Let’s be honest, if you are going to use video to market your business, the reality is that making a video takes time. In my last video, I talked about the overall video production process, so in this video I’m going to talk about how long it takes to make a video. Specifically, this is how long it takes me to make an animated explainer video for a client. In future videos, I will talk about how long it takes to make a live video for a client and also how long it takes me to make these videos for my blog and YouTube channel.

Under ”normal” circumstances

What I typically tell clients is that it will take 2 to 3 weeks to produce an animated explainer video for them. And this covers every stage in the video production process, from discovery, script writing, recording a voiceover, drafting the story board, and delivering the final video.

But in between all of that our checks and approvals with you to ensure that your video is being made in a way that will best convey your message to your audience.

Can a video be made faster?

Anything is possible. Getting a video made faster is also possible but it depends on what your expectations are and what you have prepared.

I have finished the videos in five days but in those situations, we either worked with a script template that I already have, a script was already prepared, and/or the voiceover was also ready to go.

On top of those things, the client didn’t expect a complicated video. Something simple with more text and fewer images and/or animation was used for those videos.

Can it take longer to make a video?

Video projects can and, sometimes do, take longer than 2 to 3 weeks to complete. The main reasons for this to happen is that the checks and approvals process that I insist on at every stage of the video production process can sometimes take longer.

This is because it’s up to you to check and approve of a particular process and get back to me.

This is not saying that it’s your fault because I understand that you are busy running a business.

Why there are checks and approvals at each stage of the process

Checks and approvals at each stage of the video production process are an essential part of making a video for my clients. The reason is because this ensures that there are no major revisions win the final video is made.

Minor revisions are totally okay, but I want to avoid major revisions because that means more time is needed to complete the video. So when you check and approve of the video at each stage in the production process, this equals fewer surprises and a more efficient workflow.

Basically, you get exactly what you want when the video is done.

2 to 3 weeks seems “too” fast

If 2 to 3 weeks seems fast to produce an animated video, it’s because I use software called PowToon. Other video production agencies may use Adobe After Effects to create more cartoon-like videos.

However, creating a video using Adobe After Effects can’t take at least a month or more, depending on the complexity of your video.

And that also equals greater cost to you. In a future video, I will share with you why I use PowToon instead of Adobe After Effects and why it is better for you that I do.

I hope you now have a better understanding of how long it takes to make an animated explainer video. Let me know if you have any questions or comments about the process or getting a video made.