Explainer 101: Learn How To Make Video Explainers

Do you want to make an explainer but aren’t sure how to get started? In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to make effective explainer videos including how much they cost, how long they take to make and what to look for when hiring an explainer video producer.

What is an explainer?

Explainers, sometimes referred to as explainer videos or animated explainer videos, are short concise videos that break down large topics and explain them in simple terms. Explainers can be made with video animation, they can be filmed, they can mix stock footage with motion graphics and they can even be made as whiteboard animations.

Examples of Explainer Videos You Can Get From Video Igniter

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D explainer 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 explainer video? Send us a message to let us know what kind of explainer you want to see and we will follow up with relevant production samples.

 

How to Make An Explainer

There are a variety of online animation makers you can use to create video explainers or you can hire an animation studio or Video Igniter to create your explainer for you. Regardless of which production option you choose, here’s a quick overview of the production process for creating an explainer.

Explainer Kick Off

When you start creating an explainer, you should identify a few key details before you begin production:

– What do you want to communicate in your explainer?

– What are the main sub categories that you need to break your main topic down into?

– Who is the target audience for your explainer?

– What kind of visual style do you want to use when creating your explainer?

– What is the main takeaway that you want people to remember at the end of your explainer?

Explainer Script

Now that you’ve identified the main talking points for your explainer, it’s time to create the script for your explainer. Our team will develop the first draft of the script for your explainer and share it with you for your feedback. Let us know if you want to make any revisions and we’ll incorporate your feedback before moving forward with production.

FYI – You can save money on your explainer’s production cost by writing the script yourself. Download our free explainer script template here.

Explainer Storyboard

After the script is approved, it’s time to create the storyboard for your explainer. A storyboard is a blueprint that tells the production team what to create for reach part of your video script. It can include a list of stock footage, filmed shots and animated sequences that need to be created for your explainer. You get an opportunity to review the storyboard and request revisions before approving your storyboard for production.

Budget saving tip: You can create your own storyboard to help save money on your explainer’s production cost. Download our free storyboard template.

Voiceover

Now that your script is locked in, it’s time to record the voiceover. Our team will audition multiple voiceover talents and share their auditions with you so that you can pick your favorite one. Then, we’ll hire your preferred voiceover artist to record the full script for your explainer. You get an opportunity to listen to the recording and request edits before approving the voiceover for production.

Explainer Illustrations

Our art director will develop concept art for your project and let you choose your favorite option. You then collaborate with our art director to refine your preferred visual style until you absolutely love it.

Then, our art team will create all of the illustrations for your explainer. You get an opportunity to review all the art and request edits before approving the art for production.

Soundtrack & SFX

You will receive several soundtrack options for your explainer. We recommend adding a soundtrack and light sound effects to enhance the presentation of your explainer. After you select your preferred soundtrack, we will acquire the license so that you can legally use the music in your explainer.

Animating Your Explainer

Finally, it’s time to animate! Your explainer’s audio and visual elements have been approved and the animation team can get to work creating your explainer. It typically takes 1 week to animate most 2D animations. More complicated 2D animations and 3D animations take more time to produce.

When the first draft of your video is ready, give it a detailed review. Collect everyone’s feedback and send it to us so that we can incorporate all of your edits and once. Then, we’ll render out the final draft of your explainer so that you can start posting it and sharing it with people.

How Much Does An Explainer Cost To Make?

Explainer production costs vary based on the following factors:

– The length of your explainer

– The visual style of your explainer

– 2D vs 3D animation

– Who is creating the script & storyboard (you or the video producer?)

Most explainers can be produced for $1,000-$7,500 for each minute of video that’s being created. You can also use a DIY online animation maker to create your explainer video for less. For more tips on lowering your production cost, check out this article on affordable animation tips.

How long does it take to create an explainer?

Explainer production timelines vary based on the following factors:

– The visual style of your explainer

– How quickly you respond to questions and share feedback

– 2D vs 3D animation

Typically, a 1-2 minute explainer can be produced in 2-6 weeks. Want to figure out how long it’ll take to create your explainer? Schedule a call with our production team or use this page to send us a message about your project and we’ll get back to you with a production timeline.

Do you have a deadline that’s coming up quick and want to speed up the production timeline? Rush delivery is available to help you get your explainer produced faster.

How to save money when making an explainer?

Here are 6 ways you can save money on your production cost when creating an explainer:

1). Write the script yourself instead of hiring an animation studio, freelancer or production company to create it for you. Download our free script writing template to help you write your script.

2). Create the storyboard for your explainer instead of hiring someone else to create it for you. Download our free storyboard template here.

3). Use free, legal music for your explainer. You can find free legal tracks on Incompetech and Facebook’s Sound Collection.

4). Consider using stock images, assets and pre-created 3D models. Instead of making a completely custom animated video, you can use pre-created assets to save money on your production cost.

5). Record the voiceover for your explainer instead of hiring someone to record it for you. Did you know you can record professional quality voiceovers at home for free without spending any money on high end equipment or software? Check out the video in this article to learn how.

6). Create your own explainer by using an online animation maker to customize one of their video templates so it shows and says what you want it to explain.

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

How long should my explainer be?

Most explainers are under 5 minutes long. Many companies that create animated explainer videos to promote their business aim for a target length of 30-120 seconds. Long form explainers exist too – digital journalists and publications create explainers that can be 5-30+ minutes long.

How to find a producer to make my explainer?

Here are several ways you can find a producer to make your explainer:

– Look on sites like Fiverr, Freelancer and Upwork.

– Look for animators on Instagram and Behance

– Hire Video Igniter to create your explainer.

– Create your explainer yourself using a DIY animation tool like Vyond or PowToon.

What to look for when hiring a producer for your explainer?

✅ Check out their portfolio to see if they produce the quality you are looking for.

✅ Check out their reviews and testimonials. Scroll down to read some of ours. Don’t be afraid to ask for references.

✅ Ask what their rates are.

✅ Ask how many revisions are included in the price.

Still have questions about explainers?

Do you have a question about explainers 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.

If you’re looking for an explainer video company to make an explainer video, we make those too!

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 Production 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

 

Get in touch!

Schedule a call with our production team 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.