Explainer Video FAQ
If you are considering an explainer animation, this FAQ breaks down pricing, timelines, process, and expectations so you can make a confident decision before starting a project.
How long should an explainer video be?
For most homepage and sales use cases, 60 to 90 seconds is the sweet spot. If your message is focused, 60 seconds can be enough. If you need more steps or product context, 90 seconds usually works better.
Rule of thumb: 150 words is about 60 seconds. 225 words is about 90 seconds.
Short works when the message is sharp.
How long does an explainer animation take to make?
Most projects take 2 to 6 weeks depending on the design tier and review speed. Scrappy projects are often 2 to 3 weeks. Premium projects are typically 4 to 6 weeks.
- Scrappy: 2 to 3 weeks
- Basic: often 3 to 4 weeks
- Premium: 4 to 6 weeks
Timeline is usually decided by approvals, not animation.
What is your explainer animation process?
The process is simple: concept, storyboard, then animation. You see the direction early, so the final animation does not become a surprise.
- Initial Design: clarify the goal, audience, and visual approach
- Storyboard: map the visuals to the script so the message lands
- Voice Over: selection from 2 to 4 VO auditions
- Animation: bring it to life and deliver final files for your channels
Good storyboards save time, money, and your sanity.
Do you write the script?
Clients supply the script. If you already have messaging and positioning, this keeps the project fast and focused. If you need help tightening a script, I can give feedback so it reads clean and times out correctly.
A strong script is the cheapest way to improve the final video.
What do you need from me to get started?
To kick off smoothly, I need your script, your brand basics, and the main goal of the video. If you have examples of videos you like, that helps too.
- 100% finalized script
- Logo and brand guidelines (fonts, colors, style references)
- Primary CTA and where the video will live (homepage, sales, ads, onboarding)
- Any must include screenshots or product UI
- 1 to 3 reference videos you like
The clearer the goal, the easier the approvals.
How many revision rounds are included?
Two rounds of revision are included in each stage of the process (Initial Design, Storyboard, Voice Over Selection, Animation). Consolidated feedback from one point person keeps everything moving.
Tip: One decision maker and one document for feedback makes projects faster.
Fast approvals come from one voice, not a committee.
Is it better to hire a freelancer or an animation agency?
If you want direct communication, faster decisions, and fewer layers, a freelancer is usually the better fit. If you need multiple styles, large teams, and heavy project management, an agency may make more sense.
- Freelancer fit: speed, clarity, direct collaboration, simpler pipelines
- Agency fit: complex production, multiple stakeholders, multi style needs
Most teams do not need more production. They need more clarity.
Where should I use an explainer animation?
Explainer animations work best where people are confused or hesitant. The most common placements are homepages, sales decks, product pages, onboarding, and internal training.
- Homepage and landing pages
- Sales decks and outbound
- Product pages and feature pages
- Onboarding and customer success
- Internal training and enablement
- Social cut downs and paid ads
Use an explainer anywhere confusion creates drop off.
Can one explainer animation be reused across channels?
Yes. A single explainer can be repurposed into shorter clips, social cut downs, and sales enablement segments. This is one of the best ways to increase ROI without creating new animation from scratch.
One video can become a whole library of assets.
What deliverables will I receive?
You will receive final video files ready for where you plan to publish. If you need multiple formats, that can be included in the scope up front.
- Final video export in the sizes you need
- Design files for use in your marketing
- Optional shorter cut downs for social
- Optional captions or on screen text versions
- Optional vertical sizing for social media
Deliverables should match distribution, not your editing software.
What is the next step if I want to work with drive80?
Send your script and the goal of the video. I will confirm the recommended length, suggest the best tier, and give you a clear next step so you can move forward without guessing.
Send the script. I will handle the clarity.
Frustrated that people don't "get" how your company helps them?
Since 2011, I’ve created over 500 explainer animations for busy marketing teams.
If you're tired of bloated animation agencies, missed deadlines, or hand-holding freelancers — I’ve got you.
~Mike Doyle, Chief Animation Dude
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