Explainer videos don't have to be expensive to be effective. A clear story, focused design, and streamlined production are key. Here's how to achieve high-quality results on a limited budget – without compromising on impact or clarity.
Clarify cost framework & find approach
Define your goal, message, and budget in 15–20 minutes—and quickly find the right solution (animation, whiteboard, or streamlined hybrid format).
Why inexpensive explainer videos work – if you build them correctly
A good explainer video rarely thrives on "more effects" but rather on a clean structure: one idea per scene, short sentences, and clear transitions. This reduces cognitive load and ensures the core message sticks. This is especially important when budget and time are tight.
Three approaches have proven successful in implementation: a compact , animated explainer video , a minimalist whiteboard style , or a streamlined hybrid version with icons, typography, and a few animated elements. The key is not the technology itself, but rather that it makes the content easier —not more difficult.
More reading material: Have an explainer video created · Minimize costs for explainer videos · Explainer video layering technique
The big budget levers: Story, running time, reuse
- Story first: A clear script accelerates every subsequent phase. Fewer loops, fewer reboots, and less design drift.
- Limit the running time: 60–90 seconds is often sufficient. Shorter lengths force focus and reduce production costs.
- Reuse assets: thumbnails, social snippets, GIF loops: one production, many formats – this reduces unit costs.
Using AI sensibly – where it saves money (and where it’s better not to)
AI helps with idea sketches , text shortening , and rough storyboards , as well as variants for subtitles or snippet texts. This saves time in the early stages.
AI is less suitable where brand precision and visual consistency are paramount. Here, curated fine-tuning ensures reliable results.
Design: Reduction creates speed
A simple, recognizable design (limited color palette, clear typography, consistent pictograms) is not only cheaper but often more effective. The whiteboard style is a winning choice for didactic content, while a sleek icon/flat design is ideal for benefit-based presentations. Examples and areas of application can also be found under Explainer Videos .
How to keep the process short – without compromises
- Short briefing: goal, target group, “What should be understood/decided at the end?”
- Script (~180–220 words/min): Everyday language, one message per scene, clear transitions.
- Raw storyboard: Keyframes with placeholders; early coordination saves late corrections.
- Production & VO: Illustration/animation, choice of speakers to match the tone, subtitles taken directly into account.
- Versioning: 16:9 for web, 1:1/4:5 for feeds, 9:16 for stories. Direct snippets.
Short FAQ
How long should an inexpensive explainer video be?
In many cases, 60–90 seconds is sufficient. Shorter content forces you to prioritize—and that's often what makes the video stronger.
How do I recognize a good script?
Clear transitions, minimal jargon, and a visible “How it helps you” moment in every scene.
When is whiteboard worthwhile, when is animation worthwhile?
Whiteboard for step-by-step instructions and onboarding; animation for benefits, features, and modular product logic.
Your explainer video – leanly planned, cleanly implemented
Clarify the goal and format, prioritize content, and plan multiple outputs. Understandably, brand-aligned, and efficient.
Explanation video with laying technology: inspire employees & audience!
Minimize costs explanatory video: Tips for clever productions
