Explainer Video Cost in 2024?

If you clicked on this article, you probably have a few questions about how much an animated video would cost. Lucky for you, we have the answers, and we’re more than happy to reveal these “industry secrets.” Everything from the factors that control the price to even the average going rate for getting an animated video in 2024.

We did the market research, so you don’t have to. We found that the video’s cost depends on five different factors. Those five factors are Video Type, Video Length, Production Quality, Turnaround Time, and one you haven’t heard about…until now!

First let’s explain your video type options. The two main types of Explainers videos to consider are 2D animation with characters or a motion graphic video. What’s the difference between them? A 2D animation with characters has exactly those characters such as humans, monsters, and or animals because you want your audience to place themselves in the scene. For example, imagine an ad from Amazon where someone is completing a purchase. They hear a knock on the door with their package and are excited with how quick the delivery was—giving your audience that unique experience without it happening yet.

A motion graphic utilizes more stock footage, text, shapes, and UI. Think Apple style commercials with kinetic text and live footage (view example), then motion graphics is the way to go.

The longer the video the more the cost will rise. Due to increased animation time, more illustrations, increased cost for voiceover, and more hours into QC. We are constantly approached by companies looking to create a 90 – 120-second video, and we always ask them why they want their videos that long. They reply, “I don’t have a reason why I just saw that a competitor had it.”

Based on our experience and video analytics we suggest a video length of 15 – 30 seconds for digital marketing and Ad placements.

For videos that reside on your site or content for sales, a video length of 60 – 90 seconds. Once you get past the 90-second mark, video retention starts declining sharply.

However, a highly polished 30-second video can cost the same as a standard 90-second video, but how?

What determines the quality of a video? The main factors would be illustration polish, animation complexity (character movement such as talking, walking, and running), number of frames (quick pace of the video), and transition quality (just looks amazing).

The more production time your video has, the higher the quality the ideas, implementation, and strategy. Are you looking to create a highly engaging video that your audience will watch the whole way through? Those with limited budgets may find that they must fight in the battle between video quality and video length.

Many of our clients have found our rates very competitive compared to the market. Due to the increased value we bring to the project, faster turnaround times, included video cutdowns, and fantastic project experience.

This is the hidden cost factor of your video. For example, working with a freelancer or someone on Upwork is just like Vegas. You have no idea what can happen. Most of the time, they are just going to follow your orders but won’t go beyond that.

With an agency, you get a team dedicated to your project who will look for ways to uplift your video and offer creative suggestions. Of course, this comes at an increased cost.

The pricing for an average 30 – 60 second video from an entry to standard level price range. Entry level being Animation with simple movement and plain backgrounds. Standard level featuring stylized backgrounds and detailed animations. We made this handy chart for you to get a better visual of the prices.

The next article will discuss the resolution and ways to approach digital marketing. Sounds good? Sign up for our newsletter to learn more.