At 42 Video we are often asked how long it takes to make an explainer video. It is a sensible question, because explainer videos are only useful if they arrive on time and support a real business need. The honest answer is that the timeline depends on the complexity of the idea, the amount of feedback involved, the style of animation or filming, and how quickly decisions are made along the way. A simple video can move from brief to delivery in a couple of weeks, while a more ambitious project may take several weeks or even longer. What matters most is not just speed, but a process that gives the video enough time to become clear, polished and effective. At 42 Video we always aim to keep things moving without rushing the creative work. A good explainer should feel simple to the viewer, but that simplicity usually comes from a carefully managed process behind the scenes.
What Affects The Timeline?
The time needed to make an explainer video depends on a few key factors, and the biggest one is usually scope. A short animated explainer with a straightforward message will naturally move faster than a longer film that includes custom illustration, voiceover, motion graphics and several rounds of approvals. Live-action explainers can also vary a great deal. If the video only needs a presenter in one location, the production may be relatively quick. If it needs multiple locations, product shots, interviews or a more detailed visual setup, the timeline stretches. Another major factor is how ready the materials are at the start. If the messaging has already been defined and the brand assets are available, we can move quickly. If the brief is still broad and the script needs to be developed from scratch, we need more time for planning and refinement. At 42 Video we always factor in the practical realities of the project before giving a realistic schedule, because the fastest route is not always the best one.
The Brief And Discovery Stage
The process begins with the brief, and this stage sets the pace for everything that follows. In our experience, a clear brief saves time later because it removes uncertainty early on. We use the discovery stage to understand the audience, the purpose of the video, the main message and the action you want the viewer to take. This is also the stage where we ask about tone, brand guidelines, technical requirements and any content that must be included or avoided. If the project is for a product, service or internal process that is quite complex, we may also speak with subject matter experts to make sure the information is accurate. Discovery can be fast when the brief is already well thought through, but it can take longer if several stakeholders are involved or if the idea still needs to be shaped. At 42 Video we prefer to spend a little extra time here rather than rushing into scriptwriting with gaps in the thinking. That usually leads to a smoother production and fewer revisions later.
Scriptwriting And Messaging
Scriptwriting is often the stage that has the biggest impact on overall timing. A strong explainer video depends on a script that is concise, clear and easy to follow, which sounds simple but often takes several drafts to get right. If the message is already well defined, the script may be turned around quickly. If the content is technical, sensitive or needs approval from several people, the process naturally takes longer. At 42 Video we shape scripts with the viewer in mind, making sure the language is simple without becoming vague. We also pay attention to rhythm, because the script needs to work as spoken word, not just as written copy. For animated explainers, the script usually needs to be locked before visual design can begin in earnest. For live-action projects, the script also helps define what needs to be filmed and how the story will unfold on screen. A rushed script almost always creates delays later, so this stage is worth giving proper time.
Storyboarding, Design And Pre-Production
Once the script is approved, the project moves into visual planning. For animated explainers, this means storyboarding, style frames and visual development. For live-action explainers, it means shot planning, location decisions, presenter preparation and production logistics. This stage helps the whole team understand what the finished video will look and feel like before anything is filmed or animated in full. It also prevents expensive changes once production has started. The more visual detail a project requires, the more time this stage takes. For example, a simple motion graphics piece may only need a straightforward storyboard, while a character-led animation or product demonstration may need more illustration work and visual testing. At 42 Video we use this stage to make sure the creative is strong and the production plan is realistic. If a project needs locations in London, Manchester or elsewhere in the UK, or if it involves multiple contributors, the pre-production schedule should allow enough time for coordination. Good planning here keeps the rest of the process efficient.
Production Time For Live-Action Explainers
If your explainer video uses live-action footage, the shoot itself is usually only one part of the timeline, but it still needs proper planning. A simple interview-led video might only need half a day or a single day of filming. A more complex production, especially one involving product demonstrations, multiple speakers or several locations, can take a few days to capture properly. At 42 Video we always try to make live-action shoots efficient, but not so fast that the quality suffers. We plan shot lists carefully so the crew captures everything needed for the edit without unnecessary repetition. We also make sure presenters feel comfortable, because a relaxed performance saves time in post-production. If a video involves locations, permissions or specialist equipment, those details need to be built into the schedule. Weather, travel and availability can all affect timing too. For that reason, a live-action explainer is often faster than people expect once the team is prepared, but it still needs space for proper setup and clean execution.
Production Time For Animated Explainers
Animated explainers generally take longer than many people first assume. Even when the final video is only sixty or ninety seconds long, there can be a fair amount of work behind every frame. The timeline usually includes scripting, storyboard development, visual style design, illustration, animation, sound design, voiceover and final revisions. If the animation is simple and the visual style is already established, the process can be relatively quick. If it requires custom characters, detailed scenes or multiple layers of motion graphics, it will take longer. At 42 Video we find that animation gives huge creative flexibility, but that flexibility comes with more stages to approve. Clients often enjoy the process because they can see the idea evolving piece by piece, but that also means each round of feedback needs to be managed carefully. If the aim is speed, it helps to keep the visual style focused and the approval chain short. If the aim is something more distinctive or detailed, it is better to allow more time from the outset.
Feedback And Approvals
One of the most common reasons explainer videos take longer than expected is slow feedback. Every project needs approvals, but the speed of those approvals can have a big effect on the schedule. At 42 Video we encourage consolidated feedback rather than lots of separate comments from different people at different times. That keeps the process clear and reduces confusion. It is also helpful when stakeholders know in advance who has final sign-off. If too many people are involved without a clear decision-maker, even a small project can drift. A well-managed feedback process makes it much easier to stay on schedule, and it usually improves the final result because the changes are more focused. We also recommend that comments are given against the agreed brief, so the project does not move away from its original purpose. When feedback is prompt and focused, an explainer video can move efficiently through each stage. When it is delayed or fragmented, the whole timeline expands quickly.
Typical Timelines In Practice
While every project is different, there are some broad patterns. A straightforward explainer with a simple script, a small amount of animation and a tidy approval process can often be completed in two to three weeks. A more polished animated piece with custom visuals usually needs three to six weeks. A live-action explainer with one location and a simple edit may also fit into a similar timescale, provided the planning is in place. More ambitious projects, such as those involving multiple locations, complex motion design, several rounds of feedback or a full campaign rollout, may take six to eight weeks or more. At 42 Video we always prefer to explain the realistic range rather than promise a deadline that is too tight to be reliable. The best timeline is the one that gives the project enough space to be done properly while still supporting your launch date or marketing plan. If the deadline is fixed, the key is to work backwards from it and allow the necessary time for each stage.
How To Speed Up The Process Without Cutting Corners
There are sensible ways to make an explainer video faster without damaging quality. The most effective one is to come to the project with a clear objective and a focused message. When the brief is sharp, the script moves faster and the visual direction becomes easier to define. It also helps when brand assets, logos, product screenshots or reference materials are ready at the start. Choosing a single decision-maker or a small approval group can save a surprising amount of time. For animation, keeping the style streamlined rather than overly detailed will shorten the schedule. For live action, limiting the number of locations and capture requirements can also help. At 42 Video we often find that the quickest projects are not the ones with the least effort, but the ones with the clearest thinking. If the team knows what it wants and can respond quickly at each stage, the whole process becomes much smoother.
Final Thoughts From 42 Video
So, how long does it take to make an explainer video? The truth is that it depends on the brief, the style and the approval process, but most projects fall somewhere between two and eight weeks. A simple piece can move quickly, while a more detailed or highly polished video needs more time to become truly effective. At 42 Video we always recommend planning the timeline around the quality you want to achieve, not just the fastest possible delivery. Explainer videos work best when they feel clear, confident and well considered, and that usually comes from a process that gives each stage the attention it needs. If you are planning an explainer video and want a realistic view of timing, we can help you map out the process from brief to launch in a way that fits your goals and schedule. Contact us to find out more.