Explainer videos have become a cornerstone of modern marketing, helping businesses convey their message clearly, creatively, and quickly. Whether you’re launching a product, promoting a service, or educating your audience, an explainer video offers a powerful storytelling tool that combines animation, voiceover, and clear messaging. But when it comes to budgeting, businesses often wonder: what does it cost to produce an explainer video in 2025?
In this article, we’ll break down the factors influencing pricing, what you can expect at different budget levels, and how to choose the right explainer video production company for your goals. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
Understanding What You’re Paying For
Explainer video production is a multi-phase process that typically includes:
- Scriptwriting – crafting a concise, engaging script tailored to your audience.
- Storyboarding – visual planning of the scenes to ensure message clarity.
- Voiceover – professional narration that aligns with your brand’s tone.
- Animation or Live Action – the visual execution of your idea.
- Sound Design – background music and sound effects to enhance viewer engagement.
- Revisions – rounds of edits to ensure the final product meets your expectations.
The cost varies based on the studio’s expertise, the video’s length, complexity, style, and turnaround time. Let’s look in detail at how these elements affect pricing in 2025.
Average Cost of Explainer Videos in 2025
As of 2025, here’s a breakdown of typical price ranges for explainer video production:
- Low-End Budget ($500 – $3,000): Often automated tools or freelance services. Suitable for startups or internal communications. May lack custom illustrations or high-end animation quality.
- Mid-Range Budget ($3,000 – $10,000): Includes small to mid-sized studios offering semi-custom animations, basic scripting, and multiple revisions. Best for small to medium businesses seeking polished videos.
- High-End Budget ($10,000 – $50,000+): Premium agencies provide fully customized animation, professional scriptwriting, dedicated project managers, and extensive revisions. Ideal for enterprise brands and broadcast-quality projects.
It’s important to remember that prices can vary based on geographic location, animation style, and the unique goals of the project.
Key Factors That Affect Explainer Video Pricing
Here are the primary drivers of cost you should consider when planning your budget:
1. Length of the Video
The longer the video, the more detailed the animation and scripting required. Common lengths include:
- 0:30 seconds: Quick branding splash or teaser.
- 60 seconds: Ideal for product overviews or landing pages.
- 90–120 seconds: Best for more in-depth storytelling or tutorials.
As a general rule, a 60-second professional animation can cost anywhere between $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the production quality.
2. Animation Style
Different animation types come with different price tags:
- Whiteboard Animation: Simplistic and cost-effective.
- 2D Motion Graphics: Unlike whiteboard, 2D graphics can include dynamic elements and custom characters.
- 3D Animation: Highly detailed, tech-driven, and expensive—starting around $10,000.
- Live Action: Involves actors, locations, cameras, and editing—costs can skyrocket with live shoots.
3. Level of Customization
Fully customized videos (with original characters, storylines, and branded elements) take more time and resources to create, hence are more costly. Template-based videos are more affordable but may not effectively represent your brand’s unique identity.
4. Turnaround Time
If you need a video quickly (e.g., under 2 weeks), most companies will charge a rush fee. Standard production timelines range from 4 to 8 weeks.
5. Voiceover and Multilingual Options
Hiring a professional voiceover artist adds quality but also affects budget—especially if you’re localizing for multiple languages. Expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $1,000 per language/voice.
Breakdown of a Typical Explainer Video Budget
Here’s how an average mid-range $7,500 production budget might break down:
- Scriptwriting: $1,000
- Storyboarding: $1,200
- Animation & Design: $3,500
- Voiceover: $500
- Sound Design: $500
- Revisions & Project Management: $800
This breakdown gives you a sense of where your money goes and how each component adds value to the final video.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Production Company
Before signing a contract, ask these critical questions to ensure you’re getting value for your investment:
- What is included in your production package?
- How many rounds of revisions are offered?
- Can you show examples of similar videos you’ve produced?
- Who owns the final video and source files?
- What happens if the project runs over the timeline?
Transparent communication and a clear contractual outline will help you avoid unexpected costs and delays.
Cost-Effective Alternatives
If your budget is tight, consider these cost-saving strategies:
- DIY Platforms: Tools like Vyond or Animaker offer drag-and-drop features to create basic explainer videos without design skills.
- Freelancers: Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork have talented animators at varied price points. Just ensure to vet their portfolios carefully.
- Student Creators: Design students or film school graduates can deliver quality at much lower prices while they build their portfolios.
While these options can work, remember that brand consistency and messaging effectiveness are essential—especially for customer-facing content.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
In 2025, explainer video pricing remains as diverse as the companies that produce them. Whether you have $1,000 or $20,000 to invest, there’s a solution out there that aligns with your goals. The key lies in understanding your audience, choosing the right style, and working with a seasoned company—or creator—who understands how to tell your story through compelling visuals.
Ultimately, this is an investment in how the world sees and understands your brand. Take your time, explore your options, and choose a partner who aligns with both your creative vision and financial reality.
Looking to create an explainer video for your brand in 2025? Start collecting quotes and comparing portfolios today—you’ll be surprised how much storytelling power you can get at a reasonable price.
