How To Make A Cheap Animated Explainer Video

Animated explainer videos are a highly effective way to connect with your target audience – but they aren’t always cheap to produce. Animated videos take dozens, hundreds or thousands of hours to produce. Work is produced by multiple parties and requires tight collaboration and communication to produce high quality custom animated videos. That being said, here are some tips to help you make a cheap animated explainer video!

If you have a question about cheap animated explainer videos 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:

Tip #1: Write Your Own Script

Our first tip for making an affordable explainer video is to write your own script. Many American animation studios and freelancers charge extra for this service. You can get a discount on your animated explainer video if you write the script yourself. If you’re writing a script for a 60 second animation, your script should be about 150 words long. 

Learn More: For more tips on how to write a script to make your explainer video even more affordable, check out our scriptwriting guide.

Tip #2: Create Your Own Storyboard

If you’re looking to make a cheap animated explainer video, you’ll also want to take on the responsibility of creating the storyboard for your animation. A storyboard is basically a blueprint for the design team and the animation team. The storyboard tells them what to create and how to line up the animation of the visuals with the voiceover. Like the script, animation studios and freelance animators charge extra for this phase of production. You can save hundreds or thousands of dollars by creating your own storyboard. 

Resource Guide: For storyboard creation tips and a downloadable template to create your own storyboard, check out our storyboard creation guide.

Examples of Cheap Animated Explainer Videos You Can Get From 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.

 

Tip #3: Provide Your Own VoiceOver

Producing the voiceover for your affordable explainer video is another way you can keep costs down. By recording the voiceover yourself, you don’t have to pay a voiceover artist. You’ll also avoid having to pay extra licensing costs if you want to broadcast the video in paid advertisements on TV or online. 

For tips on how to hire voiceover artists or how create your own professional sounding voiceover for free, check out Episode 3 of The Video Igniter Show. That’s right, you can make professional sounding voiceovers for free – you don’t need any special recording equipment to do it.

 

Tip #4: Use Free Royalty Free Music

In order to keep costs down and make a cheap animated marketing video, you can find some free songs to use for your project. Incompetech offers free royalty free music that you can use in your promotional videos. All you need to do is credit the artist if you use their music. 

If you plan on publishing or promoting your video on Instagram or Facebook, Facebook provides a selection of free music you can use in the background of your video.

 

How To Create Visuals For A Cheap Animated Marketing Video

When it comes to visuals, you need to understand that you get what you pay for. If your goal is to make an inexpensive explainer video, you can’t expect to get the highest quality custom 2D or 3D visuals for your video. Instead, plan on using stock images, icons, text and clip art for your video. It’s best to think through the visuals during the script and storyboarding phases of production. This ensures your visuals will line up with the script and can be produced within your budget.

If you want to hire someone to produce custom visuals for your animation, you can probably find a low cost freelancer. Just remember that you get what you pay for. A professional animation studio or Video Igniter is going to be able to help you create custom branded art for your video that will make you stand out and capture your target audience’s attention but you’ll need to spend a little than you would for the cheapest freelancer.

If you’re ok with using stock images, character designs, background scenery and objects, you could subscribe to a service like Vyond, Wideo or Powtoon. They offer libraries of visuals you can pick out to use within your animation.

Companion Article: Trying to figure out what style is best for your animated video? Check out our pros and cons list: “Animation Style Guide: Different Types of Animated Explainer Videos.”

Tips For Keeping Animation Costs Low For An Inexpensive Explainer Video

Like the visuals, you need to understand that you get what you pay for. You can’t make a cheap animated explainer video and expect custom animated characters walking around the scene, speaking to the viewer. But you can still make a quality visual presentation that uses motion to string your ideas together and keep the viewer engaged without having to know how to do animation using professional animation software. You could hire a freelance video animator to add some motion to your visuals. Or you could keep your animation costs even lower by using presentation software like Keynote or Powerpoint. Just lay out your scenes on different slides and add simple transitions and animations to string your visuals together.

If you subscribed to Vyond/Wideo/Powtoon for the visuals for your video, you can also use those programs to add motion to your animation.

Benefits of Cheap Animated Explainer Videos for Small Businesses

In today’s competitive digital marketing landscape, businesses are constantly looking for cost-effective ways to engage their audience. A cheap animated explainer video can be an excellent solution for small businesses seeking to stand out. Explainer videos help businesses convey new and complex information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand manner. With increasing competition, it’s crucial for small businesses to adopt affordable solutions that yield high returns.

Cost-Effective Marketing Tool

A cheap animated explainer video offers significant savings compared to traditional live-action video production. While live-action video requires expensive filming equipment, actors, and location fees, animated videos can be produced with fewer resources. This makes it a perfect choice for small businesses with tight marketing budgets. Furthermore, the production time is typically shorter, which means small businesses can launch campaigns faster and more affordably.

Boosts Brand Awareness

Animated explainer videos are a powerful tool for brand recognition. By using distinct colors, fonts, and animation styles, businesses can create memorable videos that reinforce their branding. Whether you’re a startup or a small business, a cheap animated explainer video is an affordable way to make your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Increased Engagement and Conversion Rates

Studies have shown that explainer videos, especially those that are animated, significantly increase user engagement. A cheap animated explainer video captures the viewer’s attention with dynamic visuals and clear messaging. By simplifying complicated concepts, these videos are more likely to convert viewers into customers, increasing both engagement and video conversion rates without breaking the bank.

Easy to Produce and Adapt

One of the most significant advantages of a low-cost explainer video is its flexibility. If a small business needs to make adjustments to its product or service offering, animated explainer videos can be quickly edited to reflect these changes. Unlike live-action videos, which may require re-shooting, cheap animated videos allow for easy updates and modifications, ensuring the content stays relevant without extra costs.

How Cheap Animated Explainer Videos Can Boost Conversion Rates

Conversion rates are a critical metric for businesses looking to grow their customer base. A cheap animated explainer video can be a game-changer when it comes to improving conversion rates. These videos not only capture attention but also guide potential customers through a clear, compelling narrative that makes them more likely to take action.

Simplifying Complex Ideas

One of the primary benefits of a low-cost explainer video is its ability to simplify complex concepts. Through animation, businesses can break down intricate ideas or products into digestible, easily understood segments. This is particularly beneficial for businesses offering technical products or services, because animation makes even the most complicated topics approachable and engaging.

Emotional Connection

A cheap animated explainer video can evoke emotions through storytelling, music, and animation, fostering a stronger emotional connection with the audience. Emotionally engaged viewers are more likely to trust your brand and make a purchase. By using relatable scenarios and charming visuals, a well-crafted explainer video can emotionally resonate with potential customers, driving them to act.

Stronger Call-to-Action

Every good explainer video should have a clear call-to-action (CTA) at the end. These videos often end with a direct and persuasive CTA that encourages viewers to sign up, purchase, or contact the business. Including a compelling CTA in a low-cost explainer video helps guide viewers through your conversion funnel more effectively.

Social Proof and Trust Building

Trust is essential in converting leads into customers. Cheap animated explainer videos that incorporate customer testimonials or case studies can provide valuable social proof. Seeing how others have benefited from your product or service builds trust with your audience, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates.

The ROI of Investing in a Cheap Animated Explainer Video

Calculating the return on investment (ROI) is essential for any marketing campaign. When businesses invest in a cheap animated explainer video, they often wonder whether the costs will justify the returns. The good news is that cheap animated explainer videos can deliver impressive ROI by increasing customer engagement, driving sales, and improving brand recognition.

Lower Production Costs vs. Traditional Video Content

Traditional video production can be expensive, with costs ranging from equipment rental to hiring actors and crew. On the other hand, a low-cost explainer video reduces these overheads significantly. While the production quality remains high, businesses don’t have to sacrifice their budgets for expensive video shoots. This cost-effectiveness makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking for an affordable animation to boost their marketing efforts.

Increased Engagement and Lead Generation

A cheap animated explainer video can significantly increase user engagement. By simplifying the messaging around complex products and services, these explainer videos make it easier for potential customers to understand the value being offered. Engaged viewers are more likely to provide their contact information or make a purchase, leading to higher lead generation and conversions, ultimately improving ROI.

Long-Term Marketing Value

One of the greatest advantages of a cheap animated explainer video is its longevity. Unlike other marketing content that may become outdated quickly, an animated explainer video remains relevant over time. With minor updates, these videos can continue to attract traffic and generate leads, providing long-term value and improving ROI well after the initial production.

Performance Metrics to Track ROI

To assess the ROI of a cheap animated explainer video, businesses should track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as view counts, click-through rates (CTR), conversions, and engagement. By analyzing these metrics, businesses can gauge the effectiveness of their video and refine their strategies for even greater ROI.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Cheap Animated Explainer Video

Creating a cheap animated explainer video can be a highly cost-effective way to promote your business. However, to make sure your video has the desired impact, you must avoid common mistakes that can lead to wasted resources or poor results. Here’s how to ensure your low-cost explainer video delivers maximum value.

Overcomplicating the Script

One of the most common mistakes in creating a cheap animated explainer video is overcomplicating the script. While it’s tempting to showcase all the features of your product, a cluttered or overly detailed script can confuse viewers. Instead, keep your message concise, focusing on the problem your product/service solves and the solution you offer in a straightforward manner.

Choosing the Wrong Animation Style

Not every animation style will suit your brand or message. A cheap animated explainer video may offer limited animation options, but it’s important to choose a style that aligns with your brand identity. For instance, playful, cartoon-style animations may be perfect for a children’s product but might not work for a more professional, corporate brand.

Ignoring Target Audience

The most effective explainer videos are tailored to a specific target audience. Failing to understand your audience’s needs and preferences can lead to a video that misses the mark. A cheap animated explainer video should speak directly to your audience’s pain points and offer solutions that resonate with them.

Underestimating the Power of Sound and Voiceover

Even in a cheap animated explainer video, sound quality and voiceover matter. Poor audio can undermine the professionalism of your video. Ensure that your voiceover is clear, engaging, and well-matched to the tone of your animation. Music and sound effects should complement the visuals and enhance the viewer’s experience.

Skipping the Call to Action

A cheap animated explainer video without a clear call to action (CTA) is a missed opportunity. Your CTA should direct the viewer on what to do next—whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase. Without a strong CTA, viewers may not take the next step toward conversion.

Cost-Effective Tools for Creating Professional Cheap Animated Explainer Videos

Creating a professional-quality cheap animated explainer video doesn’t have to involve expensive software or agencies. There are several low-cost tools available that enable businesses to create high-quality explainer videos without breaking the bank. By leveraging these tools & resources, businesses can produce effective explainer videos on a budget.

Free and Affordable Animation Software

Several software platforms offer affordable options for creating animated explainer videos. For example, platforms like Powtoon, Vyond, and Animaker provide user-friendly interfaces and a wide variety of templates for creating low-cost animated videos. These tools are ideal for businesses with limited resources but still want to produce visually appealing and professional videos.

DIY Animation Tools

For those looking to create their own videos from scratch, Biteable and Renderforest are affordable DIY animation tools that allow users to create videos without prior animation experience. These platforms often include step-by-step tutorials, helping businesses create professional-quality videos quickly and inexpensively.

Templates and Pre-Designed Assets

Using pre-designed templates, assets & 3D models is an excellent way to save both time and money when creating a cheap animated explainer video. Many animation tools offer templates for common business needs, such as product demos or customer testimonials. By customizing these templates, businesses can create unique videos without the need for expensive custom animation.

Outsourcing to Freelancers or Small Studios

If creating an animated explainer video in-house is not an option, outsourcing to a freelance animator can be a cost-effective alternative. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork provide access to skilled animators who can create a professional-quality cheap animated explainer video at a fraction of the cost of larger animation studios.

Cheap Animation Video Production Resources

These popular video production resources are recommended for your video production journey:

How to create a free animated video.

How long does it take to make an animated explainer video?

What explainer video services does Video Igniter offer?

How I create a marketing video animation to promote and grow my business?

Conclusion

Creating a cheap animated explainer video is possible if you use some or all of these tips. If you have a budget of at least $500-$1000, you could consider connecting with a freelance animator or Video Igniter to help create an inexpensive animated explainer video that includes custom visuals and some nice animation detail to keep your viewers engaged. Want to speak with a member of our animated video production company about creating an affordable explainer video? Check out our animated video portfolio to see our latest and greatest creations.

Interested in checking out Video Igniter’s prices? You can request access to our pricing page here.

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