Choosing the right explainer video production company can make all the difference when it comes to effectively conveying your brand’s message. A high-quality explainer video not only informs your target audience but also engages and converts them. However, with a sea of video production companies claiming to deliver excellence, how do you find the right fit?
The key lies in asking the right questions before signing a contract. This article walks you through the most critical questions to ask when vetting an explainer video production company, allowing you to make a confident and informed decision.
1. Can I See Your Portfolio?
Start by asking for a portfolio or demo reel. A company’s past work is a window into their creative capabilities, style range, and production quality.
- Do they have experience with different animation styles (2D, 3D, whiteboard, motion graphics)?
- Is the storytelling compelling and easy to follow?
- Are the visuals polished and professional?
Look for examples that resonate with your own brand voice and aesthetic. A great production company should have a portfolio that inspires confidence and aligns with your goals.
2. What Is Your Explainer Video Process?
A reputable agency should have a well-documented and strategic process for producing explainer videos. This typically includes stages such as:
- Discovery – Learning about your brand, target audience, and messaging goals.
- Scripting – Creating a concise, compelling script tailored to your objectives.
- Storyboarding – Visualizing the narrative through sketches and scenes before animation begins.
- Voiceover and Sound Design – Selecting a fitting voice talent and adding sound effects/music.
- Final Animation – Bringing everything together into a finished video.
Understanding the process helps you set expectations and ensures that nothing is overlooked during production.
3. Who Will Be Working on My Project?
Ask about the team behind your video. Will you be working with experienced scriptwriters, illustrators, and animators? Transparency about who’s working on what can give you valuable insight into the company’s expertise and reliability.
Preferably, the company assigns a dedicated project manager to act as your go-to contact. This streamlines communication and minimizes the risk of misaligned expectations.
4. Do You Handle Everything In-House?
While some companies handle all aspects of production internally, others outsource certain elements. Outsourcing isn’t inherently bad, but it can sometimes lead to delays, quality control issues, and inconsistent communication.
Ask which parts of the process are done in-house and which may be subcontracted. If most of the work is outsourced, you might want to reconsider—especially if meticulous quality and cohesive communication are important to your project.
5. What’s Your Typical Turnaround Time?
Explainer videos aren’t overnight projects. A quality production company will usually require 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the video. Ask about the expected timeline, and make sure it aligns with any internal deadlines you may have.
Additionally, inquire about how well the team adheres to deadlines. Delays can impact marketing schedules and product launches, so punctuality is key.
6. How Much Input Do I Have During the Process?
You should have opportunities to provide input at various stages—particularly during scripting, storyboarding, and voiceover selection. A good company values collaboration and includes revision rounds in each phase to ensure client satisfaction.
Clarify how many revision rounds are included and what happens if you want to make changes beyond those limits. Knowing this up front can prevent surprise fees and frustration later.
7. Can You Customize the Video to Match Our Brand?
An explainer video should feel like an extension of your brand—not just a generic animation. Ask the company how they incorporate brand guidelines, such as color schemes, typography, tone, and logo placement.
The more tailored the video is to your brand’s personality, the more impactful and memorable it will be. Review company examples to see how well they’ve aligned animations with client branding in the past.
8. How Do You Price Your Services?
Price is a crucial element, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration. Low-budget options may come at the cost of quality, originality, and reliability. Instead, focus on value—in terms of both cost and outcome.
Key things to ask about pricing include:
- What’s included in the quoted price?
- Are there extra charges for revisions or add-ons?
- Do you offer tiered packages?
- Can you work within my budget?
A trustworthy company will be transparent and flexible, helping you determine how to maximize your budget without cutting corners.
9. What Makes You Different from Other Explainer Video Companies?
This question helps you assess what sets the company apart. Do they specialize in certain industries? Have they won awards? Do they offer innovative storytelling approaches or proprietary animation techniques?
You’re not just looking for a service provider; you’re looking for a strategic partner. Listen for answers that reflect passion, uniqueness, and deep understanding of how to craft videos that get results.
10. Do You Have Client References or Testimonials?
Social proof is powerful. Ask for client testimonials, reviews, or case studies. Better yet, request references you can contact if you’re investing in a large or high-stakes project.
This helps validate the company’s claims and gives you a chance to hear firsthand about past clients’ experiences, turnaround times, communication quality, and final results.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Skip the Chemistry Test
Even if a company checks all the boxes, the final decision might come down to chemistry. Do you enjoy talking with their team? Are they responsive and enthusiastic? Do they seem to understand your vision?
Trust your instincts. A successful partnership requires mutual respect, open communication, and genuine interest in your project’s success.
Final Thoughts
Your explainer video can be a game-changer for your marketing strategy—if it’s done well. By asking these key questions, you’ll be better equipped to choose a production partner who not only creates stunning visuals but also communicates your message with clarity and impact.
Invest the time upfront to vet production companies thoroughly. The right partnership will lead to a video that resonates with your audience, supports your business goals, and delivers measurable ROI.
Get ready to bring your ideas to life—one frame at a time.
