How Much Does an Explainer Video Cost: What Shapes the Price

How much does an explainer video cost? The honest answer is «it depends». But «it depends» breaks down into concrete factors, and then it’s clear what you pay for and where to save.

For reference: my explainer videos start from $300, and the exact price depends on the factors below.

1. Duration

Most people order 60–90 second videos. But 30 seconds doesn’t cost half of 60: the script, style and storyboard still have to be developed from scratch. So a second of a short video always costs more.

That’s why it’s often cheaper to order one minute-long video and cut several short versions for ads from it than to make each 15-second video separately from scratch.

2. Animation style

• Motion graphics: the most affordable option — icons, text, interfaces.
• 2D with characters: pricier due to illustration and character animation.
• 3D: the most expensive due to modeling and rendering (from $400 with me).

Even within one style the price varies with detail: a simple character with a few movements costs less than a hero with facial expressions, complex motion and several outfit changes.

3. Topic complexity

Explaining pizza delivery and explaining blockchain or biotech are different tasks. A complex topic needs more research, script work and metaphors, so it costs more.

For such topics I plan time to study the product and talk to your experts. It pays off: the video explains the essence precisely, without oversimplifications that annoy experts in your audience.

4. Hidden costs

• Rush jobs: usually 15–30% on top.
• Extra revision rounds: beyond those included.
• Voice-over changes: re-recording with the voice artist.
• Social cuts: vertical and square versions.
• Source project files: if you need them to make changes yourself.

The good news: all of these can be discussed at the start and fixed in the proposal. Then the final amount won’t be a surprise.

5. How to save without losing quality

Cheap, fast, good

The classic production rule applies here too: of the three you can pick two. Cheap and fast — quality suffers. Fast and good — it costs more. Cheap and good — you’ll have to wait. An honest contractor tells you this upfront, not at delivery.

Want an exact price for your video? Describe your task: format, duration and examples you like. I’ll reply with a format, timeline and price within one business day. Finished examples are in my portfolio.