3D Animation
How much does a 3D product animation cost?
What actually drives the price of a 3D product animation, how long it takes, and how to get the most out of your budget.
The short answer: most 30 to 45 second 3D product animations we make land around $5,000 and up, and take around four working weeks. Shorter, simpler pieces can cost less. Longer films, more scenes and detailed simulations cost more.
That range is wide because “3D animation” covers everything from a clean product turntable to a cinematic launch film. Here’s what moves the number, so you can plan a budget that makes sense.
What drives the cost?
1. Length and number of scenes
More seconds means more shots to design, animate, light and render. A 15 second loop with one camera move is a very different job from a 45 second film with eight scenes. Scenes matter more than seconds: two slow shots can cost less than ten fast cuts.
2. The 3D model
If you can share CAD or 3D files of your product, we start from those. If we only have photos, the model has to be built from scratch, which adds time. Products with lots of small parts, fabric or organic shapes take longer to model well.
3. Materials and lighting
Glass, liquids, brushed metal and reflective surfaces need extra care to look real. So do premium looks with lots of light play. This is often where a product goes from looking “CG” to looking expensive.
4. Simulations and effects
Liquids, particles, cloth and bubbles are simulated, not just animated. They look great, and they add both production and render time. Our Blubs Lipstick R&D piece is a good example of how far liquid simulation can go.
5. Revisions and changes
Changes are cheapest at the storyboard stage and most expensive after rendering. That’s why we lock the look and direction before we render, with two rounds of revision built in.
6. Deliverables
One 16:9 master is the baseline. Extra cutdowns, vertical and square versions, stills and different lengths for ads all add a little time, but they’re far cheaper than making separate pieces later.
A rough guide to pricing
Project | Typical scope | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
Product loop or turntable | 5 to 15 seconds, one or two shots | Under $5,000 |
Launch film | 30 to 45 seconds, several scenes | Around $5,000 and up |
Feature or explainer film | 45 to 90 seconds, many scenes or effects | Quoted per project |
These are guides, not quotes. Every product is different, so we always quote after a short call.
How long does it take?
For a 30 to 45 second launch film, a typical timeline looks like this:
Week 1: concept and storyboard. We write the storyline, board every shot and agree on the look.
Week 2: modelling and styleframes. We build or prep the model and design a few key frames in full quality.
Week 3: animation. Every shot gets animated and timed to music, and you review a draft.
Week 4: lighting, rendering and compositing. Final polish, sound and delivery in every format you need.
Simpler pieces can be faster. If you have a fixed launch date, tell us early and we’ll plan backwards from it.
How to get more from your budget
Share your CAD files. It saves modelling time and keeps every detail accurate.
Focus on two or three features. A film that shows everything usually shows nothing well.
Plan cutdowns upfront. Ask for social and ad versions in the same project.
Reuse the model. Once your product is built in 3D, future videos and stills cost less.
FAQ
Why is 3D more expensive than 2D animation?
3D needs a detailed model, realistic materials, lighting and rendering, on top of the animation itself. 2D can be quicker for interfaces and explainers. We compare the two in 2D vs 3D animation for your product.
Do you need a physical product?
No. 3D is ideal for products that are still in prototype. CAD files, sketches and reference photos are enough to start.
Can I use the video for ads and social?
Yes. We deliver the formats you need for ads, your product page and social, and you own the final video.
Want a quote for your product? Book an exploratory call, and we’ll give you a clear price upfront.
