Hiring a 2D animator, studio or animation production company to make a custom animated video is much easier than trying to figure out how to make it yourself. We at Video Igniter get a lot of questions about working with 2D animators so we created this FAQ to answer the most commonly asked questions. In this guide, you will learn how to hire a 2D animator, how to work with them to create an animated video, how much it costs to make a 2D animated video, tips to save money on your production budget, and more!

2D Video Animator Examples

Check out these examples of 2D animated videos you can get from Video Igniter. 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.

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.

How To Hire A 2D Video Animator?

If you’re interested in hiring someone to make a 2d animated video, take a look at their video portfolio to see if they can do the level of quality work you expect for your video. It’s also worth asking about their design process, pricing structure and the amount of revisions you get when working with them. Here are some additional animated video production resources to help you find and hire a 2d animator for your project:

• 9 Things to look for when hiring an animator.
• How do you outsource an animated video project?
• How do you hire an animator?
• What is Video Igniter Animation?
• What to look for when hiring and collaborating with a 2D animation studio?
• What goes into production cost of an animated video?
• Considering making the animated video yourself? Learn about DIY options.
• Need your video fast? Learn about rush delivery.
• Pros and Cons of Different Animation Styles

Where Can I Hire A 2D Video Animator?

Video Igniter

Fiverr

Upwork

Craigslist

How To Make A 2D Animation With Video Igniter’s 2D Animator?

1). Questionnaire

Once you’ve selected a 2D animator for your project and paid to start production, the animator will send you a questionnaire. The questionnaire helps the animator collect information about the animated video you want them to create.

2). Script

The 2D animator will review your questionnaire and draft the script for your video. You will get an opportunity to review the script and request edits before approving it for production.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

Deep Dive: Check out our animated video asset review guide for tips on how to review your script and other assets for your animated video.

3). Storyboard

Next, the animator will create the storyboard. The storyboard contains instructions for the illustration and animation team so they know what to create for each part of your script. You will get an opportunity to review the storyboard and request revisions before moving on to the next stage of production.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

Insider Tip: Video Igniter’s simple and standard animation projects include unlimited revisions which means we will continue to work with you to revise your storyboard until you love it!

4). VoiceOver

After your storyboard is approved, the 2d animator will help you audition voiceover talent for your video. If you love one of the voiceover auditions, the animator will procure and license the full recording for your animated video. You will get an opportunity to review the full recording and request edits before approving the voiceover for production.

5). Soundtrack

Your 2D animator will also help identify soundtracks for your animated video that will enhance the presentation of your animation. The animator will help secure the broadcast license for the soundtrack you approve for your animated video.

6). Illustrations

Illustrations are a two phase production process. First, the artist will create custom concept art based on a scene from your storyboard, your branding and style references.

After you send your feedback to the art team, the illustrators will create all the custom art for your video. You will get an opportunity to review and approve all the art for your video before it moves into production.

7). Animation

Now that your storyboard, voiceover and illustrations are approved, it’s time for the 2D animator to really get to work. It will take them about a week to animate a 60 second video. When the first draft is ready, we recommend reviewing it with your internal team and members of your target audience (if available). Collect everyone’s feedback and send it back to the 2D animator to complete the final draft.

2D Animation Deep Dive

For a more in-depth explanation, check out this companion article that explains how to make a 2D animation and our FAQ guide about 2D animated videos.

How Long Does It Take A Video Animator To Create A 2D Animation?

The 2D animated video production process takes about 3-6 weeks to produce a 1-2 minute animated video.

What Does A 2D Animator Actually Do?

When you hire a 2D animator, you’re not just hiring someone to make things move. A professional animator wears many creative hats throughout the production process. Their job is to bring ideas, characters, and stories to life through motion — whether for a commercial, explainer video, training content, or entertainment.

A 2D animator is often responsible for:

• Interpreting the script and storyboard into visual sequences
• Creating motion that feels natural and expressive
• Ensuring visual consistency across every scene
• Collaborating with voiceover artists, illustrators, and sound designers
• Meeting deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality

They also play a key role in maintaining the rhythm and emotional tone of a video. Good animation isn’t just about movement — it’s about timing, pacing, and storytelling.

Key Skills To Look For In A 2D Animator

When you’re evaluating a 2D animator for hire, it’s helpful to understand the core skills that separate a good animator from a great one:

1. Strong Drawing and Design Skills

Even if the project uses digital tools, strong drawing fundamentals help an animator create smoother, more expressive movement. Look for someone with a solid understanding of anatomy, perspective, and gesture.

2. Animation Principles Mastery

The best animators have a firm grasp of classic principles like squash and stretch, anticipation, and timing. These techniques help animations look polished, fluid, and believable.

3. Storytelling Ability

A 2D animator isn’t just a technician — they’re a storyteller. They should be able to translate complex ideas into engaging sequences that communicate clearly to your audience.

4. Software Proficiency

Most professional animators are proficient in industry-standard tools like Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, or TVPaint. Some projects may also involve vector illustration or motion graphics tools.

5. Communication & Collaboration

Since animation involves multiple creative contributors, it’s important to hire someone who can take feedback constructively and work well in a collaborative environment.

Tools Commonly Used By Professional 2D Animators

The tools a 2D animator uses can influence the style, workflow, and turnaround time of your project. Here are a few of the most popular software platforms used in professional production:

• Adobe After Effects: Ideal for motion graphics, compositing, and explainer videos.
• Toon Boom Harmony: A favorite for high-quality frame-by-frame character animation.
• Adobe Animate: Widely used for vector-based animation and web content.
• TVPaint: Known for its hand-drawn animation capabilities.
• Procreate + compositing tools: Great for concept art and hybrid workflows.

When hiring, it can be helpful to ask your animator what tools they use and why. This can give you insight into their technical approach and the visual quality you can expect.

How To Collaborate Effectively With A 2D Animator

Clear communication can make the difference between a smooth production and a stressful one. Here are some best practices for working effectively with your 2D animator:

1. Start With A Clear Creative Brief
   Define your goals, tone, target audience, and key messages. A strong brief ensures your animator understands your vision from the start.
2. Establish A Feedback Process
   Animation is iterative. Plan specific review checkpoints (e.g., script, storyboard, illustrations, animation draft) and provide consolidated feedback to avoid confusion or delays.
3. Use References Wisely
   Sharing reference videos or animation styles can help your animator visualize what you want — and avoid unnecessary revisions later.
4. Respect The Production Timeline
   Good animation takes time. Rush projects are possible, but giving your animator adequate time ensures better results and fewer errors.
5. Encourage Creative Input
   Your animator brings valuable expertise. Be open to their ideas — they may find creative ways to elevate your concept beyond what you initially imagined.

Different Types of 2D Animators You Can Hire

Not all 2D animators specialize in the same type of work. Knowing the distinctions can help you find the right fit for your project:

• Character Animators: Focus on bringing characters to life with personality, emotion, and movement.
• Motion Graphics Animators: Specialize in clean, professional transitions, typography, icons, and abstract visuals.
• Storyboard Artists / Pre-Production Animators: Help plan and visualize your scenes before production begins.
• Cel Animators: Create frame-by-frame hand-drawn animation for a more traditional look.
• Compositing Animators: Focus on assembling animated elements into a cohesive, polished final piece.

How To Find The Right 2D Animator For Your Project

There are many platforms where you can hire a 2D animator, but finding the right one depends on your timeline, budget, and creative goals.

• If you need high-end, polished work with a structured process, hiring through a professional animation studio can be a great fit.
• If you’re on a smaller budget, freelance platforms can connect you with talented individuals worldwide.
• If you want to save time vetting and managing multiple contractors, working with a platform like Video Igniter can simplify everything by handling the entire production process for you.

When reviewing potential animators, focus on:

• The quality and style of their portfolio
• Client testimonials and reliability
• Communication skills and professionalism
• Their ability to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality

How A 2D Animator Fits Into The Bigger Production Pipeline

Many people think of a 2D animator as someone who just “makes things move.” In reality, they’re part of a larger team that includes scriptwriters, illustrators, designers, editors, and producers.

Here’s how a 2D animator typically fits into the workflow:

1. Pre-Production: Script and storyboard are developed.
2. Illustration & Asset Creation: Visual elements are designed.
3. Animation: The animator brings the assets to life.
4. Compositing & Sound Design: Everything is layered together with voiceover, music, and sound effects.
5. Revisions & Delivery: The final video is polished and approved.

This collaborative pipeline is what turns a static idea into a compelling animated story.

Future Trends In 2D Animation

The role of the 2D animator is evolving quickly as new tools and technologies emerge. While the fundamentals of animation remain timeless, these trends are shaping the future of the industry:

• Hybrid Animation Styles: Mixing 2D and 3D elements for richer storytelling.
• AI-Assisted Workflows: Tools that speed up in-betweening, lip sync, and cleanup without replacing creative direction.
• Interactive Animation: Animations designed for immersive experiences, AR, and interactive media.
• Global Collaboration: More teams are working remotely, opening access to a global pool of animation talent.
• Short-Form Branded Content: Animators are increasingly creating fast-turnaround micro-videos for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Staying aware of these trends can help you make smarter decisions about your project and hire animators who are ahead of the curve.

Why Hiring A 2D Animator Is A Smart Investment

A skilled 2D animator can help you explain complex ideas, enhance your marketing strategy, and make your content more memorable. Unlike live-action videos, 2D animation gives you full creative control over every element — which makes it ideal for brands, startups, educators, and storytellers alike.

• It’s cost-effective compared to high-end live-action shoots.
• It’s easy to localize for different audiences.
• It has a longer shelf life since animated content doesn’t age as fast as filmed footage.
• It can be adapted and repurposed into multiple content formats.

If you want your message to stand out, working with the right animator can make a measurable difference in how your audience perceives and remembers your brand.

I need my animated cartoon fast! Do you offer rush delivery?

Yes we do offer rush delivery animation. If you need to get your 2D animation video produced quickly for an upcoming deadline or launch date, fill out this form to get a custom quote and let us know you are interested in rush delivery for your cartoon video project. We’ll prepare an accelerated production schedule and rush delivery quote to get your video produced on time.

What Does 2D Video Animation Cost?

2D animators charge between $1,000-$10,000 to create a custom animated 60 second video. Your production budget is function of the following criteria:

• Are you creating the script or are you hiring the animator to write it for you?
• Will you create the storyboard or do you want to hire the 2d animator to make it for you?
• Are you providing the voiceover?
• How quickly do you need the animation produced?
• What style of animation do you want for your video?
• How long is the video going to be?

If you want to dial in the production budget for your video,  schedule a call with our production team, contact us to get a quote, or request access to our newest price sheet.

Deep Dive: How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Animator?

What are some tips to save money on my video animation budget?

1). Write your script

You can save hundreds-thousands of dollars off your production budget by writing your own script. Check out all our scriptwriting resources here.

2). Create your storyboard

Same story for your storyboard. Lots of budget saving to be had if you create your own storyboard. Check out our storyboard template and storyboard creation guide here.

3). Record your own voiceover

Check out 1:31 in the video below to learn how you can record your own professional sounding voiceover for free without having to buy any fancy equipment or special software:

4). Use stock assets

Not every part of your animation needs to be custom made. Consider asking your animator if they can help reduce your production cost a little by using some stock images, videos, text, icons, clip art and pre-made 3D models. Free (or low cost) icons, clip art, stock images, fonts, graphs and video clips are available on sites like Mixkit, TheNounProject, Google Font Library and Envato Elements.

4). Download free (legal) music from these sites for your animation

Incompetech

Facebook Sound Collection

5). Resources for cheap animated videos

How to make cheap animated explainer videos.

6). Can I make animated videos for free?

Yes, there are some ways… Check out: How to make animated videos for free.

Final Thoughts: Finding The Right 2D Animator

Whether you need a character animation for a product launch, a motion graphics explainer for your business, or a full animated series, the right 2D animator can bring your ideas to life with clarity and impact.

To get the most value out of your investment:

• Take time to vet your animator’s skills and style.
• Communicate clearly throughout the process.
• Build in review milestones to keep the project on track.
• Trust their creative expertise to elevate your vision.

Animation is one of the most powerful storytelling tools available today — and a talented 2D animator can turn your concept into something unforgettable.

What is the Video Igniter animated video creation platform?

Video Igniter provides animated video production services online. We modernized the experience of creating an animated 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 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!

Where to find a 2D animator for hire?

This topic deserves its own article – so we wrote one: Where to find 2D animators for hire?

Hire Video Igniter To Animate Your 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 animated video portfolio!

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

Video Animation Demo Reel

2D Animator Success Stories and Testimonials

“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 made 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

“I found exactly what I needed: custom animated production with lots of options, fair price and fast communication. I loved working with the Video Igniter Team. Million thanks.”

Antonina Rome, MD – Bioresona

“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 to collaborate with our 2D animators

Get a quote for your video.

Schedule a call with our production team to discuss your project.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account

Fill out a creative brief for your 2D animation.

This article is Video Igniter‘s comprehensive guide for explainer videos. Here, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions we get about making explainer videos including what to expect during the production process, how much it costs to make an explainer video and how to keep your production budget low.

What Is An Explainer Video?

Explainer videos are short entertaining videos that make it easy to learn and remember new information. Lots of companies and publications are creating video explainers because they simplify complex topics and use colorful animated images to hold the viewers attention while helping them learn something new.

Animated Explainer Video Examples

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated explainer 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.

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.

When To Use Animated Explainer Videos?

Animated explainer videos can help your company improve it’s business outcomes at every level of your marketing and sales funnel. We recommend using animated videos if you want to:

Gain Awareness

Animated explainer videos are fantastic at grabbing people’s attention because they are colorful, they move, and they are concise. If people are intrigued by your short 15 – 30 explainer video, they’re more likely to visit your website to watch a longer more in depth video.

Increase Conversions, Acquire More Leads and Close More Sales

Animated explainer videos have been shown to increase conversion rates on landing pages and can be used to increase sales on a landing page or increase the % of people who opt to give you their email address for future marketing contact.

Educate Customers

Animated video explainers hold people’s attention longer than regular videos. The combination of colorful animated images synced with a voiceover creates a self-reinforcing educational learning experience. Viewers are more likely to understand the information better and remember the information longer than if they had merely read it.

How To Make An Explainer Video

Find Your Producer

The first step is to figure out who is going to produce your video. Are you going to make the animated video? Or are you going to hire Video Igniter, an old-school animation studio or a freelance animator to make it for you? For tips, information and resources on how to pick out an animator for your video, scroll down to the next section titled, “How To Find An Explainer Video Animator.”

We also recommend checking out this article on the different types of Online Animated Video Makers.

Write The Script For Your Video Explainer

Once production is underway, it’s time to create the script. You can write the script yourself to save money on your production budget or your video producer can write it for you. When the first draft of the script is ready, we’ll send it to you to review and collect your feedback. Then, we will revise your script and send it back to you to review and approve. We will continue to work with you to refine your script until you are 100% satisfied with it.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

Script Writing Resource: Want to write your script yourself? Check out our scriptwriting resources to learn how to write your script and download our free explainer video script writing template. Also, check out these explainer video script examples.

Download our free template to help you write the script for your explainer video.

Create The Storyboard For Your Animated Explainer

After the script is approved, we will create the storyboard. The storyboard is like the blueprint for your animated video – it tells the animators and illustrators what they are supposed to create. It’s important we agree on all the details that are specified in the storyboard before we proceed with production. Otherwise, it could lead to budget increases because details weren’t specified in the storyboard before the illustrators and animators got to work. You will get an opportunity to review the storyboard and send us your feedback so that we can revise your storyboard before moving forward with production.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

VoiceOver

Now that the script and storyboard are locked in, we can get the voiceover(s) recorded for your explainer video. We’ll start by ordering voiceover auditions from several voiceover artists that we feel will bring the right tone and energy to your animated video. Let us know which voice you prefer and we’ll get the full voiceover recorded. Not in love with any of the auditions? We’ll happily order up some fresh auditions after you let us know how the first examples missed the mark. When the full voiceover is recorded, you will get an opportunity to review it and request revisions before approving it for production.

Soundtrack

We’ll also select some soundtrack options that we feel would be appropriate for your video explainer. If you love one of them, we’ll secure the license for the platforms you plan to use your video on. Can’t decide which soundtrack would be best? We’ll help you preview the options alongside your explainer video when the first draft is ready to review so that you can hear which one feels right within the context of your video.

Read this guide for more tips on selecting an animated video soundtrack.

Illustrations

Time to illustrate! After the storyboard is approved, our art director will start creating concept art for your explainer video. The process starts by reviewing your company’s branding and any style references you provided. Then, the art director will select a key scene from your storyboard and design it using one or more unique visual styles, based off of the branding examples you provided. We’ll send you the concept art and wait for your feedback.

If you love one of the concepts as-is, let us know and we’ll create the rest of the art using that image as the style reference for the whole video.

What if you like aspects of multiple pieces of concept art? Just let us know which aspects you like from each piece of concept art and we’ll develop a new piece of concept art for your explainer video. We can continue to work with you to refine the details of the style until you are completely happy with it – then we’ll create the rest of the art for your video.

Not satisfied with any of the concepts? That’s ok – just let us know your honest feedback and we’ll use it to create a completely new concept for you to review and iterate on until you are happy.

Animation

Now that the illustrations and the voiceover are locked in, our animators can get to work. It takes about a week to animate each minute of video. Longer videos will use more animators to speed up the production process. When the first draft is ready, give it a review with your internal team and members of your target audience to ensure everything makes sense. Collect everyone’s feedback and send it to your animation team to polish up the final draft.

Types Of Explainer Videos:

There are many types of explainer videos you can create and we’ve written FAQ guides for most of them. To learn more about how to make and use specific types of video explainers, check out the following resources:

Corporate Explainer Videos

How To Make Animated Corporate Videos:

https://videoigniter.com/animated-corporate-video/

How To Make An Animated Company Video:

https://videoigniter.com/animated-company-video/

How To Make An Animated Advertisement:

https://videoigniter.com/how-to-make-animated-advertisement-video/

Free / Cheap Explainer Video

How to make animated videos for free:

https://videoigniter.com/free-animated-video/

Educational Videos

How To Make Animated Educational Videos:

https://videoigniter.com/animated-educational-video/

Cartoon Explainer Video

How To Make An Animated Cartoon Video:

https://videoigniter.com/animated-cartoon-video/

Animated Product Explainer Video

How To Make An Animated Product Video:

https://videoigniter.com/animated-product-video/

Animated Infographic Explainer Video

How To Make An Animated Infographic Video:

https://videoigniter.com/animated-infographic-video/

2D Animated Explainer Video

How To Make A 2D Animated Video:

https://videoigniter.com/2d-animated-video/

3D Explainer Video

How To Make A 3D Animated Video:

https://videoigniter.com/3d-animation-maker/

How To Find An Explainer Video Animator

If you’re interested in ordering an explainer video, here’s some resources to help you find a video animator or an animation company to help you produce your video:

• 9 Things to Look For When Hiring An Animator to create an explainer video.
• What is Video Igniter Animation?
• How to outsource an animated explainer video project?
• How to hire an animator?
• What’s the difference between hiring an animation studio, a freelance animator and Video Igniter?
• What goes into production cost of an explainer video?
• Considering making the animated video yourself? Learn about DIY options.
• Need your video fast? Learn about rush delivery.
• Pros and Cons of Different Animation Styles

How Long Does Take To Make Video Explainers?

It takes about 3-8 weeks to create a 1-2 minute 2D animated video. It takes about twice as long to make a 3D animated video. Need your video produced quicker? You can save some time by writing your script and building your storyboard.  Need it quicker? Read about our rush delivery animation option and then contact us to get a custom quote with rush delivery.

What Does It Cost To Make An Explainer Video?

It costs between $1,500-$7,500 to create a 60 second 2D animated video. 3D animations cost about twice as much. It is possible to make cheap animated explainer videos but the reduced production quality can lead to a poor educational experience for the viewer and decreased perception of your brand. Check out this companion article to learn what goes into the cost of an explainer video.

Interested in pricing information for your explainer video?

Get a custom quote.

Request access to our current price sheet.

How To Keep Your Explainer Video Production Costs Down?

Write Your Script

You can save several weeks and several hundred (or thousand) dollars off your explainer video production cost by writing the script yourself. It doesn’t have to be perfect; if you can write the first draft of your script, your animation producer can help you polish it to make it production ready. Check out these resources to help you write the script for your video:

How to write a script for an animated explainer video.

Examples of explainer video scripts.

Tips to supercharge your video script writing.

Download our free script writing template.

Create Your Storyboard

Creating the storyboard for your explainer video is another way you can save hundreds-thousands of dollars off the cost of your video. Download our free storyboard creation PDF and check out the following resources to help you create your own storyboard:

What is a storyboard? And why do you need one?

How to create a storyboard for an animated video?

Tips for building a great storyboard for your video.

Download our free storyboard creation template.

Record The VoiceOver

Would you believe me if I told you that you can record your own professional sounding voiceover at home or in your office for free? There’s no need to buy any fancy equipment or expensive software. Check out 1:31 in the Video Igniter Show episode about voice overs to learn how you can record your own high quality voiceover for free.

Consider Using Stock Assets

Video Igniter specializes in making custom animated videos. But every detail of your video doesn’t need to be custom designed. To help save on cost, consider using stock assets like icons, text, 3D models, stock images and videos.

Use Free (Legal) Music

Incompetech allows people to use their music for free when you credit the artist. Facebook’s Sound Collection offers free music to use in your animated promotional videos.

Benefits of Using an Explainer Video in Your Marketing Strategy

Adding an explainer video to your marketing funnel can be one of the most effective ways to improve communication with your audience, build trust, and drive action. Unlike static content, an explainer video combines visuals, audio, and storytelling to clearly communicate your message in a short amount of time.

1. Improved Audience Engagement
Explainer videos are specifically designed to grab attention in the first few seconds. Whether they’re displayed on your website’s homepage, your landing page, or your social media ads, they quickly engage your audience and encourage them to keep watching. This is especially valuable in a digital landscape where attention spans are short.

2. Better Retention of Information
People tend to retain information better when they both hear and see it. By combining voiceover, animated visuals, and text callouts, your explainer video creates a multi-sensory learning experience. This makes it easier for viewers to remember your message and act on it.

3. Increased Conversion Rates
Adding a short animated explainer video to a landing page can increase conversion rates dramatically. Viewers who watch an explainer video understand your value proposition faster, making them more likely to sign up, book a demo, or make a purchase.

4. Cost-Effective Marketing Asset
Unlike live-action commercials, animated explainer videos can be updated easily over time. Need to change your pricing or update your product features? Instead of reshooting, you can simply revise the voiceover, update illustrations, and re-render your video at a fraction of the cost of a full reshoot.

5. Versatility Across Platforms
One of the biggest advantages of an explainer video is that it can be repurposed for multiple platforms. A single 90-second animation can be edited into shorter clips for social media, looped as a trade show booth video, embedded in sales emails, or included in presentations.

Where to Use an Explainer Video in Your Funnel

If you’ve invested in producing an animated explainer video, you’ll want to make sure it gets maximum exposure. Here are the most strategic places to use it:

1. Homepage or Landing Page

This is one of the most common placements. When new visitors land on your site, an explainer video can quickly clarify what your product or service does and why they should care. This reduces bounce rates and increases the likelihood that users will take the next step.

2. Paid Advertising Campaigns

Short, punchy animated videos perform well on ad platforms like YouTube, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), LinkedIn, and even display networks. A well-crafted explainer can stand out in the feed and encourage users to click through.

3. Email Marketing

Including a thumbnail or GIF preview of your explainer video in your email campaigns can increase click-through rates. People are more likely to engage with a short video than a long block of text.

4. Sales Calls and Demos

Explainer videos can act as a powerful sales enablement tool. Your team can play the video at the start of a meeting or send it ahead of time to help prospects better understand your offer before the conversation even begins.

5. Onboarding and Training

Explainer videos aren’t just for marketing. They can also help onboard new customers or employees by clearly explaining processes, products, or company values.

Explainer Video Best Practices

To maximize the impact of your explainer video, it’s essential to follow a few key best practices:

1. Keep It Short and Focused

The sweet spot for most explainer videos is between 60–90 seconds. That’s usually enough time to explain the problem, introduce your solution, and include a clear call to action—without losing your viewer’s attention.

2. Lead With the Problem

Start by addressing a pain point your audience can relate to. This immediately establishes relevance and makes your solution more compelling.

3. Use Simple, Clear Language

Avoid jargon or overly technical terms. The goal is to make your message easy to understand for someone encountering your product for the first time.

4. Include a Strong Call to Action (CTA)

End your video with a specific action you want viewers to take. This could be “Sign up for a free trial,” “Book a demo,” or “Visit our website.”

5. Design for Your Target Audience

The tone, animation style, and voiceover should align with your brand and resonate with your ideal customer. A playful cartoon explainer may work well for a children’s app, but a clean, professional style may be better suited for a B2B SaaS platform.

Popular Explainer Video Styles

Choosing the right animation style for your explainer video can help communicate your message more effectively. Here are a few common styles to consider:

1. 2D Animated Explainer Video
This is one of the most popular formats. It’s cost-effective, fast to produce, and versatile enough to suit most brands.

2. 3D Explainer Video
More dynamic and visually stunning than 2D, 3D animations can help make complex concepts more tangible. They’re ideal for product demos, architectural visualizations, and technical explanations.

3. Whiteboard Explainer Video
These videos mimic a hand drawing on a whiteboard while the narrator explains the concept. They’re simple, clear, and excellent for educational content.

4. Motion Graphics Explainer Video
This style uses animated shapes, icons, and typography to present information in a clean, modern way. It’s popular among tech companies, startups, and corporate brands.

5. Character-Driven Cartoon Explainer
Using custom characters can help humanize your message and build an emotional connection with your audience.

SEO Tips to Boost Your Explainer Video’s Reach

Since explainer videos are often used online, optimizing them for search is essential. Here’s how you can make sure your animated video reaches a larger audience:

1. Include Keywords in Your Video Title and Description
   Use relevant keywords like “explainer video,” “animated explainer,” or your product’s name. This helps platforms like Google and YouTube understand your content.
2. Add Transcripts and Captions
   Search engines can’t “watch” videos, but they can read text. Adding transcripts improves accessibility and helps your video get indexed properly.
3. Use a Custom Thumbnail
   A strong thumbnail image can significantly increase your click-through rates. Choose a clear, eye-catching frame that communicates what your video is about.
4. Embed the Video on Relevant Web Pages
   Adding your explainer video to your homepage, product pages, and blog posts can increase dwell time and improve SEO performance.
5. Promote Across Multiple Channels
   Don’t just upload your video to one platform. Share it on social media, in email newsletters, and even as part of your paid ad campaigns to increase exposure and backlinks.

How to Measure the Success of Your Explainer Video

Once your explainer video is live, it’s important to track how it performs. Here are some metrics to keep an eye on:

• View Count – Total number of people who watched your video.
• Engagement Rate – How long viewers watched before dropping off.
• Conversion Rate – The percentage of viewers who completed the desired action after watching.
• Click-Through Rate (CTR) – How many people clicked on your CTA.
• Shares and Comments – A strong signal of how well your message resonates.

By monitoring these metrics, you can identify what’s working and make data-driven decisions for future campaigns.

Future Trends in Explainer Videos

Explainer videos continue to evolve. Here are a few trends shaping the future of the format:

• Interactive Explainer Videos that let users click, explore, and control their viewing experience.
• AI-Assisted Personalization, where videos are customized for different audience segments.
• Short-Form Explainers optimized for vertical viewing on mobile platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
• Hybrid Formats combining live action and animation for a more dynamic storytelling experience.

Keeping up with these trends ensures your content remains fresh, relevant, and impactful.

Final Thoughts: Why Explainer Videos Work

An explainer video isn’t just a marketing asset — it’s a storytelling tool that simplifies complex ideas and drives real business results. Whether you’re trying to build awareness, educate your customers, or boost conversions, a well-crafted animated explainer video can be one of the smartest investments in your marketing toolkit.

By following best practices, optimizing for SEO, and placing your video strategically throughout your marketing funnel, you can ensure it reaches the right people at the right time — and inspires them to take action.

Explainer Video Production Resources

These resources are popular among people interested in creating an explainer video:

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

Learn how to create a 3D explainer video.

Which explainer video services does Video Igniter offer?

Still have questions about explainer video animation?

Do you have a question about how to make an animated explainer videos 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.

Why Hire Video Igniter To Make Your Custom Animated Explainer Video?

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

Check out our portfolio – we can make any kind of 2D or 3D animated video you can imagine.

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

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.

Explainer Video Production Reel

Looking For An Animation Explainer Video Company In The U.S.A.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Explainer Animation 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

“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

How To Hire Video Igniter – The Animated Explainer Video Company:

Get a quote for us to create your explainer video.

Schedule a call with our production team.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief, and we’ll start creating your explainer video.

 Video Igniter’s Explainer Video

Interested in learning about animation for agencies? Maybe your agency wants to start offering animated video production services for your clients? Or maybe you’ve been offering them already but want to learn about other ways your agency can provide animation services faster, for less or at a higher level of production quality? If you have a question about animation for agencies 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:

How are agencies making and using animation and live action video content?

Video Igniter Animation contacted 99 agencies in Seattle to learn:

• Why do agencies recommend using video content?
• How are agencies making videos and animated video content for their clients?
• What types of video content are agencies making for their clients?
• What prevents agencies from making more live action & animated video content?
• And how much do agencies charge to make videos for their clients?

Our findings are summarized in the video and images below:  

We called 99 agencies to learn how they make and market video content for their clients.

The top 5 reasons agencies recommend using video as a medium are: 1). Video is great at conveying emotion. 2). Short attention spans means that people are more likely to watch a video over reading a page. 3). Video has a strong engagement rate. 4). Video is great for storytelling. 5). Video is the medium shared most often online. Honorable mention: Agencies also mentioned video is great for improved search rankings, brand awareness and concisely explaining complicated things.   
So how are agencies making videos for their clients? – 69% of agencies use a combination of in-house talent and partnerships with multiple studios to help them produce videos. – 19% of agencies outsource all of their video production. – Only 11% of agencies do all of their video production in-house.

How do agencies make videos for their clients?

Ready to start production? Check out this guide if you’re thinking of hiring an animation studio.

Why are agencies using animation and live video content for their clients?

Most of the videos are used for: – Advertising – Internal Communications – Educational Sales Material – Landing Page Videos – Education  
What kinds of videos are agencies making on behalf of their clients? – 11% of agencies primarily produce animations & motion graphics. – 17% mostly produce smartphone and user generated content video campaigns. – 22% mostly produce live action videos. – 50% of agencies are producing an even mix of animations and live action videos.

What kinds of videos are agencies making on behalf of their clients?

Why don’t agencies make more live video and animation content?

Many of the agencies we spoke with expressed interest in utilizing video more often. Here’s what they say is holding back their ability to do more:

– Production costs are too high or clients can’t budget for it.

– Production costs are unpredictable.

– It’s faster and cheaper to make short videos for social media.

– The video production workflow is too slow and a major hassle.

Project deadlines are usually very short and the feedback/review/approval process is too long. – Clients are still shifting their understanding of the ROI from TV to online video.

What prevents agencies from creating more video content for their client’s marketing initiatives?

With that in mind, what are most agencies paying to produce live action and animated video? Most are paying between $5,000 and $125,000 to produce live action videos… … and between $5,000 and $35,000 for animated and motion graphics videos.

What do agencies pay to produce live action and animated videos for their clients?

Deep Dive:  What is an animation agency?

Thanks for watching this short video research report. Video Igniter offers computer animation for agencies and businesses through a web app designed to simplify your production and lower your production costs. When you want to speed up production timelines and lower your cost to producing custom animations, create an account at VideoIgniter.com and upload your creative spec to get started.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Agency Animation Workflows

While many agencies understand the value of animated video content, they often struggle to scale production efficiently. Below are some advanced strategies and process optimizations that agencies can adopt to overcome common bottlenecks:

1. Establish a Modular Animation Asset Library

One of the biggest inefficiencies in animation is recreating core elements (e.g. character rigs, icons, transitions, lower thirds) for every project. Agencies can build modular, reusable animation libraries:

• Pre‑rig characters in styles consistent with your brand aesthetic.
• Build a library of motion presets (e.g. fade, slide, pop) tied to your style guide.
• Save reusable templates for text intros, lower thirds, and transitions.
• Maintain a versioning system for updates and tweaks.

When new client projects come in, your team can assemble the video quickly by combining prebuilt modules, then only customizing where the narrative demands. This method reduces iteration time and helps most projects land under aggressive deadlines.

2. Formalize a Feedback & Approval System

The biggest drag on animation projects is usually client feedback loops. A structured feedback system can save days or weeks:

• Use timestamped feedback tools (Frame.io, Wipster, LookAt) so clients comment directly on frames.
• Limit rounds of revisions (e.g. “two rounds max”) and clarify what counts as a “revision.”
• Use version control naming like v1_a, v1_b so you avoid confusion about which file is current.
• Require clients to provide consolidated feedback in one document per round, instead of piecemeal emails.

By putting in place clear gates (concept → rough animatic → first pass → final pass), you reduce back‑and‑forth and keep the production pipeline flowing.

3. Leverage Hybrid Production Methods

Not all agency videos need 100% custom animation. Blending animation with live footage or stock assets can yield high impact with less cost and risk:

• Use animated overlays on top of client video footage.
• Incorporate motion graphics into talking head or live B‑roll footage.
• Use animated text or kinetic typography for explainer segments.
• Blend real product shots with animated infographics to simplify complexity.

Hybrid methods allow you to use your core animation competencies while saving time on parts that don’t need full custom treatment.

4. Introduce Tiered Service Packages for Clients

Often, agency clients balk at high perceived cost. Offering tiered service levels helps them pick what fits their budget:

• Basic Animation Package: simple 2D animations or motion graphics with minimal custom illustrations.
• Standard Animation Package: custom character work, transitions, more scenes, some sound design.
• Premium Animation Package: full custom character animation, visual effects, 3D elements, complex scenes, premium sound and voiceover.

This structure allows you to meet clients at different budget points, upsell where appropriate, and manage internal expectations about scope and cost.

5. Streamline Voiceover & Sound Design Integration

Sound is often under‑estimated in animation. But a strong voiceover, music, and effects can radically elevate the final piece—and if mismanaged, drag timelines. Best practices:

• Establish a roster of vetted voice talent (male, female, multiple accents) and maintain relationships.
• Use serialized contracts to speed turnaround (e.g. blanket VO agreements for multiple videos).
• Preselect music libraries or custom composers and store approved tracks in your asset library.
• Fit sound design early into your timeline (don’t leave it as the final step).
• Use multitrack audio workflows so voice, music, SFX can be independently remixed if needed.

6. Monitor & Report Impact with Analytics

To help clients see ROI—and justify future animation spend—agencies should embed analytics and tracking:

• Use UTM and campaign tracking for animated video landing pages.
• Track engagement metrics (play rate, dropoff) in platforms like Wistia, Vimeo, YouTube.
• Run A/B tests (animated vs live, different intros) to see what works best.
• Include heatmap tools to track scroll / viewer behavior around video.
• Provide clients periodic reports showing lift in conversions, time on page, or engagement.

When clients see real, attributable results, they are more likely to approve future animated budgets.

Emerging Trends in Animation That Agencies Should Embrace

To stay competitive and deliver cutting-edge work, agencies should consider adopting or experimenting with the following trends:

Generative AI & Motion Style Transfer

AI tools are evolving fast. Some agencies are using machine learning to generate in-between frames, stylize animations (e.g. turning live footage into “toon” style), or automatically animate character speech. While not yet perfect for full production, these tools can accelerate certain tasks, reduce manual labor, or serve as ideation support.

Interactive Animated Videos

Rather than passive viewing, modern audiences expect interactivity. Consider building videos with clickable hotspots, branching narrative paths, or even mini-games embedded in the video experience. These can be particularly powerful for training, onboarding, e-commerce product demos, or immersive storytelling.

3D & Isometric Motion Graphics

2D remains dominant, but 3D elements—especially isometric design—are trending in explainer and corporate video. These give a sense of depth while remaining stylistically clean and modern. Incorporating subtle 3D motion graphics layered with 2D elements can give your animations a premium feel.

AR / VR Animation Integration

As augmented reality and virtual reality platforms mature, agencies can push into creating animated assets for AR filters, embedding animations in 3D scenes, or preparing work that translates to immersive environments. Forward-looking agencies are already starting to package assets with AR/VR in mind.

How to Scale an Internal Animation Offering Without Blowing Budget

If your agency is serious about offering in-house animation but wants to avoid ballooning costs or project debt, consider these scaling strategies:

• Train core staff in hybrid skill sets (animator + motion designer + illustration) so resources can flex.
• Hire freelancers or micro‑studios on retainer rather than large full-time teams.
• Adopt cloud rendering services (e.g. RenderMan Cloud, AWS Thinkbox) to scale rendering without owning clusters.
• Use version control + asset backup systems (e.g. Perforce, Git LFS) to prevent workflow time loss.
• Hold “animation sprints” where per week, small teams commit to delivering a batch of short animations (e.g. for social) to build efficiency.
• Benchmark ROI per animated minute (cost vs client return) to know what types of animation you should do more or less of.

Final Thoughts: Elevating Agency Value with Animation

Animation gives agencies powerful leverage: the ability to explain complex ideas, invoke emotion, and tell stories visually. But it’s not enough to just do it — you must do it fast, high quality, and with predictable costs. By applying modular asset libraries, robust feedback systems, hybrid workflows, and future-forward technologies, agencies can scale animation services in a way that delights clients and delivers measurable ROI.

If your team would like help launching or scaling an agency animation offering—whether designing your first modular library, vetting AI tools, or establishing a feedback pipeline—Video Igniter’s production team is here to consult and collaborate.

Hire Video Igniter to Create An Animation For Your Agency

World class animation services at prices small businesses can afford.

We can make any kind of 2D or 3D animated video you can imagine.

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

Animation Video Reel

Animation 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

“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 made 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

“My whole family and everyone on Facebook thinks you are amazing. My whole office is freaking out.”

Patricia Shields – Real Estate Agent

“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

Get in touch about animation for your agency’s next project.

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video.

Get a quote for your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Check out our animated video portfolio to see our latest and greatest creations.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief, and then we’ll make an animated video for you.

What is Video Igniter?

Now that you’ve thought through the criteria for picking an animator for your video project, what types of animation producers are available to you? Lots of people plan on hiring an animation studio to work with – but these days, there are many more options available that are more affordable and can offer a wider array of unique visual styles for your animated video.

If you have a question about hiring an animated video producer 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:

Hiring A Freelance Animator

Good for smaller projects (under 2 minutes); not necessarily recommended for large or difficult projects because there’s only so much they can do by themselves and production would be slow.

Freelance animator.

Price Range: $50-$10,000+

Pros: Typically faster and less expensive to work with.

Cons: Limited range of artistic styles they can produce based on the types of animation programs they have proficiency in. They may or may not have storytelling capabilities to help create or improve your script or storyboard. Although it is rare, there is a risk that a freelance video animator can ghost you in the middle of your project.

Hiring An Animator From a Marketplace

Searching an online market place of digital animation studios and freelancers can yield hundreds of options. Many of these studies and freelancers are competing to be the cheapest option and the quality shows. You can get excellent service if you’re the only project they’re working on – but many of these freelancers price their projects so low that they have to take on many projects at once which can result in extended production timelines.

Price Range: $100-$7,500+

Pros: Studios and freelancers that have been vetted by the marketplace are less likely to ghost you mid-way through production. The marketplace also enables you to compare the price and quality of different animators.

Cons: While you can find good quality animators and animation studios to work with through a video production marketplace website, often times, people are seeking the cheapest option which means animators compete to submit the lowest bid and then they may not provide quality service or work.

Hiring an Animation Studio

If you’re thinking about hiring an animation studio to make your animated video, you should plan on having a budget of at least $5,000 but likely a lot more. Animation studios are best suited for big budget projects. You can usually get a better range of animation production styles when you work with a larger studio.

Hiring an animation studio is a great idea if you are making a long (+20 minute) animated video.

Price Range: $5,000-$500,000+

Pros: Hiring an animation studio means you’ll get high quality work, professionally managed, and there’s a good chance they have good in-house storytellers.

Cons: Studios typically have a speciality – 2D or 3D, commercial or long form for TV, etc so you’ll need to dig around for a studio that specializes in the type of animated video you you want to produce.

Hiring a Marketing Agency

Good for one-off videos since the agency probably already knows a lot about your product/service/brand and can be very helpful when it comes to crafting your script and storyboard. If you plan to do multiple videos, consider hiring a freelancer, getting someone in-house to join your team, or try Video Igniter to save on your production budget.

Hire an advertising agency to make your custom animated video.

Price Range: $5,000-$50,000+

Pros: Agencies typically have a network of animation studios, video production companies and animation freelancers they outsource the work to; their network means they can help connect you with a variety of different types of illustrators and animators. Agencies provide a high degree of client management and can help you craft a good script and storyboard for your animated video.

Cons: high markup – the marketing agency typically builds in a margin of several thousand dollars above what the animation studio or freelancer is charging them.

Hiring Video Igniter Animation Studio

Great for large and small projects. Our diverse team means there’s a wide range of aesthetic possibilities available for your video. We offer 24/7 support and unlimited revisions because we believe you should be 100% thrilled with the way your animated video looks.

Price Range: $500-$100,000+

Pros: Unlimited revisions. Our large team means we can produce longer videos and any kind of 2D or 3D animation you can imagine. We use technology to streamline the production experience which means it’s faster and easier for you to get custom animated content produced on your behalf and more of your budget is put into creativity, design and production rather than expensive overhead costs.

Cons: We work 100% virtually but we’re always available to jump on a video call to go over details of your video.

Why Hiring an Animation Studio is a Smart Investment

Hiring an animation studio ensures you get a professional, high-quality video that engages your audience, strengthens your brand, and conveys your message effectively. Animation studios have experienced teams that specialize in scriptwriting, storyboarding, animation, and post-production, ensuring every aspect of your video is polished and impactful.

Steps to Hiring an Animation Studio

1. Define Your Goals and Budget

Before you start searching for an animation studio, clarify your objectives. Ask yourself:

• What message do I want to convey?
• Who is my target audience?
• What style of animation best fits my brand (2D, 3D, motion graphics, whiteboard animation)?
• What is my budget for this project?

Having a clear vision and budget will help you communicate effectively with animation studios and find one that aligns with your needs.

2. Research and Shortlist Animation Studios

When hiring an animation studio, take time to research and compare different options. Look for studios that have:

• A diverse and high-quality portfolio.
• Experience in your industry.
• Positive client testimonials and reviews.
• A clear and transparent pricing structure.

Search online for “best animation studios for [your industry]” and check directories like Clutch, Upwork, and Behance to find reputable animation studios.

3. Review Portfolios and Case Studies

A studio’s past work is a strong indicator of their capabilities. When reviewing portfolios:

• Look for videos with high production value.
• Check if their animation style matches your brand’s identity.
• Pay attention to storytelling, voiceover quality, and attention to detail.

Many studios also showcase case studies that detail their animation process and results, which can help you gauge whether they’re a good fit for your project.

4. Ask the Right Questions

Once you’ve shortlisted animation studios, reach out and ask questions like:

• What is your animation production process?
• What is the estimated timeline for completion?
• How many revisions are included in the pricing?
• Do you provide scriptwriting and voiceover services?
• Can you provide references from past clients?

Their responses will help you determine their professionalism, communication skills, and ability to meet your expectations.

5. Understand the Animation Process

Hiring an animation studio means working through a structured process that includes:

• Concept Development: Brainstorming ideas and defining the video’s core message.
• Scriptwriting: Crafting a compelling script tailored to your audience.
• Storyboarding: Creating visual frames to map out the video’s flow.
• Animation & Production: Bringing the storyboard to life with illustrations, animation and a voiceover.
• Editing & Final Delivery: Refining the video, adding sound effects, and exporting the final product.

Understanding this process ensures you know what to expect and can collaborate efficiently with the studio.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Animation Studio

1. Choosing Based on Price Alone

While budget is important, opting for the cheapest option often leads to lower-quality animations, missed deadlines, and limited revisions. Instead, focus on value—choose a studio that offers the best balance of price and quality.

2. Not Defining Your Vision Clearly

Providing vague instructions can lead to multiple revisions and delays. Clearly outline your goals, preferred style, and brand guidelines before production begins.

3. Not Checking Reviews and Testimonials

A reputable animation studio should have positive client reviews and case studies. If they lack reviews or have mixed feedback, proceed with caution.

4. Ignoring Communication and Collaboration

Regular communication with the studio ensures a smooth production process. Choose a studio that keeps you updated and values your feedback.

Finding the Right Animation Studio for Your Needs

When hiring an animation studio, consider their expertise, portfolio, communication style, and pricing. A great studio will not only deliver a high-quality animation but also make the process enjoyable and stress-free.

At VideoIgniter.com, we specialize in creating custom animated videos tailored to your unique needs. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, contact us today for a free consultation!

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to hiring an animation studio that helps you create an engaging, professional, and effective animated video.

Types of Animation Studios to Consider

When hiring an animation studio, it’s important to recognize that not all studios are the same. Some specialize in corporate explainer videos, while others focus on character-driven storytelling or high-end 3D production. Broadly speaking, you’ll encounter three types of studios:

• Boutique Studios – Smaller teams that provide personalized service and unique visual styles. They’re great if you want a more artistic or custom look.
• Mid-Sized Studios – Offer a balance between affordability and scale. They usually provide a wide range of animation styles and have the bandwidth to handle complex projects.
• Large-Scale Studios – Typically handle high-budget productions like TV commercials, films, or extended campaigns. They have larger teams and can manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Knowing which type of animation studio best fits your project will save you time during your search.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

When hiring an animation studio, the headline price doesn’t always reflect the total cost of production. Some studios charge extra for services like:

• Multiple rounds of revisions (most of Video Igniter’s projects include unlimited revisions).
• Voiceover recording in different accents or languages
• Music licensing fees
• Scriptwriting and storyboarding
• Rush delivery timelines

Before you sign a contract, ask the studio for a detailed breakdown of what’s included in their quote. A transparent studio will explain exactly what you’re paying for and flag potential add-ons.

How to Compare Animation Studios Fairly

Many businesses make the mistake of comparing animation studios only on price. Instead, use these criteria to ensure a fair comparison:

• Consistency of Quality: Do they produce polished work across different projects, or just have one standout demo reel?
• Project Management: Will they assign a dedicated producer to guide your project?
• Creative Collaboration: How open are they to your ideas and feedback?
• Scalability: Can they handle follow-up projects, or do they only take on one-offs?

A side-by-side comparison chart of two or three studios you’re considering can help you visualize which partner is the right fit.

Signs You’ve Found the Right Animation Studio

The process of hiring an animation studio can feel overwhelming, but here are a few green flags that indicate you’ve found the right one:

• They ask thoughtful questions about your audience and goals before giving a quote.
• Their contract clearly outlines timelines, deliverables, and revision policies.
• They’re proactive with communication, offering updates without you having to chase them.
• Their creative suggestions elevate your initial idea instead of just executing it literally.

If you find a studio that checks all these boxes, chances are they’ll deliver a high-quality video and a smooth experience.

Red Flags to Avoid

Just as there are signs you’ve found a great studio, there are warning signs that should make you reconsider:

• Vague or incomplete contracts.
• Overpromising results (e.g., guaranteeing viral success).
• Unwillingness to show references or case studies.
• Poor communication during the initial consultation.

If something feels off, trust your instincts and keep searching.

Industry Expertise Matters

Hiring an animation studio that has experience in your industry can save you significant time and effort. For example, a studio that frequently produces healthcare animations will already understand HIPAA compliance and medical terminology. Similarly, a studio with fintech experience will know how to explain complex concepts clearly without oversimplifying. Industry expertise ensures faster production, fewer revisions, and a final video that resonates with your audience.

The Role of Storytelling in Animation

Animation isn’t just about visuals—it’s about telling a story. When hiring an animation studio, pay close attention to how they approach storytelling. Do they craft narratives that hook viewers in the first 10 seconds? Do they create emotional connections, even in explainer videos? The best studios combine design and narrative to keep audiences engaged and make your brand memorable.

Custom vs. Template-Based Animation

Not all animated videos are created from scratch. Some studios use pre-made templates to reduce costs. While this can be budget-friendly, it often results in generic videos that don’t stand out. If originality is important to your brand, make sure the animation studio you hire specializes in fully custom work. Ask them directly whether your project will be built from templates or designed uniquely for you.

Why Long-Term Relationships With Animation Studios Pay Off

Hiring an animation studio doesn’t have to be a one-time collaboration. Building a long-term relationship with a studio has benefits:

• Brand Consistency: They’ll understand your visual identity and messaging tone.
• Efficiency: Future projects will move faster since the studio already knows your process.
• Cost Savings: Some studios offer discounted rates for ongoing partnerships.
• Scalability: They can support you with a video series, training modules, or campaign rollouts.

Thinking long-term can help you maximize the value of your investment.

Emerging Trends in Animation to Keep in Mind

When hiring an animation studio, it helps to know where the industry is heading. Some of the current trends include:

• 3D Explainers and Motion Graphics Hybrids: Combining 2D and 3D elements for a modern, eye-catching style.
• Interactive Animations: Allowing viewers to engage with the video, often used in e-learning and sales tools.
• Short-Form Vertical Content: Optimized for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
• AI-Assisted Animation: Some studios are adopting AI tools to speed up production while maintaining creative oversight.

Choosing a studio that stays ahead of trends ensures your video won’t feel outdated the moment it launches.

Final Thoughts: Make Hiring an Animation Studio Work for You

Hiring an animation studio isn’t just about finding someone who can animate—it’s about finding a creative partner who understands your brand, audience, and goals. By taking the time to compare studios, checking for industry expertise, and focusing on storytelling, you’ll set yourself up for success.

Whether you need a one-off explainer video or an ongoing series of animations, the right studio can become an extension of your team, helping you create content that captivates and converts.

Why Do People Love Hiring Video Igniter Animation?

World class design talent at prices small businesses can afford.

We can make any kind of 2D or 3D animated video you can imagine.

Check out our portfolio!

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

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.

Demo Reel

Video Animation 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

“My whole family and everyone on Facebook thinks you are amazing. My whole office is freaking out.”

Patricia Shields – Real Estate Agent

“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 if you want to hire an animator

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video.

Get a quote for your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief, and we’ll create your animation.

Resources for Hiring An Animation Studio

Here are some popular articles we recommend for your video production journey:

What is an online animated video maker and how do you use one to create a video?

What is an animation agency?

Animation services for agencies.

How do I hire and collaborate with a 2D animation studio to create my video?

Are you looking for affordable animation options? Or ways to make your animation production budget more affordable? This article includes our top tips to help you make your animated video project more affordable!

Examples of Affordable Animation 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 #1: Write your script

Writing the script for your animated video can help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars off the cost of your animated video. It’s one of the biggest impacts you can have to make your animation budget more affordable.

You don’t need to be a professional writer to get the benefits. If you provide the first rough draft of your script and hire your video animator to polish it up and make it production-ready, it’s still going to be cheaper and faster than hiring them to create it from scratch.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

Resources to help you write the script for your animated video

Download our free scriptwriting template.

Examples of explainer video scripts and how to write a script.

How to write an animated video script?

7 tips to supercharge your video script writing.

Tip #2: Make your storyboard

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

Storyboards can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to create. If you’re able to explain what kind of visuals you want to show for each sentence of your animated video, we recommend creating the storyboard yourself to help you save money on your production budget. Luckily, you don’t need to be an artist to create a storyboard! It’s possible to create a storyboard using simple stick-figure sketches or making a collage out of free images you find online.

Here’s a diagram that shows what content you should include on each page of your storyboard:

Storyboard Creation Resources:

What is a storyboard and why do you need one?

How to create a storyboard for an animated video?

Download our free storyboard template.

Tip #3: Use a simpler animation style

Sometimes the answer you’re looking for is a simpler visual style. If you don’t have the budget to create high end designs, consider developing a simpler visual style with your production team. This will make it less expensive for the illustrators to create all the art and the animation team won’t have to spend as many days/weeks working on intricate animated sequences.

Tip #4: Be specific with your instructions

Poor instructions in your script or storyboard can lead to the animated video production company making something that you didn’t intend for them to create. To avoid expensive rework, use clear language to explain what you want. Over explain if necessary. Feel free to include images, 3D models and video links as references to help explain specific details.

Tip #5: Use text animations

In order to reduce your production budget, consider making a big portion of your animated video comprised of animated text that animates into view, stays on screen for a few seconds and then animates out of view. This type of animation costs less to produce than scenes with custom animated characters walking around. The more of your video that’s made up of text animations, the lower your production budget will be.

Tip #6: Create an animated slide deck

An alternative to making a custom animated video is creating an animated slide deck. You can lay out scenes in apps like PowerPoint, Slides and Keynote. Then, use the built in animation tools to make the elements of your scenes (slides) move or fade in and out of view.

Tip #7: Use stock assets to make animation more affordable

Most animated video production companies specialize in creating custom animated videos. But that doesn’t mean that everything in your animated video needs to be custom made. To help save money on your production budget, consider using stock assets instead of making everything from scratch. Stock assets are pre-created assets that can be used as-is or modified and included in your video. Stock assets can sometimes help save money on your production budget because it can be cheaper to buy a pre-created asset and modify it slightly compared to the cost of having your animation team create it from scratch. Examples of stock assets include:

• Icons
• Clip Art / Stock Vector Art
• Stock Images
• Stock Videos
• Text
• 3D Models

Buying a 3D model can make your animation more affordable because it costs less to buy the model than it would to hire someone to create it from scratch.

Tip #8: Make a shorter video

Ok this one may seem obvious but if you think you need a 60 second video but don’t have the budget, consider making a shorter 30 or 45 second animated video. Use concise writing and look for ways to combine ideas to present them in less time. The shorter your animated video, the more affordable your animation will be.

Tip #9: Use an online animated video maker

There are several types of online animated video makers you can use to make animated animated videos. Some, like Video Igniter are designed to make it faster, easier and less expensive to make custom animated videos. The other type of online animated video maker provides a library of pre-created characters, scenes and objects which you can use to create your own animated videos. Vyond, PowToon and Wideo are currently the leaders in the create-your-own-animated-video-online space.

Tip #10: Record your voiceover

Would you believe us if we told you it’s possible to record your own professional sounding voiceover at home or in the office for free?

No need to buy any expensive equipment or professional software.

Recording and providing your voiceover can save you $50-$300 for each minute of video that’s being created.

Want to know how to do it? Check out 1:31 in the video on this page to learn how to record your own pro quality voiceover.

Tip #11: Start Production As Soon As Possible

If your project has a short deadline, we recommend starting production as soon as possible. Rush delivery production schedules can increase your video’s production budget by 25%-50% or more depending on how soon your deadline is and how complex your animation is. You can avoid rush delivery production costs by starting production weeks or months ahead of your deadline.

Tip #12: Use Free Music

Believe it or not, there are some places online that offer free music you can use in your animated video. Facebook’s Sound Collection has a sizable library of free audio you can use in your animated promotional videos. There’s another site called Incompetech that allows anyone to use their music for free as long as they provide a credit to the artist.

Tip #13: Negotiate more affordable animation production terms with your production team

Trying to shave a little more off your production budget? You can try negotiating with your production team to see if they will offer an additional discount for any of the following production terms:

• Limiting edits to 1-2 rounds of revisions per asset instead of the normal 2-3… (FYI – Video Igniter offers unlimited revisions!)
• Tell them you’re open to a slow production schedule, fitting your project in between their clients that pay full price whenever bandwidth is available.
• Adding a credit to the animation studio at the end of the video.
• Tell them you’ll provide the script, storyboard, voiceover, free soundtrack & they’re allowed to use stock assets if it will help reduce the production cost.

Why Affordable Animation Matters for Businesses

Affordable animation isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about maximizing value. Small businesses, startups, and nonprofits often hesitate to create videos because they assume high-quality animation is out of reach. But with today’s tools and production strategies, you can achieve professional, polished results without breaking your budget. Affordable animation allows you to compete with bigger brands, build credibility, and communicate your message in a memorable way—all while keeping marketing costs under control.

The ROI of Affordable Animation

Investing in affordable animation can generate a strong return on investment (ROI). Animated videos improve viewer engagement, boost website dwell time, and increase conversion rates on landing pages. Even if you produce a lower-cost video, you can still see measurable gains in:

• Brand awareness – Animations are shareable and eye-catching.
• Lead generation – Explainer videos clarify complex products quickly, helping prospects understand faster.
• Sales conversions – Adding an animated video to your sales page can improve conversion rates by 20–80%.
• Training efficiency – Affordable animated tutorials reduce the need for live training, saving long-term costs.

The key is to balance affordability with clarity and creativity. Even a simple animated video can have a big impact if the message is strong.

Common Misconceptions About Affordable Animation

Many people assume that “affordable” means low-quality—but that’s not the case. Affordable animation often means smarter production choices, not compromising on quality. For example:

• Using a minimalist design style can look intentional and modern while saving money.
• Repurposing existing artwork or brand assets cuts costs without reducing polish.
• Strategic use of text, icons, and transitions can feel professional while being budget-friendly.

The real difference is knowing where to spend and where to save. With the right production plan, affordable animation can look just as polished as higher-cost projects.

Affordable Animation for Different Industries

Affordable animation can serve multiple industries in unique ways:

• Healthcare – Simplify medical processes with easy-to-understand animated explainers.
• Education – Create cost-effective animated lessons that improve knowledge retention.
• Finance – Explain complex products like insurance or investments with simple animated graphics.
• E-commerce – Highlight product features with short, affordable product animations.
• Nonprofits – Use storytelling animation to inspire donations and awareness without overspending.

By tailoring your approach to your industry, you can achieve maximum impact on a reasonable budget.

Affordable Animation vs. Live Action Video

When businesses consider video production, they often debate between live action and animation. Live action requires cameras, actors, sets, and locations—all of which can quickly inflate costs. Affordable animation, on the other hand, eliminates those expenses. You don’t need to rent a studio or hire actors; everything can be created digitally. Plus, animation has the flexibility to represent abstract concepts that live action can’t easily capture. This makes it a powerful and affordable choice for startups and businesses with lean budgets.

Repurposing Affordable Animation for Multiple Platforms

One of the best ways to maximize your budget is to repurpose affordable animation content across multiple channels. For example:

• Break a longer animated explainer into short animated social media posts.
• Adapt your main video into GIFs for email campaigns.
• Pull still frames or illustrations from your video to use as blog graphics.
• Localize your animation with translated voiceovers or captions to reach international markets.

By reusing content in smart ways, a single affordable animation can serve your brand across months—or even years—of marketing.

DIY vs. Professional Affordable Animation

If you’re weighing whether to create your own animation or hire professionals, here’s a quick breakdown:

DIY Tools (like Powtoon, Vyond, Canva):

• Pros: Extremely cost-effective, fast turnaround, easy to use.
• Cons: Limited customization, generic look, less brand differentiation.

Professional Affordable Animation Studios (like Video Igniter):

• Pros: Custom designs, scalable options, higher polish, tailored to your brand.
• Cons: Slightly higher upfront cost, but often better ROI in terms of engagement and conversions.

The choice depends on your budget and your goals. For serious marketing campaigns, a professional approach often pays off.

How to Budget for Affordable Animation

When planning your project, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Here are some budgeting tips:

1. Define your core goal – Is it brand awareness, lead generation, or training?
2. Set a maximum budget – Know what you’re willing to spend before approaching studios.
3. Prioritize essentials – Script, storyboard, and voiceover matter more than flashy effects.
4. Plan ahead – Avoid last-minute projects, which can incur rush delivery animation fees.
5. Consider ongoing use – Think about how your video can serve you beyond the first campaign.

Budgeting carefully ensures your animation remains both affordable and effective.

Trends in Affordable Animation

Animation technology continues to evolve, making affordable options even more accessible. Current trends include:

• AI-assisted animation tools that reduce manual labor.
• Template-based motion graphics for fast, budget-friendly production.
• 2.5D animation (adding depth to 2D images) for a cinematic feel at a lower cost.
• Looping animations that can be reused across multiple platforms.

By keeping up with these trends, you can create modern, engaging animations without overspending.

Final Thoughts on Affordable Animation

Affordable animation isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about being strategic with your resources. By planning ahead, using the right tools, and partnering with the right team, you can create animations that look professional, deliver results, and fit within your budget. Whether you’re a small business owner, marketer, or startup founder, affordable animation gives you the ability to tell your story visually without draining your resources.

Questions about affordable animation for your project?

Do you have a question about making your animated video as affordable as possible to produce? Contact us with details about your project and expectations and we’ll follow up to figure out how we can collaborate within the constraints of your project and budget.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Video Igniter offers animation production services online. Video Igniter modernizes the experience of creating a custom animated video to help you save on cost, and create custom content faster.

We streamline the complex process of making a custom animated video and do all the work for you. All you need to do is tell us what you want us to create and then respond to the assets (script, storyboard, voiceover, soundtrack, art and animation) when the Video Igniter app notifies you it’s time to review part of the video we create for you.

Hire Video Igniter to Create Your Animated Video

World class design talent at prices startups can afford.

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

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

Affordable Animation Demo Reel

Affordable Animation Success Stories & Testimonials

“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 made 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

“My whole family and everyone on Facebook thinks you are amazing. My whole office is freaking out.”

Patricia Shields – Real Estate Agent

“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 affordable animation for your project

Schedule a call to discuss your video project.

Get a quote for your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief, and we’ll start creating your animated video.