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Explainer Videos: What They Cost, How They Work, and When They're Worth It

Explainer videos are one of the most requested video types we produce. The reason is simple: they work. A well-made explainer video takes a complex product, service, or process and makes it clear in 30 to 90 seconds. But the first question every client asks is: "How much will it cost?"

Here is the honest answer, based on 18 years of producing explainer videos in Sydney.


What Does an Explainer Video Cost in Australia?

Explainer video costs in Australia typically fall into three ranges:


Budget-Friendly: $5,000 to $10,000

At this level, you are looking at:

  • Simple 2D motion graphics with clean, flat design

  • A 30 to 90 second runtime

  • Professional voiceover

  • Licensed music

  • Up to three rounds of revisions


This is a solid option for startups, government PSA communications, or businesses that need a clear product overview without complex animation.


Mid-Range: $10,000 to $20,000

This is where most of our explainer projects sit. You get:

  • Custom illustrated characters and environments

  • More detailed 2D animation with fluid transitions

  • Professional scriptwriting and storyboarding

  • A dedicated sound design pass

  • Multiple format exports (website, social media, presentations)



The result looks and feels bespoke. It reflects your brand identity rather than looking like a template.


Premium: $20,000 to $30,000+

Premium explainers are typically 3D animated, longer in duration, or part of a larger campaign. They include:

  • 3D modelling and animation

  • Complex visual storytelling with multiple scenes

  • Custom music composition

  • Extended runtime (2 to 3 minutes)

  • Series of videos (onboarding sequences, product feature breakdowns)


These are most common for technology companies, medical devices, or products that require detailed visual demonstration.


Animated vs. Live-Action Explainers

Not every explainer video needs to be animated. Here is how to choose:


Choose animation when:

  • Your product is digital, abstract, or hard to film (software, SaaS platforms, financial services)

  • You need to simplify a complex process with visual metaphors

  • You want a style that matches your brand guidelines exactly

  • The product does not exist yet (pre-launch marketing)


Choose live-action when:

  • Your product is physical and looks great on camera

  • You want to show real people using your product or service

  • Authenticity and human connection matter more than visual simplification

  • You have access to locations, talent, or behind-the-scenes footage


Combine both when:

  • You want to ground the video in reality but explain technical features visually

  • A presenter on camera needs animated graphics to support their points

  • You are producing a case study that includes data visualisation



We produce all three styles. Many of our best-performing explainer videos combine live-action footage with motion graphics overlays.


What Affects the Price?

Six factors drive the cost of an explainer video:

  • Length: Every additional 30 seconds adds production time. The sweet spot for engagement is around 60 seconds.

  • Animation complexity: Flat 2D motion graphics cost significantly less than custom-illustrated characters or 3D animation.

  • Script development: Some clients arrive with a polished script. Others need us to develop one from scratch, which adds to the project scope.

  • Voiceover: Costs for a professional voiceover artist will depend on duration and usage rights.

  • Revisions: Most quotes include three rounds. Additional rounds are billed at an hourly rate.

  • Timeline: Rush projects (under two weeks) may carry a premium due to scheduling constraints.


When Is an Explainer Video Worth the Investment?

An explainer video pays for itself when:

  • Your sales team repeats the same pitch dozens of times a week. An explainer video on your homepage or in your email signature does that work 24/7.

  • Your product or service is hard to describe in writing. If your "About" page is three paragraphs of jargon, a 60-second video will communicate more effectively.

  • You are launching something new. Explainer videos are one of the highest-converting content types for product launches and landing pages.

  • Your website visitors leave without understanding what you do. Wistia research shows that visitors who watch an explainer video are 1.8x more likely to convert than those who do not.

  • You sell to multiple decision-makers. An explainer video can be forwarded internally, making it easier for your champion to sell your product to their boss.


The Production Process for Explainers

Our explainer video process follows these steps:

  1. Discovery call: We learn about your product, audience, and goals.

  2. Script: We write (or refine) a script and send it for your approval.

  3. Storyboard: We create a visual plan showing what each scene will look like.

  4. Voiceover recording: Once the script is locked, we record the narration.

  5. Animation/filming: The production phase, typically 2 to 3 weeks for animation.

  6. Review and revisions: You review, we refine.

  7. Delivery: Final files in every format you need.


From start to finish, most explainer video projects take 4 to 6 weeks.



The Bottom Line

A professional explainer video in Australia costs between $5,000 and $30,000. Most businesses invest $10,000 to $20,000 for a custom animated explainer that genuinely represents their brand and communicates their value proposition clearly.


The question is not whether you can afford an explainer video. It is whether you can afford to keep losing website visitors who leave because they did not understand what you do.


If you are considering an explainer video, get in touch for a free discovery call. We will help you figure out the right style, length, and approach for your audience.

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