In 2025, explainer videos continue to be one of the most powerful tools for businesses to convey complex ideas, introduce products, and capture audience attention in just 60 to 90 seconds. But one of the most common questions marketers, startups, and even educators ask is: What is the real explainer video production cost, and what determines it?
This article dives deep into the factors influencing the cost of an explainer video, unpacks how explainer videos are made, shares some fun facts about animation, and shows how working with a professional video animation company can deliver results worth every penny.
Before jumping into numbers, it’s important to understand why explainer videos are such a valuable asset in 2025:
They increase engagement and conversions on websites and landing pages.
They simplify complex services or technical processes.
They improve SEO and dwell time on web pages.
They enhance brand recall through visual storytelling.
Whether you’re a SaaS company, healthcare provider, e-commerce brand, or educator, explainer videos offer a concise, visually compelling way to connect with your audience.
So, let’s get to the big question: How much does it cost to produce an explainer video in 2025?
Costs vary depending on several factors, including style, duration, complexity, and the reputation of the video animation company. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Type of Explainer Video | Price Range (per 60–90 seconds) |
|---|---|
| DIY Tools or Freelancers | $300 – $1,500 |
| Mid-Tier Studios (2D/Whiteboard) | $2,000 – $7,500 |
| High-End Custom Studios (3D, advanced visuals) | $8,000 – $25,000+ |
While DIY tools offer budget-friendly options, they often lack polish, custom branding, and strong storytelling. If you’re serious about brand perception and viewer retention, investing in a professional video animation company makes a huge difference.
A compelling script is the heart of any explainer video. It sets the tone, structure, and message. Studios often include this in their pricing, with expert scriptwriters tailoring messages to your target audience.
Professional voice actors bring personality to your video. Costs depend on language, accent, and talent experience.
2D is cost-effective and commonly used. Whiteboard is simple and educational. 3D or isometric styles require more time and resources, thus increasing the explainer video production cost.
Longer videos need more animation, more voice-over time, and often more complex transitions—so they naturally cost more.
Need it in a week? Rush projects often add 20–50% to the cost due to compressed timelines and extra labor.
To understand why pricing varies, it’s useful to know how explainer videos are made. Here’s a look at the typical production process:
The production team gathers details about your business, goals, and target audience.
Writers craft a concise, impactful script, often with the help of animation storytelling experts who ensure both emotional appeal and clarity.
This visual outline maps out scenes and transitions, helping clients visualize the narrative flow.
A professional narrator records the script. Multiple takes are often provided for client selection.
Custom characters, icons, and backgrounds are designed to match your branding.
Here’s where animation tweening (smooth transitions between frames) and motion design come in. This is the most time-intensive phase and where a quality video animation company really proves its value.
Background music and sound effects are added to enhance viewer engagement.
Clients provide feedback, and the team fine-tunes accordingly.
To lighten the mood, here are some fun facts about animation that show how rich and innovative this art form really is:
The first animated film was created in 1908 by Émile Cohl and was just over a minute long.
Walt Disney’s “Steamboat Willie” was one of the first animations to feature synchronized sound.
Tweening, a technique heavily used in explainer videos, dates back to early 20th-century animation and is still a core component today.
The term “animation” comes from the Latin word anima, meaning soul—literally giving life to drawings.
Modern explainer videos often combine 2D and 3D elements, voice-over, infographics, and real footage for a hybrid visual experience.
These facts show that animation is both a classic art and a modern powerhouse for digital communication.
Partnering with a professional video animation company isn’t just about better visuals—it’s about ensuring your message hits home. Here’s why it matters:
Expertise in storytelling: Their writers and animators know how to structure content for maximum impact.
High production quality: Polished visuals, smooth animation, and professional sound leave a lasting impression.
Time efficiency: Studios streamline the process so you can focus on other aspects of your business.
Custom branding: From color schemes to character design, every element is tailored to your identity.
When you consider how much work goes into making even a 60-second explainer video—from scripting to animation to editing—it’s easy to understand the wide range of explainer video production costs. But whether you’re paying $2,000 or $20,000, the return on investment can be enormous if the video helps you educate, convert, or retain customers.
Understanding how explainer videos are made and appreciating the artistry behind them—including the creative efforts of animation storytelling experts—makes it easier to value the price tag. And remember, when you choose a reputable video animation company, you’re not just paying for a video—you’re investing in your brand’s story.
