Explainer video agency or freelancer?
The honest comparison 2026: What you really get – and what you risk.
Reading time: 9 minutes | Updated: February 2026
Are you looking for an explainer video agency or considering hiring a freelancer? Many companies ask themselves this question: The decision sounds simple, but it has more consequences than most clients realize.
After producing over 1,000 videos – from image films to explanatory videos – we know both worlds – and give you an honest, unembellished comparison here. Without marketing phrases.
The cost comparison at a glance
Prices for a typical 90-second explanatory video (2D animation, professional level):
| Criterion | Freelancer | Explainer video agency |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | 1.500 – 5.000 € | 5.000 – 15.000 € |
| Contact person | 1 person (everything in one hand) | Project manager + team of specialists |
| Scalability | Limited (capacity 1 person) | High(several projects in parallel) |
| Production time | 4 – 10 weeks | 3 – 8 weeks |
| Revisions | Variable (often 1-2) | Standard: 2-3 rounds |
| Risk of absence | High (illness, overload) | Low (team steps in) |
| Legal certainty | Check contracts carefully | Clear contracts, copyright regulated |
When a freelancer is the right choice
A freelancer is not worse per se – he is simply a different model. These situations fit well:
Small budget, clear requirements
If you know what you want, the project is manageable and the budget is under 4,000 euros, an experienced freelancer may be the more economical solution.
Internal resources available for project management
Do you have someone internally who can closely support the project? Then you will benefit from direct communication without agency overheads.
No time pressure
Good freelancers are often fully booked. If you have 2-3 months’ lead time and are flexible with deadlines, no problem.
When an explainer video agency is the better choice
There are situations in which the risk of a freelancer is too great:
Fixed deadline (trade fair, launch, campaign)
When the video for the product launch or trade fair has to be ready on March 15, reliability is everything. An agency has the team to make up for bottlenecks.
Complex topic that needs to be explained
Technical products, regulatory processes, software solutions – a concept team consisting of copywriter, art director and animator is needed here. A lone fighter quickly reaches its limits.
Multiple languages or format variants
German + English + social media cuts? An agency has the processes for this. A freelancer has to coordinate subcontractors – and that often costs more than expected.
High internal visibility of the project
Is the video going on the homepage or being presented to the management? Then you don’t want to run any risk of failure.
The hidden risk: copyright and usage rights
This is the point that many clients underestimate – and which can be expensive later on:
- Who owns the video? Often unclear for freelancers if no clear contract exists
- Music licenses – Did the freelancer use GEMA-free or licensed music? And for which channels?
- Stock footage – Are all clips used licensed for commercial use?
- What happens if the video goes viral? Some licenses are only valid up to a certain number of playouts
- Raw material – Can you expand or customize the video later?
A reputable explainer video agency will clarify all of this contractually before the project starts. You should ask freelancers the same questions – and have the answers in writing.
The decision-making aid: 5 questions
Answer these questions honestly – the result will point you in the right direction:
1. is there a fixed deadline?
Yes → Agency. No → Freelancer possible.
2. is your budget under 4,000 euros?
Yes → Check freelancer. No → Agency quality is within reach.
3. do you have time internally for project management?
Yes → Freelancer works. No → Agency takes over project management.
4. do you need several languages or formats?
Yes → agency. This quickly becomes confusing and expensive with freelancers.
5. does the video have high internal visibility?
Yes → agency. Reliability is priceless for projects at management level.
Conclusion: It’s not the costs that decide, but the risk
The cheaper freelancer can be the better offer – but only if the framework conditions are right. If the budget, time and internal resources are right, a good freelancer can do an excellent job.
However, if deadlines, complexity or scalability play a role, an explainer video agency is the safer choice. Not because freelancers are worse – but because agencies were built for precisely these requirements.
The cheapest option is rarely the most economical. A video that is three weeks – more on advertising video costs – late or causes legal problems ends up costing more than the production budget.
Discuss your explainer video project
Free initial consultation – we will tell you honestly whether and how we can best implement your project.