Solution: 2D animation standard, corporate design colors, 1 stylized character, screen recording integration, German voice-over, delivery in 16:9 and 9:16.
Solution: 3D visualization based on CAD data, stylized (no photoreal), voice-over German + English, neutral background music.
Cost: 14,500€ | Production time: 9 weeks
Result: 3 new customers at the Hannover Messe, one of them a major order worth €380,000. The video has been running unchanged for 2 years.
Example 3: Health insurance for member onboarding
Requirement: 3x 60 seconds each, explains services for different phases of life (young, family, 50+), should appear friendly and accessible.
Solution: 2D animation premium with 2 characters per video, consistent design world, voice-over with different speaker voices, subtitles automatically generated.
Cost: €26,400 (for all 3 videos, package discount) | Production time: 10 weeks
Result: Support requests for performance issues -34%, member satisfaction in onboarding +22 NPS points.
Produce an explainer video cheaply: Where it makes sense to save (and where not)
Hier dürfen Sie sparen
Stylization instead of photoreal: A stylized 3D video costs 30-40% less than a photorealistic representation and often even has more character. Photoreal is unnecessary for most industries.
Package production: Produce several videos in one order. Design world, characters and music bed are already there – each additional video costs 40-60% of the first.
Clear briefing instead of more revisions: Invest 2 hours in the briefing and save 3 rounds of revisions. This is the most profitable amount of time you can invest in an explainer video project.
Hier sollten Sie nicht sparen
Script and concept: A weak script makes even the best video ineffective. The script is the foundation – here you need experience with target group psychology and storytelling dramaturgy.
Voice-over: A poor-sounding voice destroys any professional impression. Professional voice-over from the recording studio is not a luxury, but a basic requirement.
Sound design: The difference between a video with and without professional sound design is dramatic – and often underestimated. Good music and a clean sound mix double the perceived quality.
Explanatory video vs. image film vs. recruiting video: What costs what?
For classification: A professional image film with 2 days of shooting is around €6,000-12,000. An explanatory video in the same price segment (2D standard) often delivers better conversion with a digital theme because it explains explicitly instead of showing atmospherically. Both have their raison d’être – the choice depends on the communication objective, not the budget alone.
Conclusion: What does an explainer video really cost in 2026?
For most B2B companies, the sensible budget for a first professional explainer video is around €5,000-9,000. This is enough for a standard 2D video with everything it needs: professional script, high-quality voice-over, clean sound design and corporate design integration.
If you need more depth, character animation or 3D visualization, you can realistically plan with €10,000-25,000. Those who are well served with a whiteboard will reach their goal from €2,500. The decisive factor is not the absolute budget, but the ratio of investment to communication objective.
Our tip: Don’t start with the budget, but with the question: What should the viewer think, feel and do after 90 seconds? The answer to this question determines the format and budget – not the other way around.
Planning an explainer video? Arrange a free consultation now
We advise you on your project without obligation – with a concrete offer and realistic timeline. No sales pitch, no hidden costs.
📞 0611 900 67 225 | ✉️ info@eigenart-filmproduktion.de
More about our explanatory video packages →
About Eigenart Filmproduktion: We have been producing explainer videos for companies in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, Mainz and the entire Rhine-Main region for over 21 years. 1,000+ completed projects, 4.95 stars on ProvenExpert.
Other locations: Berlin | Dortmund
FAQ: Explanatory video costs 2026
How long does it take to produce an explainer video? Standard 2D animation: 4-6 weeks. 3D visualization: 8-12 weeks. Whiteboard: 2-3 weeks. Express production possible with 30% surcharge.
Can I update the explanatory video at a later date? Yes. For animation, we archive all project files for 2 years. Texts, numbers and small scenes can be customized from 300€.
Do you write the script or do I have to provide it? The script is part of our service. We need a 30-minute briefing meeting – we take care of the rest.
Is an explainer video also worthwhile for smaller companies? For SMEs in particular, the explainer video is often the most effective marketing investment: one-off production costs, years of use on websites, LinkedIn and trade fairs.
Article updated: February 2026
Solution: 2D animation standard, corporate design colors, 1 stylized character, screen recording integration, German voice-over, delivery in 16:9 and 9:16.
Cost: €5,800 | Production time: 5 weeks
Result: Landing page conversion increased from 2.1% to 4.7%, trial sign-ups +63% in 3 months.
Example 2: Mechanical engineers from the Rhine-Main region
Requirement: 60 seconds, explains the internal mechanism of a new filter system for trade fair appearances and investor presentations.
Solution: 3D visualization based on CAD data, stylized (no photoreal), voice-over German + English, neutral background music.
Cost: 14,500€ | Production time: 9 weeks
Result: 3 new customers at the Hannover Messe, one of them a major order worth €380,000. The video has been running unchanged for 2 years.
Beispiel 3: Krankenkasse für Mitglieder-Onboarding
Requirement: 3x 60 seconds each, explains services for different phases of life (young, family, 50+), should appear friendly and accessible.
Solution: 2D animation premium with 2 characters per video, consistent design world, voice-over with different speaker voices, subtitles automatically generated.
Cost: €26,400 (for all 3 videos, package discount) | Production time: 10 weeks
Result: Support requests for performance issues -34%, member satisfaction in onboarding +22 NPS points.
Produce an explainer video cheaply: Where it makes sense to save (and where not)
Hier dürfen Sie sparen
Stylization instead of photoreal: A stylized 3D video costs 30-40% less than a photorealistic representation and often even has more character. Photoreal is unnecessary for most industries.
Package production: Produce several videos in one order. Design world, characters and music bed are already there – each additional video costs 40-60% of the first.
Clear briefing instead of more revisions: Invest 2 hours in the briefing and save 3 rounds of revisions. This is the most profitable amount of time you can invest in an explainer video project.
Hier sollten Sie nicht sparen
Script and concept: A weak script makes even the best video ineffective. The script is the foundation – here you need experience with target group psychology and storytelling dramaturgy.
Voice-over: A poor-sounding voice destroys any professional impression. Professional voice-over from the recording studio is not a luxury, but a basic requirement.
Sound design: The difference between a video with and without professional sound design is dramatic – and often underestimated. Good music and a clean sound mix double the perceived quality.
Explanatory video vs. image film vs. recruiting video: What costs what?
For classification: A professional image film with 2 days of shooting is around €6,000-12,000. An explanatory video in the same price segment (2D standard) often delivers better conversion with a digital theme because it explains explicitly instead of showing atmospherically. Both have their raison d’être – the choice depends on the communication objective, not the budget alone.
Conclusion: What does an explainer video really cost in 2026?
For most B2B companies, the sensible budget for a first professional explainer video is around €5,000-9,000. This is enough for a standard 2D video with everything it needs: professional script, high-quality voice-over, clean sound design and corporate design integration.
If you need more depth, character animation or 3D visualization, you can realistically plan with €10,000-25,000. Those who are well served with a whiteboard will reach their goal from €2,500. The decisive factor is not the absolute budget, but the ratio of investment to communication objective.
Our tip: Don’t start with the budget, but with the question: What should the viewer think, feel and do after 90 seconds? The answer to this question determines the format and budget – not the other way around.
Planning an explainer video? Arrange a free consultation now
We advise you on your project without obligation – with a concrete offer and realistic timeline. No sales pitch, no hidden costs.
📞 0611 900 67 225 | ✉️ info@eigenart-filmproduktion.de
More about our explanatory video packages →
About Eigenart Filmproduktion: We have been producing explainer videos for companies in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, Mainz and the entire Rhine-Main region for over 21 years. 1,000+ completed projects, 4.95 stars on ProvenExpert.
Other locations: Berlin | Dortmund
FAQ: Explanatory video costs 2026
How long does it take to produce an explainer video? Standard 2D animation: 4-6 weeks. 3D visualization: 8-12 weeks. Whiteboard: 2-3 weeks. Express production possible with 30% surcharge.
Can I update the explanatory video at a later date? Yes. For animation, we archive all project files for 2 years. Texts, numbers and small scenes can be customized from 300€.
Do you write the script or do I have to provide it? The script is part of our service. We need a 30-minute briefing meeting – we take care of the rest.
Is an explainer video also worthwhile for smaller companies? For SMEs in particular, the explainer video is often the most effective marketing investment: one-off production costs, years of use on websites, LinkedIn and trade fairs.
Article updated: February 2026
Reading time: 8 minutes | Updated: February 2026
“How much does an explainer video cost?” – we are asked this question by entrepreneurs and marketing managers almost every day. And the honest answer is: it depends. A whiteboard video can cost €2,500, a photorealistic 3D animation can cost €25,000 and more. In this guide, you can find out what really determines the price – and where you can save without losing quality.
Explanatory video costs 2026: The overview by animation style
Unlike an image film, the animation style is what determines the price of an explainer video – not the number of shooting days. Every second of animation means manual work by graphic artists, animators and motion designers.
Whiteboard / scribble video: 2.500€ – 4.500€
The classic explainer video: A drawing hand brings content onto a white surface. Simple but effective – especially for processes requiring explanation in the B2B sector.
What you get: 60-90 seconds, script included, professional voice-over, royalty-free music, 1-2 correction loops, production in 2-3 weeks.
Which increases the price: Color versions instead of black and white (+15%), elaborate character drawings (+500-800€), multiple language versions (+400€/language).
Ideal for: Process demonstrations, internal training, quick FAQ videos, non-profit organizations with limited budgets.
2D animation standard (flat design): 4.500€ – 8.000€
Professional flat design with animated icons, infographics and corporate design integration. The most popular format for SaaS companies, service providers and B2B brands.
What you get: 90 seconds, fully integrated corporate design, storyboard included, voice-over and subtitles, sound design, 2 rounds of revisions, delivery in 3 formats (16:9, 9:16, 1:1), production in 4-6 weeks.
Which increases the price: More scenes and transitions, complex data visualizations, animated maps or diagrams.
Ideal for: Software products, digital services, complex B2B solutions, onboarding videos, landing pages.
2D-Animation Premium (Character Animation): 8.000€ – 14.000€
Fully animated characters that embody your target group and guide them through the story. Intricate but memorable – ideal for brands looking to build a strong visual identity.
What you get: 90-120 seconds, individually designed characters, complex motion sequences, detailed background worlds, premium voice-over, 3 rounds of revisions, all formats and lengths.
What increases the price: More than 2 characters (+1,500-2,500€ per character), multilingual versions, unusual animation styles (watercolor, risograph, etc.).
Ideal for: Emotional storytelling, healthcare, FinTech, employer branding, international campaigns.
Real shoot with motion graphics: €3,500 – €8,000
A presenter or expert explains in front of the camera, supplemented by animated graphics, screen recordings or superimposed data. Particularly effective for B2B software and technical products.
What you get: 1 day of shooting, green screen or location, teleprompter, screen recordings, motion graphics, professional editing, 2 rounds of revisions.
Ideal for: Software demos, tutorial videos, thought leadership content, companies that want to build trust through real faces.
3D visualization / CGI: 12.000€ – 25.000€+
The supreme discipline: photorealistic product representations, technical animations of machine interiors or architectural visualizations. Every second means days of rendering time and specialist knowledge.
What you get: 60-90 seconds of photorealistic animation, 360° views, CAD data integration possible, voice-over, 2 revision rounds, individual frames can be used as print templates.
What increases the price: Photoreal instead of stylized (+40%), animations of inner workings or hidden mechanisms, very short production time.
Ideal for: Mechanical engineering, medical technology, architecture, automotive, consumer goods product launches.
What does an explainer video really cost? The 6 real price drivers
The video length is surprisingly less decisive. These six factors determine the price far more:
1. animation complexity per scene
A static icon that floats in from the left: 10 minutes of work. A fully animated character that opens a door, walks through an office and interacts with a colleague: several hours. Rule of thumb: One second of high-quality character animation costs 150-400€ to produce.
2. number of scenes and cuts
A 90-second video can have 8 or 25 different scenes. More scene variety means more illustration work, more animation work, more consistency checks. A clear story structure saves money.
3. script and concept
Professional script writing is not a matter of course. It takes experience to write 90 words that explain things precisely, get people emotionally involved and call them to action. The script is included with reputable agencies, but often not with cheaper providers.
4. voice-over quality
Amateur vs. professional voice-over artist: the difference is enormous. A professional voice-over by a studio-trained voice-over artist costs €300-800 for 90 seconds – and is worth every penny. AI-generated voices are cheaper, but not yet a real alternative for high-quality corporate communication.
5. language versions
Each additional language means: new voice-over (400-600€), adaptation of timings and belly bands, quality control. If you are thinking internationally from the outset, you should consider multilingualism when commissioning a project – it will be more expensive afterwards.
6. number of correction loops
Every revision not included in the package costs extra – usually €300-600 per round. A good briefing in advance saves loops. The more precise your requirements at the start, the closer the result. Document with all requirements before the start: priceless.
Explainer video costs: Three realistic examples
Example 1: SaaS startup from Frankfurt, first explanatory video
Requirement: 75 seconds, explains the core feature of project management software, target group: team leaders in medium-sized companies.
Solution: 2D animation premium with 2 characters per video, consistent design world, voice-over with different speaker voices, subtitles automatically generated.
Cost: €26,400 (for all 3 videos, package discount) | Production time: 10 weeks
Result: Support requests for performance issues -34%, member satisfaction in onboarding +22 NPS points.
Produce an explainer video cheaply: Where it makes sense to save (and where not)
You can save here
Stylization instead of photoreal: A stylized 3D video costs 30-40% less than a photorealistic representation and often even has more character. Photoreal is unnecessary for most industries.
Package production: Produce several videos in one order. Design world, characters and music bed are already there – each additional video costs 40-60% of the first.
Clear briefing instead of more revisions: Invest 2 hours in the briefing and save 3 rounds of revisions. This is the most profitable amount of time you can invest in an explainer video project.
You should not save money here
Script and concept: A weak script makes even the best video ineffective. The script is the foundation – here you need experience with target group psychology and storytelling dramaturgy.
Voice-over: A poor-sounding voice destroys any professional impression. Professional voice-over from the recording studio is not a luxury, but a basic requirement.
Sound design: The difference between a video with and without professional sound design is dramatic – and often underestimated. Good music and a clean sound mix double the perceived quality.
Explanatory video vs. image film vs. recruiting video: What costs what?
For classification: A professional image film with 2 days of shooting is around €6,000-12,000. An explanatory video in the same price segment (2D standard) often delivers better conversion with a digital theme because it explains explicitly instead of showing atmospherically. Both have their raison d’être – the choice depends on the communication objective, not the budget alone.
Conclusion: What does an explainer video really cost in 2026?
For most B2B companies, the sensible budget for a first professional explainer video is around €5,000-9,000. This is enough for a standard 2D video with everything it needs: professional script, high-quality voice-over, clean sound design and corporate design integration.
If you need more depth, character animation or 3D visualization, you can realistically plan with €10,000-25,000. Those who are well served with a whiteboard will reach their goal from €2,500. The decisive factor is not the absolute budget, but the ratio of investment to communication objective.
Our tip: Don’t start with the budget, but with the question: What should the viewer think, feel and do after 90 seconds? The answer to this question determines the format and budget – not the other way around.
Planning an explainer video? Arrange a free consultation now
We advise you on your project without obligation – with a concrete offer and realistic timeline. No sales pitch, no hidden costs.
📞 0611 900 67 225 | ✉️ info@eigenart-filmproduktion.de
More about our explanatory video packages →
About Eigenart Filmproduktion: We have been producing explainer videos for companies in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, Mainz and the entire Rhine-Main region for over 21 years. 1,000+ completed projects, 4.95 stars on ProvenExpert.
Other locations: Berlin | Dortmund
FAQ: Explanatory video costs 2026
How long does it take to produce an explainer video? Standard 2D animation: 4-6 weeks. 3D visualization: 8-12 weeks. Whiteboard: 2-3 weeks. Express production possible with 30% surcharge.
Can I update the explanatory video at a later date? Yes. For animation, we archive all project files for 2 years. Texts, numbers and small scenes can be customized from 300€.
Do you write the script or do I have to provide it? The script is part of our service. We need a 30-minute briefing meeting – we take care of the rest.
Is an explainer video also worthwhile for smaller companies? For SMEs in particular, the explainer video is often the most effective marketing investment: one-off production costs, years of use on websites, LinkedIn and trade fairs.
Article updated: February 2026
Solution: 3D visualization based on CAD data, stylized (no photoreal), voice-over German + English, neutral background music.
Cost: 14,500€ | Production time: 9 weeks
Result: 3 new customers at the Hannover Messe, one of them a major order worth €380,000. The video has been running unchanged for 2 years.
Example 3: Health insurance for member onboarding
Requirement: 3x 60 seconds each, explains services for different phases of life (young, family, 50+), should appear friendly and accessible.
Solution: 2D animation premium with 2 characters per video, consistent design world, voice-over with different speaker voices, subtitles automatically generated.
Cost: €26,400 (for all 3 videos, package discount) | Production time: 10 weeks
Result: Support requests for performance issues -34%, member satisfaction in onboarding +22 NPS points.
Produce an explainer video cheaply: Where it makes sense to save (and where not)
Hier dürfen Sie sparen
Stylization instead of photoreal: A stylized 3D video costs 30-40% less than a photorealistic representation and often even has more character. Photoreal is unnecessary for most industries.
Package production: Produce several videos in one order. Design world, characters and music bed are already there – each additional video costs 40-60% of the first.
Clear briefing instead of more revisions: Invest 2 hours in the briefing and save 3 rounds of revisions. This is the most profitable amount of time you can invest in an explainer video project.
Hier sollten Sie nicht sparen
Script and concept: A weak script makes even the best video ineffective. The script is the foundation – here you need experience with target group psychology and storytelling dramaturgy.
Voice-over: A poor-sounding voice destroys any professional impression. Professional voice-over from the recording studio is not a luxury, but a basic requirement.
Sound design: The difference between a video with and without professional sound design is dramatic – and often underestimated. Good music and a clean sound mix double the perceived quality.
Explanatory video vs. image film vs. recruiting video: What costs what?
For classification: A professional image film with 2 days of shooting is around €6,000-12,000. An explanatory video in the same price segment (2D standard) often delivers better conversion with a digital theme because it explains explicitly instead of showing atmospherically. Both have their raison d’être – the choice depends on the communication objective, not the budget alone.
Conclusion: What does an explainer video really cost in 2026?
For most B2B companies, the sensible budget for a first professional explainer video is around €5,000-9,000. This is enough for a standard 2D video with everything it needs: professional script, high-quality voice-over, clean sound design and corporate design integration.
If you need more depth, character animation or 3D visualization, you can realistically plan with €10,000-25,000. Those who are well served with a whiteboard will reach their goal from €2,500. The decisive factor is not the absolute budget, but the ratio of investment to communication objective.
Our tip: Don’t start with the budget, but with the question: What should the viewer think, feel and do after 90 seconds? The answer to this question determines the format and budget – not the other way around.
Planning an explainer video? Arrange a free consultation now
We advise you on your project without obligation – with a concrete offer and realistic timeline. No sales pitch, no hidden costs.
📞 0611 900 67 225 | ✉️ info@eigenart-filmproduktion.de
More about our explanatory video packages →
About Eigenart Filmproduktion: We have been producing explainer videos for companies in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, Mainz and the entire Rhine-Main region for over 21 years. 1,000+ completed projects, 4.95 stars on ProvenExpert.
Other locations: Berlin | Dortmund
FAQ: Explanatory video costs 2026
How long does it take to produce an explainer video? Standard 2D animation: 4-6 weeks. 3D visualization: 8-12 weeks. Whiteboard: 2-3 weeks. Express production possible with 30% surcharge.
Can I update the explanatory video at a later date? Yes. For animation, we archive all project files for 2 years. Texts, numbers and small scenes can be customized from 300€.
Do you write the script or do I have to provide it? The script is part of our service. We need a 30-minute briefing meeting – we take care of the rest.
Is an explainer video also worthwhile for smaller companies? For SMEs in particular, the explainer video is often the most effective marketing investment: one-off production costs, years of use on websites, LinkedIn and trade fairs.
Article updated: February 2026
Solution: 2D animation standard, corporate design colors, 1 stylized character, screen recording integration, German voice-over, delivery in 16:9 and 9:16.
Cost: €5,800 | Production time: 5 weeks
Result: Landing page conversion increased from 2.1% to 4.7%, trial sign-ups +63% in 3 months.
Example 2: Mechanical engineers from the Rhine-Main region
Requirement: 60 seconds, explains the internal mechanism of a new filter system for trade fair appearances and investor presentations.
Solution: 3D visualization based on CAD data, stylized (no photoreal), voice-over German + English, neutral background music.
Cost: 14,500€ | Production time: 9 weeks
Result: 3 new customers at the Hannover Messe, one of them a major order worth €380,000. The video has been running unchanged for 2 years.
Beispiel 3: Krankenkasse für Mitglieder-Onboarding
Requirement: 3x 60 seconds each, explains services for different phases of life (young, family, 50+), should appear friendly and accessible.
Solution: 2D animation premium with 2 characters per video, consistent design world, voice-over with different speaker voices, subtitles automatically generated.
Cost: €26,400 (for all 3 videos, package discount) | Production time: 10 weeks
Result: Support requests for performance issues -34%, member satisfaction in onboarding +22 NPS points.
Produce an explainer video cheaply: Where it makes sense to save (and where not)
Hier dürfen Sie sparen
Stylization instead of photoreal: A stylized 3D video costs 30-40% less than a photorealistic representation and often even has more character. Photoreal is unnecessary for most industries.
Package production: Produce several videos in one order. Design world, characters and music bed are already there – each additional video costs 40-60% of the first.
Clear briefing instead of more revisions: Invest 2 hours in the briefing and save 3 rounds of revisions. This is the most profitable amount of time you can invest in an explainer video project.
Hier sollten Sie nicht sparen
Script and concept: A weak script makes even the best video ineffective. The script is the foundation – here you need experience with target group psychology and storytelling dramaturgy.
Voice-over: A poor-sounding voice destroys any professional impression. Professional voice-over from the recording studio is not a luxury, but a basic requirement.
Sound design: The difference between a video with and without professional sound design is dramatic – and often underestimated. Good music and a clean sound mix double the perceived quality.
Explanatory video vs. image film vs. recruiting video: What costs what?
For classification: A professional image film with 2 days of shooting is around €6,000-12,000. An explanatory video in the same price segment (2D standard) often delivers better conversion with a digital theme because it explains explicitly instead of showing atmospherically. Both have their raison d’être – the choice depends on the communication objective, not the budget alone.
Conclusion: What does an explainer video really cost in 2026?
For most B2B companies, the sensible budget for a first professional explainer video is around €5,000-9,000. This is enough for a standard 2D video with everything it needs: professional script, high-quality voice-over, clean sound design and corporate design integration.
If you need more depth, character animation or 3D visualization, you can realistically plan with €10,000-25,000. Those who are well served with a whiteboard will reach their goal from €2,500. The decisive factor is not the absolute budget, but the ratio of investment to communication objective.
Our tip: Don’t start with the budget, but with the question: What should the viewer think, feel and do after 90 seconds? The answer to this question determines the format and budget – not the other way around.
Planning an explainer video? Arrange a free consultation now
We advise you on your project without obligation – with a concrete offer and realistic timeline. No sales pitch, no hidden costs.
📞 0611 900 67 225 | ✉️ info@eigenart-filmproduktion.de
More about our explanatory video packages →
About Eigenart Filmproduktion: We have been producing explainer videos for companies in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, Mainz and the entire Rhine-Main region for over 21 years. 1,000+ completed projects, 4.95 stars on ProvenExpert.
Other locations: Berlin | Dortmund
FAQ: Explanatory video costs 2026
How long does it take to produce an explainer video? Standard 2D animation: 4-6 weeks. 3D visualization: 8-12 weeks. Whiteboard: 2-3 weeks. Express production possible with 30% surcharge.
Can I update the explanatory video at a later date? Yes. For animation, we archive all project files for 2 years. Texts, numbers and small scenes can be customized from 300€.
Do you write the script or do I have to provide it? The script is part of our service. We need a 30-minute briefing meeting – we take care of the rest.
Is an explainer video also worthwhile for smaller companies? For SMEs in particular, the explainer video is often the most effective marketing investment: one-off production costs, years of use on websites, LinkedIn and trade fairs.
Article updated: February 2026