Explainer Video Rates

Looking to make an explainer video but need more information about explainer video rates to help you choose a producer for your project? In this guide, Video Igniter Animation answers the most frequently asked questions we receive about rates for explainer videos. We provide pricing guidance for different styles of animation, tips to save on your production budget, and examples of explainer videos made with different production rates.

What are reasonable rates to pay for an explainer video?

TL;DR: You get what you pay for.

Pre-production Rates (Script + Storyboard Creation): $650-$1000 for a 60-second explainer video.

Production Rates: most 2D explainer videos can be designed and animated for under $5,000. 3D animated explainer videos cost at least 2x more.

Animated Video Style Examples

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

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

High End Explainer Video Examples (+$7500)

 

Medium Cost Explainer Video Examples (+$3000)

 

Low Cost Explainer Video Examples (+$1000)

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 are the rates to make an animated explainer video?

Video Igniter changes our rates from time to time – visit this page to request access to our current price sheet. In total, we recommend spending a few thousand dollars (more than $1,000 less than $10,000) if you want to make a minute long 2D custom animated video. Thinking of making a 3D animated explainer video? Anticipate your production budget being at least 2-3x more.

Below is a breakdown of the main components that determine the rate for your explainer video. For the sake of simplicity, all rates assume your explainer video is 60 seconds long. You can get a custom quote for your explainer video here.

Explainer Video Scriptwriting Rates

The script is the skeleton for your explainer video. It’s possible to save money on your production budget and write the script yourself. If you are hiring an animation studio, freelancer or Video Igniter to write the script for you, expect them to spend at least 2-4 hours researching your company and target market, another 3-4+ hours writing the first draft of the script, and then another 1-2+ hours working with you to revise the script to your satisfaction. At a rate of $50/hr and a minimum of 6 hours of work, we tell people to budget at least $300-$500+ to create the script for a 60 second explainer video.

Explainer Video Storyboard Creation Rates

The storyboard is the blueprint for your explainer video. It is a set of instructions for the illustrators and animators so they know what they are supposed to create for each sentence of your script. You can save money on your production budget by creating the storyboard yourself. If you are hiring your animation service provider to create the storyboard for a 60 second explainer video, expect them to spend at least 6-8 hours on the first draft and another 1-2+ hours revising it. Storyboards for 3D animated videos require more detailed sketches and easily take 2-3x more time to create. At a rate of $50/hr, we recommend people budget $350-$500+ if they’re hiring someone to create a storyboard for a 60 second explainer video.

Explainer Video VoiceOver Rates

English-speaking voiceover artists charge between $10-$300 to record 60 seconds of audio. This rate usually includes 1-2 rounds of revisions. Be sure to check with your voiceover artist to see if they charge extra for you to have the ‘broadcast rights’ to use their voice in paid media campaigns. If you plan to use your video within a paid broadcast media campaign (TV or Online) you may need to pay extra for the voiceover recording’s broadcast rights.

Rates for non-English voiceover recordings range between $50-$500/60 seconds depending how common the language is.

Explainer Video Soundtrack Rates

Rates for stock music soundtrack licenses range between $9-$399. Be sure to check to see what is included and not included within the scope of the broadcast rights for the track. Audio Jungle, for example, has different rates for different licenses depending on how the size of the broadcast audience:

2D Explainer Video Rates (Design and Animation Cost)

Depending on the quality and visual style of your explainer video, it takes 1-3 weeks to create all the custom illustrations for an explainer video. At $30-$50/hour, that means the designer alone costs $1200-$2000 for each week they spend creating illustrations for your explainer video.

The same rates and timelines apply for the design phase of a 2D animated explainer video?. That means the entire design and animation cost for your explainer video can cost $2400-$4000+ for a 60 second animation.

To learn more about 2D animated videos and how to create them, check out our 2D Animated Video FAQ.

3D Explainer Video Rates (Design and Animation Cost)

3D explainer videos require 2-6+ weeks to create all the custom 3D models and scenes for an explainer video. At $30+/hour, the designer costs a minimum of $1200+ for each week they spend creating 3D objects for your explainer video.

3D animators need 3-5+ weeks of time to animate a single minute of video and they cost just as much, if not more than the 3D modelers do.

Depending on the style of animation being used, it may take extra few weeks of work from teams that specialize in lighting, physics, special effects and applying advanced color skins to 3D models.

It is very difficult to throw out a ballpark budget range and timeline for a 3D explainer video because there are many different levels of detail and production quality. It’s best to reach out to us to get a custom quote. If you have questions about 3D animation or want to learn more about the 3D animated video production process, check out our FAQ about 3D animated videos.

Overhead Costs

In addition to the direct costs related to creating an explainer video, there a few other factors that also contribute to your explainer video’s production rate. This includes things like the project manager’s salary, software tools to manage the project, and miscellaneous overhead costs.

Summary of Explainer Video Rates

In total, you’re looking at a minimum of $0-$500 (Script) + $0-$500 (Storyboard) + $10-$300 (VoiceOver) + $9-$299 (Soundtrack) +$1200-$2000 (Illustration) + $1200-$2000 (Animation) + ??? (Hidden Overhead Costs) = $2419 to produce a basic 60 second explainer video.

Yes, it is possible to find uber cheap explainer video producers online – but it’s unlikely you will be happy with the quality of your explainer video if you’re trying to get the whole thing produced for under $500. A poorly designed explainer video can leave a negative impression of your brand. If you can’t invest at least $750 to create a 30 second explainer video, consider allocating those funds another way because a cheap looking video can end up doing more damage than you anticipate.

How to get lower production rates for your explainer video?

Budget Saving Tip #1: Write your own script

You can save hundreds or thousands of dollars off the going rate for your explainer video by writing the script yourself! Even if you aren’t a professional writer, you can create a great first draft that our team can help you polish up so it’s production ready. Here are some resources to help you create your script:

Download our free scriptwriting template

How To Write An Animated Video Script

Examples of Explainer Video Scripts.

7 Tips to Supercharge Your Explainer Video Script Writing!

Read scripts written for explainer videos and watch the videos they turned into.

Budget Saving Tip #2: Create the storyboard for your explainer video

Creating the storyboard for your explainer video is another great way to save hundreds or thousands of dollars off the production rate for your explainer video. You don’t need to be a professional artist to create a storyboard. As long as you can brainstorm ideas for what you want to show during each part of your script and describe your ideas clearly, you can create a storyboard! For tips and instructions on how to create a storyboard for your explainer video, check out these resources:

Download our free storyboard template

How To Create A Storyboard For An Animated Video?

Building a Great Storyboard For An Explainer Video

What is a storyboard and why do you need one?

Budget Saving Tip #3: Record the voiceover yourself

Recording the voiceover for your explainer video can shave a little money off the rate for your explainer video. Check out 1:31 in this video about voice over’s for your animated video to learn how you can record one at home for free! No professional equipment or expensive software needed.

Budget Saving Tip #4: Use free, legal music

Instead of buying a soundtrack license, you can download free, legal music from Incompetech and Facebook’s Sound Collection for your explainer video.

Budget Saving Tip #5: Consider using stock assets

Video Igniter specializes in making custom animated videos – but that doesn’t mean your animated video needs to be 100% custom illustrated. If you are open to us using some stock assets within your video (i.e. stock images, videos, text, icons, stock animations, 3d models, etc), let us know and we’ll see if it’s possible for us to use them to slightly decrease the rate for your explainer video.

Rush Delivery Explainer Video Rates?

Normally it takes 3-6 weeks to create a 60-second 2D explainer video. 3D animations take 2-3x more time. For more details on the timeline for an explainer video, check out this companion article.

But what if you need to guarantee delivery faster for a deadline or a launch date? Let us know and we will devise a custom tailored production schedule and production rate for your explainer video that will enable us to complete the job before your deadline. More information about rush delivery animation is available here.

Does my production cost go up if I ask for more revisions?

That depends on who you hire to create your explainer video. Most animation studios and freelancers limit you to 1-2 rounds of revisions. Any more than that and they may start adding extra charges to your final bill.

Video Igniter has an Unlimited Revisions Policy for Simple and Standard Animation projects. This means your explainer video won’t go over budget. We will revise your script, storyboard, voiceover, soundtrack selections, illustrations and animation an unlimited number of times – until you mark them as approved. As long as the edits remain within the scope of the script and storyboard you approved, we will continue to work with you to revise details of your explainer video until you are completely thrilled with every part of it.

Factors That Influence Explainer Video Rates

While many pricing guides provide general ranges for explainer video rates, it’s equally important to understand why prices vary so much between different studios, freelance animators, and production teams. Knowing the factors that impact pricing will help you make smarter investment decisions and avoid overpaying—or underpaying—for your explainer video.

1. The Complexity of Your Story and Script

One of the biggest drivers of production cost is the complexity of the story you’re telling. Simple, straightforward scripts that explain a single product feature or service can be animated quickly and affordably. But if your explainer video includes multiple product lines, technical demonstrations, or complex storytelling elements, the production rate will increase.

More complexity often means:

• More scenes or transitions
• More voiceover and sound design work
• Additional custom illustrations or character designs
• Extended animation timelines

When budgeting, think about whether you can simplify your narrative without losing clarity. A focused, well-written 60-second video often outperforms a lengthy, detail-heavy one—and costs significantly less.

2. Visual Style and Animation Technique

The artistic style you choose has a direct impact on your explainer video rate. For instance:

• Whiteboard animations are often the most affordable, ranging from $1,000–$3,000 per minute, depending on the level of customization.
• 2D animated explainer videos typically fall between $3,000–$7,000 per minute.
• Motion graphics and character-based animations cost more due to additional design time.
• 3D animated explainer videos are the most expensive, often exceeding $10,000 per minute, depending on the modeling, lighting, and rendering quality.

A helpful way to control cost is to discuss “style tiers” with your production partner. You may find a middle ground where you achieve a professional look while keeping your explainer video rates within budget.

3. Experience Level of the Production Team

Just like in any creative industry, experience affects pricing. A junior freelancer may quote $1,000 for an animated video, while a top-tier agency could charge $10,000 or more for the same runtime.

What’s the difference?

• A professional studio will have a refined production pipeline, ensuring consistent quality and smooth communication.
• Experienced producers include script consulting, brand strategy, and marketing insight within the quoted rate.
• Less experienced freelancers may underbid but require more direction or deliver inconsistent results.

If your explainer video is part of a large marketing campaign, investing in an experienced team is almost always worth the higher rate.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For in Explainer Video Production

Even when you have a clear quote, some hidden costs can appear during production if you’re not careful. To avoid budget creep, make sure you ask about these potential fees before signing a contract:

1. Revisions beyond the included limit: Some producers charge for extra revisions after the first or second round.
2. Broadcast and licensing fees: Using stock footage, soundtracks, or voiceovers may require additional broadcast rights.
3. Rush delivery animation: Tight deadlines often mean overtime for the animation team, increasing the total rate.
4. Source file access: Some studios charge extra if you want the editable source files for future use.

When comparing explainer video rates, make sure you’re comparing all-inclusive quotes. A seemingly cheap option can end up costing more once these hidden expenses are added.

Regional Cost Comparison for Explainer Video Rates

Where your animation team is located can dramatically influence production rates. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect across different regions in 2026:

• United States & Canada: $3,000–$10,000 per minute (high-quality custom work)
• Western Europe (UK, Germany, France): $2,500–$8,000 per minute
• Eastern Europe (Poland, Ukraine, Serbia): $1,000–$4,000 per minute
• Asia (India, Philippines, Indonesia): $500–$3,000 per minute
• Australia & New Zealand: $2,000–$7,000 per minute

Many companies choose a hybrid model—hiring creative direction from a U.S. or European agency while outsourcing animation to a lower-cost region. This can help reduce overall explainer video rates while maintaining high quality.

Understanding the ROI of Explainer Videos

One of the best ways to evaluate whether your explainer video rate is “worth it” is to calculate your return on investment (ROI). Explainer videos are proven to boost engagement, conversion rates, and brand recall—but the real value depends on how effectively you use them.

Companies that integrate explainer videos into their sales pages or ad campaigns often see:

• Increased conversion rates (20–80% improvement in some studies)
• Higher dwell time on websites
• Lower bounce rates
• Better retention of complex information

If your video helps close just a few additional sales each month, it can pay for itself within weeks. Instead of viewing the rate as an expense, think of it as a marketing asset that delivers measurable long-term value.

How to Choose the Right Explainer Video Rate for Your Goals

When selecting a production partner, you don’t necessarily need the cheapest or most expensive option. You need the right fit for your business goals. Here’s a quick framework:

1. Define your objective. Are you trying to build brand awareness, explain a complex concept, or drive conversions?
2. Set your budget range early. This will help producers suggest realistic solutions.
3. Review portfolios carefully. Focus on animation quality, storytelling, and pacing.
4. Ask about included services. Make sure scriptwriting, revisions, and voiceover are clearly outlined.
5. Request a timeline estimate. Faster delivery usually means higher rates.

Choosing a provider who clearly explains how their pricing works—and backs it up with real examples—will save you time and money in the long run.

Trends Impacting Explainer Video Rates in 2026

The animation and marketing industries continue to evolve, which means the cost structure for explainer videos is changing too. Some key trends include:

• AI-assisted animation: Tools that automate lip-syncing, background generation, and scene transitions are helping studios reduce production time.
• Personalized explainer videos: Dynamic, data-driven animations that change per viewer are becoming more common but also increase production costs.
• Interactive explainers: Adding clickable or branching elements can make your video more engaging but requires additional coding and design time.
• Sustainable production: Studios using eco-friendly rendering methods or carbon-neutral workflows may charge a premium for environmentally conscious clients.

Keeping an eye on these developments can help you understand why explainer video rates fluctuate and how to plan for future projects.

How to make the most of your explainer video?

If you are making an explainer video for a business or marketing purpose, there are a lot of things you can do during and after the production process has completed that will improve your business outcomes. We recommend reviewing these resources before starting your next video marketing project:

• 7 Tips to help you write a great script for your explainer video.
• Pick the right visual style for your animated video.
• 6 Tips To Increase Viewer Engagement for your explainer video.
• Check out our explainer video tips!
• 7 Tips For Using and Improving Your Businesses’ Video.
• Learn how to interpret your video’s viewer stats to see if it needs improvement.
• A/B Test variations of your animated video to improve its conversion rate.

Explainer Video Production Resources

These popular articles are recommended for your video production journey:

How to calculate the cost of an explainer video?

What kind of explainer video services does Video Igniter offer?

What is the Video Igniter animated video creation platform?

Video Igniter offers animated video production services online. We modernized the experience of creating a custom animated explainer video to help you create custom content faster and save on your production costs. Video Igniter streamlines the complex process of making a custom animated video and does 99% of the work for you. All you need to do is tell us what you want us to create and review the assets we create for your video (script, storyboard, voiceover, soundtrack, art and animation).

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

Hire Video Igniter to make your explainer video

World class animation and design talent at prices startups can afford.

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

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

Explainer Video Reel

 

Explainer Video Success Stories and 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

“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.”

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