How Much Do Explainer Videos Cost?
Explainer videos in India typically cost ₹30,000 to ₹1.5 lakh for a basic 2D animated video, and ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh or more for premium 2D or 3D production, per 60 seconds. Price depends on animation style, complexity, length, voiceover and whether it’s produced locally or by an international studio.
Explainer video pricing at a glance
| Tier | What’s included | Typical range (60 seconds, India) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Simple animation, template characters, stock voiceover | ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 |
| Standard | Custom 2D animation, original script, professional voiceover | ₹80,000 to ₹2 lakh |
| Premium 2D or basic 3D | Custom characters, detailed animation, sound design | ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh |
| Advanced 3D | Photorealistic 3D modelling and rendering | ₹4 lakh to ₹10 lakh+ |
These are India-market estimates, built from a mix of India-specific quotes and international per-minute benchmarks adjusted for local production rates. Confirm against your own production costs before publishing.
Why prices vary so much
Ask ten studios for a quote and you’ll likely get ten different numbers. That’s normal in explainer video production, because so much depends on decisions made before a single frame is animated:
1. Length. Price is usually quoted per finished minute, and most explainers run 60-90 seconds. Shorter videos often cost more per minute, since scripting, voice casting and style development are largely fixed costs regardless of length.
2. Animation style. Simple whiteboard or infographic animation costs less than custom character animation, which costs less than 3D. See 2D vs 3D explainer videos for how the two compare directly.
3. Complexity of the script. More scenes, more custom illustrations and more transitions all add production hours.
4. Voiceover and sound. Professional voice talent and original sound design or music cost more than stock voiceover and library music, but noticeably improve perceived quality.
5. Studio location. International studios, especially US and UK-based ones, typically charge $100+ an hour. Indian studios often work at $20-30 an hour for comparable output, which is a major reason global brands increasingly commission explainer videos from India-based teams.
6. Revisions. Most quotes include two or three rounds. Extra rounds, or major script changes after animation has started, are usually charged separately.
7. Strategy and scripting. A studio that researches your audience and writes a strategic script costs more than one that just animates a script you provide, but the result usually performs better.
What’s typically included, and what’s often extra
A standard quote usually covers scripting, storyboarding, animation, voiceover and basic sound. Check whether these are included or billed separately:
- Strategy and messaging development
- Custom character design (vs. template characters)
- Multiple language versions
- Music licensing
- Extra revision rounds
- Source files (for future in-house edits)
DIY and AI tools vs. professional production
| Route | Cost | Best for | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI/DIY tools | ₹0-₹5,000 (subscription) | Internal use, quick social clips | Templated look, limited brand fit |
| Freelancer | ₹15,000-₹60,000 | Simple, single-use videos | Quality depends on the individual |
| Specialised animation studio | ₹60,000-₹3 lakh | Custom explainer with proper script and design | Higher cost than freelance or DIY |
| Full-service agency | ₹1.5 lakh-₹5 lakh+ | Strategy, scripting and production together | Highest cost, best for brand-critical launches |
A very cheap quote usually means template characters, stock voiceover and a script you write yourself. That can work for internal or low-stakes content, but it rarely performs as well for a customer-facing launch.
How to budget for your first explainer video
- Decide the goal first. A homepage explainer, a sales tool and a training video have different requirements and justify different budgets.
- Start with 2D unless your product needs 3D. It’s faster, cheaper and easier to update. See 2D vs 3D explainer videos for the decision framework.
- Ask for a breakdown, not just one number: scripting, animation, voiceover and revisions listed separately.
- Budget for distribution too. A great video that never gets placed on your website, in ads or in emails doesn’t earn back its cost. See is video marketing effective for what actually moves the needle.
- Get two or three quotes for the same brief. Explainer video pricing varies more than almost any other creative service, so comparing like-for-like matters.
Get a quote based on your actual video
Published ranges give you a starting budget, but the right price depends on your script, your style choice and your goal. If you want an explainer video scoped around what you’re actually trying to communicate, start with a clear brief. If you’re ready to get an explainer video made that’s tied to your brand and your audience, not a generic template, Akkenna, a holistic branding agency in Coimbatore, produces 2D and 3D explainer videos alongside brand identity and content strategy, so the video looks and sounds like the rest of your brand.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 60-second explainer video cost in India?
Typically ₹30,000 to ₹2 lakh for standard 2D animation, and ₹2 lakh or more for premium or 3D production, depending on complexity and studio.
Why do explainer video quotes vary so much between studios?
Price depends on animation style, script complexity, voiceover quality, studio location and how many revision rounds are included. Two quotes with the same length can cover very different scopes.
Is it cheaper to use an AI video tool instead of hiring a studio?
Yes, upfront. AI and DIY tools cost very little, but produce a templated look with limited custom branding, which suits internal or low-stakes content better than a customer-facing launch video.
Does a longer explainer video cost more overall?
Usually yes in total, but less per minute, since scripting and style development are largely fixed costs spread across the whole video.
What should I look for in an explainer video quote?
Ask whether strategy and scripting are included, how many revisions you get, whether source files are provided, and whether voiceover and music are custom or stock.
Ready to budget for your explainer video?
A short brand audit shows what kind of video would actually move the needle for your business, and what to budget for it. Book a brand audit with the Akkenna team.
