Understanding animation costs – what is the average animation cost per minute?
The price depends on many elements and components, making it difficult to prepare a single price list for 2D animation. However, we know that price is quite an important factor in choosing a studio. That’s why we explain below what we are guided by when preparing pricing for you.
We are not Disney, Pixar, or any other animation creation giant. Fortunately for you and your business, we don’t create animations just to entertain viewers. The main purpose of our 2D animations is to help our clients achieve their business goals – whether it’s to acquire more leads, educate employees, or assist salespeople. This means that the focus is on identifying the target audience correctly and creating a message that will convince them. Aesthetics and entertainment value are important, but they come second.
Factors affecting animation price
Animation has become a central tool for businesses to communicate complex ideas, engage their audiences, and bring their brands to life through animated videos. However, the cost of creating these animations can vary significantly based on several factors. If you’re considering starting an animation project, it’s important to understand what goes into the pricing of animation production, whether you’re working with a professional studio, a freelance animator, or creating the animation yourself.
The animation costs can vary widely depending on the project’s complexity, the preferred animation style, and the content you wish to convey. Here’s a closer look at how these factors influence pricing, the different levels of animation production, and what you can expect to pay for various types of animation, such as 2D animations, 3D animations, and character animation.
What does the cost of 2D animation depend on?
#1 Animation length
The length of the video is one of the most critical factors affecting animation costs. The longer the animation, the more resources, and time are required to produce it. For instance, a simple 30-second explainer video will cost much less than a detailed, multi-minute animated short. Typically, animation prices are calculated on a per-minute basis, with costs varying depending on the animation production level.
#2 Animation complexity
A large studio takes several years to produce a full-length animation. Hundreds of people work on it! For example, as many as 63 animators were engaged to work on Pixar’s “Luca” production! Additionally, there are other stages of creation, including script, storyboard, etc. In the case of animations for companies, this process is greatly simplified. Still, the complexity of business animations may differ.
#3 Number of animations and level of detail
When a studio creates several 2D animations, it catches up on the tone, style, and overall idea with the first one. As a result, it creates subsequent animations faster and more efficiently. Therefore, more animations in an order equal a lower unit animation cost.
The more characters and detailed scenes you want in your character animation, the higher the cost will be. Animations with a large number of characters interacting in complex environments, or those that require a high level of detail, will increase production time, thus raising the price.
#4 Animation deadline
When the animation deadline is pressing and the studio has less time to prepare the video, it usually means putting other projects aside and having the team work weekends or nights. This is an additional cost for the studio. Typically, work on a 2D animation takes about 4-7 weeks. So, if we know we’ll need animation for a specific day (e.g., to be displayed at an event), it’s a good idea to contact the studio earlier. This way, it will cost less than when we must outsource the task at the last minute.
Remember!
The animation production process is difficult to speed up, so the deadline affects the price of the animation.
#5 Animation style and complexity of the animation
There are different types and styles of animation. In our studio, we create:
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whiteboard animation (hand-drawn animation),
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digital whiteboard animation,
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vector animation (both are computer animations, but digital animation is made to look like it is being drawn by hand).
Vector animation for Mitsubishi Electric | Explain Visually
The complexity of the animation style has a direct impact on animation costs. Hand-drawn animations, for example, can be labor-intensive, requiring significant time and effort from the animator. Similarly, 3D animations are often more expensive due to the advanced software and skills needed to produce lifelike, detailed characters and environments.
#6 Occupancy of the studio
When we have a very large number of orders (usually in the fourth quarter) we have to work on additional animations in the evenings and weekends. Especially when a particular illustrator is already heavily occupied, but the company prefers that person’s particular style.
#7 Type of animation
Different types of animation come with varying ranges of price. For instance, 2D animations, which are often used for explainer videos and simple animated videos, are generally less expensive than 3D animations, which require more time and resources to achieve a realistic look. Character animation, with its focus on creating believable, emotive characters, often requires specialized skills, making it more expensive than standard animations.
Inside Out 2, Somebody Pinch Me | Pixar
#8 Level of customization and originality
Animations that use custom illustrations, characters, or storylines will naturally be more expensive than those relying on pre-existing assets such as stock footage. A highly customized animation project can also involve additional voiceover talent, sound effects, and even music composition, which will drive up the overall costs.
We know very well how often information about video animation prices is sought. On our website you will also find another article in which we discuss in detail the topic related to the costs of this type of service. Read: Price of an explainer video | Explain Visually
How much does 2D animation cost per minute? – sample pricing
The following animation prices are intended to give you a general idea of the size of the budget you should reserve for working with our studio.
Animation production levels and their costs
When embarking on an animation project, it’s important to choose the right production level that fits both your budget and your desired level of quality. There are three main tiers of animation production, each with varying levels of cost and expertise.
Amateur/Free tools
If you’re looking to create a fundamental animation on a minimal budget, free online tools may be a viable option. However, using these tools often requires a significant investment of time and effort, and the final results may not be on par with professional-grade animations. This option is ideal for small projects with simple animation needs but might not meet the quality expectations for business purposes.
Cost: $0 – $100 per minute
Freelance services
Freelance animators offer a more flexible option for businesses, with a range of services from basic animations to more complex, custom work. However, the quality and consistency of the final product can vary significantly depending on the freelancer’s experience. Working with freelancers may also require you to manage different aspects of production, such as hiring separate voiceover talent or handling the music and sound effects yourself.
Cost: $100 – $3,000 per minute
Professional-level animation studio
For high-quality, customized animations, partnering with a professional studio is the best option. Studios employs a team of experts, including animators, creative director, voiceover talent, and specialists in mixed media. They can handle more complex animation projects, such as detailed 3D animations or intricate character animations, and offer a full range of services from concept to post-production. This option provides the best balance between cost and quality, making it a cost-effective choice for larger, more important projects.
Cost: $3,000 – $10,000 per minute
Animation types and their associated costs
How much does animation cost? Different types of animation are suited for different purposes, each coming with its price range and production times.
2D Animation
2D animations are commonly used for explainer videos and other animated video designed to simplify complex topics or ideas. This type of animation is generally less expensive than 3D, making it a popular choice for businesses that need cost-effective video solutions.
Cost: $2,300 – $3,500 per minute
Plasmacluster Air Purifier Animation | Explain Visually
3D Animation
3D animation offers a higher level of realism and is often used for more detailed, high-budget projects. This style requires advanced software and longer production times, making it one of the more expensive types of animation. Businesses looking for a high-quality video with detailed characters and scenes often turn to 3D animation.
Cost: $4,500 – $15,000 per minute
Disney and Pixar’s Luca Official Trailer (Disney+)
Character animation
Character animation focuses on creating lifelike, expressive characters that can convey emotions and engage audiences on a deeper level. This type of animation is often used in storytelling, advertising, and branding campaigns.
Cost: $1,000 – $10,000 per minute
Want to learn more about what animated film production is? Read:
Additional animation project costs
When budgeting for an animation project, it’s essential to consider all the additional costs involved beyond the actual animation production. These can include the creation of scripts, storyboards, voiceovers, and music, all of which contribute to the overall price.
Script and storyboard costs
A well-written script and detailed storyboard are crucial to the success of any animation. Hiring a professional scriptwriter and storyboard artist ensures that your animation project has a solid foundation.
Cost: $500 – $5,000
Voiceover and music costs
High-quality voiceovers and background music can elevate the quality of your animation, making it more engaging and professional. Using custom-composed music or hiring experienced voiceover talent can add significant value to your project.
Cost: $500 – $5,000
Sound effects and stock footage
Adding sound effects or using stock footage can enhance the final product. These elements can be particularly useful for scenes requiring action or ambiance.
Cost: Varies depending on the complexity and amount of assets needed.
Making sense of animation costs
The average animation cost per minute depends on several factors, including the complexity of the project, the style of animation, and the production level. Whether you’re looking to create a simple explainer video or a high-quality 3D animation, understanding the different costs involved will help you choose the right solution for your needs.
For businesses, working with a professional studio offers the best balance between cost and quality, especially when managing larger, more complex animation projects. By factoring in additional costs such as voiceover talent, music, and post-production services, you can ensure your final product is both impactful and within your budget.
Summary
You’ve now got a panoramic view of custom explainer video pricing. When faced with an agency quote, you’ll recognize the factors influencing the bottom line.
Our smart budgeting tip: Tailor your production budget to your specific aims. Effective videos can emerge from various investment levels. Got more questions? We’re just a message away, ready to clarify any lingering doubts about explainer video pricing. Let’s talk!