Average Cost of 2D Animation Outsourcing Projects

Outsourcing 2D animation allows businesses to create explainer videos, ads, onboarding content, and product demos without building an in-house team. In the US market, pricing varies based on animation style, complexity, and production scope.

This section explains realistic USD cost ranges businesses can expect in 2025-2026.

What Is the Average Cost of 2D Animation Outsourcing Projects?

The average cost of 2D animation outsourcing projects in the US typically ranges from $1,000 to $15,000+ per video. Simple motion graphics cost less, while custom character animation, detailed storyboarding, and multiple revision rounds significantly increase pricing.

Typical Price Ranges by Project Type (USD)

• Simple Motion Graphics (Text, Icons, Transitions)

Average cost: $1,000 – $2,500

Best for: SaaS feature videos, internal training, social snippets

Includes: icon animation, typography, basic transitions, minimal custom art

• Explainer Videos (Custom Illustrations)

Average cost: $2,500 – $7,000

Best for: product explainers, landing pages, brand overview videos

Includes: script alignment, storyboard, custom visuals, polished animation

This is the most common pricing tier for startups and SMBs.

• Full Character Animation (Premium)

Average cost: $7,000 – $20,000+

Best for: brand campaigns, storytelling ads, complex narratives

Includes: character design, rigging, expressive motion, scene composition

Pricing by Video Length (USD)

Key Cost Drivers That Affect Pricing (USD)

• Animation Style

Flat 2D graphics = lower cost

Character-driven animation = higher cost

• Creative Development

Scriptwriting, storyboarding, and art direction add value and cost

• Custom Design vs Templates

Custom illustrations increase branding impact but raise budgets

• Revision Scope

Defined revision rounds keep costs predictable

• Turnaround Speed

Rush delivery often increases project pricing

What Should Be Included in a 2D Animation Quote?

A professional 2D animation outsourcing quote should clearly outline deliverables, animation style, timeline, revision limits, voiceover and music licensing, ownership rights, and payment milestones. Transparent pricing helps businesses avoid unexpected costs and compare vendors accurately.

Common Hidden Costs (USD)

• Professional voiceover: $200 – $1,000+
• Music licensing: $50 – $500+
• Source file ownership: sometimes extra
• Multiple video formats (YouTube, Reels, Ads)
• Localization or subtitles
• Future content updates

2025–2026 Pricing Trends in the US Market

• AI-assisted animation tools reduce production time, not always price
• Remote-first studios help control costs while maintaining quality
• Short-form animations (10–20 sec) are cheaper per piece but produced in higher volumes
• Businesses increasingly invest in reusable animation assets to lower long-term costs

Final Insight

In the US market, the value of 2D animation outsourcing isn’t about finding the lowest quote-it’s about choosing a pricing level that matches your business goal. When scope, style, and expectations are aligned early, outsourced animation becomes a scalable, high-ROI content investment.