If you’re thinking about producing a major marketing asset like an explainer video, you’re probably asking yourself: how much does it actually cost? Let’s break it down.
Marketing Directors at scaling tech companies know the struggle all too well. You need explainer videos that actually convert and push pipeline forward, but most agencies give you pricing that’s unpredictable, overpriced, and impossible to scale with the amount of content you need.
After producing structured explainer campaigns for more than 20 unicorn companies and reviewing data from over 1,200 projects, we’ve pinpointed the real factors that drive explainer video ROI and the pricing models that truly work for fast-growing tech teams.
How Much Does an Explainer Video Really Cost?
Creating an explainer video is one of the smartest investments you can make in your marketing strategy but how much should you actually expect to pay? While many sources quote a general range of $7,000 to $15,000, that figure alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
The true cost of an explainer video depends on a variety of production variables, creative choices, and strategic goals.
If you're serious about using animated or live-action video to clarify your product, boost conversions, or drive engagement, you need more than a ballpark number. You need a transparent understanding of what drives pricing and why investing in quality matters.
In this guide, we’ll reveal explainer video costs, examine the core components that affect pricing, and show you how to get the most value for your budget.
What’s the Real Price Tag on a Professional Explainer Video?
According to industry benchmarks, a polished 90-second animated explainer video typically costs between $5,000 and $8,000, while a live-action explainer video often runs $10,000 to $15,000. Most professionally produced explainer videos land in the $9,000–$12,000 range but your final cost could fall above or below this depending on several key factors.
Let’s take a closer look at what shapes the price of your explainer video.
Key Factors That Influence Explainer Video Production Costs
1. Type of Explainer Video
- Animated explainer videos (2D, 3D, motion graphics, or whiteboard styles) are crafted entirely from scratch. Every frame requires design, illustration, and animation, making them more labor-intensive and typically more expensive.
- Live-action videos involve filming real people, locations, and props. While they rely on capturing existing visuals, they still demand professional lighting, sound, direction, and editing.
- Stock footage hybrids offer a middle ground, blending pre-recorded clips with custom narration or overlays but may lack the brand specificity of fully custom production.
2. Video Length
Shorter is not only smarter, it’s more economical. Most effective explainer videos are 60 to 90 seconds long. Engagement drops sharply after the 2-minute mark, especially on social media. Every additional second adds to scripting, voiceover, animation, and editing time.
3. Intended Platform
Platform choice influences technical specs and creative approach. A video for TV broadcast requires higher resolution, captions, and broadcast-safe formatting, while a TikTok or Instagram Reel needs vertical framing, bold visuals, and quick hooks.
4. Script Development
A compelling script is the backbone of every great explainer video.
- If your production partner writes the script (as most do), expect to pay $250 to $2,500.
- If you provide a polished final script, you can often reduce your total production cost, though amateur scripts may require rewrites.
5. Project Scope & Volume
Single video projects carry a premium. Multi-video campaigns like onboarding series, product demos, or feature explainers can unlock economies of scale.
6. Production Studio’s Reputation & Tools
Experienced studios that have worked with Fortune 500 brands will charge more than freelancers. Their premium comes from processes, seasoned creatives, professional-grade software, and high-end voice talent. Poor execution can do more harm than good.
Behind the Scenes: What Goes Into Making an Explainer Video?
- Discovery & Strategy: Researching your product, audience, and competitors to shape a focused narrative.
- Scriptwriting: Crafting a concise, persuasive script balancing clarity, brand voice, and emotional appeal.
- Storyboarding: Visualizing every scene and transition in rough sketches.
- Design & Animation / Filming: Characters, icons, backgrounds designed for animation or sets/scenes filmed professionally.
- Voiceover & Sound Design: Recording narration and layering music/effects.
- Editing & Final Delivery: Polishing all elements into a cohesive, platform-optimized video with client feedback.
Common Questions About Explainer Video Pricing
Q: Are there different pricing models?
Yes. Some studios charge flat project fees, others hourly, and a few per-second animation rates. Package deals (script, voiceover, revisions) are common.
Q: How can I get quality without overspending?
- Define your goal clearly (e.g., “increase sign-ups by 20%”).
- Choose the right video type for your message.
- Work with a trusted studio offering transparent pricing like Asteraki.
- Avoid cheap options cutting corners on script or voice quality.
Estimate Your Explainer Video Cost with Precision
General ranges are helpful but every project is unique. Account for length, style, script source, voice talent, revisions, and delivery format.
That’s where VidQuiz comes in — a smart estimation tool letting you select video attributes and instantly see realistic cost ranges. No guesswork. No surprises.
Remember, in an attention-driven market, a well-crafted explainer video isn’t just nice-to-have, it’s a conversion engine. Partnering with skilled teams like Asteraki ensures every dollar converts viewers into customers.