Our Explainer Video Production Process, Step by Step
The explainer video production process runs through six stages — brief, script, storyboard, animation, revisions, and delivery — and typically takes two to four weeks for a 2D video. Knowing what happens at each stage, and what you approve before the next begins, is the single best way to avoid the delays and surprise costs that derail video projects. This is exactly how ExplainerCue produces every explainer, so you know what to expect before you start.
Why the process matters more than the tools
Most people assume video quality comes from software or animation skill. It mostly comes from the process — specifically, from locking each stage before moving on. The expensive mistakes in video are almost always reversals: changing the script after animation has started, or the direction after the storyboard is approved. A disciplined process front-loads those decisions, when they are cheap to change on paper, not late, when they are expensive to redo in motion.
The 6 stages of explainer video production
1. Brief & discovery
We define the goal, audience, and the one core message. You approve: the direction and objective.
2. Script
We write the narrative — the part that carries most of the result. You approve: the full script before any visuals begin.
3. Storyboard & style
We plan every scene and lock the visual style to your brand. You approve: the look and scene-by-scene plan.
4. Animation & voiceover
The approved storyboard is animated and paired with professional voiceover, music, and sound design. You review: the first full draft.
5. Revisions
We refine through structured revision rounds until it is right — built into the price, not billed as extras.
6. Delivery
You receive the final master plus every cut-down and format you need for web, ads, and social.
How long each stage takes
| Stage | Typical time | You approve |
|---|---|---|
| Brief & script | 3–5 days | Direction & script |
| Storyboard & style | 4–6 days | Look & scenes |
| Animation & VO | 5–10 days | First draft |
| Revisions & delivery | 3–5 days | Final |
3D and live action run longer; timelines are agreed at kickoff. See how style affects it in our guide to animated explainer video cost.
Great video isn’t rescued in the edit — it’s decided in the script and storyboard. Approve those carefully and the rest goes smoothly.
Bilal Ali, Founder & Creative Director, ExplainerCue
The process in action
What you need to bring
- Your goal — the one result the video must drive.
- Brand assets — logo, colours, fonts, and any guidelines.
- Product context — what it does and who it is for.
- One decision-maker — a single approver keeps the timeline on track.
Ready to start? See our full explainer video services, or get a custom quote and we will map your timeline at kickoff.
Faq’s
Q1: What is the explainer video production process?
Six stages: brief and discovery, script, storyboard and style, animation and voiceover, revisions, and delivery. Each stage is locked before the next begins, which prevents costly reversals later.
Q2: How long does explainer video production take?
A 2D explainer typically takes two to four weeks. Roughly: 3–5 days for brief and script, 4–6 for storyboard and style, 5–10 for animation and voiceover, and 3–5 for revisions and delivery. 3D and live action run longer.
Q3: What do I approve during production?
You approve the direction, then the full script, then the storyboard and style, then the first animated draft, and finally the delivery — each sign-off before the next stage starts.
Q4: What do I need to provide to start?
Your goal, brand assets (logo, colours, fonts), product context, and ideally a single decision-maker to keep approvals and the timeline on track.