Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute for an Explainer Video

In the world of digital marketing, time is everything. Whether you’re launching a new product, revamping your website, or preparing for an industry trade show, timing can make or break your efforts. A tool that’s become essential for businesses across industries are animated explainer videos. They simplify complex messages, engage audiences, and drive conversions like few other mediums can.

But here’s the catch: many businesses wait until the last minute to request an animated explainer video, expecting lightning-fast results. While video production teams often work magic, a rushed explainer video project often leads to unnecessary stress, higher costs, and, sometimes, subpar results.

If you’re thinking about creating an animated explainer video for your business, our blog this week will explain why planning ahead is critical—and how it ensures you get the most value from your investment.

Why Animated Explainer Videos Are Worth the Investment

In today’s crowded digital landscape, getting—and holding—someone’s attention is no easy task. Brands are constantly competing for eyeballs, clicks, and customer loyalty. One of the most effective ways businesses are cutting through the noise is by using animated explainer videos. But why exactly are they such a smart investment?

Animated Explainer Videos Capture Attention Quickly

In the first few seconds of visiting your website or landing page, potential customers are already making decisions about your brand. Are you credible? Do you have something they need? Should they stay or leave? A well-produced animated explainer video grabs attention immediately with engaging visuals and a clear, concise message.

They Make Complex Messages Simple

Not every product or service can be easily explained in a sentence. If your company offers innovative technology, complex software, or multi-step services, communicating their value can be a challenge. Animated explainer videos are excellent at breaking down complex information into easy-to-understand visuals. They allow you to “show” rather than just “tell.”

For example, a cybersecurity company might struggle to explain their process using words alone. But an animated explainer video can illustrate data breaches, firewalls, and encryption in a way that’s instantly understandable.

They Build Trust with Your Audience

Trust is a major factor in the buyer’s journey. Consumers need to feel confident in your product or service before they take action. Animated explainer videos establish credibility because they’re clear, professional, and informative. They show potential customers that you value their time by offering a quick and enjoyable way to understand your business.

They Increase Engagement and Conversion Rates

Statistics consistently show that animated explainer videos improve website performance metrics. Including a video on a landing page can increase conversion rates by 86% or more. Why? Because videos keep people on your site longer and help them better understand your offer. When people understand something, they’re more likely to act.

They Improve SEO and Website Performance

Search engines prioritize content that provides value to users. Google’s algorithms reward websites that keep visitors engaged, and animated explainer videos are excellent for increasing “dwell time” on your pages. When people stick around to watch your video, search engines notice. As a result, your site is more likely to climb the rankings and be discovered by new audiences.

They Can Be Repurposed Across Marketing Channels

One of the biggest advantages of animated explainer videos is their versatility. A single video can be repurposed in multiple ways:

• Featured on your homepage
• Shared in email marketing campaigns
• Posted on social media platforms
• Played at trade shows or live events
• Used in sales pitches and presentations

This multi-channel use makes animated explainer videos a highly cost-effective tool for any marketing strategy.

How Long Does It Take to Create an Animated Explainer Video?

One of the most common questions businesses ask is, “How long will it take to create my animated explainer video?” It’s a fair question. You’re busy planning product launches, trade shows, or marketing campaigns, and knowing the production timeline is essential.

The answer, though, depends on multiple factors: the animation style, the length of the video, and how quickly feedback is provided during the production process. But here at Digital Brew, we tend to estimate around six to eight weeks for a high-quality animated explainer video, but can be longer for more complex 3D animation.

Here’s a closer look at each phase of production, why it matters, and why rushing is rarely a good idea.

Discovery & Scriptwriting

The script is the backbone of any animated explainer video. This is where your message gets distilled into a concise, engaging story that resonates with your audience. We’ll have a creative brief call with you so that we can fully:

• Understand your brand
• Define your target audience
• Clarify your video’s objective
• Develop a tone of voice (fun, professional, authoritative, etc.)

Crafting a compelling script often takes a little bit of back and forth to get it perfect. When you allow time for brainstorming and feedback, you end up with a clear, concise script that guides the entire project.

Mood Boards

While the animated video services we offer to every client is the same, every video we make is always unique. We certainly don’t want to make the same video twice and we know you don’t want the same video that’s built from stripped parts of someone else’s video. That’s why we create custom artwork just for you. 

So along with the script, we’ll send you mood boards. These are a collection of images, each with different art styles that we think would fit well with your video or your branding. You’ll choose the ones you like the most and we’ll use that guide the creation of your custom artwork. Now if you have strict brand guidelines and artwork, we can absolutely use that as well to craft your video.

Style Frames and Storyboards

Once you’ve approved the script and we have your feedback on the mood boards, we’ll create style frames. These are a few frames of your video done in your custom artwork. These will look exactly how they’ll look in the video so this gives you a good idea of how it’s going to look. This is where you’ll be able to give us any feedback on the style. Maybe the characters are stylized a little too much or you want to tone down the colors. Any and all feedback is welcome.

Voiceover Recording

The right voice can make or break an animated explainer video. After finalizing the script and storyboard, professional voiceover artists are auditioned based on your brand’s tone and target audience.

Once a voice actor is selected, recording begins. For us, we’ll have you in on the recording session so that we can make sure it sounds exactly how you want it. Some companies choose multiple languages or dialects, which can extend the timeline. High-quality audio production is essential because voiceovers drive the pace, emotion, and clarity of the video.

Animation & Design

Now comes the fun part! Animation is where your script and storyboard come to life with motion graphics, characters, text, and transitions. Depending on the complexity and style (2D, 3D, whiteboard, etc.), this phase can take several weeks.

During animation, our artists carefully sync the visuals with the voiceover and background music. This ensures your animated explainer video has smooth pacing and seamless transitions.

Review, Revisions, & Final Delivery

After the first version is completed, it’s shared with you for review. Revisions are common, and they help fine-tune the video to ensure it matches your vision.

Small tweaks to timing, visuals, and audio can make a big difference. Once you give final approval, the video is rendered in the formats you need—whether it’s for your website, social media, or a presentation.

Factors That Impact Timeline

• Client availability: Quick feedback speeds things up.
• Revisions: Extensive changes at later stages can delay final delivery.
• Animation style: More complex animations require more time.

If you’re working toward a specific deadline, such as a product launch or trade show, starting your animated explainer video project as early as possible is crucial.

The Consequences of Waiting Until the Last Minute 

Procrastination is a common pitfall in business, but when it comes to animated explainer videos, waiting until the last minute can create more headaches than you might expect. Many businesses underestimate the time and resources it takes to produce a professional-quality video, only to find themselves in a stressful race against the clock. And in the absolute worst cases, you may find yourself at the product launch without a video.

Higher Costs Due to Rush Fees

When time is tight, you’ll often need to pay for expedited services. Production teams may need to work overtime or re-prioritize other projects, and these accelerated schedules often come with additional fees.

Rush jobs can inflate the cost of your animated explainer video, stretching your marketing budget unnecessarily. Starting early allows you to avoid these costs and get the same—or better—quality for a lower investment.

Limited Creative Options

Creativity thrives when there’s time to experiment, brainstorm, and refine. When you’re up against a hard deadline, your creative team may have to make compromises.

• There’s less time to explore unique animation styles.
• Complex storytelling may be simplified.
• A video’s scope may need to be readjusted

This can result in a less impactful animated explainer video, which means your message might not resonate as strongly with your audience.

Shortened Review and Feedback Windows

In a typical production timeline, you’ll have several opportunities to review the script, storyboard, animation drafts, and final edits. When time is short, review periods are compressed, and important stakeholders may not have as much time to weigh in.

This can lead to mistakes being overlooked or critical feedback coming too late in the process. A rushed review can result in an animated explainer video that doesn’t fully align with your brand, tone, or messaging.

The Benefits of Planning Early for Your Animated Explainer Video

When it comes to animated explainer videos, success doesn’t happen by accident. The most effective videos are the result of thoughtful planning, strategic decision-making, and deliberate creative development. Giving yourself ample time to navigate the process doesn’t just make things easier; it significantly improves the quality and impact of the final product.

By planning your animated explainer video early, you set the stage for a smooth and efficient production process. Let’s break down the key advantages of getting a head start.

More Time for Strategy and Messaging

A successful animated explainer video needs a strong foundation. That foundation is your strategy—defining who the video is for, what problem it solves, and why it matters.

When you start early, you have time to:

• Clarify the video’s primary objective. Are you educating, promoting, onboarding, or selling?
• Identify the core message and ensure it’s clear and concise.
• Align the message with your broader marketing campaigns and business goals.
• Understand your target audience’s needs, preferences, and pain points.

Without a rushed timeline, you can fine-tune the messaging until it’s exactly right. This ensures your animated explainer video delivers a powerful message that resonates with viewers and motivates them to take action.

Better Creative Development and Execution

Creativity thrives on time and collaboration. When you aren’t constrained by tight deadlines, your production team has the space they need to explore innovative ideas and deliver a truly standout animated explainer video.

Starting early allows you to:

• Explore different visual styles, such as 2D, 3D, whiteboard animation, or motion graphics, and choose the one that best fits your brand.
• Collaborate with illustrators and animators to create custom assets, characters, and environments that feel unique and on-brand.
• Develop creative concepts that tell a compelling story rather than relying on generic templates or rushed solutions.

Smoother Collaboration and Fewer Bottlenecks

Creating an animated explainer video is a collaborative process that typically involves multiple rounds of review and feedback. When projects are rushed, communication becomes reactive instead of proactive. Important stakeholders may miss opportunities to provide input, and rushed decisions can lead to mistakes or misaligned messaging.

Early planning ensures:

• Everyone involved in the project has time to review drafts, provide thoughtful feedback, and approve deliverables without feeling rushed.
• You can avoid bottlenecks that happen when key decision-makers are unavailable due to last-minute demands.
• There’s adequate time to address feedback constructively rather than scrambling to implement changes on a tight turnaround.

This collaborative approach results in a video that better reflects your brand and goals while reducing the risk of costly revisions later in the process.

Cost Savings Over the Long Term

When you wait until the last minute, the chances of incurring additional expenses increase. Expedited projects typically come with rush fees, and if major revisions are required under a compressed timeline, costs can escalate quickly.

By starting early, you can:

• Avoid additional rush charges from your production partner.
• Take advantage of more flexible production schedules that often come with lower rates.
• Reduce the likelihood of last-minute revisions or mistakes that require costly rework.

Planning ahead makes the entire animated explainer video production more cost-effective, allowing you to maximize your return on investment.

Maximized Impact and Timely Delivery

One of the most practical benefits of starting early is the assurance that your animated explainer video will be ready when you need it. Whether you’re aligning it with a product launch, marketing campaign, sales event, or industry trade show, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your video is finished and fully optimized for the occasion.

With early planning, you can also:

• Develop a comprehensive distribution strategy that includes social media, email marketing, landing pages, and more.
• Prepare supporting content, such as blog posts or social media snippets, that complement your video and extend its reach.
• Test different formats and versions of the video if you plan to run A/B tests or need to customize it for multiple platforms.

In short, early planning sets you up for success—eliminating unnecessary stress and ensuring your animated explainer video makes the strongest possible impact.

Steps to Kick Off Your Animated Explainer Video Project Today 

If you’re convinced that planning early is the right move for your business, you’re already on the right track. Now it’s time to take action. Starting your animated explainer video project doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following a few clear, strategic steps, you can set the process in motion and position your team for a smooth, successful collaboration.

Below are the essential steps to get started on your animated explainer video today.

Define Clear Objectives for Your Animated Explainer Video

Before you approach a production company or begin brainstorming creative ideas, take time to clarify why you want an animated explainer video in the first place. Ask yourself:

• What problem does the video solve?
• What action do you want viewers to take after watching?
• How will success be measured (increased conversions, reduced support tickets, brand awareness)?

Clear objectives not only provide direction for your video but also make it easier to evaluate its effectiveness once completed.

Identify Your Target Audience and Key Messaging

Understanding your audience is key to crafting a successful animated explainer video. Consider the following factors:

• Who is your ideal viewer? Are they a potential customer, a business partner, or an internal team member?
• What challenges or pain points do they face that your product or service can address?
• What tone and style will resonate with them (formal, casual, fun, serious)?

Once you’ve identified your audience, you can craft a message that speaks directly to their needs and motivates them to take action.

Establish a Realistic Timeline and Budget

Communicate your target launch date and any important deadlines as early as possible. If you’re working toward an event or campaign, account for:

• Time needed for reviews and approvals
• Buffer time for revisions
• Delivery time for various formats and platforms (web, social media, presentations)

It’s also important to establish a budget upfront. High-quality animated explainer videos typically range in cost depending on length, complexity, and production value. Understanding your budget helps you prioritize key elements and set realistic expectations.

Assemble the Right Team

A successful animated explainer video project requires the right people in the room. Identify the internal stakeholders who need to be involved from the start. This typically includes:

• Marketing leads
• Product managers or subject matter experts
• Brand or creative directors
• Executives or decision-makers (for final approvals)

When everyone understands their role, you can avoid unnecessary delays and keep the project on track.

Choose an Experienced Animated Explainer Video Production Partner

Working with the right video production company makes all the difference. Look for a partner that specializes in animated explainer videos, with a portfolio that demonstrates a range of styles and industries.

Key qualities to look for include:

• Experience creating videos for businesses like yours
• A proven process with clear timelines and deliverables
• Strong communication and collaboration throughout the project
• A creative team that understands how to tell a compelling story
• Positive client testimonials and case studies

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their process, turnaround times, and how they handle revisions. A transparent production partner will set clear expectations from the beginning. We’ve even made a few blogs about everything Digital Brew can bring to the table.

Collaborate on a Comprehensive Creative Brief

The creative brief is your opportunity to provide all the necessary information that will guide the production process. A strong creative brief typically includes:

• An overview of your company, product, or service
• Your target audience and their pain points
• The objective of the animated explainer video
• Tone, voice, and style preferences
• Brand guidelines (logos, color palettes, fonts, etc.)
• Examples of other videos you like (and why)

Taking time to develop a thorough brief ensures everyone is aligned from the start and reduces the need for course corrections later on.

Prepare for the Distribution and Promotion of Your Animated Explainer Video

Once your animated explainer video is completed, you’ll want to get it in front of as many people as possible. Think about:

• Which channels you’ll use for distribution (website, social media, email, paid ads, etc.)
• How you’ll track performance metrics such as views, click-through rates, and conversions
• Whether you need different versions or formats for various platforms (shorter cuts for social media, different aspect ratios for mobile vs desktop)

The more comprehensive your distribution strategy, the more value you’ll get from your animated explainer video investment.

Brewing Your Animated Explainer Video Now

Animated explainer videos are one of the best tools for businesses to communicate their value, engage audiences, and drive conversions. But to get the most out of your investment, it’s important to start early.

Rushing through the production process can lead to higher costs, missed opportunities, and videos that don’t deliver the impact you’re looking for. By planning ahead, you’ll not only get a better video, but you’ll also reduce stress, foster collaboration, and maximize your marketing impact.

Something Digital Brew always strives for is to not just make a beautiful crafted, artist video, but make you a video that makes you money (and doing it in a timely manner). So if you’re ready to get started on a new video or just want to know a little more about our process and everything we can bring to the table, we’d love to hear from you. You can always reach out to us here.

Let’s Brew This!