Video Explainer

Video Explainer

Do you want to make a video explainer but aren’t sure how or where to get started?

Luckily, you’re in the right place!

Video Igniter’s guide to video explainers has answers to all your top questions, including:

  • What is the production process like to create a video explainer?
  • How long does it take to make a video explainer?
  • What does it cost to make a video explainer?

All that and more coming up in this guide – including tips to help you save $1,000 or more off the production cost of your video explainer!

But first, let’s take a look at examples of the types of explainer videos that Video Igniter can create for you:

Video Explainer Examples

Video Igniter can make any kind of 2D or 3D animated video explainer for you. You can see some of our favorite example videos below. For additional production samples, check out our animation portfolio or request access to our demo reels and price sheet.

Contact us or schedule a call to start making your video.












Are you looking for a different type of animation example? Send us a message to let us know what kind of production example you want to see and we will follow up with some relevant production samples.

How to make a video explainer?

Let’s take a quick look at the video explainer production process so you understand how to get the idea in your head turned into a custom animated video.

1). Get A Quote

video explainer quote

Send us a message or schedule a call to get the ball rolling. Our first goal is to create a production budget and timeline for your video explainer. Once we get those details sorted out, you will receive a production agreement to sign and an invoice for the first 50% of your production budget.

2). Script

video explainer script

Now that production is underway, our team will spend time learning about what you want to communicate and convey in your video explainer. Then, we’ll develop the first draft of your script.

You will receive a digital copy of the script to review with your team. Add your comments to the digital document so we know what parts you want us to revise. Our writers will address your edit requests and will send you an updated version of the script to review and approve.

3). Storyboard

video explainer storyboard

Next, we turn the script into a storyboard so our production team has a blueprint for your video explainer. Each page of the storyboard includes a sentence from your script along with a rough sketch of the scene and instructions that explain what kind of motion happens in the scene.

You will receive a digital copy of the storyboard to review with your team. After you add all your comments, our team will integrate your revisions and will send you an updated copy of the storyboard to review and sign off.

4). VoiceOver

voiceover

You will receive several voiceover auditions to listen to. Let us know which one is your favorite and we’ll hire that individual to record the narration for your video explainer. You get an opportunity to listen to the full recording and request edits, if necessary.

5). Soundtrack

soundtrack

You will also receive several soundtrack options to review for your video explainer. Give them a listen and let us know which is your favorite. We’ll take care of acquiring the appropriate license(s) to use the music in your video.

6). Illustrations

video explainer concept art

As soon as your storyboard is approved, our art director will begin developing concept art for your video explainer. The art director reviews your brand guidelines and any style references you shared with us to help come up with several unique visual concepts for your video.

Give the concepts a detailed review and share your honest feedback with the art director. You can collaborate with the art director to revise and polish your favorite visual concept until it’s perfect.

video explainer illustrator

After the concept art is approved, our illustration team will create all of the custom art for your video explainer. You get an opportunity to review all of the illustrations and request edits before we animate your video explainer.

7). Animation

video explainer animation

Now that everything is approved, it’s time to produce your video explainer! As soon as the first draft is ready, you will receive a link to a digital copy of your video. Give it a detailed review with your team and members of your target audience (if possible). Collect everyone’s feedback and send it our way. We’ll integrate your revisions and render out the final draft of your video explainer.

Deep Dive: Learn More About The Explainer Video Production Process

What does it cost to make a video explainer?

video explainer cost

2D video explainers typically cost $1,500-$7,500 to create each minute of video. 3D animation and hand drawn 2D animation costs 2-4x more to produce.

Send us a message to get a custom quote for your video explainer.

Deep Dive: What Goes Into The Cost Of An Explainer Video?

How long does it take to make a video explainer?

video explainer production timeline

If we use standard 2D animation techniques to create your video explainer, the production timeline is about 4-6 weeks for a 60-second animation. Hand drawn animation and 3D animation take 2-4x more time to create.

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

Video Explainer Budget Saving Tips

video explainer budget saving tips

Combine these tips to save $1,000 or more off the cost of making your video explainer:

1). Write The Script

You can save $500 off the price of each minute of video we create for you if you provide the script for your video explainer. Download our free script writing template for help getting started.

video explainer script template

2). Create The Storyboard

You can save an additional $500 off the price of each minute of video we create for you if you also provide the storyboard for your video explainer. Download our free storyboard template and review the included storyboard creation guide for tips to get started.

video explainer storyboard diagram

3). Record The VoiceOver

We include the cost of recording a voiceover in your production budget – but if you record the voiceover yourself, we can remove that from your production budget. Watch 1:31 in this video to see how you can record professional quality voiceovers at home for free.

4). Use Free, Legal Music

We also include music licensing costs in your production budget. However, if you are able to find free, legal music you’d like to use in your video, we’ll deduct the cost of the soundtrack license(s) from your production budget. Check out sites like Incompetech and Facebook’s sound collection for free music we can use in your video.

5). Start Production ASAP!

The easiest thing you can do to save $ on your production budget is to start production as soon as possible. Rush delivery is available if you need to speed up production for your deadline but it can add 10%-50% or more to your explainer video’s production cost. Send us a message to get a custom quote or schedule a call with our production team so we can get the ball rolling sooner vs later (and hopefully help you minimize the need for rush delivery add ons).

Still have questions about video explainers?

Check out this resource to learn more about the types of explainer video services Video Igniter offers.

Do you have a question about video explainers that wasn’t addressed in this FAQ? Use this form to send us your question and we’ll follow up with an answer. We’ll also post the question and answer to this page so other people can benefit from the knowledge.

questions

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Video Igniter Animation is an online animated video production service. By working with our team online, you can get your custom animated video produced faster and for less than hiring a brick and mortar animation studio.

Watch the demo reel below for examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce for you.

 

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

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Video Explainer Success Stories & Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it – these testimonials highlight Video Igniter’s reliability, creativity, flexibility and ability to deliver animations that exceed expectations. When you choose Video Igniter Animation, you can rest assured that you are working with a trusted and reputable studio.

“Video Igniter were very easy to work with and the entire process for creating and suggesting edits was seamless and stress-free. I would work with them again and would recommend to others looking to create a modern and stylish explainer video.”

Clair Simpson – VP Marketing, Repool.com

“I run a video production company and outsource animation. The team at Video Igniter did a great job in taking the concept I very crudely drew out and making it into a beautiful animation. The review process was easy and their turnaround time was very quick. I’d def recommend them if you’re looking for an animation project.”

Pat Henderson – Founder, Path8 Productions

“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”

Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

testimonials

Get in touch!

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video project.

Get a quote for us to create your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief for your video and we’ll begin production as soon as we receive your production deposit.

contact us