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How much does video cost? Editing, UGC videos and animated explainers
Updated 2026-10-03
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Video is priced very differently from design. A short edit can be cheap, while an animated explainer is priced by the second. This article uses the starting prices of the video sellers we feature to show typical ranges for editing, UGC videos and animated explainers, and explains what drives the cost up.
Price figures in this article come from the sellers featured on this site, checked on 3 October 2026. They are the starting price of each seller's smallest package, not a quote for your project. Prices change, so confirm the current price on the listing.
What the sellers we feature charge
These are starting prices for each seller's smallest package. For animation, the smallest package is often a short video, so look at the longer examples below as well.
| Service | Lowest start | Median start | Highest start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video editing | 50 dollars | 100 dollars | 100 dollars |
| UGC videos | 120 dollars | 150 dollars | 160 dollars |
| Animated explainers | 150 dollars | about 288 dollars | 445 dollars |
Video editing
Editing starts lowest, at 50 to 100 dollars among the sellers we feature, because you supply the footage. The price then depends on the running time of the finished video, the amount of raw footage, and extras such as captions, motion graphics, sound mixing and color correction. A short social clip costs far less than a long interview with several cameras. Our article on video editing versus animation helps you decide which you actually need.
UGC videos
User-generated-content creators in our list start at 120 to 160 dollars. The price usually covers one video of a set length filmed by the creator with your product or app, and a script or a talking-points sheet. Extra costs include the product shipped to the creator, additional videos, raw footage and the right to use the video in paid ads. Always ask what usage rights are included before you order.
Animated explainers
Animated explainers show the widest range. Entry packages start at 150 to 445 dollars, but they are often short. Among the sellers we feature, packages for around 60 seconds ranged from about 300 to 950 dollars, and larger projects cost more. What you pay for is the script, the storyboard, custom characters and illustration, animation, voice-over and music. Delivery times also grow with length, from about a week for a short video to several weeks for a longer one. Our article on making an animated explainer walks through the steps.
What raises the price
- Length. This is the biggest factor, especially for animation.
- Custom artwork. Original characters and illustrations cost more than templates and icons.
- Voice-over and music. Professional voice talent is often an add-on.
- Revisions. Changes after animation starts are expensive; unlimited revisions are usually in larger packages.
- Rights and extra files. Raw footage, project files and commercial usage rights can be priced separately.
Questions to ask before you order
- What is the maximum running time covered by the price?
- Is the script, voice-over and music included, or only the animation or edit?
- How many revisions are included, and at which stage can I request changes?
- Which file formats and aspect ratios do I receive for each platform?
- For ads, what usage rights and duration are included?
Common budgeting mistakes
The biggest mistake is not fixing the length. A 30-second video and a 90-second video are very different projects, and some sellers price them several times apart. The second is buying a video before the message is clear: if the script changes after the animation or edit has started, you pay for the work twice. Third, many buyers forget platform formats. A video made for widescreen may need a vertical version for social media, and the second version is often an add-on. Finally, avoid sending footage in many small batches. Edits take longer and cost more when material arrives piece by piece, so send everything in one organized folder with a short description of what you want.
Planning your budget
- Decide the finished length first, because it sets the price tier.
- Write the script or talking points before you request quotes. See writing a video brief.
- Check the number of revisions and whether the script is included.
- Ask what usage rights you receive and for how long.
To compare sellers, open the guides for video editing, UGC videos and animated explainers.
FAQ
Why do animated explainers cost more than video editing?
An explainer is made from scratch, with script, storyboard, illustration, animation and voice-over. Editing works with footage you already have.
Is price per second normal for animation?
Yes. Many animation sellers price by running time, so a 60-second video costs much more than a 15-second one.
Do UGC prices include the product?
Usually not. Many creators need the product shipped to them, and shipping or the product itself is typically your cost.
What file and rights questions should I ask?
Ask which formats you receive, whether you get the project files, and what usage rights come with the video, especially for paid ads.
How can I avoid paying for extra revisions?
Approve the script and storyboard before animation starts, and give all your footage and brand files in one organized batch.
