How Much Do 2D Animation Services Cost?

When it comes to 2D animation services, one of the most common questions that clients have is how much it will cost. While businesses, educators, and content creators often search for clear answers to this question, the reality is that the true cost of 2D animation depends on several key factors, and every project is unique!

Whether it’s the length of the video, the style you’re after, or the level of complexity and storytelling required, there is a lot that goes into bringing an animated story to life. Here at Kris Animation Studio, we believe that 2D animation services do not need to break the bank. That’s why we have put this guide together to help you understand what influences the price, how you can scale production to suit your budget, and what to expect when working with a professional 2D animation production company.

Understanding the cost of 2D animation

While every project is unique, when it comes to knowing how much a 2D animated explainer video will cost, there are a few key factors that you will need to consider. These include:

1) Duration of the video

The first thing that you will need to consider is the length of the video you want to create. This is usually the biggest factor affecting the cost, as most 2D animation production companies price by the second or by the minute. That is not just because of the additional screen time, but longer animation videos require more work to go into the scripting, storyboarding, animating, and editing.

When deciding on your budget and costs, you should consider how you will be using the video. For example, shorter videos tend to work better on social media or for product teasers and ads, while longer formats are ideal for educational animation for children or in-depth business explainers.

2) Complexity of animation

Of course, while duration plays a big part in the cost of 2D animation, it is not the only factor. The complexity of the animation is equally important, and a simple motion graphics video that uses text, icons, and transitions requires less time and effort than a detailed, character-based story with multiple scenes and environments.

Complexity will also depend on the number of scenes, the amount of movement per scene, the level of detail in the background, special effects, voiceovers, and more. All of these details require more hours of design and animation, which will increase the cost of your video; however, even on a smaller budget, a skilled 2D animation production company can find creative ways to simplify visuals while maintaining a polished, professional look.

3) Animation style

The style of animation you choose will also influence the price, as each style will require different tools, workflows, and artistic skills. Motion graphics and text animations are often the most cost-effective option, and by focusing on moving shapes, typography, and infographics they make for great corporate explainers, SaaS product videos, and marketing campaigns.

Character-driven animation will typically cost more as it involves rigging, acting, and detailed movement. However, this does make for more engaging content, and audiences are more likely to connect on an emotional level, which makes this style ideal for educational animation for children.

Finally, hand-drawn animations are the most labor-intensive style, but they provide a classic and fluid style that feels organic and expressive. This level of craftsmanship naturally increases production time and cost, but it can create a premium feel for audiences.

4) Scriptwriting and storyboarding

Quality scriptwriting is essential to ensuring your video is engaging to viewers, but this requires research, messaging strategies, and developing a compelling story arc. This all requires time, which can increase the cost, but it is absolutely worth it.

After the script comes the storyboard. This is a visual plan of the video that shows each scene, camera movement, and transition, and acts as the foundation of the entire animation.

5) Voiceovers, music, and sound design

Adding a professional voiceover or custom sound design to your video can elevate the entire production. However, it does also add to the overall budget, and the cost will depend on the length of the script, the number of languages, and whether you use a professional actor or an AI voiceover.

Background music, sound effects, and mixing are also important parts of the production as they give your animation the rhythm and energy it needs to capture attention. Schools and businesses that want to create a lasting impression should invest in high-quality sound to complement their visuals.

6) Revisions and turnaround time

The number of revisions and the timeframe to deliver the video can also impact pricing. Rush projects require more resources and faster production cycles, which can increase costs, so if you are more flexible with your schedule, you can often save money without losing quality.

A good 2D animation production company will also offer a set number of revisions in their quote to ensure you get the video you want. 

Scaling 2D animation services to your budget

One of the best things about animation is its scalability. No matter whether you are a small business, school, or content creator, you will be able to tailor your video production to suit your budget. Some top tips to help you scale your next project include:

• Start small

Begin with a short 30-60 second animation to test audience engagement.

• Simplify visuals

Use clean motion graphics or limited character movement to reduce complexity.

• Batch content

If you are planning multiple videos, say 2D animation for a YouTube channel, then planning ahead and producing them together can lower your per-video costs.

• Reuse assets

Characters, backgrounds, and icons can be repurposed for future projects, helping you stretch your budget further.

If you are concerned about the cost of 2D animation, working with an experienced production company, like our team here at Kris Animation Studio, will allow you to benefit from a collaborative approach. Whether you need a short, snappy explainer or a detailed storytelling project, we’ll discuss your goals, audience, and message to create a customized quote that aligns with your budget and expectations.

Ready to bring your story to life?

When it comes to creating engaging and powerful storytelling, professional 2D animation services can help you capture your audience’s attention and retain viewership. Investing in a 2D animated explainer video is one of the smartest ways to connect with your audience, no matter whether you are looking to explain a product, teach a concept, or promote a service.

Here at Kris Animation Studio, we understand that every project is unique, which is why we’re here to help you explore your options, so you have a clear understanding of the costs of 2D animation. We’ll work closely with you, building a video strategy that fits your vision and budget, no matter whether you are looking to create educational animation for children or a new YouTube series.

Ready to bring your message to life? Schedule your free one-on-one consultation today or get in touch, and let’s create something amazing together, no matter your budget!