Let’s get straight to the point here – 2D animation costs can vary wildly depending on the quality of the work. When you’ve ever searched for answers, you’ve probably seen vague estimates such as “$1,000 to $50,000 per minute.” That’s not helpful when you’re trying to find an answer.
As for the real answer to the question, it all boils down to four key factors – complexity, duration, style, and team behind the project, which determines how much the video will cost. No matter what type of business you’re in, whether you’re a startup presenting your product to the world or you’re a content creator building a brand, you need to know these factors in order to create the right budget.
As one of the best animation studio with years of experience, we’ve worked on projects ranging from a few hundred dollars to six-figure productions. The purpose of this article is to provide you with a detailed understanding of what goes into pricing, so that you can make an informed decision without overpaying for anything.
1. Key Factors That Determine 2D Animation Costs
1.1. Animation Style & Complexity
There are different types of animation, and not all of them are created equal. It is important to remember that the more complex the visuals are, the more expensive they are. The breakdown can be summarized as follows:
- Basic Explainer Animation ($1,500 – $5,000 per minute) – Simple characters, minimal movement, and flat design. Perfect for startups explaining their product.
- Custom Frame-by-Frame Animation ($7,000 – $20,000 per minute) – Hand-drawn, fluid animations like you see in high-end commercials.
- High-End 2D Animation (TV Quality) ($20,000 – $50,000 per minute) – Complex characters, detailed backgrounds, and intricate motion. Used in professional animated series.
Let’s say that a tech startup wants to make an explainer video of 60 seconds with basic motion graphics in America – what would the cost be? Around $3,000-$5,000. If, however, a game developer needs an animated trailer with detailed frame-by-frame animation, the cost of such a trailer can easily surpass $20,00 when it comes to a frame-by-frame animation.
1.2. Video Length
The reason is simple: longer videos cost more to produce. It is typical that the cost of producing a 30-second animation will be half that of creating a 60-second animation. A bulk order, however, is often eligible for a discount.
For example, if a company needs to produce an educational video series that lasts for 5 minutes, studios typically offer package deals instead of charging by the minute.
1.3. Animation Team & Location
Hiring the right person is crucial for success. Here’s how pricing varies:
- Freelancers – More affordable ($500 – $5,000 per minute), but quality varies and a single person often underdelivers.
- Small Studios – Mid-range pricing ($2,000 – $15,000 per minute), offering a balance of quality and cost.
- Top-Tier Studios – High-end pricing ($20,000+ per minute) for big-budget productions.
There are many countries in the world like India & Africa where outsourcing has been proven to be an effective way to cut costs by 30-50%; however, quality control must always be maintained.
1.4. Revisions & Customization
More revisions = higher cost. There are usually 1-3 rounds of revisions included in the pricing of most studios. If you go beyond that, the cost will increase. But we at Motionplay Studio provide Unlimited Revisions.
If, for example, a company decides to change its script after the animation has begun, it will be required to pay an extra fee in order to redraw the scenes. The script should always be finalized before anything else!
2. Hidden Costs You Might Overlook
Many clients underestimate the amount of money they will need to spend on their project. Here’s a list of what else you might have to pay for in addition to the above:
- Scriptwriting – $50 to $400+ (if not provided)
- Voiceover – $50 to $500 per minute (depending on language and accent)
- Sound Design & Music – $40 to $1,500
- Marketing & Distribution – It doesn’t matter how good the video is if no one sees it. The cost of advertising, social media, and SEO can add up to thousands of dollars.
Pro Tip: You should always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs before signing a contract, in case you want to avoid any surprises.
3. How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
Don’t worry if your budget is tight. There are plenty of options available. The following tips will help you reduce your costs without sacrificing quality in the process:
→ Choose a simpler style – The cost of motion graphics is substantially less than the cost of frame-by-frame animation.
→ Limit video length – It is better to have a short, crisp video that lasts 30 seconds than a long, drawn out one that lasts two minutes.
→ Use pre-designed assets – Characters that have been designed from scratch are more expensive. It is a good idea to use stock assets if they are suitable.
→ Plan ahead – Changing plans at the last minute can be very expensive if you don’t plan ahead. Make sure that everything is finalized before the production begins.
4. The Bottom Line: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
Here’s a quick cost estimate based on your needs:
| Type of 2D Animation | Cost Per Minute | Best For |
| Basic Explainer Video | $1,500 – $5,000 | Startups, businesses |
| Motion Graphics | $3,000 – $8,000 | Marketing, presentations |
| Custom Character Animation | $7,000 – $20,000 | Ads, storytelling content |
| High-End 2D Animation (TV-Quality) | $20,000 – $50,000+ | Films, series, AAA projects |
Final Thoughts: Get The Best Animation For Your Budget
It is now clear to you what the real costs of 2D animation are. As with any service, there is no one-size-fits-all price – it depends on what style, length, and team you choose for your event.
There are many things to consider if you’re trying to get a high-quality animation within your budget, and the best thing you can do is work with a professional studio that can guide you throughout the entire process so that you get what you want.
As a leading provider of cost-effective, high-quality, custom-tailored, and best animation services, Motionplay Studio offers you only the best. It does not matter whether you need a quick explainer video service or a full-scale animated commercial, we will be able to help you.
Would you like to receive a free consultation so you can see what is possible within the constraints of your budget? Let’s get in touch today and let’s see what we can do to bring your vision to life at an affordable price.
