How Much Does an Explainer Video Cost Per Minute?
The cost of an explainer video per minute can vary dramatically. In today’s market, you can find options ranging from $600 per minute for basic videos to $10,000 or more per minute for high-end, custom productions. This massive price difference makes sense when you realize how many variables go into creating a truly effective video.
From my own experience, I can tell you that a frame-by-frame, 2.5D style video created with After Effects and Cinema 4D will cost significantly more than a basic whiteboard animation with hand effects and minimal movement. And it should—because the complexity, visuals, and impact are on a completely different level.
So, what exactly drives those costs? And how do you know how much to invest based on your business goals?
Let’s break it down.
Explainer Video Cost Calculator
Pricing reference: VideoKrtoon.com
Key Factors That Influence Explainer Video Cost Per Minute
Many elements go into pricing an explainer video. Here’s a breakdown of the most common factors that directly affect the cost per minute:
🎨 Visual Style
2D animation – most common and cost-effective.
Whiteboard animation – typically the cheapest option.
2.5D animation with depth and effects – more complex and expensive.
Custom motion graphics – high-end but powerful.
💡 From my experience, a whiteboard animation with simple motion effects can be around $600 to $1,200 per minute. On the other hand, a 2.5D animated video with detailed graphics and depth can easily go beyond $5,000 per minute.
📝 Scriptwriting
Will you provide the script or need it developed?
Is the message simply informative, or built to convert?
A professionally written script can significantly boost your ROI. And quality copywriters come at a premium.
🎙️ Voiceover
Language, accent, professional quality.
Use of well-known voices or actors.
Expect voiceover costs to range between $100 and $500 per minute, depending on the voice talent and requirements.
🎧 Music & Sound Design
Royalty-free background music is budget-friendly, but original scores or custom sound design will raise the budget.
🛠️ Animation Tools & Software
Videos created using DIY platforms like Vyond or Powtoon are cheaper. But using After Effects, Cinema 4D, or Blender adds complexity—and cost.
📌 When a client wants a marketing campaign video that outshines competitors, I always recommend investing in higher-end production. Because, honestly, the best results always come from the best videos.
Pricing Comparison by Video Type
Here’s a rough guide on how much one minute of various explainer video styles typically costs:
| Video Type | Estimated Price per Minute |
|---|---|
| Whiteboard animation | $600 – $1,200 USD |
| Basic 2D animation | $1,000 – $3,000 USD |
| Professional motion graphics | $2,000 – $5,000 USD |
| Frame-by-frame 2.5D animation | $4,000 – $10,000+ USD |
| Character animation | $3,500 – $7,000 USD |
🎯 Keep in mind: prices depend on the project scope, length, complexity, and whether you’re hiring a freelancer or a studio.
Freelancer, Agency, or Studio? Cost Differences
👤 Freelancers
Pros: Lower cost, direct communication.
Cons: Higher risk, less consistent quality, longer turnaround.
🏢 Boutique Agencies
Pros: Stronger process, solid quality, reliable delivery.
Cons: Mid to high-range pricing.
🎬 Professional Studios
Pros: Elite-quality visuals, creative teams, end-to-end production.
Cons: Higher cost, less flexibility for edits.
💡 In my experience, if you’re launching a big campaign or product, it’s smarter to go with an agency or studio. If it’s a simple internal explainer, a proven freelancer might be enough.
Is a High-End Explainer Video Worth the Investment?
It depends on your goal.
If you’re creating an internal training video or just want to show how your app works, you might not need to spend thousands. But if you’re building brand awareness, converting leads, or running a strategic campaign, then yes, a high-end explainer video is worth every penny.
Why? Because premium videos lead to:
✅ More views
✅ Better engagement
✅ Stronger brand positioning
✅ Higher conversion rates
✅ Long-term ROI
💬 As I tell my clients: “If you want to outperform your competition, you need a video that outclasses theirs. That won’t happen on a $500 budget.”
Choosing the Right Style for Your Goals
Not every business needs a $10k masterpiece. Choose the video style that fits your purpose:
| Main Objective | Best Video Style Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Internal training | Whiteboard or basic 2D animation |
| Lead generation or marketing | Motion graphics or custom 2D |
| Premium brand campaigns | Frame-by-frame 2.5D or cinematic |
| Complex SaaS product explanation | Motion graphics + pro voiceover |
| Pitching to investors | High-end 2.5D with storytelling |
🔎 Pro tip: Define your goals clearly before requesting a quote. It’ll save you time, money, and creative headaches.
Budget-Friendly Tips Without Sacrificing Quality
Be clear on your message. A tight script = shorter video = lower cost.
Avoid multiple rounds of changes. Every revision increases time and budget.
Stick to one language. Multilingual voiceovers and captions cost more.
Reuse assets across videos. Create a visual style guide for consistency.
Use pre-built templates. Great for startups or MVPs on a budget.
🎯 Remember: A short, powerful video is often better than a long one that loses attention.
Cost Per Minute Isn’t Everything
Knowing how much an explainer video costs per minute is useful, but it’s not the full story.
What really matters is what that minute does for your business.
A $1,000 video can be expensive if it doesn’t convert. A $5,000 video can be a steal if it generates hundreds of qualified leads and builds strong brand equity.
✅ Know your goal.
✅ Choose the right style.
✅ Compare portfolios—not just price.
✅ And remember: the best-performing videos are rarely the cheapest.
