Educators and businesses can greatly benefit from educating their students or new/current employees with educational animated videos. Here are the main ways animated videos help improve education:

• People have short attention spans, animation holds people’s attention longer than live action or film.
• The new digital native generation expects this level of quality when it comes to educational materials. They love the medium and are more likely to be engaged with the material compared to reading out of a book or watching someone speak or teach a class.
• Video format makes the information sharable and easy for people to rewatch or relearn the material whenever it is convenient for them. 
• Animation makes it easier for people to understand new concepts.
• Because the content is so engaging, people are more likely to remember the content longer.

If you have a question about animated educational videos that isn’t answered in this article, you can use our contact form to ask your question or click the image below to with a member of our production team:

Examples Of Animated Educational 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 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.

How To Make Educational Animated Videos

1). Brainstorm Educational Ideas That Need To Be Communicated

If you are interested in creating educational videos (also referred to as an “explainer video“), the first step is to brainstorm all the educational topics that need to be included in the video. Write down a list of all the details that need to be part of the video for people to fully understand the topic.

2). Organize The Content Into Chunks

The next step is to organize all the topics and details into chunks of information that logically make sense together.

3). Outline The Content

Now that your topics are clustered together, organize them into an outline so that you can logically map out how one topic leads into the next.

4). Draft The Script

After you organize your outline, it’s time to flesh out the content into a full script. Bear in mind that every 150 words in the script equals one minute of animation.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

5). Brainstorm The Visual For Each Scene

Next, brainstorm a visual for each scene or sentence of your script. Think of what would be helpful to show the viewer when the narrator is explaining each part of the script. After you add these notes to your script, go through your script to revise it and see what content you can cut out. Sometimes it makes sense to say something and show it at the same time.  In other cases, it can be redundant; make sure that everything compliments each other. It’s a good idea to run your script and visual notes by a few other people to ensure everything makes logical sense before proceeding to the next step.

6). Create The Storyboard

The next step is to convert your script and visual notes into a storyboard. A storyboard is like a blueprint that explains to the illustrators and animators what they are supposed to create.  Download our storyboard creation guide and template here.

Below is an example of what each slide of your storyboard should look like. Put one sentence on each slide. Include a rough mockup of the scene. Add bulletpoint notes to describe the motion that should happen in the scene. Don’t forget a list of all the assets that need to be created for each slide.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

7). Pick A Producer For Your Animated Educational Video

The easiest way to make an animated video for school or employee training is to hire Video Igniter to turn your idea into a custom animated video. Your second option is to hire a freelancer or animation studio. Check out this companion article that compares what it’s like to use Video Igniter to make your animated educational video instead of hiring a freelancer or animation studio.

Alternately, you could spend the time to learn to create them using an animated educational video maker like Vyond, PowToon or Wideo. These services are the best option if you’re looking for an animated explainer video maker for teachers because they dramatically lower your production cost. The trade off is you have to spend the time creating the animation yourself using a library of pre-created characters, scenes and objects.

8). VoiceOver

Educational animated videos typically have a narrator explaining the information shown in the video. You can get voiceovers recorded from sites like VoiceBunny, Voices123, or Fiverr. You could even record your own pro quality VoiceOver for free – even if you have no professional recording equipment.

9). Pick Out Music

Adding a soundtrack can aid memory recall for people who have see your animated educational videos.

Background music enhances the experience of watching your educational animated video. It isn’t a requirement but it helps keep viewers engaged and studies suggest music helps with memory retention of the information presented in the video. Sites like AudioJungle, PremiumBeat and Pond5 have large libraries of stock audio that are affordable to license. Check out Incompetech for music you can use for free.

10). Art Creation Process

If you’re getting a custom animated video produced, your animation team will send you a few pieces of concept art created from a scene in your video. You get to provide them feedback to refine your favorite style until you love it. Then, they will produce all of the custom illustrations and give you an opportunity to request revisions before moving into production. 

11). Animation

When everything gets your sign off (voiceover + music + illustrations), the animators will get to work! It takes about one week for one animator to animate one minute of video. Once the first draft is ready to review, test it on members of your target audience (i.e. students, trainees, new/current employees, etc) to see if they understand and retain the information presented in the video.

12). Bonus: Get Your Content Online So It’s Sharable 

One of the strengths of educational animated videos is that they make it very easy to share the information so it can be consumed anytime the viewer is ready. Use a hosting service like YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia to upload your video for free and get a link to share the content with the people you are educating. These services can also provide you an “embed code” which enables you to paste the video into your website.

Check out this article to learn more about the animated video production process.

Animated Educational Videos for Government Organizations

Do you work at a government agency and want to create animated educational videos to help you explain or promote a new government program? Read about the animation work we can do for government organizations.

Animated Educational Video FAQ:

What does it cost to make an educational animated video?

When you provide the script/storyboard for your educational animated video, the cost per minute can be very reasonable – starting at $500-$1500/minute. Fancier 2D animations and 3D animations will cost north of $3,500/minute to create. Read more about animation production costs.

How long does it take to make? 

A 60 second animated video typically takes 4-5 weeks to produce. Different animation styles can increase or decrease the amount of time it takes to create an animated educational video. Contact us on our Get A Quote page to get a timeline estimate for your educational animated video project or series.

Incorporating Storytelling Techniques in Educational Animation

Storytelling is a powerful tool in education, helping learners connect emotionally with content, retain information, and stay engaged throughout a lesson. Animated educational videos that incorporate storytelling techniques can transform dry, complex topics into compelling narratives that captivate audiences and enhance understanding.

Several key storytelling elements can elevate an animated educational video. Well-developed animated characters act as guides, making abstract or challenging concepts more relatable. A strong narrative structure—consisting of a clear beginning, middle, and end—helps learners follow along seamlessly. Conflict and resolution add intrigue, as challenges motivate viewers to stay engaged and discover solutions. Most importantly, an emotional connection fosters deeper learning by making content more memorable.

There are various techniques to enhance storytelling in educational animations. Metaphors and analogies simplify complex ideas, making them easier to understand. Visual storytelling techniques, such as exaggerated expressions or color shifts, can convey emotions and emphasize key learning points. Balancing education with entertainment ensures that videos remain informative without feeling like lectures.

Case studies highlight the impact of storytelling in educational animation. Successful examples include animated explainer videos for science concepts that use engaging characters and problem-solving scenarios. Another example is historical storytelling, where key figures narrate their own experiences, making history feel immersive.

To integrate storytelling effectively, content creators should focus on making narratives engaging yet educational. Keeping stories concise, relatable, and emotionally driven will ensure that animated educational videos resonate with learners and improve retention.

The Role of Color Psychology in Animated Educational Content

Color plays a significant role in how learners perceive and absorb information. In animated educational videos, strategic use of color can influence emotions, improve focus, and enhance comprehension. By understanding color psychology, educators and content creators can design more effective visual learning experiences.

Different colors evoke specific psychological responses. Blue, for example, promotes trust, calmness, and concentration, making it ideal for serious or technical educational content. Red commands attention and can be used to highlight critical points or urgent information. Yellow encourages creativity and positivity, often used in content aimed at younger audiences. Green represents balance and harmony, making it a great choice for instructional videos that require ease of comprehension.

Choosing the right colors for educational videos involves more than aesthetics. Highlights and contrast should be used to guide the viewer’s attention and improve readability. Ensuring that key information stands out helps learners absorb critical details more effectively.

Case studies demonstrate the power of color in animated educational videos. For instance, explainer videos focused on scientific concepts often use blue and green tones to create a calming, informative atmosphere, while motivational learning content may use energetic colors like yellow and orange to evoke enthusiasm.

Selecting a color palette that aligns with the subject matter and audience ensures that animated educational videos are both engaging and easy to understand. Thoughtful use of color enhances learning outcomes by reinforcing key messages and maintaining viewer attention.

Accessibility Considerations for Animated Educational Videos

Designing animated educational videos through the lens of accessibility is essential for creating inclusive learning experiences. Accessible content allows individuals with disabilities to engage with educational materials just as effectively as other learners.

Several key accessibility features improve the inclusivity of animated videos. Subtitles and closed captions help those who are deaf or hard of hearing follow along with the content. High-contrast color schemes improve visibility for individuals with visual impairments. Audio descriptions provide additional context for visually impaired learners, explaining important on-screen actions that are not conveyed through narration. Additionally, using a simplified animation style can make content easier to process for viewers with cognitive disabilities.

Adhering to accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensures compliance and enhances usability. Legal requirements vary by region, but meeting these guidelines benefits both content creators and audiences by expanding reach and engagement.

Tools and techniques for improving accessibility include using video editing software that supports closed captions, testing videos with diverse focus groups, and incorporating user feedback to refine accessibility features.

By prioritizing accessibility, educators and content creators ensure that animated educational videos are effective for all learners, regardless of their abilities. Implementing best practices not only makes content more inclusive but also enhances the overall learning experience for a wider audience.

Comparing 2D vs. 3D Animation for Educational Purposes

When creating animated educational videos, choosing between 2D and 3D animation is a critical decision that impacts cost, engagement, and effectiveness. Both styles offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on the subject matter, audience, and production budget.

2D animation is often more cost-effective and faster to produce than 3D animation. Its simplified visuals help learners focus on key concepts without unnecessary distractions. This makes it particularly useful for explainer videos, history lessons, and language tutorials. The flat, stylized nature of 2D animation also allows for creative storytelling while maintaining clarity.

3D animation, on the other hand, provides realism and depth, making it ideal for complex subjects that require detailed visualization. Scientific and medical animations benefit from 3D models, which help learners grasp intricate structures, such as anatomy or molecular interactions. The added depth and movement of 3D animation create an immersive learning experience that can enhance engagement and retention.

Deciding whether to use 2D or 3D animation depends on several factors. If budget constraints and fast production times are priorities, 2D animation is the better choice. However, if the subject matter requires a high level of detail or spatial understanding, 3D animation is more effective. Some projects even combine both styles to achieve a balance between simplicity and realism.

By understanding the strengths of each animation style, educators and content creators can select the best format for their animated educational videos, ensuring optimal learning outcomes for their audience.

Integrating Interactive Elements into Animated Educational Videos

Interactive elements enhance the effectiveness of an animated educational video by promoting active learning. Viewers are more likely to retain information when they engage with the content rather than passively watch it. By incorporating interactivity, educators can create more immersive and personalized learning experiences.

There are several types of interactivity that can be integrated into animated educational videos. Clickable elements, such as buttons or hotspots, allow viewers to explore topics at their own pace. Choose-your-own-adventure style learning enables users to make decisions that affect the storyline, encouraging deeper engagement. Embedded quizzes and assessments provide immediate feedback, reinforcing key concepts and measuring comprehension in real time.

Several software platforms support the creation of interactive animated videos. Tools like Adobe Animate, Vyond, and Articulate Storyline offer built-in features for adding interactivity to animations. By leveraging these technologies, educators can develop content that actively involves learners, making lessons more engaging and effective.

Case studies show that interactive animated educational videos significantly improve retention rates and learner engagement. For example, language-learning apps often use interactive videos where users click on objects and hear their corresponding translations. These engaging formats make learning more dynamic and effective.

To maximize the impact of interactive elements, it is essential to balance interactivity with animation. Overloading a video with too many interactive features can be distracting. Instead, strategic placement of interactive components ensures that they enhance rather than hinder the learning experience.

Utilizing Data Visualization in Educational Animation

Data visualization is a powerful tool that enhances the clarity and effectiveness of an animated educational video. Complex information is easier to understand when presented visually, making data-driven topics more accessible to learners.

Effective data visualization follows three key principles: simplicity, consistency, and emphasis on key takeaways. Simple visuals prevent cognitive overload, allowing learners to focus on essential information. Consistency in colors, fonts, and animation styles helps create a seamless learning experience. Highlighting key data points ensures that viewers grasp the most critical insights quickly.

There are several ways to represent data in an animated educational video. Graphs, charts, and infographics make numerical data more digestible. Motion graphics can illustrate trends and changes over time, providing a more engaging alternative to static data presentation.

Best practices for animating data include using smooth transitions to guide viewers through the information and avoiding excessive complexity. Overloading a video with too much data at once can be overwhelming. Instead, presenting one key insight at a time helps learners absorb the information more effectively.

By incorporating well-designed data visualizations, educators can enhance comprehension and retention in animated educational videos, making abstract concepts more concrete and understandable.

Best Practices for Scriptwriting in Educational Animations

The script is the foundation of any animated educational video. A well-structured script ensures that the content is clear, engaging, and effective in delivering educational objectives.

Free Download: Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

An effective script follows a logical structure. The introduction sets the stage by capturing the audience’s attention and introducing the topic. The main content section presents information in a structured manner, using problem-solving approaches or step-by-step explanations. The conclusion reinforces key takeaways and may include a call to action, encouraging further learning.

Writing for visual storytelling requires careful consideration of language. Keeping sentences short and clear helps maintain engagement. Since animation is a visual medium, scripts should complement the visuals rather than describe them verbatim. Using conversational language makes content more relatable, while integrating storytelling elements can make the lesson more memorable.

Reviewing and refining the script is essential for clarity and engagement. Reading the script aloud helps identify awkward phrasing or overly complex sentences. Gathering feedback from peers or test audiences ensures that the message is effectively conveyed.

By following these best practices, scriptwriters can craft compelling narratives that enhance the educational impact of animated videos.

The Impact of Animation Style on Learning Outcomes

The animation style of an educational video plays a crucial role in how effectively learners absorb information. Different styles impact comprehension, engagement, and retention in unique ways.

Several common animation styles are used in educational content. Whiteboard animation simplifies complex topics by drawing illustrations in real time, making it ideal for explainer videos. Motion graphics use dynamic visuals and text to present data-driven content effectively. Character-driven animation introduces relatable personas that guide learners through a lesson, fostering engagement and emotional connection.

Matching the animation style to learning objectives ensures that the content is both engaging and educational. Simple visuals work best for abstract concepts, while more detailed animations are necessary for technical subjects like science or engineering.

Case studies highlight how different animation styles impact learning outcomes. Research shows that character-driven animations are particularly effective for storytelling-based lessons, while motion graphics excel at presenting numerical data.

Selecting the right animation style enhances the effectiveness of an animated educational video, ensuring that it aligns with both the subject matter and audience preferences.

Strategies for Effective Voiceover Narration in Educational Videos

Voiceover narration plays a critical role in the success of an animated educational video. The tone, clarity, and pacing of the narration significantly impact viewer comprehension and engagement.

A great voiceover follows key principles. Clarity and pacing ensure that viewers can understand and absorb the information. The tone of voice should match the subject matter—enthusiastic for younger audiences, professional for corporate training, and calm for complex subjects.

Choosing the right voice is essential. While professional voice actors bring expertise, AI-generated voices offer cost-effective alternatives. Selecting a voice that aligns with the educational objective enhances the overall learning experience.

High-quality audio recording is crucial. Using a good microphone, reducing background noise, and applying audio editing techniques improve sound clarity. These technical considerations help maintain viewer attention and engagement.

Deep Dive: How to record a professional quality voiceover at home for free.

By following these best practices, educators can enhance the effectiveness of animated educational videos, ensuring that the message is delivered clearly and effectively.

Optimizing Educational Video Length for Maximum Engagement

Video length is a crucial factor in the success of an animated educational video. Studies show that shorter videos tend to have higher engagement rates, making it essential to optimize content duration.

The ideal length depends on the type of educational video. Explainer videos typically perform best at 1-3 minutes, tutorials range from 5-10 minutes, and in-depth lessons may extend to 15-20 minutes. Keeping videos concise ensures that viewers remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Strategies for keeping videos concise include cutting unnecessary content, focusing on key points, and using animation efficiently to convey information quickly. Breaking long topics into smaller segments can also improve retention.

Audience retention analytics provide valuable insights into the optimal video length. By analyzing drop-off rates, educators can adjust content duration to maximize engagement.

Following best practices in video length optimization ensures that animated educational videos remain engaging, informative, and effective.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Producing Animated Educational Videos

Producing an animated educational video requires an investment of time, effort, and budget, but the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. Understanding the financial implications of animation production helps educators and organizations make informed decisions.

Several factors influence production costs. The complexity of the animation style significantly impacts expenses—2D animation is generally more affordable than 3D animation, while motion graphics provide a cost-effective middle ground. Additional costs include scriptwriting, voiceover talent, background music, and revisions. Each of these elements contributes to the final budget, making it essential to allocate resources effectively.

Despite the initial costs, animated educational videos offer substantial returns on investment (ROI). These videos increase learner engagement, improve knowledge retention, and enhance brand credibility for educational platforms. Additionally, once produced, these videos can be repurposed across multiple courses or platforms, further maximizing their value.

For those on a limited budget, cost-saving strategies can help reduce expenses without compromising quality. Simplifying animation styles, using in-house voice talent, or leveraging animation software with pre-built assets can significantly lower costs. Investing in high-quality content upfront ensures long-term educational benefits, making animation a worthwhile investment for educators and training organizations.

Deep Dive: How To Make Affordable Animation

By understanding both the costs and benefits, educators and businesses can make well-informed financial decisions, ensuring that animated educational videos provide value without exceeding budget constraints.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Animated Videos in Education

Measuring the effectiveness of an animated educational video is essential to ensure that it meets learning objectives and engages viewers effectively. Without proper evaluation, it’s difficult to determine whether a video successfully enhances comprehension and retention.

Key metrics help assess the impact of educational videos. Retention rates indicate how much of the video learners watch before disengaging, while quiz performance provides insights into whether the video effectively conveys key concepts. Viewer feedback, collected through surveys or comments, offers qualitative data on the clarity and engagement of the content.

Gathering feedback from learners is crucial in refining future videos. Conducting A/B testing with different animation styles or video lengths can help determine which formats work best for different audiences. Analyzing engagement metrics through video analytics tools allows content creators to optimize educational animations for maximum effectiveness.

By using data-driven insights, educators and content creators can improve the design and delivery of animated educational videos, ensuring that they remain engaging, informative, and impactful.

Translating and Localizing Animated Educational Videos

To reach a global audience, it’s essential to translate and localize your videos. Localization goes beyond language translation—it involves adapting the content to fit cultural and regional preferences to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.

The localization process involves several steps. Translating the script into different languages is the first stage, but adjustments may also be needed to ensure that cultural nuances are accurately conveyed. Visual elements, such as icons or characters, may require modification to align with cultural expectations. For instance, gestures or symbols that are common in one country might have different meanings elsewhere.

Best practices for global accessibility include adding subtitles in multiple languages, offering voiceover narration in different accents or dialects, and ensuring that text on screen is adaptable for translation. These efforts help make educational content more inclusive and effective for diverse learners worldwide.

By prioritizing translation and localization, educators can expand the reach of their animated educational videos, making high-quality learning materials available to audiences across different cultures and languages.

Tips for Maintaining Viewer Attention Throughout an Educational Video

Keeping viewers engaged throughout an animated educational video is crucial to maximizing its learning potential. With short attention spans and distractions, it’s important to use strategies that sustain interest and encourage information retention.

Several techniques can help maintain viewer attention. Dynamic visuals, such as smooth animations and transitions, keep learners visually engaged. The pacing of the video should be optimized—too slow, and viewers may lose interest; too fast, and they may struggle to absorb the information. Storytelling elements, such as character-driven narratives or real-world examples, help create an emotional connection that encourages sustained attention.

Balancing information delivery with engagement is key. Breaking up complex concepts into smaller, digestible segments prevents cognitive overload. Incorporating interactive elements, quizzes, or call-to-action prompts can also encourage active participation and reinforce learning.

By implementing these strategies, content creators can ensure that animated educational videos hold the audience’s attention from start to finish, leading to more effective learning outcomes.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Educational Animation Production

Creating an effective animated educational video requires careful planning, and avoiding common pitfalls is essential to maintaining clarity, engagement, and instructional value. Many animation projects fail to achieve their learning objectives due to missteps in pacing, visuals, and complexity.

One of the most frequent mistakes is poor pacing. If a video moves too quickly, viewers may struggle to absorb the information; if it’s too slow, they may lose interest. The key is to maintain a steady rhythm that aligns with the complexity of the subject matter and the target audience’s comprehension level. Strategic pauses and well-timed transitions help reinforce learning without overwhelming the viewer.

Another common issue is unclear visuals. Animation should enhance understanding, not create confusion. Overly detailed or cluttered designs can distract from the core message, while overly simplistic visuals may fail to illustrate complex concepts effectively. Ensuring that animations align with the narration and reinforce key points is essential for clarity.

Excessive complexity is another pitfall. While it’s tempting to include every detail in an educational animation, overloading the video with information can lead to cognitive overload. Simplifying explanations, using concise scripting, and breaking down complex topics into digestible segments improve comprehension and retention.

Avoiding these common pitfalls ensures that animated educational videos remain engaging, informative, and easy to follow. By focusing on pacing, clarity, and simplicity, educators and content creators can produce high-quality videos that effectively communicate their intended lessons.

Integrating Assessment Tools within Animated Educational Content

Assessments are a critical component of any learning experience, and integrating them within an animated educational video can enhance retention and comprehension. By incorporating quizzes, interactive checkpoints, and other assessment tools, educators can gauge learner understanding and reinforce key concepts.

There are several types of assessments that can be embedded in animated videos. Quizzes at the end of a lesson help measure retention and ensure that viewers grasp key points. Interactive checkpoints, where viewers answer questions mid-video, encourage active engagement and allow learners to apply knowledge immediately. Gamified assessments, such as rewards for correct answers, further motivate participation and reinforce learning.

The effectiveness of these assessments depends on thoughtful integration. Rather than disrupting the flow of the animation, assessments should complement the educational narrative. Placing questions at natural breaks in the content ensures they feel seamless rather than intrusive. Providing immediate feedback and explanations for correct or incorrect answers helps reinforce learning outcomes.

By embedding assessment tools into animated educational videos, educators can create a more interactive and effective learning experience. These tools not only measure comprehension but also enhance engagement, making animated content a powerful medium for education.

Animated Educational Video Production Resources

These popular articles and resources are recommended for people interested in creating animated educational videos:

What is an animated educational video maker and how do I use one to create videos?

How do I create an animation storyboard for my project?

What is an animated explainer video?

What kinds of animated video production services does Video Igniter provide?

Benefits Of Working With Video Igniter

World class production and storytelling at prices startups can afford.

Our online production service delivers a streamlined production experience which lowers your production cost + more of your budget is put towards creativity, storytelling and production quality instead of overhead and project management costs.

Learn why companies hire Video Igniter to create animated educational videos.

Not sure what Video Igniter is? Read more about us here.

Contact Us To Make Your Animated Educational Video

Do you want to create an animated educational video series or a stand alone animated video to help educate people? Below are several ways to get in touch with us to discuss your project:

– Schedule a call with our production team.

– Get a quote for your educational animated video.

– Request access to our price sheet.

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

– Create an account and fill out a creative brief to get production started on your animated video.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

If you want to hire a 2D animation studio, check out Video Igniter to learn why we’re better than hiring a traditional brick and mortar animation studio.

Animated Video Demo Reel

This article dives into the world of animated video pricing and what goes into the various costs associated with production. What you’ll find is that animated videos could be produced for as little as a thousand dollars. But you’ll end up spending more to make something high quality, custom, original and longer than 30 seconds.

If you have a question about animated video pricing 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:

TL;DR: How much does an animated video cost?

You get what you pay for…

DIY Online Video Maker: $19-$299

Freelance Animator: $199-$10,000

Marketing Agency: $3,000-$50,000+

Animation Studio: $3,000-$20,000+

Video Igniter Animation: Get our current, market-beating rates here.

What kinds of pricing options are there for animated videos?

Animated Video Pricing: You Get What You Pay For

Sure, you can find freelancers online who can make animated videos for a few hundred bucks. But the quality is going to show. Most people aren’t aware of how much time and effort goes into making quality custom animated videos. In order to create something you will be proud of, expect to spend at least a few thousand dollars to hire some talented illustrators and animators to create your video.

Below are some examples of the kinds of quality you can expect to get when you have a large production budget vs something closer to the $1,000 – $2,000 range.

Examples of high end animated videos:

Examples of low cost animated videos:

What factors contribute to an animated video’s price?

Length

Animated video production budgets are typically calculated by the length of the video being created. The longer the video, the more time, talent and resources ($) are needed to create the animated video.

Style

Following length, the style of an animated video is the second biggest contributing factor to the cost of making an animated video. The more complex the visual design and motion detail, the more the animated video will cost. Unique visual styles require talented, expensive animators. 3D animated videos cost an order of magnitude more than 2D animated videos to produce.

Timeline

Finally, speed is the last factor. The faster you want your animated video, the more it will cost. A simple 60 second animated video can be produced in 3-5 weeks – although rush delivery options are available if you need it faster. We recommend never rushing an animated video project if you can avoid it. It’s best to allow time for all the creatives to work their magic without a time crunch looming overhead.

How much does it cost to make an animated video?

Scriptwriting + Research

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

Researching, developing and writing your script can be done for free (aka the cost of your time). You can also hire a freelance animator, animation studio, or Video Igniter Animation to create your animated video for you. Costs range widely from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

Two things contribute the scriptwriting aspect of your animated video’s cost:

1). The script writer/team does extended research to learn and understand the target audience for the video to figure out how to best present ideas and elements of the story in a way that will resonate with them.

2). The script writing team tests their script on the target audience to see if they understand and appreciate the way the story was told – before anyone spends time actually creating the animation.

Storyboarding

A storyboard is like a blueprint for an animated video. It describes to the illustrators and animators what they’re supposed to illustrate and animate.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

You can create your own storyboard for free. Or, you can hire Video Igniter to create your storyboard for you. Storyboards cost hundreds of dollars to produce for each minute of video content that’s being created. Access our current storyboarding rates here.

VoiceOver

Each voiceover for your animated video will cost between $10 to $300 per minute of recorded audio. If you plan to display your animated video using paid broadcast media (TV or online), you may need to pay your voiceover artist additional licensing fees for the voiceover recording’s broadcast rights.

Soundtrack

Soundtracks are in a similar ballpark with voiceovers. Marketplaces like AudioJungle and PremiumBeat license professional quality soundtracks for $10 to $300+

Check out this video if you want to pick the perfect soundtrack for your animated video!

Art

A significant portion of an animated video’s price goes into the creation of the custom art that is created for the video. Depending on the style of animation being created, art could eat up the majority of a video’s production budget. For B2B animated explainer promo videos, expect to spend $1,000 to $2,000+ per minute of animation for quality illustrations that are sleek, modern, and appropriate for high end c-suite marketing communications.

Animation

If art didn’t eat up the majority of the production budget, animation certainly will. Of course, this does vary depending on the style of animation being created. Expect to spend $2,000+/min for sleek animation and motion design when creating commercial and corporate explainer videos.

Sound Design

Finally, after the timing of the animation is locked in, sound engineers will add sound effects and double check to ensure levels are balanced between all voiceovers, soundtracks and sound effects. These final touches can cost $50 to $1,000/minute depending on the level of detail and expertise needed to finalize audio effects for your animation.

How to keep costs down for your animated video project

Write your script

Researching and writing a script for an animated video is the backbone of the entire project. This is not an area to skimp on. If you can’t afford the price to hire a professional script writer for your animated video, write the script yourself. After all, you’re probably the expert on your story/vision/idea/product/service that you want to feature in the animation. If anything, at least try to write the first draft and the animators working on your video can help review and polish your script so that it gets approved for production.

Create your storyboard

Storyboarding is the process of reading through your script and then documenting what you want the animators and illustrate to create. If you can brainstorm ideas for the visuals and clearly articulate your ideas, consider creating the storyboard for your animated video to save hundreds or thousands of dollars off your production budget.

Resource: Download our storyboard template and storyboard creation guide.

Record your voiceover

Another way to keep pricing low for your animated video is to provide the voiceover for your video. You can save you up to $100 to $300 for each minute of video that’s being created because that’s what it costs to hire one from an online voiceover marketplace. Even more if your video is being produced in a language that isn’t English. For tips on how to record a professional sounding voiceover at home for free, check out Episode 3 of The Video Igniter Show.

Use stock assets

Not every piece of your animated video needs to be made from scratch. In order to help keep the cost of your animated video down, consider using some stock assets in this video. This could include backgrounds, 3D models, stock photos, stock designed animated characters, icons, fonts and more!

Animated Video Pricing FAQ:

How long does it take to make an animated video?

It takes three to six weeks to make a 60-second animated video. Each stage of production takes about one week to create the assets, review them with the client and integrate the edits. You can shave a few weeks off the timeline by providing the script and or the storyboard.

What does a typical minute long animated video cost?

A typical minute long animated video can cost as little as $1,000 to $5,000 but easily go over $20,000. This is a wide range that encompasses many visual styles and levels of production quality. You can get high quality custom 2D animations produced between $3,000 and $7,500/ per minute. Access our current pricing page here.

How do I figure out the pricing for my animated video?

Schedule a call with our production team – or – tell us about your project and we’ll generate a quote for you.

Check out this companion article to learn more about what goes into the cost of making an animated explainer video.

Why is animation expensive?

Animated videos require 10’s, 100’s or 1,000’s of labor hours from talented individuals to create. While some animated videos can be created by a single individual, it still takes a lot of effort for one person to write the script, brainstorm the visuals, record the voiceovers, find good music and sound effects for the animation, create the art and then finally, animate the video. Most projects require a team of specialized individuals who focus on individual aspects of production from storytelling to scene design, lighting, sound effects and various forms of animation.

How to Choose the Right Animation Style for Your Budget

Choosing the right animation style is critical when planning your animated video pricing. The style you select directly impacts your budget, as different animation types have varying production costs. For instance, 2D animation tends to be more affordable due to simpler designs and quicker production times. In contrast, 3D animation requires advanced skills and more time, making it more expensive. Other styles like motion graphics or stop-motion also vary in cost depending on their complexity and detail.

To make the best decision for your budget, evaluate your project’s goals, the level of detail required, and the desired impact on your audience. By aligning the animation style with both your project goals and budget, you can ensure that your video delivers the intended message without overspending.

How Animation Complexity Impacts Your Animated Video Pricing

The complexity of your animation plays a crucial role in determining animated video pricing. More intricate animations require additional resources, time, and effort, all of which increase costs. Visual complexity can include detailed backgrounds, advanced character animation, or intricate motion sequences. High-quality audio design also adds to the cost if multiple sound effects or voiceovers are needed. Simple animations, like flat design or basic motion graphics, are usually more affordable, while complex visual storytelling or high-end 3D effects tend to increase both time and cost. Understanding these factors will help you better allocate your budget and make informed decisions about animation complexity.

Voiceover Talent Costs and Their Influence on Animated Video Pricing

Voiceover talent plays an important role in animated video pricing. The voice actor you choose can significantly impact both your video’s effectiveness and budget. Professional voice actors typically charge more for their services, but they bring a high level of expertise, ensuring clear, engaging narration that aligns with your brand. On the other hand, hiring less experienced talent or using freelancers can reduce costs, though it might require more direction and editing.

Additionally, pricing may fluctuate based on the length of the script, the number of voiceovers required, and the talent’s reputation. Make sure to account for these factors when estimating the overall animated video pricing, as voiceover costs can be a substantial portion of the total budget.

Tips for Negotiating Better Animated Video Pricing with Studios

Negotiating the best animated video pricing with an animation studio involves clear communication and strategic planning. Start by understanding your project’s scope and having a clear vision of what you need. Asking for multiple quotes can help you compare different pricing models and services offered. Don’t hesitate to negotiate deadlines and scope—sometimes offering more flexible timelines can result in cost savings. It’s also important to request a detailed cost breakdown so you can understand where your money is going. Asking about additional fees like revisions, extra animation details, or rush charges can also help avoid surprise costs. Effective negotiation is about balancing quality with budget, ensuring that you get the best value for your investment.

2D vs. 3D Animation: How They Affect Your Animated Video Pricing

When considering animated video pricing, it’s important to understand how the choice between 2D and 3D animation can significantly influence the overall cost. 2D animation is typically more affordable because it involves simpler designs, fewer resources, and quicker production times. It’s ideal for explainer videos or animated social media posts where speed and cost-efficiency are key.

On the other hand, 3D animation is more intricate and resource-intensive. Creating high-quality 3D visuals involves more specialized artists, advanced software, and longer production times, resulting in higher costs.

Ultimately, the choice between 2D and 3D animation should be based on your project’s objectives, audience, and available budget. 2D works well for straightforward messaging, while 3D is suited for projects that demand more depth and visual impact.

How to Choose the Best Animation Studio for Your Budget

Hiring the right animation studio is crucial for managing your animated video pricing effectively. Start by evaluating studios based on your project needs—do they specialize in your animation style, and do their previous works align with your vision?

Researching studio animation portfolios, reading client reviews, and assessing past projects will help you find a studio that fits both your style and budget. Studios with extensive experience and a strong reputation may charge higher fees, but their work often delivers better results.

On the other hand, smaller or less experienced studios may offer more budget-friendly options, but there could be trade-offs in terms of quality and turnaround time. Ensure that the studio you choose offers clear communication, transparency in pricing, and a willingness to work within your budget.

Custom vs. Template-Based Animations: How Pricing Differs

When it comes to animated video pricing, understanding the difference between custom animations and template-based animations is essential. Custom animations are tailored specifically to your brand, audience, and message, requiring a full production process that includes storyboarding, character design, and detailed animation. This level of customization leads to higher costs due to the increased production time and the need for specialized animators.

On the other hand, template-based animations use pre-designed assets and structures, making them quicker and more affordable to produce. While template animations can be highly effective for simple explainer videos or short marketing clips, they lack the unique touch that custom animations provide. Balancing your project’s requirements with available resources will help you decide whether to opt for a custom or template-based approach.

Hidden Costs in Animated Video Pricing: What to Watch Out For

When estimating your animated video pricing, it’s important to be aware of hidden costs that can unexpectedly inflate your budget. These may include costs for storyboarding, revisions, and additional revisions beyond the initial scope. Voiceover licensing, stock music licenses, and custom sound design may also incur extra charges. Additionally, many animation studios charge for additional edits after the initial video draft, especially if they significantly change the animation or audio elements.

To avoid these hidden costs, always request a clear, itemized quote and discuss potential extras upfront with your studio. Being transparent about your needs and setting expectations will help you stay within budget while ensuring your animation meets your vision.

How to Create Cost-Effective Animated Videos Without Sacrificing Quality

Creating a cost-effective animated video doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. By streamlining your project and making strategic choices, you can manage animated video pricing without compromising on results. Start by selecting a simpler animation style, such as 2D or motion graphics, which can be more affordable than high-end 3D animation.

Prioritize essential elements such as the core message, strong visuals, and effective storytelling. Additionally, limit revisions and feedback cycles, which can extend production time and increase costs. Utilize existing assets including logos, color palettes, or stock footage to reduce animation and design costs. By focusing on what matters most, you can create a high-quality animation while staying within your budget.

Short-Form vs. Long-Form Animated Video Pricing: What You Need to Know

The length of your animated video plays a significant role in animated video pricing. Short-form videos (under 2 minutes) tend to have lower production costs due to their concise nature and faster turnaround times. These are ideal for advertisements, social media content, or quick explainer videos.

Long-form videos, like documentaries or in-depth brand videos, typically require more resources, time, and higher production costs. They often involve more detailed animation, a longer script, multiple voiceovers, and complex sound design. Understanding the project scope will help you determine whether a short-form or long-form video fits within your budget and meets your communication objectives.

Maximizing Value: How to Get the Most from Your Animated Video Budget

Maximizing value from your animated video pricing requires strategic planning and smart decisions throughout the production process. Start by clearly defining your project’s goals and making sure the animation style, duration, and complexity align with your budget. Focus on prioritizing key elements such as clear storytelling, strong visuals, and effective messaging, rather than focusing on unnecessary details. Leverage existing resources like templates or pre-designed assets, to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Communicate openly with your animation studio to ensure they understand your vision and budget constraints. By optimizing your resources and making informed decisions, you can achieve a high-quality animation that maximizes value without exceeding your budget.

Estimating Costs for Animated Videos with Complex Graphics or Motion

Estimating the costs for animated videos that involve complex graphics or motion can be tricky, as these types of animations require more time, skill, and resources. Complex animations, like intricate 3D models, advanced visual effects, or detailed character animation, demand more skilled animators and longer production timelines, which naturally increases costs.

The more detailed the graphics or motion, the higher the budget will likely be due to the additional expertise and tools required. To estimate these costs accurately, consider the level of detail required for each scene, the time it will take to create the effects, and any additional revisions that may be necessary. Understanding these factors will help you plan and budget appropriately for complex animation projects.

How Animation Quality Affects Engagement and Animated Video Pricing

The quality of animation directly influences both viewer engagement and animated video pricing. High-quality animations—whether it’s smooth character movement, rich visual effects, or immersive 3D elements—tend to engage viewers more effectively, leading to increased retention and conversion rates.

These top-tier animations, however, come with a higher price tag due to the specialized skills and time needed to produce them. On the other hand, lower-quality animations may save costs but might not captivate the audience as effectively. For businesses looking to make a strong impression and ensure long-term ROI, investing in quality animation can be worth the higher cost, as it often results in greater viewer engagement and brand recall.

Common Budget Pitfalls in Animated Video Pricing and How to Avoid Them

Animated video pricing can quickly spiral out of control without careful planning. Common budget pitfalls include underestimating production time, overlooking additional revisions, or failing to account for hidden costs like sound design or voiceover fees.

Additionally, complexity creep can drive up costs if new ideas or elements are added to the project after the initial scope is agreed upon. To avoid these pitfalls, create a detailed project brief with clear expectations and a realistic timeline. Establish a transparent cost breakdown with the animation studio and include a contingency budget to cover unforeseen expenses. Effective project management and communication can help keep your animation project on track and within budget.

How to Communicate Your Vision for Accurate Animated Video Pricing

Clear communication is key to ensuring accurate animated video pricing. To communicate your vision effectively, start by providing a detailed project brief that outlines your goals, target audience, and key messaging. Include references to animation styles you admire and explain any specific preferences or constraints. Regularly check in with the studio to ensure they are aligned with your vision throughout the production process. This helps prevent costly revisions or misalignments later on. By keeping the lines of communication open and detailed from the outset, you’ll ensure that the animation stays within your budget while meeting your expectations.

Outsourcing vs. In-House Animation Teams: How Each Affects Pricing

When deciding between outsourcing animation or hiring an in-house animation team, it’s essential to consider how each option impacts animated video pricing. Outsourcing animation to freelance artists or studios often provides a more cost-effective solution, as it offers flexibility and access to global talent. However, this can result in communication challenges, less control over the process, and potential delays. In contrast, in-house animation teams provide more control and consistent quality but come with higher overhead costs, including salaries, benefits, and equipment. For projects with strict timelines or a need for constant iteration, an in-house team may be ideal. For cost-sensitive projects with more flexibility, outsourcing might be the better choice.

Animated Video Pricing & Production Resources

These popular resources are recommended for people interested in animated video pricing:

Get a quote for your animated video.

How to make a video animation.

How do I figure out my animated video price?

What is it like to work with Video Igniter to create a 2D animation video?

How do I make video animations with Video Igniter, a freelancer or an animation studio?

Hire Video Igniter to Create Your Animated Video

World class design talent at prices startups can afford.

Our team can create any kind of 2D or 3D animation you can imagine.

+20 reasons companies love hiring us.

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.

Animated Video Demo Reel

Animated Video Success Stories & Testimonials

“From the very beginning, we knew working with Video Igniter was the right decision. Derek was easy to talk to and completely accessible through the entire experience. He offered different options to the creative process, was open to changes and additions to the storyboard, and made sure we were 100% happy with every second of our finished video.

We couldn’t be more satisfied with the finished product and highly recommend Derek and the rest of the Video Igniter team for the quality of their work, pricing that worked within our budget and a personal touch all along the way.”

Chelle Parmele – Fmr. Director of Marketing, SheerID.com

“I run a video production company and outsource animation. The team at Video Igniter did a great job in taking the concept I very crudely drew out and 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 came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

Get in touch

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video project.

Get a quote for your animated video.

Request access to our current pricing page.

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

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

What is Video Igniter Animation?

We’re an animated video production service. Waaay better than hiring a 2D animation studio! Check out our explainer video:

2D animated videos are taking over the internet! Businesses are using them to acquire new customers. Media outlets are using them to explain new concepts and ideas. People are sharing them all over the internet and social media.  But why are they so popular? Why are people using them? And how do you make your own?

If you have a question about 2D animated videos that isn’t answered in this article, you can use our contact form to ask your question or click the image below to with a member of our production team:

How Do Businesses Benefit From Animation?

Businesses have been creating 2D animated videos to help explain what they do, get the word out about their business, and generate more leads and sales. The reason businesses are creating more animated content these days is because it helps their brand stand out in an ocean of live action video content. Animation enables businesses to communicate their unique brand personality to connect with their target audience in a way film can’t match.

Additionally, animated videos do an exceptional job at helping viewers focus on the key message, understand it, and retain the information longer than if they had watched a video of a person explaining something.

2D Animated Video Demo Reels

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 to start making your video.

2024 2D Animated Video Demo Reel

2D Animation Standard Design Reel

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.

2D Animated Video, Simple Design Reel

For more examples of 2D animated explainer videos, check out our portfolio page.

Advantages Of 2D Animation

2D animation has some unique production advantages over other types of video content (live action/film and 3D animation). 2D animated videos are:

Fast to Produce

compared to 3D animation. Simple 2D animations can be produced in a few days or weeks. 3D animated videos require a lot more time to create details accurately, add motion design, and render out the final animation (which could take weeks, months, a year, or more!)

Easy to Change

If you want to modify part of your 2D animated video, all you need to do is contact your animator/designer/studio and explain the changes you want to make. As long as someone has the original project files, any video animator or designer could make the changes.  If you filmed a video and want to make changes, you need to book the same location and hire the same actors to come in to re-film something. Definitely not as quick and easy as some changes your animator could make from their laptop.

Lower Production Cost

2D animated videos can be made by small animation studios in just a few weeks. This helps keep costs low. 3D animated videos can take months to years to produce and require a large, expensive team. Live action videos can be quick to produce but assembling a professional team on site with all their equipment quickly surpasses the costs associated with 2D animation.

What Is The Production Process Like?

2D animated videos go through a sequential production process that looks like this: script -> storyboard -> art -> voiceover -> music -> animation.

1). Script:

First, you will start by creating the script for your 2D explainer video. You can create the script yourself or work with your animation studio/freelancer. Or you could just hire Video Igniter ;) If your 2D animated video is designed to support a business purpose, you should focus on concise writing that speaks directly to the problems your target customer is trying to solve. Start your script with a compelling hook to grab your audience’s attention. Introduce your company/product/service as a solution to a problem your customer has. Illustrate the top 1-3 benefits they can experience from buying what you offer. Then, end your script with a compelling call to action that lets them know how they can do business with you.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

If you’re creating a 2D animated video for fun, write out your script and include notes about what you think the corresponding visuals should be. This will help you simplify your storytelling and will make it easier for you to create your storyboard.

For more tips on writing a script for your animated video, check out this article: “How to Write An Animated Explainer Video Script.” As a bonus, you might also like this companion article: “7 Tips to Supercharge Your Explainer Video Script Writing.”

2). Storyboard:

Next, you should turn your script into a storyboard so that the design and animation team know what you want them to create. The storyboard is essentially the blueprint for your 2D animation explainer video.

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

Each page of a storyboard includes four parts:

• Visuals
• Direction
• Script
• Asset List

To create your storyboard, put one sentence of your script on each page of the storyboard in the lower left corner (Download our storyboard template here). If a sentence is particularly long, you can break it up over multiple slides.

In the upper left corner of the storyboard, create a rough mockup of the scene that corresponds with that part of the script. You can sketch it out on paper, take a photo and paste it into the document. Or, you can use free images you find online to mock up the scene. Artistic ability is not important. Stick figures are ok. The point is to provide a basic visual reference for the design team. They just need to know how you roughly intend for a scene to be laid out. They will take care of making the art look great for you.

In the upper right corner of the storyboard, create a bullet point list of instructions for the animator. Provide sequential instructions that specify what motion details should happen in what order. The more specific you can be, the better.

Finally, in the lower right corner, provide a list of the assets that are needed for each slide. Include details like background/scene design, characters, items, sound effects, and more.

Want more tips to learn how to create a storyboard for your animated video? Check out this companion article. “How To Create A Storyboard For An Animated Video.”

3). Art

After the storyboard is approved, your designer will create concept art for one of the scenes of your 2D animation. Usually they will provide multiple pieces of concept art so you can choose your favorite. When you select your favorite concept, you can provide feedback to refine the visual style. Once you’ve approved the concept, the illustrator will create all the art for your animation.

You’ll get a chance to review all the art and request edits before animation begins.

4). VoiceOver

VoiceOver creation typically happens in parallel with art creation. Your animation project manager will audition some voiceover talent and send you recordings to review. Once you select your favorite audition, your project manger will procure the full voiceover. You will get an opportunity to review it and ask the voiceover artist for edits.

For tips on making your own professional sounding voiceover for free, watch Episode 3 of The Video Igniter Show.

5). Music

Your project manager will also select soundtrack options for you consider for your animation. Sometimes this phase happens in parallel with the voiceover auditions & concept art creation. Other times, it makes sense to wait to pick out a soundtrack after you’ve seen the first draft of your animation.

Include a soundtrack to enhance the presentation of your 2D animated video.

6). Animation

Finally, after everything has received your approval, the animation team follows the instructions in your storyboard to animate your video. 2D animated videos take about 1 week for one animator to animate one minute of video.

In total, the 2D animated video production process takes about 3-5 weeks.

Animating a 2D animated video.

For a more in depth look at the animation production process, check out this companion article: “Understanding The Animation Production Workflow.”

Why Should You Work With Video Igniter?

1). High Quality For The Price

Video Igniter’s production service offers the unique ability to get the quality of a $5,000-$10,000 2D animated video for half the price – or less! (Request access to our pricing page here.) Our online production platform streamlines the production process which means we put more of your production budget into production quality and creative storytelling because we save significant costs on production management and company overhead.

2). Attention to Detail

We want to ensure you are 100% satisfied with the final draft of your animated video. We go step by step through the production process to ensure all components of your video are designed to speak to your target audience. Everything from the visuals to the voiceover and music must work together to present a cohesive and compelling narrative.

3). World Class Storytelling

Video Igniter produces content for world-class brands like T-Mobile, Amazon Web Services, Snoop Dogg and more! We know what kind of storytelling works for big name brands and we can bring that magic to your project as well. Even if you’re a small independent business, startup, agency or video production company.

Get a Quote For Your 2D Animated Explainer Video:

Want to get a quote for a 2D animated video? Click here to get a quote.

Animated 2D Video FAQ:

How long does it take to make a 2D animated video?

2D animated videos take 3-5 weeks to produce. If you need to guarantee delivery in less than 3-4 weeks, rush delivery options are available (contact start@videoigniter.com). For more information on the timeline for a 2D video explainer, check out this article.

How much does it cost to make a 2D video animation?

2D animated videos cost $500-$10,000+ per 60 seconds of animation. For more specifics on budget considerations, check out this article or click here to get a quote for your 2D animation.

How does the 2D animated video production process work?

The production process works by creating a script, then a storyboard for the animation. This tells the production team what art to create and what voiceover(s) to procure. Once you’re happy with the art and the voiceover, the animation team will produce your video.

Deep Dive: How To Make A 2D Animation

How to do I get the maximum impact out of my 2D video animation?

This guide explains how you can A/B test your video to get more people to click play, watch your video longer and take action when they’ve finished watching your 2D animation. For 6 more tips on how to increase engagement for your animated video, check out this article.

Can you produce videos in other languages besides English?

Yes!

Choosing the Right 2D Animation Style for Your Brand

When creating a 2D animated video for your brand, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the right animation style. The style you select should reflect your brand’s personality, tone, and message. A well-matched animation style can elevate your brand identity, making your video more engaging and memorable to your audience.

Popular 2D Animation Styles

There are several 2D animation styles to consider, each with it’s own unique benefits for different use cases:

• Flat Design: Known for its simplicity, flat design is a modern, minimalistic approach to animation. It works best for tech companies and startups, where clean visuals and clear messaging are vital.
• Motion Graphics: Motion graphics are great for simplifying complex concepts. Whether you’re explaining a product, a service, or a process, this style uses moving text, shapes, and images to convey information clearly.
• Character Animation: If you want to connect with your audience emotionally, character animation is an excellent choice. Characters bring stories to life and help create an emotional bond between the brand and the viewer.
• Explainer Animation: Explainer videos are best for breaking down complicated topics into digestible parts. They’re ideal for explaining products or services, especially in sectors like tech, finance, and education.
• Whiteboard Animation: Whiteboard animation is perfect for educational content or explaining intricate ideas. Its hand-drawn, sketch-style visuals make it relatable and engaging.

Aligning Animation Style with Brand Identity

Selecting a style that aligns with your brand identity is essential. Here are some ways to align your 2D animated video with your brand:

• Brand Personality: If your brand is playful and fun, consider a more whimsical character-based animation. For a professional, corporate image, a flat design or motion graphic style would be more fitting.
• Consistency in Design: Ensure the animation style incorporates your brand’s color scheme, fonts, and logos. A cohesive visual identity is key to strengthening brand recognition.
• Target Audience: Know who your audience is and choose an animation style that resonates with them. Younger audiences may prefer bold, character-driven animations, while more serious or technical audiences might appreciate clean, minimalist visuals.

Building Brand Recognition with 2D Animation

A well-designed 2D animated video can make a significant impact on brand recognition. When your video matches your brand’s look and message, it creates a lasting impression. Animation can bring brand elements like logos, taglines, and color schemes to life, reinforcing your identity with every view.

Storytelling With 2D Animated Videos

Storytelling is the heart of any 2D animated video. Whether you’re explaining a product, conveying a brand message, or sharing an emotional story, storytelling makes your animation more engaging and impactful. A compelling narrative helps capture your audience’s attention and keeps them interested from start to finish.

Essential Components of Effective Storytelling

A great story needs a few key components to resonate with viewers:

• A Clear Message: Every 2D animated video should have a clear takeaway or message. Avoid confusion by focusing on one primary goal, whether it’s educating, entertaining, or inspiring.
• Relatable Characters: In animation, characters can represent your brand’s values or simply be vehicles to deliver the message. Their emotions, challenges, and growth drive the narrative forward.
• Plot Structure: A well-structured story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Introduce the characters, set up the conflict, and resolve it in a way that is satisfying to the audience.

Animation as a Storytelling Tool

What makes 2D animated videos unique is their ability to visualize concepts and ideas that are hard to express through words alone. Whether you’re simplifying a complex product or illustrating an abstract idea, animation provides the flexibility to create engaging visual metaphors and dynamic storytelling.

• Simplifying Complex Ideas: If you need to explain a product’s features or a difficult concept, animation can break it down visually, making it easier for the viewer to grasp.
• Creative Freedom: Unlike live-action videos, 2D animation allows you to create worlds, characters, and environments that wouldn’t be possible otherwise, giving your story more freedom and creativity.

Crafting Compelling Narratives

When creating a 2D animated video, it’s essential to keep the narrative simple, focused, and relatable. Focus on the core message you want to communicate and develop the plot around it. Timing and pacing are also crucial—if your video feels rushed or drags on too long, you may lose the audience’s interest.

Avoiding Common 2D Animated Video Mistakes

Creating a 2D animated video involves careful planning and execution; even small mistakes can impact the final product. From poor pacing to technical errors, these common animation mistakes can affect the quality of your video and hinder your ability to effectively communicate your message. Here’s how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcomplicating the Story: Keep the story simple. An overly complicated plot can confuse your audience and dilute the message. Stick to one main idea and develop it clearly.
• Poor Timing and Pacing: Timing and pacing are critical in animation. Too fast, and your audience won’t absorb the information; too slow, and they’ll lose interest. Ensure your animation flows naturally.
• Inconsistent Character Design: Visual consistency is crucial for character animation. Characters should look the same throughout the video, and their movements should remain fluid. Inconsistencies can distract the viewer and harm the overall experience.
• Ignoring Audio Quality: Audio is just as important as the visuals in a 2D animated video. Poor sound quality can detract from the viewer’s experience. Always use high-quality voiceovers and sound effects that match the animation’s tone.
• Neglecting to Optimize for Devices: Since most videos are watched on mobile devices, it’s essential to optimize your 2D animated video for mobile. This includes ensuring the video is properly formatted for different screen sizes and load times.

Best Practices for 2D Animation Success

• Review the Script: Always read through the script before starting animation to ensure the story is clear and concise. Get feedback from team members or stakeholders before finalizing.
• Test Audio Synchronization: Ensure that the voiceover, sound effects, and background music are well synchronized with the animation.
• Optimize for Mobile: Check your animation’s resolution and aspect ratio to ensure it looks great on both desktop and mobile devices.

Optimizing Animated Videos for Different Platforms

Once you’ve created your 2D animated video, the next step is ensuring it reaches the right audience across different platforms. Each platform has its own set of specifications, and optimizing your video for each one ensures maximum engagement.

Platform-Specific Video Considerations

• YouTube: YouTube animations typically perform best when they are between 7-10 minutes long. Ensure your 2D animated video has a custom thumbnail, relevant tags, and a catchy title to help it stand out.
• Instagram: Instagram videos should be short and punchy. Vertical videos (9:16 aspect ratio) are most effective for Stories and Reels, while square (1:1) format works best for posts in the main feed.
• Facebook: Keep videos between 1-3 minutes for Facebook posts. Subtitles are essential since many users watch videos without sound. Use engaging thumbnails and call-to-action buttons to increase interaction.
• Twitter: Twitter is all about quick engagement. Aim for a 15-30 second clip that’s eye-catching and to the point. GIFs or looping videos often perform best on Twitter.
• Websites: When you embed videos on your website, ensure that they are high-quality, with clear resolution, and are optimized for fast loading times. You can also use video SEO techniques to improve your video’s visibility in search engines.

2D Animated Video Optimization Tips

• Resolution and Aspect Ratio: Ensure your 2D animated video is in the correct resolution for each platform (e.g., 1080p for YouTube, 720p for Instagram).

• File Size: Compress your video to reduce file size without losing quality. This is especially important for animated social media posts where faster load times lead to better user experience.

Best Tools and Software for Optimization

Use tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for video editing and compression. For social media platforms, tools like Hootsuite or Buffer can help you schedule optimized posts and track performance.

Legal Considerations For 2D Animated Videos

Before releasing your 2D animated video, it’s crucial to understand the legal aspects involved in the production and distribution. Failing to address these legal considerations can result in costly issues down the road.

Copyright and Ownership

• Copyrighting Your Video: If you’ve created original animations, they are automatically protected by copyright. However, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you additional legal protections.
• Licensing Issues: Ensure you have the right to use any third-party assets (music, stock footage, or illustrations) in your 2D animated video. You may need to purchase licenses or get explicit permission from the creators. Media platforms like YouTube enable you to paste in a license code for music to ensure your video won’t get flagged for improperly licensed music.

Fair Use and Permissions

• Fair Use: In certain cases, you may be able to use copyrighted material under fair use, but be careful. This usually applies to commentary, criticism, or educational content, but even then, it’s important to be cautious.
• Permissions: Always seek permission if you plan to use someone else’s work in your animation. This applies to music, voices, or branded elements.

Trademarks and Branding

When incorporating logos or brand names into your 2D animated video, make sure you have the legal rights to do so. Avoid using logos or trademarks without consent, as this could lead to legal issues or claims of infringement.

Data Privacy and Consent

If your 2D animated video features real people or their likenesses, make sure to obtain their consent beforehand. This is especially important in case you plan to use the video commercially.

Measuring the Success of Animated Videos

After launching your 2D animated video, it’s crucial to measure its success to understand how well it’s performing. Tracking metrics helps you assess the effectiveness of your video and make data-driven improvements for future content.

Key Metrics to Track

• View Count: The number of views your 2D animated video receives is a basic but important metric. It shows how far your video has reached and how successful it has been in attracting viewers.
• Engagement Rate: Engagement includes likes, shares, comments, and interactions. High engagement suggests that your audience is actively involved with your content.
• Watch Time: Watch time indicates how long viewers are watching your video. Longer watch times typically mean your video is engaging and holding attention.
• Conversions: Ultimately, you want to know if your 2D animated video leads to desired actions, like sign-ups, purchases, or inquiries.

Analytics Tools to Use

Google Analytics, YouTube Analytics, and Facebook Insights provide in-depth data on how your video is performing. These tools give you a better understanding of audience behavior and which aspects of your video are working well.

Improving Future Campaigns Based on Analytics

Use the insights from your video analytics to improve future videos. If you notice a drop-off point where viewers stop watching, consider changing the pacing or content at that part of the video. A/B testing different versions of your video can also help you determine what resonates best with your audience.

Future Trends in 2D Animation

The world of 2D animated videos is constantly evolving, and staying on top of the latest trends will help you create cutting-edge content that resonates with audiences. Here are some emerging trends to watch for in the future of 2D animation.

Advancements in Animation Technology

• AI-Powered Tools: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing animation by automating repetitive tasks like in-betweening or coloring. This allows animators to focus on more creative aspects of the video production process.
• Motion Capture in 2D Animation: Motion capture technology, traditionally used in 3D animation, is now being adapted to enhance the fluidity and realism of 2D animations.

Interactive 2D Animated Videos

Interactive elements in 2D animated videos are becoming more popular. These can include clickable options, branching storylines, or user-controlled animations that make the viewer feel more engaged and in control.

Personalized and Targeted Animation

The ability to personalize animations based on audience data is becoming more prevalent. Brands can now create customized 2D animated videos tailored to individual viewers, providing a more personal experience.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Animation

With growing environmental awareness, there is a trend toward more eco-conscious animation production. This includes reducing energy consumption, using digital assets instead of physical materials, and minimizing the carbon footprint of the production process.

Collaborating with 2D Animation Studios

Collaborating with an animation studio can help you produce a high-quality 2D animated video that meets your vision. Professional studios bring expertise, creativity, and experience to the table, ensuring that your project is handled efficiently.

Finding the Right Studio for Your 2D Animated Video Project

When searching for an animation studio, it’s essential to review their portfolio and ensure they have experience in the style of animation you’re looking for. Assess their creativity, technical expertise, and ability to meet deadlines and budgets.

Clear Communication and Project Scope

Effective collaboration begins with clear communication. Set expectations regarding deadlines, budget, and deliverables. Ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the project’s scope and goals to avoid misunderstandings later.

Feedback and Revisions

During the production process, be prepared to provide constructive feedback. While animation studios will do most of the creative work, your input is essential to ensure the final 2D animated video matches your vision.

Legal and Contractual Considerations

Ensure that your contract includes all necessary details, such as the ownership of the final video, payment terms, and any revisions. A solid contract protects both parties and ensures a smooth production process.

Budgeting for Animated Video Projects

Budgeting is a crucial aspect of creating a 2D animated video. Without proper financial planning, your project could go over budget or face delays. Here’s how to set a budget that ensures you get the most out of your animated video.

Factors That Affect 2D Animated Video Costs

Several factors influence the cost of a 2D animated video, including:

• Complexity of Animation Style: More detailed animations with custom characters or intricate backgrounds can increase costs.
• Length of Video: Longer videos will take more time and resources to produce.
• Additional Elements: Costs can rise if you add extras like voiceovers, music, sound effects, or custom illustrations.

Cost Breakdown

• Pre-Production: Storyboarding, scripting, and concept design typically account for 20-30% of the total cost.
• Production: Illustration & animation are the most expensive parts, comprising 50-60% of the budget.
• Post-Production: Editing, sound design, and revisions make up the remaining 10-20%.

Tips for Saving on Animation Costs

• Outsource Certain Tasks: You can save money by outsourcing voiceovers or using stock music and effects.
• Use Templates or Stock Animation: When appropriate, consider using templates or pre-made animations to reduce production time and costs.
• Keep a Clear Scope: Avoid frequent revisions or scope creep, which can quickly inflate costs.

Managing Your Budget Effectively

Use budgeting tools or software to track spending. Keep track of each stage of production and ensure you’re staying on schedule.

2D Animated Video Production Resources

These popular 2D animated video production resources are recommended for your video production journey:

How to hire and collaborate with a 2D animation studio?

Where can I find 2D animators for hire?

How to make a video animation.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in speaking with someone about your 2D animated video project, schedule a call with our production team.

Or…

You can fill out a creative brief to help us understand what kind of animation you want to create.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Digital marketers love using animated videos engage with potential clients and customers. This year, more companies are using animated videos in their digital marketing campaigns than ever before. The main reason for this is because they’re more affordable than ever before, but also because they make it easier for your business to stand out from the crowd. If you’re not sure whether or not you should use animated videos as part of your digital marketing strategy, this article explains why you should give them a try!

Benefits of Using Animated Videos For Digital Marketing

Examples Of Digital Marketing Animated 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.

How can a digital marketing animated video help your digital marketing?

Animation is more fun to watch. It makes it clear for your audience to understand what you are talking about. This is particularly helpful for technology and software services.

Animated videos hold attention like no other medium in the world of digital marketing. Your potential customers will be highly engaged with the informative content.

Digital Animations Attract Viewers On Mobile Phones

You can use animated video web marketing to generate leads, promote products or services, or educate customers about new features in your product or service offerings and much more!

Example of an animated video we created for a digital marketing campaign:

Animated videos are more fun to watch and keep your audience focused and engaged

The first benefit of using animated videos is that they’re more fun and engaging to watch (compared to live action videos, photo and text-based content). The reason for this is simple: people are more likely to watch a video that’s looks like colorful entertaining eye-candy. Animated videos can be funny, cute, or exciting. They can also be educational—and people will keep watching if you teach them something they don’t already know!

For example, at the end of one of Shopify’s animated tutorials on how to build an online store, the viewer sees a friendly animated character who walks the viewer through the final steps of setting up their own store and getting it ready for launch day. The viewer gets to watch Shopify’s character actually walk the viewer through each step so everyone knows exactly what needs to happen next before starting their new online store.

For tips on how to get high viewer engagement on your animated videos, check out this article: “6 Ways To Get High Viewer Engagement For Your Animated Videos.”

Animations help you build your brand

One way to build your brand is through a unique identity. Animated videos are a great way to do this in an entertaining and memorable way. When people see an animated video, it sticks in their minds more than other types of video because they’re so different from what they’ve seen before.

You can create animated characters or symbols that live inside each video and represent your business’s branding, so viewers will recognize them when they see them again on other platforms.  The more memorable something is, the easier it is for people to recall later. And that’s why animated videos can be so effective at building a strong company brand: the messages and visuals are going to stick with people long after they’ve seen them.

Dropbox built their entire brand image on the internet with this simple but straightforward marketing video animation:

Marketing videos help attract new leads via SEO

Using proper Video SEO techniques, you can get your message in front of the people who are looking for it. With animated videos you can create content that’s not only interesting to watch but also ranks high in search engines – making it easier for more people to find your website and learn about your company.

This is important because if someone searches for something like “digital marketing animated video” or “animated video web marketing,” on Google or Bing, they’re likely going to end up either clicking on an ad from one of our competitors – or clicking a link to read an article on our website and then potentially getting in touch with us about creating an animated video for their digital marketing campaign.

Digital marketing videos make it easy to share your message

Animated videos encapsulate your entire brand message and personality in a fun, easy to consume way that can be packaged up and easily shared and consumed across all platforms and devices.

Digital marketing videos make it easy to share your message

You can upload videos to Facebook and other social media platforms, email them as attachments, include them in your slide presentations, or simply embed them directly on you blog or website via HTML code.

If you need a new way to engage customers, animated marketing videos will work for you

Animated marketing videos are the next best thing to having a real-life brand evangelist on your team. They’re engaging, sharable, and easy to make with Video Igniter. Animated videos work well for businesses in all stages of business development because they improve customer education at all stages of the sales funnel. They’re also easy to understand – even if you have a complicated product or service!

Your customers are digitally engaged all the time everywhere they go

If you want your customer’s attention but don’t have time to get a full website created, animated marketing videos can stand in to help potential customers, generate awareness and cut through the noise to grab people’s attention immediately.

Types of Animated Videos for Digital Marketing

When it comes to digital marketing, there are several types of animated videos you can use to engage your audience effectively. Explainer videos, for example, break down complex products or services into simple, easy-to-understand visuals, making them ideal for explaining how your business works or demonstrating your product’s value. Product demos are another popular choice, showcasing your offerings in action and highlighting their benefits. Social media ads, often short and punchy, use animation to capture attention quickly and encourage users to take immediate action. Additionally, corporate videos or brand storytelling can use animation to humanize your brand, conveying your values in an entertaining yet professional manner.

No matter the goal, choosing the right type of animated video will ensure your message resonates with your target audience and strengthens your digital marketing strategy.

Tips for Creating Effective Animated Videos

Creating a successful animated video for digital marketing involves careful planning and attention to detail.

Start by crafting a compelling script—ensure it is clear, concise, and directly speaks to the needs and desires of your target audience. Focus on the problem your product or service solves and how it benefits the viewer.

Visual design is equally important; use animation styles that align with your brand identity and appeal to your audience’s preferences. For example, playful, colorful animations might work well for a younger audience, while a more minimalistic style might be better for a professional tone.

Ensure that your video is optimized for the platform you’re using. A video for social media, for example, should be short and eye-catching, while a YouTube animation can be longer and more detailed.

Finally, include a strong call-to-action (CTA) that directs viewers on what to do next, whether it’s visiting your website or signing up for a free trial. By following these tips, you can create animated videos that not only entertain but also drive results.

The Role of Animation in Storytelling

Animation has a unique ability to bring stories to life in ways that traditional video or text cannot. By using animated characters and vibrant visuals, businesses can create engaging narratives that capture the attention of their audience and emotionally connect with them.

For example, a brand can craft a storyline around their customer’s journey, showing how their product or service solves a particular problem. This type of visual storytelling is incredibly effective for building brand loyalty, as it helps viewers identify with the characters and scenarios presented in the animation.

Moreover, animated videos offer endless creative possibilities. You can explore fantastical worlds, transform ordinary scenarios into extraordinary ones, or even make abstract concepts easier to grasp. Ultimately, animation empowers businesses to communicate their message in a more memorable and compelling way, strengthening their overall marketing efforts.

Video Distribution Strategies

Once your animated video is ready, it’s essential to implement a strategic distribution plan to maximize its reach. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram offer vast audiences, but each platform has its unique characteristics, so it’s important to tailor your approach.

For example, YouTube is ideal for long-form content, whereas Instagram and Facebook are perfect for shorter, more visually captivating videos. Additionally, consider embedding your animated video on your website’s landing pages or blog posts to boost engagement.

Incorporating videos into your email marketing campaigns can significantly increase click-through rates, as emails with videos are known to generate higher engagement.

Optimize your video for SEO by including relevant keywords in your video title, description, and tags, ensuring it’s discoverable on search engines.

With these strategies, you can ensure your animated videos reach the right audience and help achieve your marketing goals.

Trends in Animated Video for Digital Marketing

The world of animation is continually evolving, and staying on top of the latest trends can give your digital marketing efforts a competitive edge. Currently, 3D animation and motion graphics are highly popular, as they provide a visually stunning and engaging experience for viewers. These techniques make your videos stand out and offer a more dynamic and immersive feel.

Additionally, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming how animated videos are used in marketing. These technologies enable the creation of interactive experiences, offering customers an even more engaging way to interact with your brand.

As for design trends, minimalism and flat design continue to be popular due to their clean and modern aesthetic, while bold colors and hand-drawn animation styles evoke a sense of personality and uniqueness.

By keeping up with these animation trends, your business can create fresh, engaging animated video content that resonates with your audience and sets you apart from your competitors.

How to Integrate Animated Videos with Other Marketing Channels

Animated videos shouldn’t exist in isolation; they should complement and enhance other marketing efforts across different channels. For instance, you can use animated videos in email marketing campaigns to introduce new products, explain services, or even share customer testimonials, increasing click-through rates and engagement.

Similarly, animated videos can be a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website when placed on landing pages or included in blog posts.

Social media is another great platform where animated videos can boost brand visibility and encourage user interaction.

Integrating videos with paid ad campaigns is also highly effective, especially on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads, where visually appealing content tends to perform better.

By using animated videos across multiple channels, you create a consistent and engaging experience for your audience, ultimately strengthening your brand’s message and increasing conversions.

Cost Considerations and Budgeting for Animated Video Production

While animated videos are an excellent investment for digital marketing, understanding the costs involved is crucial for effective budgeting. The cost of producing an animated video can vary depending on several factors, including the video’s length, complexity, animation style, and the level of customization required.

For instance, a simple 2D explainer video will typically cost less than a more intricate 3D animation or a motion graphic-heavy video.

It’s important to balance quality with your marketing budget—consider working with experienced animators who can provide professional-quality work within your budget range. To get the most value, set clear goals for what you want to achieve with the video, whether it’s brand awareness or lead generation, and ensure the production aligns with those objectives.

With careful planning, animated videos can provide a significant return on investment, driving engagement and conversions in ways that other forms of content may not.

Interactive and Personalized Animated Videos

In the world of digital marketing, personalization is key to creating meaningful connections with your audience, and interactive animated videos are an exciting way to achieve this. These videos allow viewers to actively participate in the content by making choices that affect the storyline or outcome.

For example, interactive videos can guide customers through a personalized product recommendation process or provide tailored content based on user input. This level of interactivity makes the viewer feel more involved and invested in the experience, increasing engagement and brand loyalty.

Furthermore, interactive videos can be highly effective in capturing valuable customer data, which can then be used for targeted marketing efforts.

By combining animation with personalization, businesses can create immersive, engaging experiences that drive higher conversion rates and foster stronger customer relationships.

Digital Marketing Animated Video Production Resources

These popular digital marketing animated video resources are recommended for your video production journey:

How do I build a great storyboard for my explainer video?

How do I turn my idea into a video?

How to I make an explainer video for my company?

Conclusion

Now that you know how great these videos can be for marketing your business, we encourage you to try creating one for your company. We know it might seem intimidating at first… But our video animators are here to help! Click the image below to schedule a call with Video Igniter’s Animated Video Production Team and we’ll hold your hand through the entire process.

Contact Us To Make An Animated Video For Your Next Digital Marketing Campaign

Do you want to create an animated video for a digital marketing campaign? Here are several ways to get in touch with us to discuss your project:

– Schedule a call with our production team.

– Get a quote for your educational animated video.

– Request access to our price sheet.

– Create an account and fill out a creative brief to get production started on your animated video.

Benefits Of Working With Video Igniter

World class production and storytelling at prices startups can afford.

Our online production service delivers a streamlined production experience which lowers your production cost + more of your budget is put towards creativity, storytelling and production quality instead of overhead and project management costs.

Check out our portfolio.

+20 Reasons: Learn why companies hire Video Igniter to create animated videos for their digital marketing campaigns.

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.

Not sure what Video Igniter is? Read more about us.

So, you finally made an explainer video for your business. But now you’re wondering how you can use it. This article teaches 7 ways you can use your animated explainer video to grow your business.

Examples of Business Explainer Videos You Can Get From Video Igniter

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

1). Embed Your Business Explainer Video On Your Website

The first thing you’ll want to do when you finish creating an explainer video is add it to your website. Don’t just put on your homepage – put it everywhere it makes sense to add the animation on your website!

The benefits of putting these videos everywhere are twofold. Firstly (and most obviously), it makes sure potential customers get exposed to your brand as often as possible. Secondly—and more importantly—it ensures viewers spend longer on each page than they would otherwise do without a video present. This means there’s more time for them to notice all the details about what your company does and why they should buy from you.

Businesses use explainer videos because it helps potential customers learn about they offer, quickly. Embedding your business’s explainer video on your website can increase the conversion rate of your landing pages and sales pages.

Deep Dive: Learn more about explainer video production and what to expect during the production process.

2). Share Your Business’s Explainer Video On Social Media

Next, you’ll want to share your business’s explainer video on social media.  This helps get the word out about what you’re offering and who you are as a business. It also allows people to easily find more information about your brand later on.

Share your animated business explainer video on social media

To get the right eyeballs on your video, share your business’s explainer video on the channels that are most relevant for your audience. Don’t forget to tag friends in the comments section of each post so that they can see it too!  Sharing content directly from a personal account can help build trust with new prospects while sharing from a brand-specific account will help keep track of readership stats so you know what kind of content resonates best with your readership demographics

You shouldn’t just post your business’s explainer video once and be done with it—share it multiple times over several days/weeks in order to reach different audiences during different times of day!

3). Send It Via Email

The best way to get feedback is by sending an email out to coworkers and clients who already know you. Email is a great way to get your explainer video in front of these people because it allows for quick and easy sharing (and it converts really well).

Send your animated business explainer video to leads and prospects via email

You can also send a link to a landing page with your video on it to new leads and prospects.

4). Leverage Your Video In Meetings And Sales Pitches

Now that you have a great animated explainer video, it’s time to leverage it in your sales and marketing efforts. Use it as an ice breaker at events, meetings, or networking events. You can even use it as a sales pitch when a prospect is hesitant about committing resources to your project.

If you’re planning on making an in-person presentation about your product or service, consider incorporating the animated explainer video into this presentation by playing parts of it at key points throughout to keep audience members engaged with what’s being said on stage.

If you’re going to be doing any webinars or live webcasts, then consider using the animated explainer video as part of the digital materials available for people who are going through registration and viewing options. This way they’ll see something familiar right off the bat—and feel more comfortable continuing with registration because they’ll know more about the what they’re getting into.

5). Optimize Your Video For Each Platform

Make sure that the content of your explainer video matches the platform where it will be hosted. For example, an explainer video about a fitness app should probably be posted on Instagram or YouTube (since those are both platforms with lots of physically active users), but not Linkedin (which is more for business updates and networking).

You should also consider the aspect ratio and length of your business explainer video before posting it to various platforms. Some platforms reward vertical videos or square videos over the traditional 1920×1080 horizontal format of most videos. Additionally, some platforms are better suited for shorter content. If your animated explainer video is more than a few minutes long, consider breaking it up into shorter chapters for social media.

The other thing to think about when posting your animated explainer videos is how they fit into the overall online ecosystem in which they exist. If people are looking specifically for animated explainers on YouTube or Vimeo, they may be less likely to watch it if they find your video on Facebook or Twitter because those platforms don’t contain primarily animation-related content like YouTube and Vimeo do.

6). Introduce A CTA At The End Of Your Explainer Video

The content of your business explainer video should encourage the viewer to take action when you present a call to action to them at the end of the video.  A CTA can be as simple as a link directing people back to your website or blog post, or if you have a phone number listed on the screen at the end of your explainer video, use that number. You may also consider offering discounts or coupons for customers who call in response to viewing your explainer video—this will help build goodwill with new customers while increasing brand exposure in general.

When you post your business explainer video on social media, be sure to include the call to action within the creative itself (like “click here” or “Learn more”). This will allow viewers who like what they see to easily contact someone at the company without having to go through any extra steps.

Finally, one of the most effective ways that businesses have used explainer videos has been by inviting viewers away from YouTube and onto their own websites or landing pages where they can sign up for free trials and further engage with your business. Include links in your videos and video description that can guide people towards your homepage and landing pages.

7). A/B Test To Improve Video’s Conversion Rate

You’re likely aware that it can be difficult to gauge the effectiveness of your video. You know that people are watching it, but do they understand what you want them to take away from it? Has your explainer video helped convert visitors into customers?

Use animated business explainer videos to convert more leads into customers

Are you getting lots of clicks and views, but no conversions? You may want to change up the content or style. Are you not getting any clicks at all? You may want to rework your messaging or optimize your video (more on that later). Do people tell you they really like it, but nothing happens after they watch it? Maybe you need to repeat your call-to-action more often throughout the video, or use different types of CTAs.

Split your animated business explainer video to improve its conversion rate.

By collecting data on your video’s viewership stats, you can identify places in the video where viewership drops off. Once you’ve identified these spots, you can work with your video producer to improve them.

It’s also possible to A/B test your animated explainer video to improve its effectiveness. Check out the companion article below to learn more about how you can get more people to click play on your video, get more people to watch your video til the end, and get more people to take action when they arrive at the CTA at the end of your video.

8. Integrating Business Explainer Videos with SEO

Explainer videos are a powerful tool not only for engaging audiences but also for improving your website’s search engine optimization (SEO). When you embed an explainer video on your site, you encourage visitors to spend more time on your page, which can lead to a lower bounce rate—a key factor in SEO rankings.

Additionally, videos can appear in search engine results pages (SERPs), making it easier for potential customers to discover your business. To fully optimize an explainer video for SEO, it’s crucial to pay attention to your video’s metadata. Ensure the video title is descriptive, relevant, and contains key search terms. Write a detailed video description, incorporating target keywords while also providing a clear summary of what the video covers. Don’t forget to add tags that relate to the content and target audience.

By strategically optimizing video content, you can improve visibility on platforms like YouTube and Google, driving more organic traffic to your site.

9. Creating a Series of Business Explainer Videos

While a single explainer video can be effective, a series of videos can offer even more value to your audience. Creating an animated video series allows you to delve deeper into different aspects of your business, product, or service. For example, you could produce a series that explains various features of your product, with each video focusing on a different benefit or use case. Another approach is creating a “how-to” series that educates viewers on using your product in various contexts.

Customer testimonials or success stories can also be showcased in a series, building trust and credibility over time. A series of explainer videos not only keeps your content fresh and engaging, but it also helps build a narrative and fosters stronger connections with your audience. Plus, viewers are more likely to return to your website for the next installment, increasing your site’s engagement and retention rates.

10. Interactive Elements in Business Explainer Videos

Incorporating interactive elements into your explainer videos can significantly enhance user engagement and create a more personalized experience. Interactive videos enable viewers to click on certain elements within the video to learn more, navigate to another page, or make a purchase directly from the video. For instance, you could embed a clickable calls-to-action (CTAs) that lead to product pages or a contact form.

Interactive videos can also feature quizzes, surveys, or decision-making paths, making the content more dynamic and tailored to the viewer’s interests. This is especially valuable for businesses that sell complex products or services, as it helps guide potential customers through the decision-making process. When done correctly, interactive videos can boost conversion rates and encourage further interaction with your brand, all while keeping your audience engaged in a fun and informative way.

11. Leveraging Explainer Videos for Customer Support

Explainer videos can play a crucial role in customer support, helping users quickly understand how to use your product or resolve common issues without having to contact customer service. By creating a library of short, focused animated customer support videos that address frequently asked questions or common troubleshooting issues, you can provide your customers with self-service options. This reduces the burden on your support team and allows customers to find solutions at their own convenience.

Video tutorials, step-by-step guides, and how-to demonstrations can significantly improve the customer experience, especially for complex products that require more detailed instructions. Additionally, embedding these videos in support sections of your website or app makes it easy for customers to access the information they need. By proactively addressing customer concerns with explainer videos, you enhance satisfaction and minimize frustration.

12. Video Analytics and Metrics

Understanding how your explainer videos perform is key to refining your video marketing strategy. Video analytics provide valuable insights into how viewers interact with your content, including metrics such as views, engagement rate, watch time, and conversion rates. These insights allow you to gauge the effectiveness of your videos and identify areas for improvement. For example, if you notice that viewers are dropping off at a specific point in the video, this could indicate that the content is too long or not engaging enough. On the other hand, high engagement rates and increased conversions signal that the video is resonating with your audience.

Tracking these metrics over time enables you to adjust your approach, experiment with different formats, or even A/B test elements like CTAs, pacing, and length. With proper video analytics, you can ensure that each explainer video contributes to your business’s goals and continuously optimize your content for better results.

13. Video Personalization

Personalizing explainer videos can create a more tailored experience for each viewer, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion. By leveraging data like user demographics, browsing history, or location, businesses can produce videos that speak directly to individual interests and needs.

For example, an e-commerce brand could create personalized product demos based on a customer’s previous purchases or browsing behavior. Dynamic video tools enable you to change content like the product featured in the video or even the narrator’s name depending on the viewer’s preferences. Personalized videos feel more relevant and can help your brand stand out in a crowded market. Not only does this enhance the viewer’s experience, but it also helps build stronger connections with customers, leading to higher retention rates and increased sales. Personalizing your explainer videos offers a way to create deeper, more meaningful interactions with your audience.

Thanks for reading our tips on how to get the most out of the animated video for your business. Let us know in the comments how you make the most of your business’s animated explainer video!

Don’t forget – check out our animated video portfolio to see our latest and greatest creations.

Interested in learning about pricing for your video? Request access to our pricing page here.

Business Explainer Video Production Resources

These popular explainer video resources are recommended for people looking into creating an explainer video for their business:

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

See examples of explainer video scripts and the videos they turned into.

What explainer video services does Video Igniter provide?

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Video Igniter is an animated explainer video company that creates custom 2D and 3D animated videos. Watch our video below to learn more and contact us to start making your explainer video.