If you’re contemplating the addition of an animated video to your marketing arsenal, you’re undoubtedly on the right path. With video constituting over 30% of all online traffic today, the impact of a well-crafted animated video is immeasurable. In fact, a staggering 64% of users are more inclined to make online purchases after watching a video.

Consider the success story of Crazy Egg, whose animated explainer video, created three years ago, catapulted their monthly income by $21,000. Remarkably, this video remains a timeless asset for Crazy Egg, showcasing the unparalleled return on investment (ROI) that animations can yield.

Now, you might be curious about the cost of such transformative animations. Unlike off-the-shelf products, animation is bespoke, tailored to individual needs, which is why animation studios often don’t display pricing on their websites. But fear not; we’re here to unravel the mysteries of animation costs and guide you in creating an extraordinary video for your company.

Decoding Animation Production Costs

Understanding the elements that contribute to animation costs is crucial. Two key factors serve as the foundation: video length and style.

Length: Animation studios typically initiate pricing discussions based on video length. This helps in gauging the number of designers and animators required, estimating production time, and creating realistic schedules. Longer videos may offer discounted rates, but brevity often reigns supreme in the marketing realm, with videos over 60 seconds being less effective.

Style: Crafting a unique video that aligns with your brand involves choosing the right style. While whiteboard animations were once popular, contemporary options include 2D cutout animation, frame-by-frame animation, 3D renders, motion graphics, kinetic typeset, or stop motion. Each style carries its own cost implications, with more intricate styles demanding substantial hours dedicated to character design and narrative development.

Budgeting Your Animation Project

Navigating the budgeting process for your animation project involves collaboration with the animation studio. You can either present your budget to the studio and ask them to tailor the project accordingly or engage in a collaborative effort where the studio provides extensive conceptual work.

So, how much does animation cost? The answer is nuanced, contingent on various factors. Consider a standardized example: a 60-second multi-colored flat design in cutout technique, featuring two characters, music, voiceover, and sound effects, with copyright covering internet, internal use, and private conferences. Such an animation could cost approximately 6-10,000 USD.

For 2D animation, costs may range between 3,000 and 50,000 USD per minute, while 3D animation can go from 10,000 USD for a simple video to a staggering 200,000 USD for complex projects. However, it’s imperative to remember that your first animated video serves as a first impression for your brand – an investment worth making.

Why Invest in Animated Videos?

Animated videos are not just creative endeavors; they are strategic investments. They deliver measurable ROI through enhanced SEO results, improved customer satisfaction, heightened engagement and awareness, and a substantial boost to sales and conversions.

Your first animated video is more than a visual presentation; it’s a brand-defining moment. Investing a little more ensures that your video resonates with your audience, leaving a lasting impression and positioning your brand for success. So, if you have a compelling video idea, seize the opportunity to collaborate with an animation studio, breathe life into your vision, and witness an instant elevation of your brand.