Have you ever wondered how those slick animated commercials and explainer videos are made? What matters most is how much animation costs. As a businessperson or entrepreneur, you can use animation and motion graphics to draw in customers and keep them interested. The cost of producing animation and videos of high quality, however, is an investment.
You might be interested to know how much you can anticipate paying if you’re considering employing animation to market your company or item. It’s a fact that the complexity and quality of an animation project can greatly affect the cost.
In this post, we’ll examine the elements that affect how much it costs to make an animated video, discuss common price ranges for commercials and explainer videos, and provide some advice for cutting expenses without compromising quality.
How much does an average animation cost?
The cost of animation can vary according to the project. A typical small business advertisement or explainer film may cost between $3,000 and $25,000.
Factors that Determine Cost
Things to keep in mind about how much a video animation costs
- Duration: More animation and voiceover means higher costs.
- Complexity of animation: Simple 2D animation with basic movement and transitions will be cheaper than complex 3D animation, characters, and environments. More details and frames per second mean a higher cost.
- Sound: Voiceover actors, music, and sound effects add to the total cost. Professional voice actors and custom music can increase the budget.
- Number of revisions: The more changes and edits needed, the more time required and the higher the cost. Having a clear vision and script upfront helps control costs.
- Experience in the studio: Established studios with experienced animators, directors, and producers will charge higher rates than newer studios. Demand for their work also allows them to charge a premium.
- Deadline: Rushed timelines often require more resources and animators to complete the work, so costs are usually higher. Allowing adequate time for the animation process will yield the best results for the budget.
In summary, for a small business on a budget, keep your video under 2 minutes, use simple 2D animation and graphics, limit revisions, and work with a mid-range animation studio to keep costs under control. While animation may seem expensive, it is an investment that can provide a high return through effective marketing and connection with your audience. An animated commercial or explainer video gives your brand a fun, modern edge that sets you apart.
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Style of Animation: 2D vs 3D vs Motion Graphics
When it comes to animation, you’ve got options. The style you choose depends on your project’s needs and budget.
- 2D, or traditional animation, is the classic cartoon style. Thousands of paper frames are manually drawn to construct it. While timeless, it’s also the most expensive and labor-intensive. If you want a vintage look for your commercial or explainer video, 2D is the way to go.
- 3D or CGI animation is created on a computer using 3D modeling software. It’s often more realistic-looking and complex. Brands frequently use 3D animation for commercials to showcase a product in detail. In general, the cost of 3D animation is higher than that of motion graphics or 2D animation.
- To create a compelling visual tale, motion graphics combine graphic elements, text, and animation. It has a slick, modern style and is usually the most affordable option. Many businesses choose motion graphics for explainer videos to communicate an idea or concept.
The costs can vary quite a bit based on the animation studio and the complexity of your project. In general:
- A 30-second 2D commercial can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000.
- A 30-second 3D commercial can cost $5,000 to $10,000.
- A 90-second motion graphics explainer video costs around $5,000 and more
When budgeting for your animation, also consider additional costs like music licensing, voiceovers, and revisions. The style you need depends on your brand’s goals. With the right animation partner, you can bring your vision to life, whether in 2D, 3D, or motion graphics.
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Complexity and duration
The complexity and duration of your animation project will significantly impact the total cost. The more intricate the details and the longer the runtime, the higher the price tag.
Complexity
A simple 2D explainer video with basic vector graphics, minimal characters, and straightforward animations will cost much less than a highly detailed 3D commercial with multiple characters, customized environments, and complex interactive elements. Things like:
- Custom character design
- Detailed backgrounds and settings
- Advanced animation techniques ( particle effects, physics simulations, etc.)
- Original music composition
- Voice-over actors
will increase the complexity and price. Think about what level of sophistication will achieve your goals without unnecessary frills that hike up the budget.
Running Time
Animation is a time-consuming process, so longer videos simply take more time and resources to produce. As a benchmark:
- A 30-second 2D explainer video costs between $500 and $5,000.
- A 90-second 3D commercial costs $7,500 to $25,000 or more.
If possible, keep your animation under 2 minutes in length to control costs. If more time is needed, break up your message into a series of shorter videos.
By determining the right level of complexity for your needs and optimizing the runtime, you can find an ideal balance of quality and affordability in your animation project. Be upfront with your animation studio about your budget constraints and priorities so they can provide the best solution within your price range. With smart decisions throughout the process, you can achieve stunning results without blowing your budget.
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Talent and Experience of Animators
The talent and experience of the animators working on your video project greatly affect the overall cost. More experienced animators, especially those with lots of commercial experience, will charge higher rates.
Experience Level
- Entry-level animators typically have 0–3 years of experience and charge $25–50 per hour.
- Mid-level animators have 3-6 years of experience and charge $50–100 per hour.
- Senior animators have over six years of experience, often specializing in a specific style. They may demand $100 or more per hour.
You need senior animators, if not at least mid-level animators, for explainer videos and commercials. Their experience will allow them to
- Bring your vision to life with high-quality animation and visuals.
- Work efficiently by anticipating challenges and finding solutions.
- Provide creative input and recommendations to improve your video.
- On schedule and within budget, provide a finished result.
a) Types of Experience
The animators’ experience with different styles, software, and types of projects also impacts cost.
- 2D vs. 3D animation: 3D animation is typically more complex and expensive.
- Video styles: animators experienced with styles like character animation, motion graphics, or stop motion will charge more for those specific types of videos.
- Software skills: Proficiency with in-demand software like After Effects, Maya, or Toon Boom allows animators to work more efficiently and charge higher rates.
- Previous clients: animators with experience creating videos for major brands or networks will likely charge premium rates due to their track record of success.
While experience often means higher-quality results and a smoother production process, For an explainer video or commercial, investing in experienced animators is well worth the expense. Their skill and expertise will shine through in your final video, making it a valuable marketing asset for your business.
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Number of Animators Required
The number of animators required for a project depends on several factors, including:
Complexity of animation
More complex animation with lots of detail, characters, and movement will require a larger team to complete. Simple animations like 2D cartoons or minimal motion graphics can often be achieved with just 1–3 animators. Highly complex 3D animations, especially those with realistic graphics, usually need at least 10–30 animators or more.
Timeframe
Short deadlines mean more animators are needed to finish the work on schedule. A larger team is necessary if you only have a few weeks to complete the project. Longer timelines of a few months enable a smaller, more effective crew to complete the task. The typical commercial only has a 3- to 6-week turnaround, so most agencies assign 5–15 animators.
Budget
Your budget ultimately determines how many animators you can hire. More money means you can recruit top talent and build a larger team. You’ll have to make do with fewer animators and perhaps interns or junior animators who are paid less on a tight budget. A team of 5–15 animators will cost between $25,000 and $75,000 or more for a 30-second commercial.
In the end, for most commercials and short explainer videos, a team of 3 to 15 animators is typical. Very simple projects may only need 1–3, while highly complex pieces could require 20 animators or more. The exact number will depend on balancing your needs with available resources. But in general, aim for the smallest team possible to keep costs down while still achieving your vision. With clear direction, efficient workflows, and skilled animators, even a small team can produce amazing work.
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Post-Production Costs
Once the animation and visuals are complete, the post-production process begins. This includes all the final touches needed to complete your commercial or explainer video.
Editing
The raw footage and animations are edited together into a cohesive video. An editor will add transitions, trim clips, adjust timing, and make the video flow smoothly with a clear narrative. Editing an explainer video usually takes between 5 and 10 hours for a 1- to 2-minute video. Commercials can take 10 to 30 hours, depending on their complexity.
Sound Design
A sound designer will add audio elements like background music, voice-overs, and sound effects. An animated music video establishes the mood and pacing. A professional voice actor can bring life to an explainer script or product story. Sound effects enhance transitions and highlight key animations. Sound design typically takes around the same time as editing.
Final Revisions
The client reviews the initial edit and provides feedback for any final changes. This could include tweaking the script, adjusting animations, re-recording voice-overs, or revising visuals. Expect 1 to 3 rounds of revisions for most projects. Each round takes a few hours for the animators and editors to implement and can impact the total cost.
Exporting and Formats
The finished video is exported into the necessary digital formats like mp4 for web, social media, and presentations, as well as high-resolution formats for TV commercials or cinema ads. Exporting only takes a few hours but ensures you receive a high-quality, optimized video in all the formats you need to share your message.
Post-production is essential for creating polished, impactful animation. While the costs can vary significantly based on project scope and complexity, you can expect post-production to make up 20–40% of the total budget for an explainer video and at least 50–70% for a commercial. The investment in professional editing, sound, and final revisions will make all the difference in how your audience experiences and responds to your animation.
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Licensing Fees for Music and Voice-overs
When calculating the total cost of an animation project, don’t forget to budget for any licensing fees for music, sound effects, or voiceovers. These elements enhance your video and bring it to life, but they do come at a cost.
Sound Effects
Sound effects add an extra layer of polish and realism. You can find free sound effects online, but for commercial use, purchase a license. Most single sound effect licenses range from $1 to $50. Bundled libraries of related sounds may cost $100–$500.
Voiceovers
Using voice-overs to interact with your audience and convey information is powerful. Professional voice actors charge between $50 and $500 per finished minute of audio. The exact fee depends on the experience of the voice talent, the complexity of the script, the intended use, and other factors.
On the lower end, you may find small freelance studios or voice actors charging $50–$200 per minute. Mid-range fees of $200–$350 per minute are common for established freelancers and production companies.
- At the higher end, expect to pay $350-$500+ per minute for talent from major voiceover agencies, well-known actors, or very complex scripts.
When creating your animation budget, research current rates for any music, sounds, or voice-overs you want to include. Get quotes from multiple sources and compare costs for different options in your price range. And remember, you can often negotiate the fees, especially if you bundle multiple services together. With some savvy shopping, you can find high-quality audio elements to suit your needs and budget.
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Revisions and Changes
Once the initial animation work is complete, the revision process begins. This is your opportunity to review the work and request any changes to ensure you end up with the perfect final product.
Be Prepared for Revisions
It’s normal for clients to request revisions and tweaks to an animation. Animators build extra time into their estimates for revisions and edits. Don’t feel bad asking for changes—it’s part of the process. Come prepared with a list of specific edits and feedback to keep the revision time efficient and within budget.
Provide detailed notes and clear direction on what you want to see changed in each scene or segment. For example, “In the opening scene, please change the color of the main character’s shirt from red to blue.” Or, “In the sequence explaining the new product features, Can you re-order the points to follow the outline we discussed? ” The more precise your feedback, the quicker and more accurate the revisions will be.
Major vs. Minor Changes
Minor changes refer to small tweaks like altering text, re-ordering scenes, changing a color palette, or making minor character animation adjustments. Major changes are more significant, such as adding or removing entire scenes, creating new characters or backgrounds, or reanimating a large portion of the work. Major changes will require substantially more time and resources, so keep revisions within the agreed-upon scope of work to avoid budget overages or delays.
Review and Approve
Once you receive the revised animation, review all the changes and edits to ensure it meets your needs. Provide final feedback and approval so the animator can make any last tweaks required and deliver the final files. Your animation is now complete and ready to be implemented in your video, on your website, or wherever you intend to use it. With a smooth revision and approval process, you’ll end up with an animation that brings your vision to life.
What is the cheapest animation?
The cheapest animation technique is typically 2D animation. Unlike 3D animation, 2D animation is created using hand-drawn or digitally generated frames. Since it requires fewer resources, it tends to be more affordable.
2D Animation
- Cel animation: This traditional hand-drawn method creates movement by drawing individual frames on transparent sheets of celluloid (cels). Cel animation is very labor-intensive but can yield beautiful results. It tends to be expensive, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per minute.
- Digital 2D animation: Using software like Toon Boom Harmony or Adobe Animate, animators can draw digital frames and fill in the gaps using tweening. This streamlined process lowers costs to between $5,000 and $20,000 per minute.
Some other budget-friendly animation techniques include:
- Motion graphics: Using animation and text to create an animated explainer video Simple motion graphics cost around $3,000 to $10,000 per minute.
- Animated typography: Animating text, letters, and words to convey information in an eye-catching way Typography animation costs between $2,000 and $7,000 per minute.
- Whiteboard animation: Creating the illusion of hand-drawn images appearing on a whiteboard Whiteboard-style animation ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 per minute.
- Sprite animation: Manipulating 2D bitmap sprites, or 2D images, to create animation Sprite animation can cost between $500 and $3,000 per minute.
For a commercial or short explainer video, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $50,000 total, depending on the animation technique, complexity, quality, and length. The cheapest options will likely be motion graphics, typography, whiteboard, or sprite animation for a video under 2 minutes. For high-quality 2D or 3D animation, you’ll want to budget at least $10,000 to $30,000 for a 1- to 2-minute video. The key is finding the right style to suit your needs and budget.
Which anime has a high animation budget?
When it comes to high-budget anime, certain series stand out as pushing the envelope for animation quality. These shows are renowned for their visuals and are often considered pinnacles of achievement in the anime industry.
Fate/Zero
This dark fantasy series is a prequel to the popular Fate/Stay Night franchise. The celebrated studio Ufotable created Fate/Zero, which is recognized for its exquisite animation, intricate backdrops, and chic action scenes. Ufotable employed advanced digital animation techniques to create dynamic battle scenes and lifelike character models. The animation budget for the series was reportedly over $2 million per episode.
Your Name
This critically acclaimed film from director Makoto Shinkai is a visual masterpiece. Released in 2016, Your Name features stunningly realistic backgrounds, lighting effects, and character designs. Shinkai’s signature art style is on full display, capturing the beauty of both rural and urban Japanese landscapes. The level of detail in each frame is truly awe-inspiring. Your Name had an estimated production budget of over $4 million, making it one of the most expensive anime films ever produced.
Attack on Titan
The long-running Attack on Titan series is renowned for its heart-pounding action and suspense. Produced by Wit Studio, known for their work on other popular series like Vinland Saga and Great Pretender. Attack on Titan employs cutting-edge CGI and 3D maneuvering gear to create over-the-top battle scenes between humans and Titans. The series has only gotten more visually impressive over time, with massive production budgets to match. Season 3, in particular, saw a huge leap in quality.
With sky-high production values, compelling stories, and unparalleled animation, these anime prove that visual quality and artistic ambition go hand in hand. When studios pour their hearts, souls, and copious amounts of money into a project, the results speak for themselves.
Conclusion
So there you have a broad overview of how much an animated video costs for commercials and explainer videos.
As you’ve seen, prices can vary quite a bit based on the level of animation you need, how long your video will be, and whether or not you need custom illustrations or can use stock assets. The good news is, with the right budget and team, you can bring your vision to life and create a fun, engaging animation to help promote your business or product.
Now that you know how much an animated video costs and what to expect cost-wise, start researching animation studios to find one that fits your style, timeline, and budget. With the power of animation, the possibilities are endless.
