The short answer: anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a template video to well over $20,000 for a custom animated piece. One established tech-video studio says most explainers cost between $5,000 and $20,000, and that most SaaS companies spend $8,000 to $15,000 (Vidico, checked October 2026). Ours is a fixed $1,855 for up to 60 seconds.
That range is wide because "explainer video" covers very different jobs. Five things decide where a quote lands. Here is what each one does to the price, and what to ask before you sign anything.
Most homepage and ad explainers run 60 to 90 seconds. Price grows with every second that has to be scripted, recorded and animated. If your video needs three minutes, it is probably a product demo or a tutorial, and it should be scoped and priced as one.
Ask: what is the maximum length at this price?
Ask: which style is included, and what would push the project into a higher tier?
A good script is most of the result. Some studios include it, some expect you to write it, and some charge a separate writing fee. A studio that writes it should read your site and product first, and check every claim against your own material before anything is animated.
Ask: who writes the script, and do I approve it before animation starts?
Voice options range from synthetic voices to professional voice actors with paid usage rights. Licensed music and sound design add cost too. If you plan to run the video as a paid ad, check that the voice and music licenses cover advertising, not only organic use.
Ask: which voice is included, and are voice and music licensed for ads?
Revision rounds are where budgets slip. Clarify how many rounds are included and what counts as a revision. Then check formats. A 16:9 video for your website and a 9:16 cut for Reels, TikTok and Shorts are often priced as separate deliverables.
Ask: how many revision rounds are included, and which aspect ratios do I get?
| Option | What you usually get | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Template tools and marketplaces | Pre-made scenes with your text and logo | Looks like everyone else's; limited brand control |
| Freelancers | Varies widely by person | Quality, deadlines and usage rights vary; get the scope in writing |
| Fixed-scope studios | A set length, style and number of revisions at a set price | Make sure the fixed scope matches what you need |
| Full-service agencies | Custom concepts, character or 3D animation, more strategy | Longer timelines; ask what the extra spend buys |
These bands describe how the market is organized. Only the agency range at the top of this post comes from a published source.
Our explainer video is $1,855 by card or $1,800 by bank transfer:
It costs less than a typical agency quote because the scope is fixed and we build motion in code, which makes brand-exact edits and extra formats fast. It is not the right fit for 3D, character animation or live action. If that is what you need, we will tell you on the call.
Because they price different things. A quote that includes the script, a professional voice, custom illustration and three revision rounds is not comparable to one that only animates a script you supply. Compare scope first, price second.
It depends on scope. Ours is delivered within 14 days of the brief. Projects with custom character design or 3D add design and approval rounds, so they usually take longer. Whoever you hire, ask for a dated schedule, not an estimate.
It can be, if the script is strong and the style suits the product. A clear 60-second motion graphics video usually does more for a homepage than an expensive one that tries to say everything.
Ready to see if an explainer fits your product? See what's included or book a call.