Quick answer: To choose an explainer video company, compare five things: creative expertise (work in the style you want), industry experience, how they communicate and run the process, production quality, and how much they customize (custom work, not templates). Then compare what’s actually included in the price, such as script, storyboard, voiceover and revisions, not just the headline number. At Gisteo, a custom 60-second animated explainer costs $3,500–$5,000 with all of that included, typically takes 2–6 weeks, and is backed by a money-back guarantee.
Picture this: You’re trying to explain your complex business idea to a potential investor, but their eyes are glazing over. Sound familiar? That’s where explainer videos come in handy.
Research on multimedia learning, such as Richard E. Mayer’s work at UC Santa Barbara, consistently finds that people understand and remember information better from words combined with visuals than from words alone. This stark difference highlights why explainer videos have become a go-to tool for businesses of all sizes.
Think of explainer videos as a short, engaging animations that break down complex ideas into bite-sized, visual stories. It’s like having a skilled storyteller condense your entire business pitch into a captivating 90-second narrative.
As our digital world evolves, visual content has become the cornerstone of effective marketing. However, with so many explainer video companies out there, how do you choose the right partner to bring your message to life?
Enter the Gisteo Framework – a method we’ve developed to help you navigate this decision-making process and help you choose the best explainer video company for your needs. Ready to discover how this approach can elevate your marketing efforts? Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Explainer Video Landscape
Explainer videos aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in various styles, each with its own strengths:
1. 2D animation: Perfect for simplifying complex concepts
2. 3D animation: Ideal for showcasing physical products
3. Whiteboard animation: Great for step-by-step explanations
4. Motion graphics: Excellent for data visualization
5. Live-action with animated elements: Combines real-world context with visual enhancements
Why should you consider using explainer videos?
Explainer videos work because they do two jobs at once: they show and they tell. In practice, a good explainer helps you:
- Get the idea across fast: a 60–90 second video can replace a page of copy or the first 10 minutes of a sales call.
- Keep the message consistent: every prospect hears the same clear pitch, on your homepage, in a sales email or at a trade show.
- Make complex products feel simple: especially useful for software, fintech, healthcare and other technical offers.
From tech startups explaining innovative products to healthcare companies simplifying complex medical procedures, explainer videos have found their place across diverse industries. As demand grows, so does the number of production companies vying for business attention.
Custom Studio or Template Shop? How to Tell the Difference
The biggest split in this market isn’t price. It’s whether a company builds your video from scratch or drops your logo into a pre-made template. Templates can be fine for a quick social clip. For a video that has to explain your product and win customers, you want a studio that takes the time to understand what you sell. Signs you’re talking to a custom studio:
- They ask about your business before they talk about style: your audience, your sales process and the one thing viewers should do after watching.
- The script comes first. A custom studio writes (or sharpens) your script and lets you approve it before anything is drawn.
- You see a storyboard. You approve the visuals frame by frame before animation starts.
- Their portfolio doesn’t all look the same. If every video uses the same characters and backgrounds, that’s a template library.
- They tie the video to a goal, such as sign-ups, demo requests, shorter sales calls or fewer support tickets. A video that only “looks nice” is a cost; a video built around a goal is an investment.
At Gisteo, every project starts with a discovery call and a script, and every frame is designed for that client. You can see the range in our portfolio.
The Gisteo Framework: A Comprehensive Evaluation Tool
Choosing the best explainer video company can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. That’s why we’ve developed the Gisteo Framework – a method to assess potential partners based on five key components:
1. Creative Expertise
Think of creative expertise as the secret sauce that transforms complex concepts into engaging narratives. When evaluating the best explainer video company for your unique needs, look for:
– Storytelling techniques that make you say “aha!”
– A range of animation styles to suit different needs
– The ability to capture your brand’s unique voice
At Gisteo, we pride ourselves on our creative chops. For instance, we recently created an explainer video for a startup that boosted user sign-ups by 45%. How? By using playful 2D animation and relatable characters to turn complex concepts into a story that viewers couldn’t resist.
2. Industry Experience
Industry experience is like a good wine – it gets better with age. When assessing a company’s expertise, consider:
– Relevant examples in their portfolio
– Familiarity with industry-specific jargon
– A track record of tackling unique sector challenges
Our team at Gisteo has worked with clients ranging from tech giants like SAP to healthcare innovators. This diverse experience allows us to tackle complex subjects across various fields with confidence.
For example, we created a video for a pharmaceutical company explaining a new drug’s mechanism of action. By drawing on our experience in medical animations, we produced a video that both healthcare professionals and patients found informative and accessible.
3. Client Communication
Clear communication is the foundation of any successful project. Look for a company that:
– Responds promptly to your inquiries
– Is transparent about project timelines and processes
– Welcomes and incorporates your feedback
At Gisteo, we believe in keeping the lines of communication wide open. Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what Justin Bradshaw, Marketing Director at Talkable Communities, had to say:
“My company worked with Gisteo for a 90 second animated explainer video. After 10 or more consultations with different video production companies, we decided to go with Gisteo – they were affordable, transparent, and had a collection of videos that were very impressive. The team at Gisteo, and Stephen specifically, impressed us every single step of the way. They listened, responded in a timely and concise manner, and delivered the highest quality product. We had a very short timeline to get this video launched and they were able to cut through the noise and capture our message in a way that was relatable and exciting. Can’t recommend Gisteo enough. We will be back 🙂 ”
4. Production Quality
The technical aspects of video production can make or break your explainer video. When evaluating companies, consider:
– Illustration and image quality
– Sound design and voice-over quality
– Smoothness of animations
At Gisteo, we invest in top-notch production tools and skilled animators to ensure every video meets high-quality standards. We offer 4K resolution videos, professional voice-over artists, and custom sound design to create a polished final product.
5. Customization Capabilities
Your explainer video should be as unique as your business. Look for a company that offers:
– Flexibility in adapting to your brand guidelines
– Ability to create custom characters and environments
– Openness to incorporating your ideas and vision
At Gisteo, we believe in true collaboration. Our team of illustrators and animators can create custom visuals that align perfectly with your brand identity.
For instance, when working with a sustainable energy company, we created a unique visual style blending infographics with nature-inspired animations. This custom approach not only conveyed the company’s technical expertise but also reinforced their commitment to environmental stewardship.
What Startups and SaaS Companies Should Look For
Software and startup products are often abstract: there’s nothing physical to film. That raises the bar for the studio you choose:
- Can they explain software without just showing screens? The best SaaS explainers show the problem, then the outcome, and show the UI only where it helps.
- Can they work from a rough product? Early-stage teams often change features mid-project. Ask how they handle script or UI changes.
- How fast can they deliver? Launch dates don’t move. Ask for a written timeline and whether a rush option exists. (Gisteo’s VIP Fast Pass delivers in 2–3 weeks.)
- Will the video still work after your next update? Clean, illustrated UI ages better than pixel-perfect screen recordings.
- Can they scale with you? If you’ll need onboarding videos, feature updates or ads later, ask about volume pricing. Gisteo’s Unlimited plan covers this.
How Much Does an Animated Explainer Cost, and How Long Does It Take?
Explainer video prices across the industry range from about $1,000 with freelancers to $50,000+ at premium studios. What you pay mostly comes down to length, animation style, whether scriptwriting and voiceover are included, and how fast you need it. Here’s how Gisteo’s 60-second packages compare:
| Package | Price (60 sec) | What’s included | Typical turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just Animate! | $3,500 | You provide the script; we handle storyboard, voiceover, illustration, animation, music and sound | 3–4 weeks |
| Full-Service | $4,000 | Everything, including scriptwriting | 5–6 weeks |
| VIP Fast Pass | $5,000 | Full-Service, prioritized | 2–3 weeks |
| AI avatar video | from $1,000 (30 sec) | AI presenter video | Faster than custom animation |
Each additional 30 seconds is $500, pro-rated. Every package includes unlimited revisions within each stage and a money-back guarantee, and paying upfront saves 15%. Full details are on our explainer video pricing page.
A tip on comparing quotes: a low headline price often leaves out the script, storyboard, voiceover, music or revisions, and those can add up to more than the price difference. Ask every company for an itemized list of what’s included.
Where to Check an Agency’s Reputation
Portfolios show what a company can do. Reviews show what working with them is like. Before you sign, look at:
- Clutch: clients are interviewed by Clutch, not just asked to leave stars. Gisteo is rated 5.0 from 8 verified reviews on our Clutch profile.
- Google reviews: a quick check that real clients are happy. Read the recent ones, not just the average.
- Client references: ask for one or two clients you can contact directly, ideally in your industry.
You can also read what clients say on our praise page.
Additional Factors in Selecting The Best Explainer Video Company
Beyond the core components of the Gisteo Framework, consider these additional factors:
1. Portfolio diversity: Look for a range of styles and industries in the company’s work samples. This shows versatility and adaptability.
2. Client testimonials: Can provide valuable insights into a company’s performance. Pay attention to specific comments about strengths and areas of expertise.
3. Company size: Consider how the scale of the production company aligns with your needs. Larger agencies may offer more resources, while boutique studios like Gisteo provide personalized attention and flexibility.
4. Revision policy: Clarify the number of included revisions and the process for requesting changes. At Gisteo, every package includes unlimited revisions within each stage (script, storyboard and animation) of a project to make things easier for our clients.
5. Pricing: The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Focus on finding a partner who can deliver a high-quality video that will provide long-term ROI for your business. We pride ourselves on our transparent, fair pricing structure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Explainer Video Partner
To make the most of your investment, steer clear of these pitfalls:
1. Prioritizing cost over quality: A cheap video can potentially harm your brand. Focus on value and ROI instead. A well-crafted video can continue to generate leads and sales long after its initial release.
2. Neglecting to check references: Always ask for and contact client references directly. This can provide invaluable insights into the company’s work process and reliability.
3. Overlooking industry-specific experience: A company familiar with your sector can save time and improve results. They’ll understand your unique challenges and speak your industry’s language.
4. Failing to communicate clear objectives: Be upfront about your goals and target audience from the start. This ensures the final product aligns with your marketing strategy.
5. Ignoring cultural fit: Choose a partner whose working style aligns with your own. A good cultural fit can lead to a more enjoyable and productive collaboration.
Should You Consider an AI Video Studio Instead?
AI video tools have changed what’s possible on a smaller budget and a shorter timeline. They haven’t removed the need for a good script, a clear message and human judgment. Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Choose custom animation when the video is your main brand or product story, needs a unique look, or will run for years.
- Choose AI video when you need speed, volume or a lower cost, such as personalized sales videos, AI presenter (avatar) videos, social ads or cinematic concept pieces.
- Beware of “AI slop.” Ask any AI video studio who writes the script, who directs the visuals and how they keep your brand consistent.
Gisteo does both. See our AI video production services.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision When Choosing The Best Explainer Video Company
Choosing the right explainer video company is a critical decision that can significantly impact your marketing success. By using the 5 point Gisteo Framework and considering the factors outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to find a solid partner that can bring your vision to life.
The best explainer video companies don’t just create videos – they create powerful tools that drive engagement, boost conversions, and elevate your brand.
With our proven track record and commitment to innovation, Gisteo is ready to help you harness the full potential of explainer videos for your business.
What’s the next step in your explainer video journey? Contact us or schedule a free consultation to discuss a project.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Explainer Video Company
- Is scriptwriting included, and who writes it?
- How many revisions do I get at each stage (script, storyboard, animation)?
- What exactly is included: voiceover, music, sound effects, storyboard?
- What’s the realistic timeline from kickoff to final video?
- Can I see work in my industry and in the style I want?
- Who owns the final video, and are source files available?
- What happens if I’m not happy with the result?
See how Gisteo answers all of these on our explainer video pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it typically take to produce an explainer video?
At Gisteo, a 60-second custom explainer typically takes 2–3 weeks with VIP Fast Pass, 3–4 weeks if you supply the script, or 5–6 weeks with full scriptwriting. Videos over 2 minutes take longer.
2. What’s the ideal length for an explainer video?
While it depends on your goals, most effective explainer videos are between 60-90 seconds long.
3. How much does a professional explainer video cost?
Across the industry, explainer videos range from about $1,000 with freelancers to $50,000+ at premium studios. A custom 60-second animated explainer from Gisteo costs $3,500–$5,000, depending on the package, with script, voiceover, music and revisions included. See our explainer video pricing.
4. Can I use my own script, or do you provide scriptwriting services?
At Gisteo, we offer both options. Our experienced scriptwriters can craft your message, or we can work with your existing script.
5. Do you offer translated versions for international audiences?
Yes, Gisteo can help create multilingual versions of your explainer video to reach global markets effectively.
6. Do you use templates?
No. Every Gisteo video is custom: the script, illustration and animation are created for your project.
7. Who owns the final video?
You do. You can use the finished video anywhere. Source (project) files are available as an optional buy-out from $500, and they are included free with our Unlimited Yearly Plan.
8. What types of businesses benefit most from explainer videos?
While explainer videos can benefit virtually any business, they’re particularly effective for tech startups, SaaS companies, and businesses with complex products or services.
