How Long Does It Take To Animate a 1 Minute Video?

If you’re wondering how long does it take to animate 1 minute of video, you’re in the right place. In this article, we explain how long it takes to animate different types of minute-long videos and give you an overview of the production experience.

But, to give you a quick answer: most 2D animated videos can be made in 3-6 weeks.

How long does it take to make a 1 minute animated video?

The amount of time it takes to produce an animated video varies depending on the amount of detail and the style of the animation being produced. Here’s a quick summary of what to expect for each type of animated video:

2D Animation

2D animated videos take about 3-6 weeks to produce. Simpler animations using icons, shapes and text (and no animated characters) can be produced even quicker. If your video includes animated characters, expect for your video to take at least 4-6 weeks to create.

3D Animation

If you want to make a 3D animated video, it’s going to take 2-4x as much time to create, compared to a 2D animated video. 3D animated videos have more steps in the production process compared to 2D animated videos. Additionally, each stage of the production process is more complex and requires larger teams to create the 3D models, textures, lighting/shading and special effects.

Frame By Frame Animation

Frame by frame animation (also referred to as ‘cel animation‘) is a more detailed, fluid form of 2D animation. Think of the old Disney cartoons. These are the kinds of animations where every frame of the animation is drawn by hand. These animations look more realistic, liquid and detailed than simple 2D computer animations. As such, they take more time and effort to get the details right. It will take at least 6-8 weeks to animate a video using frame by frame animation.

Motion Graphics Animation

Motion graphics animation is a simple form of animation. Most motion graphics are made using 2D animation – however, 3D motion graphics are starting to catch on more these days.

Think of motion graphics as visual accents to make your video content more engaging and interesting. They can be used to display charts and data, maps or just add some visual flair on screen while someone is speaking to the camera. It takes about 1-4 weeks to design and animate 1 minute of motion graphics, depending on the complexity of the design.

Stop Motion & Clay Animation

Stop motion animation and clay animation videos are typically created using 24 frames per second. If you multiply that by 60 seconds, that means you need to position and shoot 1,440 images (with zero mistakes!) If each photo were to take you 30 seconds to set up and shoot, it would take 12 hours to shoot all the footage. That doesn’t take into account the amount of time needed to develop the script, storyboard, record the voiceovers and edit all the footage together into a complete video.

How can I speed up animation?

1). Write the script for your video instead of hiring your animator to produce it for you.

2). Create the storyboard for your animated video. Download our free storyboard creation template.

3). Use our rush delivery production upgrade to speed up production for your video. Increasing your budget with rush delivery enables us to put additional illustrators, animators and project managers on your video so that it gets completed on time.

How long does each stage of the animation process take?

Script Writing: 1 week

Storyboard Creation: 1 week

Illustrations, VoiceOver & Soundtrack Selection: 1-2 weeks

Animation: 1-2 weeks

What Actually Determines How Long It Takes To Animate A 1 Minute Video?

If you’re researching how long does it take to animate a 1 minute video, the real answer depends on more than just animation style. Production timelines are influenced by multiple behind-the-scenes factors that most first-time clients don’t initially consider.

Here are the biggest timeline drivers:

1. Script Complexity

A 60-second video is typically 125–150 words. But not all 1-minute scripts are equal.

• A simple product overview with one core idea moves quickly.
• A technical SaaS explainer packed with terminology takes longer to refine.
• A story-driven commercial with emotional beats may require more scripting iterations.

If the message isn’t clear from the start, revisions can easily add 1–2 extra weeks to production.

2. Number of Scenes

A fast-paced video with 12–15 quick scene changes takes longer than a slower-paced animation with 6–8 scenes. More scenes mean more illustrations, transitions, and animation sequences.

3. Character Design Requirements

Custom character animation takes time to concept, sketch, revise, and finalize. If your brand needs unique mascots or stylized characters, that design phase can extend timelines.

4. Revision Cycles

One of the biggest factors in answering how long does it take to animate a 1 minute video is feedback speed. Delayed approvals add days—or even weeks—to production.

Working with an experienced animation team streamlines approvals because they guide you through structured review phases.

How Many Hours Does It Take To Animate 1 Minute Of Video?

Many people ask this slightly different version of the question:

How many hours does it take to animate one minute?

For professional-quality animation, the answer often surprises people.

For 2D animation, one minute can require:

• 20–80+ hours of illustration work
• 20–60+ hours of animation
• 1–3 hours of sound design and editing
• Additional hours for revisions

For 3D animation, the number can climb dramatically due to modeling, rigging, lighting, and rendering.

When you add it all together, a 60-second animated video can easily represent 40–100+ hours of skilled creative labor.

That’s why professional studios typically quote production timelines in weeks rather than days.

Why 1 Minute Of Animation Feels Short But Takes So Long

From a viewer’s perspective, one minute passes quickly. But in animation, every second contains:

• Multiple design elements
• Movement and timing decisions
• Easing and transitions
• Text placement and legibility adjustments
• Sound synchronization

Animation is frame-based. At 24–30 frames per second, a 1 minute video contains between 1,440 and 1,800 individual frames. Even when software automates parts of the process, each scene must be carefully crafted for pacing and clarity.

This level of detail is what separates amateur animation from polished, professional work.

How Timeline Changes Based On Video Purpose

Another factor that affects how long it takes to animate a 1 minute video is what the video is being used for.

Internal Training Video

These are often simpler and can move faster because visual polish is less critical.

Social Media Ad

Shorter deadlines are common, but they still require tight pacing and clear messaging.

Homepage Explainer Video

These usually demand higher production value because they represent your brand to every visitor.

Investor Pitch Video

Precision and clarity are critical. These often require more revision rounds to ensure accuracy.

The higher the stakes, the more refinement is required.

Can You Animate A 1 Minute Video In A Week?

Technically, yes—but only under certain conditions:

• Script is finalized
• Style is simple
• No custom character development
• Limited revisions
• Dedicated animation team available

Rush delivery animation is possible when more animators are assigned to a project simultaneously. However, compressing timelines increases cost because it requires reallocating resources.

If you need fast turnaround, working with a professional team is often safer than attempting DIY animation software—especially if deadlines matter.

DIY Animation Timelines vs Professional Studio Timelines

Many people researching how long does it take to animate a 1 minute video are debating between doing it themselves or hiring experts.

Here’s what typically happens:

DIY Animation Software

• Learning curve: 1–2 weeks
• Script writing: varies
• Trial-and-error revisions: unpredictable
• Total time: Often longer than expected

Even simple template-based platforms require significant time investment if you’re new to animation.

Professional Animation Studio

• Structured timeline
• Dedicated script development
• Professional voiceover coordination
• Managed revisions
• Clear production milestones

While DIY tools appear faster on the surface, professional production often results in shorter overall timelines because experienced teams avoid costly mistakes.

How To Reduce Delays When Producing A 1 Minute Animated Video

If speed matters, here’s how to keep production moving efficiently:

1. Clarify Your Goal Early

Know exactly what action viewers should take after watching the video.

2. Assign A Single Decision Maker

Multiple stakeholders can slow approvals.

3. Provide Brand Assets Upfront

Logos, fonts, color codes, and brand guidelines prevent redesign delays.

4. Approve In Phases

Don’t wait until the final animation to suggest major changes.

At Video Igniter, projects are structured in milestone phases—script approval, storyboard approval, design approval—so major changes happen early when they’re easiest to adjust.

Hidden Time Factors Most People Don’t Consider

When calculating how long it takes to animate a 1 minute video, many people forget about:

• Voiceover casting and recording
• Music licensing
• Sound effects integration
• Export rendering time
• Format resizing for social platforms

Even rendering alone can take hours for high-resolution animations.

A professional team anticipates these steps and builds them into the schedule.

Is Faster Always Better?

While quick turnaround sounds appealing, quality should never suffer for speed.

A rushed animation can:

• Feel choppy
• Have weak storytelling
• Include design inconsistencies
• Miss emotional impact

If your video is meant to generate leads, close sales, or build brand trust, the right timeline is the one that balances speed and quality.

Planning Ahead: The Smartest Way To Approach A 1 Minute Animated Video

If you’re planning a product launch, ad campaign, or investor presentation, start production at least 4–8 weeks before your deadline. That gives room for:

• Strategic messaging
• Polished design
• Thoughtful animation
• Comfortable revision cycles

Waiting until the last minute limits creative flexibility.

Need Help Animating Your 1 Minute Video?

If you’re asking how long does it take to animate a 1 minute video, chances are you’re preparing for an important launch or marketing initiative.

Instead of navigating timelines, revisions, and creative decisions alone, you can work with an experienced animation team that handles everything—from script development to final delivery.

Video Igniter specializes in producing professional 2D and 3D animated videos efficiently, without sacrificing quality. Our streamlined production process keeps projects on schedule while ensuring your message is clear and compelling.

If you’d like help planning or producing your 1 minute animated video, contact Video Igniter to discuss your goals and timeline. We’re happy to walk you through your options and help you determine the smartest production schedule for your needs.

Your 60 seconds of animation can create years of impact—when it’s done right.

Still have questions about how long it takes to make an animated video?

Do you have a question about how long it takes to make an animated video that wasn’t answered 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. 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 Commercial Producer 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.”

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