So, you’ve decided that your organization needs a video—and you (correctly) think that it would be really cool if that video were animated.
There’s just one problem. You have no idea how much an animated video costs.
You’re not alone! The price of an animated video can vary a lot, depending on the level of animation quality needed, the final runtime, and other associated costs like voice acting and music licensing.
With so many options to think about, it can be hard to even guess how much it would cost to bring your video idea to life. Thankfully, while it may be tough to find an exact number without getting a quote from an animation studio or agency, it is possible to figure out roughly how much you can expect to pay based on a few key factors.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of typical animated video price ranges. In each tier, you’ll find a description of what to expect from a video at that price point, some use case suggestions, and one or more sample videos. Use this information to help plan your own animated video and think about what you can accomplish within your budget.
If you want to move forward with an animation project, or if you have any questions about the animation process, please get in touch! We love talking about animated video and we’d be happy to chat about your goals.
Videos at this price point will use relatively basic animation. Expect to see flat characters and backgrounds derived from stock imagery, with limited motion and simple color palettes.
While videos at this tier may not be the best way to explain highly complex concepts or evoke the deepest emotions, they can still be a powerful tool for communicating simple ideas in a straightforward manner. If your team is working on a tight budget and you have a clear message to share with a well-defined audience, a video at this price point may be just right. This can also be a good option for training or internal communications.
At this price point, expect more detailed animation. The final product will likely still use some stock elements, but there may be some custom illustration as well. Motion will be smoother and the video will feature an expanded color palette.
If your video needs a bit more vibrancy and color to catch the attention of a wider audience on social media, this is a great starting point. A higher quality of animation can make all the difference when you want users to stop scrolling and watch your content. Consider making a video at this tier or above when putting together top-of-funnel (TOFU) campaigns designed to win over new audience members for your brand.
Here we make the jump to premium video. For this price, you’ll be able to produce a video with high quality animation and custom illustrations. Expect smooth transitions, detailed textures, and broad color palettes. At the higher end of this tier, you may even find animation that could work for TV.
You have a budget to spend and a powerful message that you want to share with a wide audience. If you are a mission-driven organization hoping to make a statement piece, a video at this tier can tell a compelling story that will rally new followers to your cause and inspire your existing audiences.
At this price point, expect broadcast-level animation. A video at this tier will sit comfortably next to advertisements, PSAs, and TV shows on major networks. Budgets of this size also open up the possibility for 3D animation.
If you are an established brand or nonprofit hoping to compete for attention on TV and streaming services, this tier is your starting point. For this price, characters and backgrounds will move as seamlessly as they would on a typical animated TV show. Many agencies offering work at this level will also provide additional consulting services as part of the video package.
There you have it! You know have the knowledge you need to make a rough estimate of how much your animated video will cost to make. If you’d like to refine that estimate, or if you have any other questions about animation, please get in touch.
In the meantime, if you’d like to keep this information handy or share it with your team, you can find a condensed infographic version here.