How to Find the Best Explainer Video Agencies

At its core, an explainer video agency is a creative partner that takes your complex ideas and transforms them into short, sharp, and engaging videos. They’re a fully outsourced video department, handling everything from the initial strategy and scriptwriting all the way through animation and sound design.

What Explainer Video Agencies Actually Do

It’s easy to think of an agency as just a video vendor, but that’s missing the bigger picture. Think of them more like a strategic architect for your message. Their real job isn't just to make something that looks nice; it's to build a communication tool that solves a specific business problem. That could mean boosting conversions, cutting down on support tickets, or finally making your SaaS product click for new users.

Agencies are the bridge between your deep, internal expertise and your audience's need for clarity. You know your product inside and out, but sometimes, being that close to it makes it harder to explain simply. A good agency brings a crucial outside perspective, cutting through the jargon to find the core value and spin it into a story that resonates with people who are hearing it for the first time.

Beyond Animation: The Strategic Partnership

The true value of a top explainer video agency is the sheer breadth of expertise they bring to the table. They bundle several key roles into one streamlined service, offering a collection of skills that would be incredibly difficult and expensive to hire for in-house.

This integrated approach typically includes:

• Marketing Strategists to make sure the video is aimed at the right audience and built to achieve a specific business goal.
• Expert Storytellers and Scriptwriters who know how to craft a narrative that grabs and holds attention.
• Art Directors and Illustrators who develop a unique visual language that feels true to your brand.
• Animators who bring the story to life with smooth, professional motion.
• Sound Designers and Voiceover Artists who add that final layer of polish and emotional punch.

This fusion of talent is what separates a professional, high-performing video from a DIY attempt. The agency acts as the conductor, orchestrating all these specialists and managing the project from start to finish. The result isn't just a video; it's a marketing asset built to perform. You can see how all these pieces come together by exploring the full scope of explainer video production.

Why This Matters for Your Business

This specialized approach has a massive impact. The market for explainer videos is growing fast because they solve a fundamental business need: clear communication that can scale. The data backs this up, with 73% of video marketers reporting that explainer videos are the most common format they create. This isn't just a fad; it’s a real shift in how companies connect with their customers.

For startups, in particular, this format is a game-changer. Research shows that 38% of US startup leaders use explainer videos for brand awareness, and another 36% use them for lead generation. This shows just how versatile they are across the entire marketing funnel. You can dig deeper into these video marketing statistics and see how they're shaping business strategy.

In the end, what an explainer video agency delivers goes far beyond just production. They provide clarity, strategic thinking, and a powerful tool designed to get you measurable results in a very crowded marketplace.

How an Explainer Video Agency Actually Works

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at a professional explainer video agency? It’s not just about hitting record. The process is a carefully mapped-out journey that turns a business idea into a sharp, compelling visual story.

Think of it like building a custom home. You wouldn't just start throwing up walls without a solid blueprint, right? The same goes for video. It all starts with a plan.

The entire workflow is built on collaboration and smart checkpoints. Each step logically follows the last, making sure the final video is perfectly in tune with your goals, your brand, and your audience. This methodical approach means fewer surprises and a much better chance of creating something that actually delivers results.

This is the high-level flow, taking a raw idea and turning it into a strategic asset.

As you can see, it's a strategic process from start to finish—not just a creative one.

The Strategic Foundation

The journey always kicks off with discovery. A great agency will dive deep into your world, almost like a business consultant, long before any creative tools are opened. This phase is all about nailing down the "why" behind the video.

They’ll use initial workshops and kickoff calls to hash out the essentials:

• Target Audience: Who are we really talking to? What keeps them up at night?
• Core Message: If the viewer remembers only one thing, what should it be?
• Business Goal: What do we want people to do after watching (e.g., book a demo, sign up)?
• Brand Voice: What’s the personality? Are you witty, serious, or empathetic?

Once that strategic frame is locked in, they move on to the script. The script is the absolute backbone of the entire video. A solid script tells a story, highlights a problem, presents your solution, and wraps up with a clear call to action—all while keeping things snappy, usually around 150 words per minute of video.

The Creative Blueprint

With the script approved, it's time to start visualizing. This is where the words on the page begin to take shape, ensuring everyone is on the same page before the heavy lifting of animation starts.

First up is the storyboard. This is basically a comic book version of your video, a sequence of sketches mapping out every single scene. It shows the flow, character actions, and key transitions, letting you weigh in on the pacing and structure early on.

Next, you get style frames. These are a handful of fully designed, polished still images that set the final look and feel. They lock in the color palette, illustration style, and character design, becoming the visual north star for the whole project.

This blueprinting phase is absolutely critical. Jumping straight from a script to animation is one of the most common reasons projects go off the rails, leading to endless revisions and a video that completely misses the mark.

Core Production and Final Polish

Once the blueprint gets the green light, the production engine fires up. This is where the real magic happens, as specialized artists bring the whole thing to life. For a deeper dive into all the technical steps, check out our complete guide to the animation process.

This stage typically breaks down into four key steps:

1. Professional Voiceover: A pro artist records the script, setting the tone and pacing that the animators will follow.
2. Illustration: Artists create all the visual assets—characters, backgrounds, icons—based on the approved style frames.
3. Animation: The illustrators' static assets are handed off to animators who make everything move, creating the fluid transitions and effects.
4. Sound Design: To finish it off, sound effects and a custom music track are layered in to boost the emotional impact and make the experience complete.

Many modern agencies are also exploring new tools to speed things up. For anyone curious about these tech-driven alternatives, checking out the best AI video generators can offer some interesting insights.

Ultimately, this detailed journey from a simple idea to a polished, strategic video is exactly what you’re paying for with a true agency partner.

How to Evaluate and Choose the Right Agency

Picking the right explainer video agency feels like a high-stakes decision because, well, it is. You're not just buying a video. You're handing over your brand’s story and a good chunk of your marketing budget to a partner you need to trust. A flashy portfolio can be misleading, so you have to look past the highlight reel to find a true strategic partner.

Think of it less like picking a vendor and more like hiring a key team member. The right agency acts as an extension of your marketing team, bringing in specialized skills and a fresh perspective that's vital for creating content that actually connects. The wrong one? That path leads to missed deadlines, blown budgets, and a final video that just doesn't land.

This whole process is a balancing act, weighing creative talent against solid project management and communication skills.

Look Beyond the Portfolio

A slick demo reel is just the price of entry. Every agency is going to show you their greatest hits, but your job is to dig deeper and see if their strategic thinking aligns with what you actually need. Don't just watch their videos—break them down.

As you review their work, ask yourself:

• Is there a strategy here? Does the video clearly nail a problem and present a solution, or is it just a bunch of cool animations strung together?
• How’s the storytelling? Can you follow the narrative without getting lost? A great explainer makes a complicated topic feel simple and obvious.
• Is their style flexible? Do all their videos have the same vibe, or can they adapt their creative style to fit different brands and industries?
• Have they worked in your world? Do they have experience with B2B, SaaS, or tech companies like yours? An agency that already speaks your language will get up to speed much faster.

This kind of analysis helps you see past the surface polish and really gauge their ability to think like a marketer, not just an artist.

Assess Their Process and Communication

A beautiful video is worthless if the process to create it is a total nightmare. The best explainer video agencies have a clear, structured workflow that keeps you in the loop and in control every step of the way. If they can't clearly articulate their process, that's a huge red flag.

The explainer video world is full of different players. You've got established names like Wyzowl, known for a super-structured process that delivers consistency, and then you have newer studios like Content Beta, which has quickly made a mark by serving over 170 B2B tech brands. This variety means you can find a partner that fits your specific needs, whether you want a small boutique or a large-scale production house.

A great agency process is built on clear communication and defined feedback loops. You should always know what’s happening next, what they need from you, and when to expect the next deliverable.

As you explore options, you might come across agencies like ShortGenius, which likely focuses on creating short, punchy video content. Regardless of their specialty, their communication style is what really matters. Are they responsive? Do they ask smart questions? Your first call with them is the best chance you'll get to see how they operate.

Critical Questions for Your Discovery Call

That first discovery call is your interview. Don't just show up and ask about price. Come prepared with questions that get to the heart of how they work. For a full rundown, check out our guide on how to choose a video production company.

Here are a few must-ask questions to get you started:

1. "Can you walk me through your entire production process, step-by-step?"Listen for distinct phases like scripting, storyboarding, design, and animation, and make sure they mention specific client approval points for each one.
2. "How do you handle client feedback and revisions?"You want a partner who sees feedback as part of the collaborative process, not a chore. Ask how many rounds of revisions are included at each stage.
3. "Who will be my main point of contact?"Knowing you'll have a dedicated project manager is huge for keeping communication clear and holding someone accountable.
4. "What happens if we hit unexpected delays?"Their answer tells you a lot about their problem-solving skills and whether they're committed to being a transparent partner when things don't go perfectly.
5. "Who owns the final video and all the source files?"This is a big one. Your contract should state, without a doubt, that you get full ownership and all the working files once the final payment is made.

Choosing the right agency sets the foundation for your entire project. By looking at their strategic depth, communication style, and project management, you can find a partner who delivers not just a great video, but a great experience along the way.

Agency vs. In-House vs. Subscription: Which is Right for You?

Figuring out how to get your next explainer video made isn't just a creative task—it's a major business decision. The route you choose will directly shape your budget, your timeline, and ultimately, how well the final video performs.

You’ve got three main paths you can take: hiring a specialized explainer video agency, building out your own in-house team, or tapping into a subscription service. Each one comes with its own unique set of pros and cons. Let's break down how they stack up so you can find the perfect fit for your goals and resources.

The Dedicated Agency Model

Going with an explainer video agency is like calling in a special ops team for a high-stakes mission. You’re not just hiring one person; you’re getting an entire squad of experts—strategists, scriptwriters, illustrators, animators, and sound designers—who do this day in and day out. Their whole operation is a well-oiled machine built to transform a complex idea into a polished, high-performing video.

This model is the go-to when quality and strategic thinking are absolute must-haves.

• What's great: You get instant access to top-tier, specialized talent without the headaches and overhead of hiring full-time employees. The final product is a strategic asset, sharpened by years of experience across countless industries.
• What's not: This is usually the priciest option on a per-project basis. Timelines are also structured, often running 6 to 10 weeks, which might not work if you're in a huge rush.

An agency is your best bet for cornerstone projects—think a homepage video, a major product launch, or a critical sales tool where the ROI from a premium video easily justifies the upfront cost.

The In-House Team Approach

Building an in-house video team is a serious long-term play. It’s like deciding to build your own factory instead of outsourcing the manufacturing. The biggest upside is total brand immersion and control. Your team lives and breathes your company culture every single day, which means the content they create will be perfectly in sync with your brand voice.

But this path comes with some hefty price tags. The cost of hiring just a skilled motion designer, a writer, and a project manager can easily sail past $250,000 a year in salaries and benefits, and that's before you even buy the software and hardware.

The real challenge with in-house teams is what I call the "specialist gap." One incredibly talented motion designer can't also be an expert scriptwriter, storyboard artist, sound designer, and 3D animator all at once. This often creates bottlenecks or a dip in quality in certain parts of the production process.

The Rise of Subscription Services

Subscription-based video services have popped up as a flexible, budget-friendly alternative. For a flat monthly fee, you get ongoing access to a creative team. This makes budgeting predictable and allows for a steady flow of content, perfect for companies that need a constant stream of videos for social media, content marketing, or internal updates.

This model is all about volume and speed. If you need a high quantity of creative assets, services offering unlimited video design services can be a fantastic, scalable solution.

The trade-off, however, is often strategic depth. Subscription services are brilliant at executing well-defined briefs, but they typically don't provide the deep strategic discovery and high-touch project management you'd get from a traditional agency.

To make the decision clearer, it helps to see these models side-by-side.

Comparing Video Production Models: Agency vs. In-House vs. Subscription

Ultimately, there’s no single "best" choice—only the best choice for you. An agency delivers a premium, strategic masterpiece. An in-house team provides deep brand alignment and control. And a subscription service offers speed, volume, and predictability.

Understanding Agency Pricing, Timelines, and Deliverables

When you start talking to explainer video agencies, the conversation always finds its way to two big questions: "How much is this going to cost?" and "How long will it take?" The answers aren't just numbers pulled out of thin air. They're a direct reflection of the creative horsepower needed to turn your idea into a finished video.

Think of it like hiring an artist. A quick pencil sketch is one thing; a detailed oil painting is something else entirely. The same goes for video. A simple 2D animation using stock elements will have a completely different price tag and production schedule than a fully custom-illustrated video with fluid character movements and a bespoke soundtrack.

What Really Drives Explainer Video Costs

A few key factors are the real drivers behind the final price of your explainer video. Getting a handle on these will help you set a realistic budget and make sense of the quotes you get back from different agencies. If you want to go really deep on this, check out our complete guide on explainer video cost.

Here's what moves the needle the most:

• Animation Complexity: A straightforward motion graphics video with icons and text takes a lot less work than one with custom character design, smooth character animation, and detailed scenery. And when you get into 3D animation, you're looking at the highest tier of both complexity and cost.
• Video Length: It's simple math—the longer the video, the more work is required at every single stage. That means more time scripting, storyboarding, illustrating, animating, and designing sound. Most agencies will price their projects in 60 or 90-second chunks.
• Creative Style: If you're after a truly unique visual style, it's going to require more upfront concept work and custom illustration compared to a more standard, off-the-shelf look.
• Timeline Urgency: Need it yesterday? Expect to pay for it. Rush fees are standard in this business. A tight deadline means the agency might have to pay its team overtime or shuffle other projects around, and that cost gets passed on to you.

A Typical Production Timeline

While no two projects are identical, a standard 60-90 second animated explainer video usually takes about 6 to 10 weeks to get from the initial kickoff meeting to the final file delivery. That timeframe isn't just for the creative work; it's carefully planned to include crucial rounds of feedback and approvals from you, the client.

A well-run project timeline will look something like this:

1. Discovery & Scripting (1-2 Weeks): This is where we get into the weeds of your goals and audience. Then, it's all about writing and refining the script until it's perfect.
2. Storyboarding & Style Frames (1-2 Weeks): We start visualizing the script, scene by scene, and lock in the final look and feel of your video.
3. Voiceover & Illustration (1-2 Weeks): A professional voiceover is recorded, and our illustrators create all the custom digital assets for the video.
4. Animation (2-3 Weeks): This is the most time-intensive part of the process, where animators bring every element to life.
5. Sound Design & Final Revisions (1 Week): Finally, we add music, sound effects, and make any last-minute tweaks based on your feedback.

What to Expect in Your Final Deliverables

Once the project is wrapped up, you should get more than just a single video file. A professional agency will make sure you have everything you need to put your new video to work. Your contract should spell out exactly what assets you'll own at the end.

Your final package should be a toolkit, not just a single file. Ensure your agreement specifies ownership of not just the final MP4, but also key source files and social media cutdowns to maximize your investment.

The market for these video services is massive, catering to everyone from huge corporations to brand-new startups. It's interesting to see how needs differ; for example, market analysis shows that 42% of startup leaders feel that whiteboard animation connects best with their audience. This varied demand is fueling a strong industry, which you can learn more about in the online explainer video software market report.

Common Questions About Hiring an Explainer Video Agency

Jumping into a partnership with an explainer video agency is a big move, so it’s totally normal to have a few questions before you sign on the dotted line. Getting those answers upfront doesn't just manage expectations; it paves the way for a partnership that actually works.

We’ve pulled together some of the most common questions that pop up when businesses are thinking about hiring a pro agency. These answers should clear things up and give you the confidence you need to take the next step.

How Long Does a 90-Second Explainer Video Take?

For a professionally produced, 90-second animated explainer video, you should plan on a timeline of 6 to 10 weeks from kickoff to final delivery. That timeline isn't just a random number—it’s built to ensure every stage gets the attention it needs and to give you plenty of opportunities for feedback.

Here’s a rough breakdown of how that schedule usually plays out:

• Discovery and Scripting: 1–2 weeks
• Storyboarding and Design: 1–2 weeks
• Illustration and Voiceover: 1–2 weeks
• Animation: 2–3 weeks
• Sound Design and Revisions: 1 week

Sure, some agencies might promise a faster turnaround for an extra fee, but this standard timeframe is what prevents rushed work and creative compromises. It's how you get a polished, high-performing video instead of just a passable one.

What Is the Biggest Mistake to Avoid?

The single most common—and costly—mistake is picking an explainer video agency just because they have a cool portfolio and a low price tag. A great video is always the result of a great partnership, not just raw talent.

It's a recipe for disaster to ignore how an agency communicates, manages projects, or handles client feedback. This oversight leads to endless friction, blown deadlines, and a final video that completely misses the mark on your strategic goals.

Always prioritize process over portfolio. Before you sign anything, get a rock-solid understanding of how the agency works, who you'll be talking to, and how they handle revisions. A smooth process is non-negotiable.

Who Owns the Final Video and Its Source Files?

This is a big one. You need to get this spelled out in your contract to dodge any future headaches or legal tangles. Typically, once you’ve made the final payment, you’ll own the full rights to the finished video, which is usually delivered as an MP4 file.

But what about the source files? The character illustrations, background assets, and animation project files are a different story. Some agencies hand them over as part of the deal, while others hold onto them or charge an extra fee for their release. Get this clarified from the get-go so you know you're getting every asset you need.