How long does an animation production take?

Average turnaround time at a glance

Most animation productions follow a similar rhythm. For 2D animation of 30-90 seconds, 4-8 weeks is typical: 1-2 weeks of pre-production (concept, script, style frames), 2-4 weeks of animation, and 1-2 weeks for audio and revisions. For 3D animation, 6-12 weeks is more realistic due to additional design, modeling, texturing, and rendering time. Multilingualism, complex illustrations, character animation, or many stakeholders extend the planning period. If you already have a final script, brand assets, and a single decision point, it can be done considerably faster. Fixed feedback moments and scope agreements are crucial in this regard.

What determines your turnaround time?

• Video length: more seconds means more scenes and animation hours.
• Style and complexity: simple flat 2D is faster than detailed 2D, 3D, or stop-motion.
• Level of detail: many custom illustrations, characters, or 3D models require additional time.
• Concept and script: a sharp, approved script speeds up all subsequent steps.
• Storyboard and style frames: the more iterations, the longer pre-production takes.
• Number of stakeholders: multiple decision-makers often result in longer feedback cycles.
• Feedback speed: clear, consolidated feedback within 24-48 hours maintains momentum.
• Audio: voice-over casting, recording, music licensing, and sound design require planning.
• Multilingualism and subtitling: each additional language adds coordination and adaptation.
• Revision rounds: more revisions extend the turnaround time and increase costs.
• Assets and brand guides: supplied logos, fonts, and examples speed up the design process.

The production process with time indication

Pre-production: concept and script (3-7 business days)

We refine the goal, target audience, and core message, determine the call-to-action and tone of voice, and develop this into a script with a clear scene layout. If you already have a final script, this phase can be shortened considerably.

Style frames and storyboard (3-7 business days)

Style frames show the visual look and feel: color, typography, illustration style, or 3D look. The storyboard shows the flow per scene and texts. Once approved, the style and structure are fixed, preventing costly animation rework.

Production and animation (2–4 weeks for 2D, 4–8 weeks for 3D)

In 2D, we animate illustrations, icons, and typography. In 3D, we design and rig models, build lighting and materials, and render scenes. Interim previews keep you engaged and ensure quality and pace. Read: how an animation is made.

Audio, delivery, and revisions (3–7 business days)

We arrange voice-overs (casting and recording), music (licensing or composition), and sound design. This is followed by editing, subtitling, and color correction. One or two rounds of targeted revisions are usually sufficient for the final version.

Time estimate by type and length

The bandwidths below are indicative for a professional production with tight planning and 1-2 rounds of revisions.

• Explanatory animation, 30 sec: 2D 3-5 weeks; 3D 5-8 weeks.
• Explanatory animation, 60 sec: 2D 4-6 weeks; 3D 6-10 weeks.
• Explanatory animation, 90 sec: 2D 6-8 weeks; 3D 8-12 weeks.
• Stop motion, 60 sec: 2D N/A; 3D 8-14 weeks.

Multilingual versions, complex characters, or numerous custom scenes push projects to the upper end of the bandwidth spectrum.

Faster delivery—is that possible?

Yes, with a tight schedule and clear preconditions. Think of: one decision-maker, pre-agreed feedback moments, a final script, existing brand assets, and limited revisions. This way, 2D projects of 30-60 seconds can sometimes be completed within 2-4 weeks. Take priority planning and possible rush costs into account, and accept that there will be less room for extra finesse or experimentation.

How long can an animation be?

Short is often more powerful. Guidelines: social ads 6-15 seconds, website and landing pages 45-75 seconds, YouTube 30-90 seconds, and internal training as long as necessary per module. More important than length is focus: one core message, a logical structure, and a clear call-to-action increase retention and results. You can find more guidelines in our guide on the ideal length of an animation.

Costs vs. time: how do they influence each other?

Budget determines capacity and parallel workflows. With more hours or a larger team, you can run styling, animation, and audio partly simultaneously, which shortens the turnaround time. Unnecessary revision rounds, scope creep, and late feedback prolong projects and make them more expensive. Define scope and revisions upfront for speed and predictability.

Planning and collaboration

A clear roadmap prevents surprises. Work with milestones such as script-go, storyboard-go, and style-go, plus fixed review slots. Bundle feedback per round and appoint one final decision-maker. This way, you maintain high quality, short turnaround times, and achievable planning. Curious about how we put this into practice? Take a look at our animation production process.

Ready for realistic, customized planning for your animation? Share your goal, desired length, style, and deadline—then you'll receive a concrete time estimate and smart options to speed things up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a quick question about scheduling or deadlines? Check out our frequently asked questions about scheduling and deadlines.

How long does it take to create an animation?

For 2D projects lasting 30-90 seconds, 4-8 weeks is standard. 3D projects often require 6-12 weeks. The speed mainly depends on complexity, feedback tempo, and the number of revision rounds.

How long does it take to make an animated film?

Short business animations take weeks to several months. Longer or narrative productions with 3D, characters, and multiple languages can take months to a year.

Can I learn animation in two months?

You can learn the basics in two months, but professional animation requires a lot of practice. For high-quality corporate animation, it pays to work with an experienced studio.

How long can an animation be?

Adjust the length to the channel and goal: social media 6-15 seconds, website 45-75 seconds, YouTube 30-90 seconds. One core message and a clear structure are more important than length.