Explainer Video Costs: What You Get for $400 to $4,000+
If you’re thinking about creating an animated explainer video, one of the first questions you probably have is: how much does it cost?
The answer? It depends.
Explainer video pricing can vary widely depending on the style, length, level of customization, and who’s creating it. Some videos cost a few hundred dollars. Others cost tens of thousands. But for most businesses, the sweet spot is somewhere between $400 and $4,000.
This guide will break down what you can realistically expect at different price points—so you can make the best decision for your goals, timeline, and budget.
Why Explainer Video Costs Vary So Much
Not all explainer videos are created equal. Some are simple animations built from templates. Others are fully custom productions with original illustrations, voice talent, and sound design.
A few key factors that influence pricing:
Length of the video (longer = more work)
Custom vs. template-based design
Scriptwriting and concept development
Voiceover and language options
Rounds of revisions
Turnaround time (rush projects often cost more)
Now let’s break it down by budget.
What You Can Expect at Each Budget Level
$400 to $750: Starter Tier
This is perfect for businesses, nonprofits, or solo founders who need a clean, professional video without a big investment.
What’s typically included:
A short animated video (30 to 60 seconds)
Script polishing or support
Voiceover from a preset selection
One round of revisions
Background music and simple motion graphics
Best for:
Simple product or service overviews
Social media promos
Logo animations or intros
What you might not get:
Fully custom illustrations or scenes
Complex character animation
Multiple rounds of script development
$750 to $1,500: Standard Tier
A great middle-ground for brands that want a high-quality video with more input and flexibility.
What’s typically included:
Up to 90 seconds of animation
Scriptwriting or refinement
Professional voiceover in your preferred tone
Two rounds of revisions
Choice of animation style
Light character or scene animation
Best for:
Explainer videos for websites or landing pages
SaaS or software walkthroughs
Internal training videos
What you might not get:
Fully custom character design
Advanced sound design or multilingual voiceovers
$1,500 to $4,000+: Premium Tier
This range opens the door for custom animation, multiple stakeholders, and fully polished production.
What’s typically included:
90 seconds or more of animation
Original illustrations and brand-aligned visuals
Custom scriptwriting and storyboarding
Multiple voiceover options or languages
Three or more rounds of revisions
Sound design, transitions, and syncing
Best for:
Product launches
Fundraising or investor videos
Multi-platform campaigns or agency clients
What you might not get:
Immediate turnaround (these take time and planning)
What About DIY Tools?
Yes, you can make your own explainer video using DIY tools. Some are pretty good, and they’re a low-cost way to get something on the page. But keep in mind:
You’ll still need to write the script, pick a style, record voiceover, and learn the platform
Most DIY tools limit customization, which can hurt your brand quality
Editing and syncing audio, music, and animation takes time
If you have the time and skills, DIY can work for basic needs. If you want something polished and ready to go, hiring a pro is often faster and more cost-effective in the long run.
Final Thoughts
A great explainer video doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re working with $400 or $4,000, there’s an option that fits your needs. The key is knowing what matters most to your project—speed, style, message, or reach—and picking a partner who can deliver.
Need help figuring out where your video idea fits? We’d love to help.
