Explainer videos have become essential marketing tools for businesses across industries. Whether you’re a startup introducing a new product or a large corporation explaining a service update, explainer videos can deliver complex information in a simple, engaging, and visual format. However, one of the most common questions businesses ask is: “How much does it cost to produce an explainer video?”
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various factors that influence explainer video costs in 2025. We’ll break down the components involved in video production, compare pricing for different animation styles, and provide insights to help you budget effectively. Whether you plan to hire a production company like Frame Makerzzz or go the DIY route, this article will equip you with everything you need to know.
1. What Is an Explainer Video?
An explainer video is a short, engaging video that conveys a message or explains a concept, product, or service clearly and quickly. These videos are typically 60 to 90 seconds long and are used on websites, social media platforms, emails, and sales pitches.
Explainer videos come in several formats:
- 2D animation
- 3D animation
- Whiteboard animation
- Live-action
- Motion graphics
- Kinetic typography
- Screencast or software walkthroughs
2. Average Cost of Producing Explainer Videos in 2025
The cost of explainer videos can range from $500 to $30,000+, depending on the production quality, length, complexity, and expertise of the team.
| Type | Price Range (USD) | Description |
| DIY / Freelancers | $500 – $3,000 | Affordable but may lack polish |
| Mid-range Studios | $3,000 – $8,000 | Good quality and professional service |
| High-end Studios | $8,000 – $30,000+ | Premium visuals, strategy, and storytelling |
At Frame Makerzzz, we offer competitive pricing tailored to your business needs, ensuring top-quality content without breaking the bank.
3. Key Factors That Affect Explainer Video Costs
Let’s look at the main variables that influence the price of explainer video production:
a) Video Length
- Most explainer videos are between 60 and 90 seconds.
- Each additional 30 seconds can increase the cost by 20–30%.
- A longer video requires more scripting, visuals, and voiceover time.
Typical pricing:
- 30 seconds: $1,500 – $4,000
- 60 seconds: $3,000 – $6,000
- 90 seconds: $4,000 – $8,000
- 2+ minutes: $6,000+
b) Animation Style
- 2D Animation: Most popular and affordable. ($3,000 – $6,000)
- 3D Animation: Visually stunning, but expensive and time-consuming. ($10,000 – $30,000)
- Whiteboard Animation: Clean, hand-drawn style. Ideal for education. ($2,000 – $5,000)
- Motion Graphics: Used for infographics or SaaS companies. ($3,000 – $7,000)
- Live-Action: Involves filming, actors, sets. ($5,000 – $25,000)
c) Scripting & Storyboarding
- Scriptwriting is the backbone of a successful video.
- Professional scripting services cost between $300 to $1,000+.
- Storyboarding ensures smooth visual flow and costs $300 to $800.
d) Voiceover
- Hiring a professional voice actor can cost between $150 to $1,000, depending on language, accent, and reputation.
- Multilingual voiceovers or celebrity narrators can cost more.
- Some studios include voiceover in their package.
e) Music & Sound Design
- Royalty-free background music is often included.
- Custom soundtracks or sound effects may cost $200 – $1,500.
f) Revisions & Edits
- Most studios offer 2–3 rounds of free revisions.
- Extra revisions are typically billed at $50 – $200/hour.
4. Cost Comparison by Animation Style
Here’s a quick comparison of how different styles impact the overall cost:
| Animation Style | Price per Minute (USD) | Pros | Cons |
| 2D Animation | $3,000 – $6,000 | Clear, versatile, engaging | May look generic if overused |
| 3D Animation | $10,000 – $30,000 | High visual appeal | Expensive, longer production time |
| Whiteboard | $2,000 – $5,000 | Simple, effective for education | Less dynamic visually |
| Motion Graphics | $3,000 – $7,000 | Great for explaining data/SaaS tools | Less emotional appeal |
| Live-Action | $5,000 – $25,000 | Real human connection | Logistics-heavy, can be costly |
5. In-House Production vs Hiring a Studio
In-House Production
- Ideal for companies with existing creative teams.
- Lower upfront costs, but may lack expertise and quality.
Hiring a Professional Studio like Frame Makerzzz
- Includes end-to-end service: script, storyboard, voiceover, animation, music, editing.
- Guaranteed quality, professionalism, and project management.
- Tailored strategy and branding.
- Saves time and internal resources.
At Frame Makerzzz, we understand each brand’s unique voice and offer fully customised packages suited to your goals and budget
6. Hidden or Additional Costs to Watch Out For
Sometimes, explainer video budgets go off track due to hidden charges. Keep an eye on the following:
- Licensing fees for images, characters, or music.
- Translation and subtitle creation for global audiences.
- Rush delivery charges for urgent projects.
- Platform-specific formatting, like vertical videos for Instagram Reels.
- Script changes after animation, which may require rework.
Transparent studios like Frame Makerzzz provide a detailed quote and timeline upfront to avoid surprises.
7. Turnaround Time and Its Impact on Cost
- Typical production takes 2–6 weeks.
- Tight deadlines = higher costs (rush fees may range from 20–50% extra).
- Time is required for ideation, revisions, approvals, and rendering.
At Frame Makerzzz, we provide clear timelines and project management tools to ensure your video is delivered efficiently, without compromising on quality.
8. Cost Breakdown of a Typical Explainer Video Package
Here’s what a 60-second 2D animated video might include:
| Component | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Scriptwriting | $400 |
| Storyboarding | $500 |
| Voiceover | $300 |
| Animation & Design | $3,500 |
| Music & SFX | $200 |
| Project Management | $300 |
| Total Estimate | $5,200 |
Frame Makerzzz offers bundled pricing for clarity and savings.
9. How to Budget for an Explainer Video
Here are practical tips for planning your explainer video budget:
- Define your core message and target audience.
- Choose an animation style aligned with your brand and budget.
- Work with professionals who understand both creative and business needs.
- Plan for marketing expenses post-production: ad spend, platform distribution, etc.
- Ask for itemised quotes and revision policies upfront.
10. ROI: Are Explainer Videos Worth the Investment?
Yes – explainer videos can deliver incredible ROI when done right.
Benefits include:
- Increased conversion rates
- Better user understanding
- Enhanced brand awareness
- Boosted SEO rankings
- Higher social media engagement
According to Wyzowl’s 2025 Video Marketing Report:
- 91% of marketers say video gives them a good ROI.
- 84% say it helps generate leads.
- 89% say it directly improves sales.
11. How to Choose the Right Explainer Video Partner
Look for a studio that offers:
- Strong portfolio
- Clear pricing and timelines
- Responsive communication
- Understanding of your industry
- Willingness to offer creative collaboration
Why Choose Frame Makerzzz?
At Frame Makerzzz, we don’t just create animated videos—we build compelling stories that connect your brand with your audience. Our experienced team delivers impactful, visually stunning videos tailored to your vision. From concept to final cut, we ensure your message is powerful, professional, and on budget.
12. Real-Life Case Studies (Frame Makerzzz)
Case Study 1: Tech Startup Launch
- Client: SaaS company
- Type: 2D animation
- Length: 90 seconds
- Total Cost: $6,000
- Result: 25% increase in website sign-ups in 2 months
Case Study 2: E-commerce Product Demo
- Client: Sustainable skincare brand
- Type: Motion graphics + live-action
- Total Cost: $12,000
- Result: 40% conversion boost on product page
Case Study 3: NGO Awareness Campaign
- Client: Environmental non-profit
- Type: Whiteboard animation
- Total Cost: $3,500
- Result: 10k+ YouTube views in first week with 20% donor increase
13. Importance of Customisation in Pricing
One of the most overlooked aspects of explainer video pricing is customisation. No two businesses are alike, so why should their videos be? A one-size-fits-all pricing model rarely delivers the best results. At Frame Makerzzz, we focus on understanding your brand’s identity, tone, and target audience to craft videos that are entirely tailored to your needs.
Whether you need a corporate tone for B2B communication or a vibrant, animated character-led story for consumer engagement, we adjust the creative approach accordingly. This level of customisation might affect the final cost but ensures maximum effectiveness.
14. Comparing Costs Across Countries
The cost of producing explainer videos can also vary depending on geographic location. Studios based in North America or Western Europe often charge higher rates due to operational costs and industry standards. Conversely, many agencies in South Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America offer competitive pricing while maintaining high quality.
At Frame Makerzzz, we combine international quality standards with cost-effective solutions, making us a preferred partner for clients worldwide. If you’re looking to balance cost and quality, it’s worth considering agencies that provide global service without global pricing.
15. The Role of AI and Automation in Cost Reduction
With the advancement of AI tools and animation software, some parts of explainer video production have become more efficient, particularly scripting, storyboarding, and even voice generation. While AI can significantly reduce costs and turnaround time, it still lacks the human creativity and emotional depth needed for truly engaging storytelling.
Hybrid models—where studios use AI for repetitive tasks but keep storytelling and design human-led—are becoming increasingly popular. At Frame Makerzzz, we embrace smart tools without compromising the creative process, ensuring you get the best of both worlds.
Also Read:- animation companies in hyderabad
16. The Impact of Branding on Explainer Video Budgets
Brand integration plays a significant role in the final cost of an explainer video. Custom brand elements such as logos, colour schemes, mascot design, typography, and brand tone often require additional design time and asset creation.
A generic template might suffice for internal communication, but for public campaigns and marketing purposes, custom branding is crucial. Videos that are consistent with your visual identity help in brand recall and trust-building. At Frame Makerzzz, we integrate your branding guidelines into every frame to ensure seamless visual storytelling.
17. Licensing and Copyright Considerations
Another cost-related element many clients don’t anticipate involves licensing and copyright. If your video includes third-party music, stock footage, or character assets, these may carry licensing fees. Using copyrighted material without proper permissions can also lead to legal complications. Reputable agencies like Frame Makerzzz ensure all assets used are either royalty-free, custom-created, or properly licensed. We offer transparent billing so clients are aware of all external resource costs involved in the production process.
18. The Long-Term Value of Explainer Videos
Explainer videos are not just a one-time investment; they can be repurposed and reused across platforms to maximise value. A well-crafted video can be embedded on your website, shared on social media, used in email campaigns, repackaged for training materials, and even showcased at events or webinars. This multi-use capability amplifies the return on investment over time. Many of our clients at Frame Makerzzz have reported months, even years, of value from a single video, making the cost worthwhile.
Also Read:- How Legal Firms Use Explainer Videos to Simplify Complex Law
19. Final Cost-Saving Tips for Clients
Before concluding, here are some final tips to help you optimise your explainer video budget:
- Be clear about your goals from the outset to avoid unnecessary revisions.
- Stick to the approved script, as changes post-animation can be costly.
- Reuse existing brand assets like logos, fonts, and icons to save time and money.
- Plan in advance to avoid rush fees.
- Choose the right length—60 to 90 seconds is often the sweet spot.
At Frame Makerzzz, we’re always happy to guide clients through cost-saving strategies without compromising the final impact.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Explainer Video Costs
Explainer videos are a powerful asset in today’s digital-first world, but the cost of producing them depends on multiple factors: video length, style, complexity, and your partner studio. While DIY tools might save money upfront, a professionally crafted video delivers long-term returns in brand recognition and customer engagement.
Frame Makerzzz offers flexible, transparent, and premium-quality explainer video production services for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re launching a new app, explaining a product, or sharing your brand story—we’ve got the tools, talent, and technology to bring your vision to life.
Contact Frame Makerzzz Today
Ready to elevate your message with an explainer video that works? Contact Frame Makerzzz for a free consultation and quote. Let’s craft a story that connects, converts, and compels.
