With over 20 years of experience developing high-level motion-based templates, we combine data with our post-production processes to create automated personalised content at scale.
How much does a 1-minute Explainer Video cost
Our prices start from S$2,200 per minute and includes Music Licensing Fees and Sound Effects
Services and Costs for Explainer Videos
Explainer Video pricing is based on two main components; Services and Features.
Typical Services involved in producing a 2D Explainer Video (Animation)
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Script Writing/Editing
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Storyboarding
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Graphics Design (including Style Frames)
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Animation (including Animation References)
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Voiceover Talent
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Audio - Music Licensing, SoundFX Licensing, Sound Design & Audio Engineering
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Video Editing
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Producer
Features or factors affecting the cost of a 2D Explainer Video (Animation)
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Duration
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Number of Scenes
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Number of Objects
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Number of Characters
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Graphics Styling
- Animation Styling
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Features of the Character Animation
Now for the details:
In a separate section, we will cover the Animation Process. Together, these will greatly assist you in getting a good grasp of the processes and costs involved with producing an Explainer Video. We will add a section on technical matters as soon as we can.
Script Writing/Editing
Oftentimes, a client provides either a completed script or a sequential breakdown of the intended messaging and critical supporting visuals. The Animation Company then goes through the script or the breakdown of the script to ascertain the purpose of each part of the script and how each part ties in with the other parts and their specific roles in terms of achieving the desired messaging. The Animation Company then ensures the script not only flows logically but visually. Visual continuity ensures a pleasing visual experience for the viewer and this helps to get the messaging across clearly. This leads us to the link between the script and the storyboard which will lead the animation process - each part of the production process leads onto the next.
Storyboarding
The purpose of a storyboard is to visualize the script while helping to put the message across as clearly as possible. The storyboard should also include notes on what is to be animated and how it will be animated. Notes on transition effects are important as they help to provide visual continuity or to provide a clean break from one scene to the next. Each board is created to visualize a scene or part of a script. A professionally created storyboard will include the duration of the scene, the script, an index for referencing and notes on animation and transition.
Graphics Design
The Graphics Design process starts off early; firstly, defining the graphics styling for the Animation. The process begins with Style Frames for client selection. The graphics styling should reflect the brand voice, the product or service that is to be promoted in the animation and the mood to be conveyed. Colour and how it is used forms an important aspect of the graphics design. It is not uncommon for Graphics Design to take up the longest time in the production of an Explainer Video. The styling chosen can drastically affect the time and costs involved with an Explainer Video.
Animation
Animation is of course an integral aspect of an Explainer Video. Animations are inherently captivating; naturally capturing the eyes and brain. When animation is coupled with on-screen texts, messages become engaging and memorable. Animations can be produced quickly by a small team or require tedious and expert work requiring hundreds of expert animators in specialized animation roles. Animation References, much like Style Frames, are provided early on in the animation production process, for client approval. The Animation References define how characters and objects are to be animated. Animation can be basic or highly advanced and the choice is largely dependent on time to delivery and budget.
Voiceover Talent
Unless dictated by characterization, the voice in an Explainer Video becomes the voice of the brand. An understanding of the brand and its tone of voice will help in selecting appropriate talent(s).
Audio
Audio plays an important role in creating an engaging and impactful explainer video. There are several key areas where audio is used to enhance the video's overall impact, including music, sound effects, sound design, and audio engineering. Music: Music is often used in explainer videos to set the tone and mood of the video. The right music can create an emotional connection with the viewer and help convey the brand's personality. The music should be carefully selected to match the intended audience and the message of the video. The music should also be mixed to the right volume so that it is not overpowering or distracting from the voice-over. Sound Effects: Sound effects are used to add emphasis to specific actions or events in the video. For example, a sound effect may be used to signify a button click or a product being used. Sound effects can be used to create a more immersive experience for the viewer and help reinforce the message of the video. Sound Design: Sound design refers to the overall soundscapes and ambience of the video. This includes the use of background noise and other audio elements to create a more natural and realistic environment. Sound design can help create a more immersive experience for the viewer and help reinforce the message of the video. Audio Engineering: Audio engineering is the process of recording, mixing, and mastering the audio for the video. This involves ensuring that the voice-over is clear and easy to understand, the music is mixed to the right volume, and the sound effects are properly balanced. The audio should also be optimized for different playback systems, such as mobile devices or desktop computers. Overall, audio plays a critical role in creating a successful explainer video. The use of music, sound effects, sound design, and audio engineering can help create an immersive experience for the viewer and reinforce the message of the video. Careful attention to these audio elements can help create a video that is memorable, engaging, and effective.
Video Editing
Video Editing is integrated into our Explainer Video process to help speed up workflow and for integrating audio elements. The Video Editing platform is also the phase of an Explainer Video production and is used to export optimized file sizes for use on the Web and Mobile Devices.
Producer
A Producer is the point of contact with the client and helps to ensure the production team is in-sync with a client's requirements and the purpose and messaging of an Explainer Video.
Different expert roles are placed into a team to work together towards a single goal. While the process can be tedious and at times daunting, it isn't death-defying and it should be fun, with opportunities to explore creative avenues. Clients are sponsors of any project and should be treated with respect for their role and expertise in their product or service. Likewise, members of the Animation Team are experts in their respective roles and individually and as a whole, they contain vast amounts of expertise and experience. The whole idea of working together is to get the best from everyone at every step.
Duration
Explainer Videos should not be too long nor too short. For complex topics or processes, it is a good idea to break down the animation into different videos. One of the biggest problem with Explainer videos is with giving out too much information over too short a duration. Bombarding a list of processes and details one after another only serves to confuse a viewer. It's best not to go over 180 seconds and it's always ideal to end the animation with a roundup of the important points before ending with a CTA.An
Graphics Styling
Graphics can be styled simply; starting with stick-styled artwork or lavishly with 3D characters and exceptional art direction. The same Explainer Video can be priced 10, 100 to 1,000 times more depending on the style of the graphics. The trick is to find an Animation Company that can produce an Explainer Video in the style of graphics that suits your brand's tone of voice. Then, ensure they provide excellent client service while adhering to a scheduled timeline. The Style Frames selected will depend on the production schedule and budget.
Animation Styling
Animation Styling refers to how objects and characters move and react to the environment and other elements. These can be highly nuanced to very basic. The Animation Reference selected provides direction for the Animation Team to select the appropriate tools and to build features into their characters and objects. The selected Animation Reference will depend on the production schedule and budget.
Number of Scenes
Each new scene requires additional design requirements for a background, elements and a transition effect. The cost of each additional scene depends greatly on the Graphics and Animation Styling. An experienced Animation Team can find intelligent ways to work around scene requirements with clever design but of course this depends on getting an OK from the client.
Number of Objects
More Objects in a scene means more design costs and this adds to the total cost of producing an Explainer Video. So, while additional objects add visual interest to a scene, this must be considered with budget constraints. We will also have to appreciate how Graphics and Animation Styling come into play here.
All clients want to obtain value for money while receiving great client service and now you, as a client, will have a better appreciation of the services and costs involved with producing an Explainer Video.
An experienced Animation Team will be able to suggest script editing changes, design strategies, audio-related solutions and animation styles to help you get the most bang for your buck.
When you outsource for an Explainer Video project, remember to work together with the Animation Team as a cohesive unit. The best outcomes come about when everyone understands their role and obligations and are open to suggestions.
If you have questions, please use the Enquiry Form via the link below. If you are keen to produce content at speed then take a look at our development solutions for Brand Toolkit and Video Automation.