- Author: Umair Malik
Date: Nov 3, 2023 - Category : 2D Animation, Animation Studios
You’ve probably noticed 2D animation is everywhere, from YouTube ads to mobile apps, explainer videos to onboarding tutorials. And it’s no surprise, as animation is fun and versatile.
According to Grand View Research, the animation market is growing at over 5% each year, and 2D still holds a strong share thanks to its versatility and affordability. With global demand rising each year, one question, how much 2D Animation costs comes up immediately if you’re serious about creating an animated video for your business or product.
Well, in this guide, we will walk you through how much does animation costs. You’ll learn what goes into each production stage, how 2D Animation cost per minute varies by location, and what to expect when working with a studio in this detailed animation cost guide.
The 2D animation costs per minute fall between $1,000 and $7,000 per minute, with simple explainers starting around $2,500 and high-end projects reaching $8,000 or more.
But it’s not just about animation. Your total cost of 2D animated explainer videos for business includes scriptwriting, visuals, voiceover, editing, and sometimes even strategy. The scope of work drives the price.
Here’s a simple 2D animation pricing breakdown of what makes up the total cost:
| Animation Style | Per Second Cost | Per Minute Cost | Description |
| Basic Motion Graphics | $20 – $50 | $1,200 to $3,000 | Simple icons, transitions, and minimal detail |
| Whiteboard Animation | $25 – $60 | $1,500 to $3,500 | Hand-drawn style with narration |
| Explainer Video (2D) | $50 – $100 | $3,000 – $6,000 | Custom branding, voiceover, light characters |
| 2D Character Animation | $60 – $120 | $3,500 – $7,000 | Lip sync, full body motion, scenes |
| Frame-by-Frame 2D | $120 – $250 or above | $7,000 – $15,000 | Hand-drawn premium storytelling |
| Commercial/Ad-Grade | $150 – $300 | $9,000 – $20,000 | TV or YouTube ads with polish & effects |
Always ask what’s included in each phase. The price of 2D animation depends heavily on scope, timeline, and revisions, not just duration.
Now, let’s break down the drivers behind animation pricing. As you’ll see, 2D animation cost per minute is not just about how long the video is, as seven key factors like complexity, art style, animator experience, region, scope, revisions, and end use. Each one can push the price up or down depending on how custom or high-end the project is.
According to DesignRush, studios in the US can charge between $3,000 and $10,000 per minute based on these factors, with complexity being the top driver.
A simple icon video costs less than one with characters, complex scenes, and custom backgrounds. If you’re asking for Pixar-level movement, be ready to pay.
You’ll pay less for simple vector or cartoon styles. But the more realistic or shaded the visuals, the more labor-intensive the work becomes.
You might save money with a solo freelancer, but working with an experienced studio often means tighter delivery, polished storytelling, and higher quality. Why? Because the type of 2D animation software they use, like Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, or Moho, all affect the price of 2D animation in a big way.
Hiring a animation studio in Los Angeles or New York can double your budget compared to working with someone in Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia.
Rewrites, redrafts, and design tweaks can balloon your budget. Most studios include 1–2 free rounds, then charge per change. So the more prepared you are upfront, the better.
A 30-second video is more expensive compared to a full 10-minute series. Longer projects often unlock lower rates per minute. It’s like buying in bulk, so the more minutes you order, the better the deal.
Since commercial use costs more, a 2D animated explainer video for internal training will be cheaper than an ad running on TV or YouTube. High visibility means higher licensing and creative fees.
The reason why animation costs money is the time, talent, and tools, not just what you see on screen. Even a simple 60-second video takes 50+ hours of skilled work during the pre-production, production, and post-production phases of 2D animation.
This is where your money goes during a typical 2D animation project.
| Step | What Happens | Typical Cost |
| Scriptwriting | Ideas, brand voice, storytelling structure | $100 – $500 |
| Storyboarding | Frame-by-frame visual plan | $300 – $1,000 |
| Style development | Concept art, design directions | $200 – $800 |
| Step | What Happens | Typical Cost |
| Character design | Custom characters, props, and scene elements | $500 – $1,500 |
| Animation | Bringing it all to life, frame by frame | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Voiceover | US voice talent, synced with visuals | $150 – $500 |
| Step | Tasks Included | Avg. Cost |
| Sound design | Music, effects, mixing | $200 – $1,000 |
| Editing & timing | Sync, polish, transitions | $100 – $700 |
| Subtitles/exporting | Captions, formats for web or social | $100 – $400 |
The price of 2D animation isn’t only considered labor. It takes into account animation types, revision cycles, strategy, and quality.
The cost of 2D animation per minute varies based on location. In the US, studios charge between $3,000 and $10,000 per minute compared to India or the Philippines, where you can get similar videos for $500 to $3,000.
According to DesignRush, US agencies typically include creative direction, tighter revision cycles, and dedicated project managers in their pricing.
| Region | Cost/Min (USD) | Pros | Considerations |
| USA/Canada | $3,000 – $10,000 | High-quality work, fluent communication | Higher rates, stricter revision limits |
| Western Europe | $2,500 – $8,000 | Skilled creatives, mid-range pricing | May still have time zone delays |
| Eastern Europe | $1,000 – $4,000 | Strong design talent, affordable rates | Variable quality, longer turnaround |
| Asia | $500 – $3,000 | Low-cost, flexible teams | Time zones, revision scope may be limited |
The 2D animation cost per minute also depends on the makers. You’ve got options ranging from free DIY tools to Disney-level studios, and pricing varies wildly.
Freelancers charge as little as $50, while large studios can go up to $500,000 per minute. Most businesses fall somewhere in the middle, hiring small or mid-sized studios.
Just exploring or working on an MVP? Platforms like Animaker, Canva, or Powtoon let you build simple animations starting at $0. Yes, you read that right, free. But it’s best suited for basic internal content, pitch decks, or social media drafts. Don’t expect Hollywood.
Freelancers charge $20 to $300 per minute for basic/affordable 2D animation videos. A new animator does simple work for around $20–$50. On the other hand, experienced 2d animation services like character animation, sound, and storytelling can cost $400–$500 per minute.
Smaller animation studios cost $1,000 to $30,000 per minute based on the style and project scope. For social or branded content, most fall between $1,500 and $6,000. High-end boutique studios often start at $8,000 or more.
At BuzzFlick, we helped Luckmon, a blockchain-powered loyalty platform, turn a complex concept into an engaging animated explainer.
Client Requirements:
Our Process with Cost Breakdown:
Total: $5,250
Results:
Now you can see how working with a small, focused team can deliver professional results without breaking your marketing budget.
Famous studios like Disney or Nickelodeon can cost $100,000 to $500,000 per minute, especially for TV or film.
In some cases, they spent over $1 million per minute on hand-drawn sequences for animated films, backed by full teams, directors, and revision cycles. According to Animation World Network, TV-quality 2D animation often requires 100+ artists, and the cost scales with production time, resolution, and delivery channels.
Know the rates of animators, now let’s zoom in on where you might need animation and what it’ll likely cost. The 2D animation cost per minute for a social media clip is cheaper than a full explainer or commercial, falling between $500 and $20,000 per minute, depending on the goal.
If you’re pitching a product or explaining a platform, a 60 to 90-second 2D animated explainer video runs $1,500 to $6,000 per minute, depending on the template visuals or custom-made.
Short-form, affordable 2D animation videos made for Instagram or YouTube Shorts cost $500 to $2,000, depending on the style.
An explainer video focuses on educating about a product/service, or process priced at $2,000 to $8,000 per minute. But a commercial ad for YouTube, streaming platforms, or broadcast can cost $10,000 to $25,000 plus per minute.
According to Wyzowl’s 2024 report, explainer videos are 35% more cost-efficient than ads when it comes to driving conversions, but they’re not meant for the same job
1.How much does 30 seconds of 2D animation cost?
On average, 30 seconds of 2D animation costs around $3,500, but it can range from $1,000 to $6,000 depending on the style, complexity, voiceover, and revision rounds.
2. How much does a 1-minute 2D animation cost?
A 1-minute 2D animation typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000 from mid-level studios, while high-end productions can reach $25,000 based on quality and detail.
3. How much do 2D animators charge per minute?
Freelancers may charge $50 to $3,000 per minute, whereas professional studios range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the animation complexity and services included.
4. How long does it take to create a 1-minute 2D animation?
It usually takes 3 to 6 weeks to produce a 1-minute 2D animation, depending on the animation style, complexity, and number of revisions.
By now, you get the idea that the 2D animation price per minute includes everything: scriptwriting, custom visuals, animation, voice, and edits. It takes a team to make one minute work well.
At BuzzFlick, we’ve helped early-stage startups and global brands like Microsoft and Qatar Airways to bring their ideas to life, explain complex ideas, launch new products, and build brand trust.We don’t use templates to rush jobs. Our portfolio showcases our team’s expertise in making videos that connect and look great while doing it.
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