Explainer Video Company or Freelancer: Which is Best for Your Business?

Explainer videos have become an essential marketing tool for businesses in today’s digital world. These short, engaging videos help convey complex ideas in a simple, easy-to-digest format. However, companies often face a critical decision when creating these videos: should they hire an explainer video company or a freelancer?

Both options have advantages and drawbacks, and choosing the right one depends on your unique business needs, budget, and expectations. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of each option, helping you decide what's best for your business.

What Does an Explainer Video Company Offer?

An explainer video company is a professional agency that specializes in creating explainer videos. These companies usually have teams of specialists, including scriptwriters, designers, animators, and project managers. When you hire an explainer video company, you get an entire team working together to produce high-quality content.

Advantages of Hiring an Explainer Video Company

Full-Service Expertise

Explainer video companies provide end-to-end services, from brainstorming ideas and creating a script to animation, editing, and sound design. They manage the entire production process, ensuring consistency and high quality. This makes them a one-stop solution for businesses looking for explainer video services without dealing with multiple freelancers or independent contractors.

Professionalism and Reliability

Professional agencies usually have years of experience in the industry. They have established workflows, project timelines, and quality assurance processes, ensuring timely video delivery. Most importantly, they can handle large-scale business projects requiring multiple videos or extensive revisions.

Collaborative Approach

A company has diverse teams of creative professionals, meaning you benefit from a collaborative approach. From conceptualization to production, experts in their respective fields handle each phase. This ensures that every part of the video – scriptwriting, animation, and voice-over – is executed flawlessly.

Access to Advanced Tools and Technologies

Explainer video companies invest in state-of-the-art equipment and software, ensuring your video is made with the latest tools. This includes high-quality animation software, voice-over technology, and editing suites, resulting in a polished, professional product.

Ongoing Support

Once your video is complete, a company often provides post-production support and revision options. This is crucial if you plan to update your video or need ongoing assistance with your video marketing strategy.

Disadvantages of Hiring an Explainer Video Company

Higher Costs

The biggest drawback of hiring a full-service explainer video agency is the cost. Due to their full-service nature and team of professionals, agencies tend to charge more than freelancers. This makes them a more expensive option, especially for startups or businesses with limited budgets.

Less Flexibility

Because agencies often have multiple clients and projects running simultaneously, the production schedule may not be as flexible as you'd like. If you're working on a tight deadline, you may find that agencies are booked out, causing delays.

What Does a Freelancer Offer?

On the other hand, freelancers are independent professionals who specialize in various aspects of video production. You can hire a freelancer for a specific task, like animation or scriptwriting, or find someone who can handle the entire video production process.

Advantages of Hiring a Freelancer

Cost-Effectiveness

Hiring a freelancer is often more affordable than working with a full-service company. Freelancers typically have lower overhead costs and can offer competitive rates, making them an excellent choice for businesses with tight budgets. If your project is relatively simple or you don’t require a large team, a freelancer can be a cost-effective solution for creating your explainer video.

Flexibility

Freelancers generally offer more flexibility than agencies. They can adjust their schedules to meet your deadlines and often work faster on smaller projects. This makes them a good option for businesses needing a quick turnaround.

Personalized Attention

When you work with a freelancer, you get direct, one-on-one communication with the person creating your video. This can result in a more tailored and personalized experience since you're dealing directly with the creative mind behind the project.

Disadvantages of Hiring a Freelancer

Limited Skill Set

While some freelancers are multi-talented, most specialize in a specific area, such as animation, scriptwriting, or editing. This means you may need to hire multiple freelancers to complete your project, increasing the complexity of managing the project and ensuring quality across the board.

Inconsistent Quality

Freelancers may need more infrastructure or quality control processes than agencies offer. While some freelancers deliver excellent work, others may need help with deadlines, communication, or technical challenges. This inconsistency can impact the final product.

No Backup Support

If a freelancer becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, you might face delays or have difficulty completing the project. Unlike an agency, where a team can cover for each other, freelancers are often solo operators without backup resources.

Which One is Right for Your Business?

When deciding between an explainer video company and a freelancer, consider the following factors:

Budget

If you have a larger budget and want a full-service, professional experience, an explainer video company is likely your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re working with limited resources, a freelancer may be a more affordable solution.

Project Complexity

An explainer video company is better equipped to handle the production of complex projects requiring scriptwriting, multiple rounds of edits, voice-overs, and intricate animations. However, if you only need a simple, straightforward video, a skilled freelancer can deliver what you need at a fraction of the cost.

Timeline

If your project has a tight deadline, a freelancer might be more flexible and capable of producing faster results. However, if you need ongoing support or future revisions, an agency offers more stability and long-term commitment.

Quality and Consistency

If maintaining a high standard of quality and consistency is critical, a professional explainer video company is likely the best choice. They have the resources, experience, and team to ensure your video meets the highest standards.

Conclusion

Choosing between an explainer video company and a freelancer ultimately depends on your business’s needs, goals, and budget. Investing in a professional agency may be the right move if you prioritize quality, reliability, and long-term support. However, hiring a freelancer could be the best option if you're a small business or startup looking for a cost-effective and flexible solution.

Whichever path you choose, review portfolios, ask for client testimonials, and clearly outline your project requirements to ensure a successful collaboration. Whether it’s an agency or a freelancer, the right partner can help you create an engaging explainer video that communicates your message effectively and boosts your brand’s visibility.