Explainer Video Cost Per Minute
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, 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 minimal movement. And it should—because 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 – more complex and expensive.
- Custom motion graphics – high-end but powerful.
💡 Whiteboard: $600–$1,200/min | 2.5D: up to $5,000/min
📝 Scriptwriting
- Do you need help writing the script?
- Is it informative or conversion-focused?
Quality copywriting boosts ROI but adds cost.
🎙️ Voiceover
- Professional language, tone, and accent.
- Famous voices add more impact—and cost.
🎧 Range: $100–$500/minute
🎵 Music & Sound Design
Royalty-free music is budget-friendly. Original soundtracks or FX design raise the budget.
🛠️ Animation Tools & Software
DIY platforms (like Vyond or Powtoon) are cheaper. After Effects, Cinema 4D, or Blender increase quality—and price.
📌 Best results come from premium tools and experienced teams.
Pricing Comparison by Video Type
Here’s a rough guide on how much one minute of various explainer video styles typically costs:
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 scope, length, complexity, and whether you’re hiring a freelancer or a studio.
Freelancer, Agency, or Studio? Cost Differences
- Pros: Lower cost, direct communication.
- Cons: Higher risk, variable quality, longer turnaround.
💡 For simple internal explainers, a proven freelancer can be enough.
- Pros: Strong process, consistent quality, reliable delivery.
- Cons: Mid-to-high range pricing.
💡 Ideal for targeted campaigns—good balance of cost and quality.
- Pros: Elite visuals, full creative teams, end-to-end service.
- Cons: Higher cost, less flexibility for last-minute edits.
💡 For big campaigns or product launches, studios deliver the best ROI.
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.
✅ 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:
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
1. Be clear on your message
A tight script = shorter video = lower cost.
2. Avoid multiple rounds of changes
Every revision increases time and budget.
3. Stick to one language
Multilingual voiceovers and captions cost more.
4. Reuse assets across videos
Create a visual style guide for consistency.
5. 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.
