How much does an animated video cost? Prices, examples, and tips

Quick price estimates per length

The indications below will help you quickly determine the course of action. Ranges are indicative and depend on the level of detail, revisions, and planning. Prices are exclusive of VAT.

• 30 seconds: 2D Motion Graphics $2,000 - $4,000; 2D Character $3,000 - $5,000; 3D Animation $5,000 - $12,000.
• 60 seconds: 2D Motion Graphics $3,000 - $5,000; 2D Character $4,000 - $6,500; 3D Animation $6,000 - $15,000.
• 90 seconds: 2D Motion Graphics $400 - $750; 2D Character $600 - $1,200; 3D Animation $1,200 - $2,400.
• 120 seconds: 2D Motion Graphics $5,000 - $10,000; 2D Character $7,000 - $15,000; 3D Animation $15,000 - $40,000.

Shorter videos often have a lower entry price, but pay attention to the pace of the story. In 60 to 90 seconds, you can usually explain the core message clearly without incurring unnecessary costs.

What determines the cost of an animated video?

• Length of the video—more seconds means more illustration, animation, and sound design.
• Animation style - 2D motion graphics is generally more cost-effective than 2D character and 3D.
• Level of detail - complex illustrations, realistic 3D, or many custom assets increase the price.
• Script and storytelling - concepting and copywriting require additional time if they are not yet finalized.
• Voice-over and languages - voice-over, multilingualism, and translations are separate cost items.
• Music and audio - stock music is affordable, custom composition and extensive sound design are more expensive.
• Revision rounds—additional feedback cycles or scope changes after storyboarding—have an impact on budget and planning.
• Deadline and planning - rush jobs require more capacity and are usually more expensive.
• Delivery formats—multiple aspect ratios, 4K, or numerous versions increase production time.

Price per animation style

2D Motion Graphics

2D motion graphics are ideal for clear explanatory videos, product demos, and social content. Think icons, typography, and clear infographics in a sleek corporate style. For 60 seconds, the price range is often between €2,500 and €5,000, depending on the pace, detail, and number of revisions. You benefit from efficient production, broad applicability, and fast turnaround times. Additional costs mainly arise when there are multiple variants per channel, multilingualism, or extensive sound design. Explore production options and turnaround times for 2D animation.

2D Character Animation

Character animation adds emotion and recognition. It requires more design and animation work due to rigs, expressions, and extra transitions. For 60 seconds, you can usually expect to pay between €3,500 and €6,500. Choose this option when brand personality and storytelling are important. Take into account the time needed for character development, style frames, and animation tests. Multi-platform variants and extra scenes can further influence the price.

Whiteboard Animation

Whiteboard animation harnesses the power of simplicity: a drawn story that quickly clarifies concepts. It is often more cost-effective than character-driven 2D, with 60 seconds costing between €1,800 and €4,000. The price mainly depends on the amount of custom illustrations, tempo, and voice-over. Whiteboard is suitable for process explanations, internal training, and educational content where the content is central.

3D Animation

3D offers realistic product visualization, dynamic cameras, and high-quality effects. It requires modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering. For 60 seconds, this typically ranges from €6,000 to €15,000, and for 120 seconds from €12,000 to €25,000. 3D is ideal for product launches, technical demonstrations, and branding where a premium look is important. Keep in mind that photorealism, complex simulations, or many variants will result in longer turnaround times and higher costs. Want to know more about the approach and possibilities? Check out having 3D animation made.

What is included in the standard price at Animation Agency?

• Concept development and clear storyline tailored to your goal
• Storyboard and style frames in line with your corporate identity
• Animation production with quality control
• Basic sound with appropriate effects and simple mix
• Project management and planning
• Delivery in 1080p and file format suitable for your channels

Optional extras at additional cost: voice-over selection and recording, music licenses or custom score, additional revision rounds, subtitling and multilingualism, 4K or additional versions per channel, illustration libraries, and social cuts.

Process and impact on the budget

We start with an intake to refine the goal, target audience, and core message. Then we write the script and translate it into a storyboard. In the style frame phase, you determine the look and feel. Once you have approved it, we animate the scenes and add audio. Changes up to and including the storyboard are relatively cost-efficient. Scope changes during or after animation have a greater impact on time and price. A clear briefing and timely feedback keep the process running smoothly and within budget. Want to set your budget wisely? Read determining your animation budget.

Examples of realistic budgets

• Product explanation 60 seconds - 2D motion graphics with Dutch voice-over and 1 social cut: approximately €3,500 - €5,000.
• Storytelling 90 seconds - 2D character with custom illustrations, 2 languages, and subtitles: approximately $6,000 - $9,000.
• Product visual 120 seconds - 3D with detailed models, simple simulations, and 2 aspect ratios: approximately $12,000 - $20,000.

These scenarios provide direction. We are happy to help you figure out how to achieve maximum impact within your budget.