paid social ad, a low-friction CTA like a free trial signup makes sense. If it’s embedded in a sales proposal, a direct demo booking link is more appropriate.

Types of SaaS Explainer Videos

The term “SaaS explainer video” actually encompasses several distinct formats, each suited to a different use case and placement.

The Homepage Hero Explainer — This is the flagship SaaS explainer video, designed to live above the fold on your homepage or a key product page. It’s typically 60–90 seconds, covers the core problem-solution narrative, and ends with a clear CTA. This is the video that does the most heavy lifting for your brand — and the one worth investing the most in.

The Feature Spotlight Video — One or more shorter, more focused video(s) (usually 30–60 seconds) that dig into a single feature or use case. Feature spotlights are highly effective for email nurture sequences, specific landing pages, and in-app onboarding flows where you want to introduce a capability without overwhelming the user.

The Onboarding Explainer — After a user signs up, an onboarding explainer helps them understand how to get value from the product quickly. These videos reduce churn by bridging the gap between “I just signed up” and “I’m seeing real results.” They’re one of the most underrated uses of the SaaS explainer format.

The Comparison Video — Positioned against a named competitor or the “status quo” solution (spreadsheets, manual processes, etc.), comparison videos are highly effective for audiences in the evaluation stage. Animation makes it easy to visualize a side-by-side comparison without making the video feel like a legal liability.

The Social Media Explainer — A condensed version of the core SaaS explainer, designed for 15–30 second placements on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. These videos prioritize a single “aha moment” over comprehensive explanation, with captions baked in to account for silent autoplay.

What to Expect When Producing a SaaS Explainer Video

If you’ve never commissioned an animated video before, the production process can feel opaque. Here’s a straightforward overview of what to expect when working with a professional SaaS explainer video studio.

Creative Brief and Script — Production begins with you providing a creative brief: your target audience, core message, desired tone, and any specific visual preferences. A good studio then writes a script that translates your product’s value into a story-driven narrative. This is the most important stage — getting the script right before a single frame is animated saves significant time and budget.

Storyboard and Visual Style — Once the script is approved, the studio creates a storyboard: a frame-by-frame plan of how the video will look. At the same stage, you’ll typically see concept art showing the visual style, character designs, and color palette. These are refined until they match your brand.

Voiceover and Sound Design — A professional voiceover artist records the narration, which is then paired with a music track and sound effects. The tone of the voiceover — friendly and casual versus authoritative and precise — should be consistent with your brand’s overall voice.

Animation and Delivery — The studio animates the illustrations against the approved storyboard, incorporating the voiceover and sound design. Most professional studios offer revision rounds at each stage so you maintain control over the final output.

The full production timeline for a 60–90 second SaaS explainer video typically runs 4–8 weeks with a professional studio. Rush delivery options are sometimes available for time-sensitive launches.

How to Get the Most Out of Your SaaS Explainer Video

Producing a great video is only half the equation. Where and how you deploy it determines how much return you get on the investment.

Place your SaaS explainer on your homepage above the fold — this is consistently the highest-ROI placement for any video asset. Embed it in outbound sales emails and follow-up sequences. Use a shortened version as a pre-roll YouTube ad or a paid LinkedIn video targeting your ideal buyer profile. Include it in your help center and onboarding flow to accelerate new user activation. Share it on social media regularly, not just at launch — animated explainers have long shelf lives and continue generating attention months after initial publication.

If your product evolves significantly or you enter a new market segment, consider producing a refreshed version of your SaaS explainer rather than letting an outdated video represent your current product. A video that no longer matches your product or messaging can actually hurt conversion by creating confusion.

Choosing a SaaS Explainer Video Studio

The quality of your SaaS explainer is directly tied to the quality of the studio you work with. Here’s what to look for:

A strong portfolio of SaaS or B2B tech work is the most important qualifier. A studio that has successfully explained complex software products before understands the unique challenges of the format — abstract concepts, invisible products, technical audiences — and knows how to overcome them.

Scriptwriting capability is essential. Animation is a visual craft, but a SaaS explainer video lives or dies on its script. Choose a studio that has experienced writers on staff who specialize in SaaS and technology marketing, not just visual designers.

Full-service production — script, storyboard, illustration, animation, voiceover, and sound design handled under one roof — simplifies the process enormously and produces more cohesive results than coordinating multiple freelancers.

Revision policies matter. Look for a studio that offers revision rounds at each production stage so you maintain creative control without costly last-minute overhauls.

Ready to Create Your SaaS Explainer Video?

A well-produced SaaS explainer video is one of the highest-leverage marketing investments a software company can make. It works on your homepage while you sleep, arms your sales team with a compelling first impression, and communicates your product’s value to anyone, anywhere, in under two minutes.

Video Igniter has produced custom animated SaaS explainer videos for companies ranging from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Our team of animators, writers, and audio specialists creates 100% custom videos — no templates, no generic stock assets — tailored to your brand, your audience, and your conversion goals.

Get a custom quote for your SaaS explainer video or schedule a call with our production team to discuss your project.

Frequently Asked Questions About SaaS Explainer Videos

How long should a SaaS explainer video be? Most SaaS explainer videos perform best at 60–90 seconds. This is enough time to establish the problem, introduce the solution, highlight two or three key benefits, and deliver a call to action. Going beyond 2 minutes risks losing audience attention; going under 45 seconds often leaves the value proposition underdeveloped.

How much does a SaaS explainer video cost? Cost varies widely based on animation style, length, and the studio you work with. Template-based tools can produce something for a few hundred dollars, but the result will look generic. Professional custom animation from a studio with SaaS experience typically ranges from a few thousand dollars for a simple 2D explainer to significantly more for complex 3D or highly detailed animation. Request pricing from Video Igniter here.

Do I need to provide a script? Not necessarily. A full-service studio like Video Igniter handles scriptwriting as part of the production process. You provide a creative brief covering your target audience, core message, and desired tone — the production team handles the rest.

Should my SaaS explainer video be animated or live-action? Animation is almost always the better choice for SaaS products. It makes abstract concepts visual, avoids the need for expensive filming setups, ages better than live-action footage (which can feel dated quickly), and is significantly easier to update or translate into other languages.

How do I measure the performance of my SaaS explainer video? Track completion rate (what percentage of viewers watch to the end), engagement rate on social platforms, and — most importantly — the conversion rate of the page or campaign where the video is deployed. If your homepage has a free trial signup CTA alongside the video, a simple A/B test comparing conversion rates with and without the video is the clearest measure of impact.

Still have questions?

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

What is Video Igniter Animation?

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

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

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

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

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

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

“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 about hiring an animator!

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.

Are you looking to create an engaging and captivating animated promo video to connect with your audience? Look no further! VideoIgniter.com is the ultimate animated promo video maker. Why? Because unlike other animated promo video makers, Video Igniter enables you to make 100% custom animated videos and you don’t have to do any of the work! In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using animated promo videos and how Video Igniter can be the game changing video making service you’ve been searching for.

Examples of Videos You Can Get From Video Igniter’s Animated Video Maker

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. Check out our animation portfolio here. Request access to our demo reels and price sheet here.

To start your project contact us or schedule a call with our production team.

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 Use An Animated Promo Video Maker?

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, it is important to create high quality content that stands out from the ocean mid-tier content.  Animation studios do great work – but they’re slow and expensive to work with. Freelancers can be cheap and responsive, but finding that gem of a freelancer that’s always there for you to do affordable quality work isn’t easy to find.

Hiring an animator to join your staff is another option but most people don’t have the need for a full time animator. Even if your company does, animators tend to specialize in certain styles of video production. The animator you hire may not be able to execute on all of the 2D or 3D animated video ideas you have.

Using an animated promo video maker like Video Igniter means you always have on-demand access to professional, trusted animators that do quality work at the market rate and won’t ghost you in the middle of production. Here’s why you should consider using an animated video maker like Video Igniter to create your animated promo video:

What Makes a Great Animated Promo Video?

Before diving into the mechanics of using an animated promo video maker, it’s worth understanding what separates a forgettable promo video from one that actually converts. The best animated promo videos share a few key characteristics:

A Clear, Single Message. The most effective promo videos focus on one core idea — a product benefit, a solution to a problem, or a compelling call to action. Trying to cram too much into a single video dilutes the impact. The sweet spot for most animated promo videos is 60–90 seconds, which is enough time to hook viewers, deliver your message, and prompt action.

A Strong Hook in the First 5 Seconds. Viewers decide within the first few seconds whether to keep watching. A great animated promo video opens with a relatable problem, a surprising statistic, or a visually striking scene that earns attention immediately.

Visual Consistency with Your Brand. Colors, typography, character design, and illustration style should all feel like a natural extension of your brand identity. A disjointed visual style creates distrust and confusion — the opposite of what a promo video is meant to do.

Professional Voiceover and Sound Design. Audio is half the experience. A polished voiceover delivered in the right tone — whether authoritative, friendly, or playful — combined with a well-chosen soundtrack and crisp sound effects makes the difference between a video that feels professional and one that feels cheap.

When you work with a full-service animated promo video maker like Video Igniter, all of these elements are handled by specialists — writers, illustrators, animators, voiceover artists, and audio engineers — so you’re not left trying to manage a dozen different vendors. Reach out to the Video Igniter team to start building your next promo video the right way.

Benefits Of Video Igniter’s Animated Promo Video Maker

At Video Igniter, we understand the importance of creating animated promo videos that not only look great but also effectively communicate your brand’s message. That’s why our animated video making process was designed to ensure we create a promotional message that speaks directly to your target audience.

1). 2D, 3D, Anything: Get access to our team of +200 industry leading animators, illustrators, story tellers and audio technicians that can create any kind of custom animated video you can imagine. Whether it’s 2D or 3D, just let us know what you want to create and our team collaborates behind the scenes to create the exact promo video you’re looking for.

2). Online Collaboration Dashboard: There’s a lot of details to keep track of when you make an animated video. Seamlessly collaborate with Video Igniter’s production team online via our online production dashboard. Share files and feedback online instead of having them get lost in someone’s inbox.

3). Unlimited Revisions: We want to ensure you end up with an animated promo video that you’re thrilled with. That’s why we offer unlimited revisions! We’ll continue to revise your script, storyboard, voiceover, illustrations and animation until you love them!

4). Over a Decade of Experience: Since 2011, Video Igniter has created custom animated videos for the worlds largest brands and freshest startups to help them achieve their business and communication objectives.

5). White Label Video Production: We also offer white label animated video production services to video production companies and marketing and advertising agencies around the world.

How to Get Started with Video Igniter’s Animated Promo Video Maker?

Ready to create your very own animated promo video? Getting started with Video Igniter is a breeze. Simply follow these steps:

1. Sign up for a free account at VideoIgniter.com.
2. Fill out a creative brief describing the video you want to us to create
3. Pay 50% of your project budget.  You can access our current price sheet here.
4. Review the script our team creates for you. We’ll revise it until you love it.
5. Review the storyboard our team creates for you. Again, we’ll revise it until you love it.
6. Review the concept art, voiceover and soundtracks we send you. Let us know which options you like best. Our art director will continue to work with you to refine the visual style of your video until you love it.
7. We create all of the illustrations for your video. Send us your feedback so that we can polish them up to your specifications.
8. We animate your video and give you a chance to request final revisions.
9. Share your animated promo video with the world!

Boost Your Brand with Video Igniter’s Animated Promo Video Maker

Video Igniter’s animated promo video maker is an invaluable tool for businesses looking to create eye-catching and memorable videos that engage their audience and drive conversions. With our extensive roster of talented 2D and 3D animators, you have access to all the talent needed to create the perfect animated promo video for your brand. Sign up for a free account today and start elevating your brand’s digital presence with custom animated promo videos from Video Igniter!

Types of Animated Promo Videos You Can Create

Not all animated promo videos serve the same purpose, and the best animated video makers give you the flexibility to choose the format that fits your goal. Here are the most common and effective types:

Product Demo Videos These show your product in action — perfect for SaaS platforms, apps, consumer goods, or any offering where seeing is believing. Animation makes it possible to visualize features that would be difficult or expensive to capture on camera.

Explainer Videos Explainer videos break down a complex idea, service, or process into simple, digestible visuals and narration. They’re widely used on homepages, in sales decks, and across social media to convert curious visitors into engaged prospects.

Brand Story Videos These promo videos focus less on a specific product and more on who your company is, what you stand for, and why you exist. Brand story animations are particularly effective for building emotional connection and trust with new audiences.

Social Media Ad Videos Short-form animated promo videos optimized for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. These typically run 15–30 seconds and are designed to stop the scroll and drive a specific action — a click, a sign-up, or a purchase.

Testimonial and Case Study Animations A creative spin on the traditional customer testimonial, these videos use animation to illustrate a customer’s journey from problem to solution in a visually engaging way.

Onboarding and Training Videos Often overlooked as “promo” material, onboarding videos promote product adoption and reduce churn by helping new users quickly understand how to get value from your product.

Video Igniter’s animated promo video maker can produce any of these formats in 2D or 3D. Not sure which type fits your goal? Send the Video Igniter team a message and they’ll help you figure out the best approach.

Animated Promo Video Maker vs. DIY Animation Tools: What’s the Difference?

When people search for an “animated promo video maker,” they often land on two very different categories of tools — and understanding the difference can save you a lot of time and disappointment.

DIY Animation Software (Canva, Animaker, Vyond, etc.) These tools are template-based platforms that let non-designers drag and drop pre-made elements to assemble a video. They’re fast, inexpensive, and require no technical skill. The trade-off? Your video will look like everyone else’s. Templates are widely used and immediately recognizable, which can actually undermine your brand by making you look generic rather than distinctive.

DIY tools are fine for internal communications, quick social posts, or placeholder content — but they’re rarely the right choice for a flagship promo video representing your brand to the world.

Full-Service Animated Promo Video Makers (like Video Igniter) A full-service animated video maker pairs you with a professional production team that creates everything from scratch — custom illustrations, original character design, bespoke animation, and professionally recorded voiceover. Every element is built specifically for your brand and your message. The result is a video that looks, sounds, and feels nothing like what a competitor could produce using the same template library.

The cost difference is real, but so is the outcome difference. A custom animated promo video has a longer shelf life, a stronger brand impression, and a significantly higher conversion potential than a template-based alternative.

If you’re serious about using video to grow your business, Video Igniter’s animated promo video maker is built for that outcome. Start your project here.

Where to Use Your Animated Promo Video for Maximum Impact

Creating a great animated promo video is only half the equation. Where and how you distribute it determines how much return you get on your investment. Here are the highest-impact placements to consider:

Homepage Hero Section Studies consistently show that adding a video to your homepage increases time on page and improves conversion rates. An animated promo video above the fold immediately communicates what you do and why it matters — faster than any headline or paragraph could.

Paid Social Advertising Animated videos outperform static images in paid social ads across nearly every metric — click-through rate, cost per acquisition, and brand recall. Short animated promo videos are particularly effective on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pre-roll.

Email Campaigns Including the word “video” in an email subject line is proven to boost open rates. Embedding an animated promo video thumbnail linked to a landing page can dramatically increase click-through rates for product launches, promotions, and nurture sequences.

Sales Decks and Proposals Embedding an animated promo video in a sales presentation or proposal makes a strong impression in competitive situations. It signals professionalism and investment in quality — both of which build buyer confidence.

Trade Shows and Events Loop an animated promo video on a screen at your booth to attract foot traffic and give passersby an instant understanding of what your company does — no conversation required.

Product Pages and Landing Pages Adding an animated video to a product page or dedicated landing page can increase conversion rates significantly. Shoppers who watch a product video are more likely to make a purchase and less likely to return it.

Once your animated promo video is produced, Video Igniter can also help with video promotion and syndication to make sure it reaches the right audience. Ask the team about video distribution options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Animated Promo Video Makers

How long does it take to make an animated promo video? Production timelines vary depending on the length, complexity, and style of animation. A standard 60–90 second 2D animated promo video typically takes 4–8 weeks from kickoff to final delivery when working with a full-service team. Rush delivery animation is sometimes available depending on team capacity.

Do I need to provide a script? Not necessarily. Many animated video makers, including Video Igniter, offer full scriptwriting services as part of the production process. You provide a creative brief describing your goals, audience, and key message — the team handles the rest.

What file formats will I receive? Most professional animated promo video makers deliver the final video in MP4 format, which is universally compatible across platforms. You can also request specific aspect ratios (16:9 for YouTube, 1:1 for Instagram, 9:16 for Stories/TikTok) and various resolution options.

Can I update the video in the future? This depends on whether you have access to the source files. When working with Video Igniter, it’s worth discussing source file ownership upfront so you have the flexibility to make edits down the road without starting from scratch.

What if I don’t love the direction the video is going? With Video Igniter’s unlimited revision policy, you’re never locked into a direction you don’t love. The team revises every element — script, storyboard, illustrations, animation — until the final product meets your expectations.

Still have questions about animated promo video makers?

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

What is Video Igniter Animation?

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

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

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

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

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

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

“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 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.

Animated videos have become a powerful tool in capturing the attention and engaging audiences across various industries. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or content creator, understanding the process of creating an animated video can help you effectively communicate your message and captivate your target audience. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of creating an animated video and highlight the importance of hiring professionals for this task.

1. Understanding the Benefits of Animated Videos

Animated videos offer a unique and captivating way to convey messages and ideas. Here are some key benefits that make them a popular choice for businesses and content creators:

Conveying Messages Effectively

Animated videos have the ability to simplify complex concepts and ideas, making them more accessible and understandable for viewers. The combination of visuals, storytelling, and audio elements enables you to communicate your message in a concise and engaging manner.

Versatility and Appeal

One of the great advantages of 2D animation is their versatility. They can be adapted to any industry or topic, making them suitable for a wide range of purposes, such as explainer videos, product demos, training videos, and marketing campaigns. Additionally, animated visuals have a universal appeal that can resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Simplifying Complex Ideas

Animated videos can break down complicated information into easily digestible visuals. By using animated characters & graphics, you can simplify intricate concepts, making them more accessible and engaging for your audience.

Impactful Marketing Tool

Statistics show that animated videos have a significant impact on marketing campaigns. They increase website conversions, boost engagement on social media platforms, and improve overall brand awareness. With the right animated video, you can effectively grab your audience’s attention and leave a lasting impression.

2. Examples of Animated Videos You Can Create With Video Igniter

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. Check out our animation portfolio here. Request access to our demo reels and price sheet here.

Contact us or schedule a call to start making your video.

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.

3. How To Create an Animated Video

To create a successful animated video, there are several crucial steps that need to be followed. Let’s explore each step in detail:

Step 1: Defining the Objectives and Target Audience

Before diving into the creative process, it’s essential to clearly define your objectives and identify your target audience. Understanding your audience’s preferences and interests will help you tailor your video to resonate with them effectively.

Step 2: Crafting the Script and Storyboard

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

The script serves as the foundation of your animated video. It outlines the narrative, dialogue, and key points you want to convey. Once the script is finalized, creating a storyboard will help visualize the scenes and transitions, ensuring a smooth flow in the final video.

Animated Video Budget Saver: Download our script writing & storyboard templates to create your own script and storyboard so that you can save money on your video production budget.

Step 3: Designing the Visual Elements

Once your storyboard is approved, our art director will use it to help develop all of the visual art needed to create your animated video. This includes designing characters, backgrounds, and other graphical elements that will be animated. It’s important to align the visual style with your brand identity and the preferences of your target audience.

Step 4: VoiceOver and Sound Design

Selecting the right voice talent to narrate your video is crucial for creating the desired impact. A professional voiceover artist can bring your script to life and add emotion and personality to your animated characters. Additionally, sound effects and background music enhance the overall viewing experience and help convey the intended message.

Step 5: Animation and Editing

Once all the visual and audio elements are ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Skilled animators will animate the scenes based on the storyboard, adding movement, transitions, and effects. After the animation is complete, the video goes through the editing process, which includes fine-tuning the timing, adding text overlays, sound effects and ensuring a polished final product.

4. Finding the Right Animated Video Production Company

Hiring a professional animated video production company can make a significant difference in the quality and effectiveness of your video. Here are some factors to consider when looking for the right company:

Evaluating the Experience and Expertise of the Company

Review the company’s portfolio and client testimonials to assess their experience in creating animated videos. Look for a company that specializes in the animation style that aligns with your vision.

Pricing and Timelines

Discuss the pricing structure with the company and ensure it aligns with your budget. Additionally, establish realistic timelines for the project to ensure a smooth production process.

Assessing the Quality and Creativity of Previous Work

Take a close look at the visual quality and attention to detail in the company’s past projects. Consider their storytelling techniques, animation skills, and overall creativity in bringing ideas to life.

Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication is key to a successful collaboration. Choose a company that actively listens to your ideas, understands your vision, and provides regular updates throughout the production process.

What Makes a Great Animated Video Script?

The script is arguably the most important element when you create an animated video — and it’s also where many businesses make their biggest mistakes. A strong animated video script isn’t written like a blog post or a brochure. It’s written to be heard while being watched, which means every word needs to pull double duty.

Here are the hallmarks of a script built for animation:

Lead with the problem, not your company. Your viewer is asking “what’s in it for me?” within the first three seconds. Open with a relatable pain point before introducing your solution. For example, instead of “Hi, we’re Acme Corp and we make software,” try “Managing 47 spreadsheets every week is killing your team’s productivity.”

Write for a single viewer, not a crowd. The most effective animated videos feel like they’re speaking directly to one specific person. Use “you” and “your” frequently. The more specific and personal your script feels, the more likely viewers are to keep watching.

Match your word count to your runtime. A good rule of thumb: approximately 125–150 spoken words equals about 60 seconds of animation. If you’re aiming for a 90-second video, your script should land around 188–225 words. Tighter is almost always better — viewers rarely complain that a video was too concise.

End with one clear call to action. A common mistake is ending with a vague “learn more.” Instead, tell your viewer exactly what to do next and why: “Visit VideoIgniter.com today to get a free quote and see your idea come to life.”

If you’re not sure where to start, working with an experienced animated video production team like Video Igniter means you’ll have professional scriptwriters guiding you through the process — so your video launches on the right foot from day one.

Choosing the Right Animation Style for Your Goals

When businesses decide to create an animated video, one of the most consequential decisions they’ll make is choosing the animation style. The style you choose affects your production cost, timeline, emotional tone, and how your brand is perceived. Here’s a breakdown of the most common styles and when to use each:

2D Character Animation — The most popular choice for explainer videos, SaaS products, and brand storytelling. Characters and scenes are illustrated in a flat or semi-flat style and brought to life with fluid movement. It’s versatile, cost-effective, and works well across industries from healthcare to fintech to e-commerce.

Motion Graphics & Infographic Animation — Ideal for data-heavy or abstract concepts where a human character doesn’t quite fit. Think animated charts, icons, and typography that dance across the screen. This style is especially popular for financial services, tech companies, and internal corporate communications.

Whiteboard Animation — A classic format where illustrations appear to be drawn on screen in real time. This style tends to feel educational and trustworthy, making it a strong fit for training videos, tutorial content, and nonprofit video campaigns.

3D Animation — The gold standard for product demos, architectural visualization, medical animation, and premium brand content. 3D takes longer and costs more to produce, but delivers an unmatched level of realism and visual sophistication. If your product has a physical form factor that needs to be shown from every angle, 3D is often worth the investment.

Mixed Media & Hybrid Styles — Some of the most memorable animated videos today blend 2D characters with live footage, 3D environments, or motion graphic elements. This approach can feel fresh and unexpected, and helps brands stand out in crowded feeds.

Not sure which style is right for your goals? The team at Video Igniter has produced animated videos across every major style category. Reaching out for a consultation takes just a few minutes — and it could save you thousands of dollars by getting your style choice right from the start.

Where to Use Your Animated Video Once It’s Created

Many businesses put significant effort into creating a polished animated video — then only post it in one place. Getting maximum ROI from your video means distributing it strategically across multiple channels. Here are the highest-impact placements to consider:

Your Homepage (Above the Fold) — Studies consistently show that websites with an explainer video on the homepage see significantly higher conversion rates. Visitors who watch a video stay on-site longer and are more likely to take the next step.

Landing Pages — Whether you’re running paid ads or email campaigns, embedding your animated video on a dedicated landing page can dramatically improve conversion rates compared to text-only pages. Video builds trust quickly — and trust converts.

Social Media (Natively Uploaded) — Uploading your video directly to LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok rather than sharing a YouTube link typically results in dramatically higher organic reach. Each platform’s algorithm favors native video content.

Email Campaigns — The word “video” in an email subject line is well-documented to boost open rates. Even a static thumbnail linking to your video can improve click-through rates substantially over text-based emails.

Sales Outreach & Proposals — Sales teams that include a personalized or product-explainer animated video in their outreach consistently report higher response rates and shorter sales cycles. Your video does the heavy lifting before the first call even happens.

Trade Show Displays & Event Screens — Looping animated videos on display screens at trade shows and live events attract attention and communicate your value proposition without requiring a sales rep to be present at every moment.

Onboarding & Training — Animated videos aren’t just for marketing. Customer onboarding videos, employee training modules, and product tutorial libraries can dramatically reduce support ticket volume and improve customer satisfaction.

The broader takeaway: once you’ve invested in creating a high-quality animated video, you should be using it in at least five to seven different contexts. If you’re only using it in one place, you’re leaving significant value on the table.

When you work with Video Igniter, you receive a video file formatted and ready for use across all major platforms — so you can start distributing your content everywhere it matters, immediately.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to create an animated video?

Production budgets vary based on the length and style of the animation being created. Most 60-second 2D animated videos can be created for $2,000-$10,000. 3D animated videos cost 2-4x as much to create.

Here are 4 ways you can figure out the cost for your animated video:

• Request a quote from our production team.
• to discuss your video project.
• Fill out this questionnaire.
• Request access to our price sheet.

How long does it take to create an animated video?

Production timelines vary based on the length and style of the animation being created. A 60-second 2D animated video can be created in 4-6 weeks. 3D animated videos take 2-3x as much time to create.

Want to figure out how long it will take to create your animated video?

• Describe your video to our production team.
• to discuss your project.
• Fill out this questionnaire.

Want to speed up production for your animated video? We offer rush delivery animation to help speed up production for projects with short deadlines.

Can I request revisions to the video?

Simple and Standard animation projects include unlimited revisions. This means we will revise your script, storyboard, voiceover, illustrations, soundtrack selection and animation as many times as you want until you mark them as approved.

Who owns the rights to the animated video?

You do.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating an Animated Video

Even with the best intentions, there are a handful of mistakes that consistently derail animated video projects. Being aware of them upfront can save you time, money, and frustration.

Trying to say too much in one video. It’s tempting to pack every feature, benefit, and use case into a single video. Resist this urge. The most effective animated videos have one core message and one call to action. If you have multiple messages to convey, consider a series of shorter, focused videos instead.

Ignoring the audio. Viewers will tolerate imperfect visuals far more readily than they’ll tolerate bad audio. A thin, poorly mixed voiceover or mismatched background music can undermine an otherwise great animation. Professional sound design and voice talent aren’t luxuries — they’re essential.

Skipping stakeholder alignment early. One of the most common causes of budget overruns and timeline delays is internal disagreement that surfaces late in production — after art has been created or animation has begun. Make sure all key decision-makers review and approve the script and storyboard before any animation work starts.

Optimizing for desktop only. The majority of video content is now consumed on mobile devices. Make sure your animated video is legible and impactful on a small screen — including any text overlays or fine visual details.

Treating the video as a one-time asset. An animated video can be repurposed into short social clips, GIFs, still frames for presentations, and more. Plan for this from the beginning rather than as an afterthought.

Video Igniter’s production process is specifically designed to help clients avoid all of these pitfalls — with structured review stages, experienced creative direction, and unlimited revisions included on most project types. If you want to create an animated video that delivers real results, get in touch with the Video Igniter team today.

How can I save money on my production budget when creating an animated video?

• Write the script for your video. Download our free script writing template.
• Create the storyboard for your animated video. Download our free storyboard template.
• Use free, legal music.
• Record your own voiceover. Learn how to record quality voiceovers for free at home.
• Consider using pre-created stock icons, images and 3D models to save on your visual design cost.

Check out this article for more tips on how to create affordable animation.

Resources For Creating An Animated Video

The following resources and guides are popular among people researching and reading about how to create an animated video:

Learn About Different Types Of Animation Production Companies

How To Make A Business Animation

How To Hire And Work With A 3D Animation Company

Learn All About Animated Video Production

How To Make Animated Explainer Videos

Create Animated Video Conclusion

Creating an animated video is a carefully crafted process that involves defining objectives, crafting a script and storyboard, designing visual elements, adding voiceover and sound design, and animating and editing the final product. Animated videos have numerous benefits, including effectively conveying messages, simplifying complex ideas, and serving as impactful marketing tools.

To ensure a high-quality video, it is advisable to hire a professional animated video production company that has the experience, creativity, and communication skills to bring your vision to life. By following the steps outlined in this guide and working with the right professionals, you can create an engaging and effective animated video that captivates your target audience and achieves your objectives.

Still have questions about creating an animated video?

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

What is Video Igniter Animation?

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

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

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

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

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

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

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

Clair Simpson – VP Marketing, Repool.com

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

Pat Henderson – Founder, Path8 Productions

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

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

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

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

Ready to create an animated video? 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.