How much should I spend on an animated video?

One of the first questions that pop-ups in the head of a business owner that about to order an animated video for marketing purposes is a fair one: how much I will pay for that? The main answer for this inquiry is typically described in just two words, “it depends”. Even though it is vague, for sure it does sound right.

What does it depend on?

Your budget

Might sound strange, but how much you will pay first and foremost depends on how much money you are ready to spend on this project. Tell it to representatives of the animated studio, and they will offer you the best option for your money.

The target audience

If the video is for internal use or a small group of people, the budget may be lower than if it’s for a wider audience or a high-stakes marketing campaign.

Quality

High-quality animation requires skilled professionals and advanced software, which can increase the cost. The level of customization and detail required in the video will also impact the cost. If you want a fully customized animation with unique characters and settings, it will cost more than using pre-existing templates.

Style

Different animation styles can have varying costs. Simple 2D animations might be more affordable, while more complex 3D animations will require a larger budget.

Length

Yes, it is so simple: a lengthy video will cost more money. Different animation styles can have varying costs. Simple 2D animations might be more affordable, while more complex 3D animations will require a larger budget.

Experience

A more experienced animation company might charge higher rates, but may also deliver better quality work. Be sure to choose a company that has a good track record and experience in your industry.

Deadline

If you have a tight deadline, the animation company might need to work faster or hire additional staff, which will increase the cost. This is why we recommend planning such projects 3–4 months ahead.

Language

If you require your video to be translated into different languages, it will demand additional work and resources, and therefore increase the cost. However, this is an easy thing that usually doesn’t really change the price.

Distribution

Consider the distribution plan for your video. If you plan to use it in multiple channels or platforms it might require different versions or formats, which will increase the cost. If you are going to use a video for the email activities it is one video, if for social media – it is another one.

Country

Depending on the country of the animated studio you are working with, the price will vary. In the UK the range of prices is from $750 to $13 400. In the U.S. it is $2,800 to $85 000, while in Europe from $1000 to $12 500. Asian companies charge from 200 to $7600.

Anything cheaper out there?

Yes, sure. But it won’t be as professional as you may need. Free or amateur animation tools can be used to create animations at a cost ranging from $0 to $100 per minute.?

Pitfalls? While it is possible to create an animation for free using online tools, it requires a significant amount of time and effort.

The resulting quality may also be limited, as these tools rely on templates with generic illustrations and subpar animation effects. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the trade-off between cost and quality when deciding to use these tools. Keep in mind that the old adage, “you get what you pay for,” applies to the output of these tools.

There are ways to get a better video without hiring an animated video. At the freelance level, animation services can cost between $100 and $3000 per minute.

The broad price range is due to the varying levels of expertise and experience of the freelancers offering animation services.

Keep in mind that freelancers often handle all aspects of the production process by themselves. This may affect the quality of scriptwriting or voice-over. We recommend getting these services from professionals anyway.?

When will I get the video?

Creating one minute of animated illustrations can take anywhere from two weeks to a month, depending on the complexity of the animation and the animator’s skill level.

However, it’s essential to consider that producing an animated video involves more than just the animation process. Other factors such as scripting, storyboarding, designing style frames and illustrations, recording voice-overs, and sound design also require time and effort.

Some studios allow clients to change a video at certain stages of the production, usually on the first ones. This is also taking at least a few days off the schedule.

Conclusion

When it comes to determining how much to spend on an animated video, it’s important to consider the value it will provide for your business or organization.

A high-quality video can have a significant impact on your audience and can help you achieve your goals. So, while the cost may seem high it’s important to weigh it against the potential benefits of the video.

Remember that the cheapest price doesn’t give you the best possible deal. Also, if you look again at the studios per country you’ll see that it doesn’t reflect the best possible option.

We recommend learning your options, communicating with the studios, and then choosing the best one. The communication process is vital: it shows the willingness of your vendor to collaborate on challenges, listen to your remarks, etc.?