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Insights

Straight answers about
commissioning animation

What it costs, how long it takes, which format fits your brief, and how to work with a production partner. Written from more than 1,000 delivered projects, with no gatekeeping.

Pricing

How much does an animated explainer video cost in 2026?

Real prices by production tier and animation style, the seven things that move a quote, and what a complete quote should include.

Read the guide → 9 min Process

How long does animation production take?

Stage-by-stage timelines for 2D, 3D, whiteboard and AI-powered video, and the three things that cause almost every delay.

Read the guide → 7 min Comparison

2D vs 3D vs AI-powered animation: which should you choose?

A decision framework comparing cost, speed, revision flexibility and best-fit use cases, plus where each format fails.

Read the guide → 8 min For agencies

How white-label animation works for agencies

Margin structure, confidentiality, workflow, and how to brief a production partner so the first draft lands.

Read the guide → 7 min
Quick answers

The short versions

Animation, summarised

  • Cost of a custom 60-second explainer: $1,000 to $15,000 across the market, depending on production tier. Our fixed packages start at $99 for 30 seconds and $199 for 60 to 90 seconds.
  • Time to produce: 4 to 8 weeks for 2D, 8 to 12 weeks for 3D, 1 to 2 weeks for AI-powered video.
  • Which format: 2D for ideas, processes and software. 3D when the physical object is the story. AI-powered when speed and volume matter most.
  • Biggest cause of overrun: reopening the script after design has started.
  • Typical agency markup on white-label animation: 40 to 100 percent.
  • What should be in every quote: script, storyboard, design, animation, voiceover, music, sound design, stated revision rounds, and delivery in all formats.

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