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How much does a motion graphic video cost: the short answer
The price depends on length, script and storyboard, style, voiceover, revisions and languages. Ask for a quote that lists each one, and budget for Arabic and English versions together.
If you search for the cost of a motion graphic video in Saudi Arabia, you will find quotes that differ by ten times or more. The reason is simple: two agencies can use the same words, “animated video”, for very different amounts of work. This guide explains what actually sets the price, so you can compare quotes fairly and decide how much to spend.
We make Arabic and English motion graphic videos for SaaS companies, clinics and service businesses, so this is how we scope a project, not a price list. Prices depend on your brief, so ask for a quote for your own video.
The six things that set the price
| Factor | Why it changes the price |
|---|---|
| Length | Every extra 15 seconds means more scenes to design and animate. 30 to 60 seconds is the sweet spot for most explainers. |
| Animation style | Simple shapes and text animation take less time than custom characters, 3D or detailed product animation. |
| Script and storyboard | A strong script is half the result. Writing it, then drawing each scene before animation, takes real time and saves money later. |
| Voice-over and sound | Professional voice-over, music and sound effects are separate costs, and Arabic voice talent differs from English. |
| Languages | Each language needs its own script, voice and, for Arabic, right-to-left layout of every scene. |
| Revisions and sizes | Extra revision rounds and extra formats, such as 16:9, 9:16 and square, add work. |
Why very cheap quotes often cost more later
A low price usually means one of three things: a template with your logo dropped in, a script you must write yourself, or a quote that excludes voice-over, subtitles or revisions. Each of these returns later as extra costs or a video that does not persuade anyone. The cheapest video is the one that is never used, so compare what you receive, not only the number.
What a good quote includes
- Discovery and script: a call about your audience and goal, and a written script you approve.
- Storyboard: a frame-by-frame plan before animation starts.
- Animation and design: built in your brand colours, fonts and logo.
- Voice-over and music: a named voice, licensed music and sound design.
- Subtitles: because most social video is watched without sound.
- Sizes: website, Reels and Stories, YouTube and ad formats.
- Revisions: a stated number of rounds and what counts as a new request.
- Source files and usage rights: so you own what you paid for.
Arabic and English: plan both together
Many businesses in Saudi Arabia need both languages. The expensive way is to make an English video, then ask someone to “translate” it. Arabic runs right to left, so the motion, the order of the text and even the direction of arrows should be rebuilt, not mirrored by accident. When both versions are planned from the start, the design is shared and only the script, voice and layout are done twice. You can see this on our motion graphic video service page, where our own homepage film plays in both languages.
How to set a sensible budget
- Start with the goal. A video that explains your product on the homepage and in ads should be measured by demos, enquiries or trials, not views.
- Choose one main video first. A 45-second explainer used on your website, in ads and in emails earns its cost faster than five small clips.
- Reuse it. Cut the same video into shorter versions for Reels, Stories and ads. This is where an agency that plans formats at the start saves you money.
- Leave room for distribution. A good video needs a place to be seen. Put aside some budget for Meta Ads or for your website, so it reaches the people who will act on it.
Motion graphics or filmed video?
Filmed video suits founders, teams and real locations. Motion graphics suit ideas that are hard to film: software, processes, data, medical treatments and services. They are also easier to update, because changing a price or a feature means editing a file rather than reshooting, and one design works in two languages. For SaaS and service businesses, animation is often the cheaper way to explain something complex.
Questions to ask before you pay
- Who writes the script, and do I approve it before animation?
- How many revision rounds are included?
- Is voice-over, music and subtitle work included?
- Will you deliver website, Reels and ad sizes?
- Is the Arabic version designed right to left?
- Who owns the source files and the rights to use the video?
- How long from approval to delivery?
If you want a quote with a clear scope, send us your brief. For SaaS products, read our guide on what a SaaS explainer video should include.
Sources and further reading
Related reading
Written by Mahmoud Samir
Digital marketing specialist at BrightSeen
I help businesses in Saudi Arabia and the USA get found on Google and ChatGPT, and turn Google, Instagram and Meta ads into real customers. I write in plain words, and I update my articles when things change.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a motion graphic video cost in Saudi Arabia?
It depends on length, animation style, script, voice-over, languages and revisions. A short 30 to 60 second explainer costs far less than a long, custom-character production. Ask for a written scope and quote for your own brief.
How much does a motion graphic video cost?
The price of a motion graphic video depends on length, script and storyboard, animation style, voiceover, revision rounds and the number of languages. Ask for a quote that lists each item separately, and plan Arabic and English versions together, since that is usually cheaper than producing them twice.
Explain how much does a motion graphic video cost step by step?
The question "how much does a motion graphic video cost" comes down to five steps: 1) decide the length and animation style, 2) decide whether you need a script and voice-over, 3) list the languages, 4) set the number of revisions, 5) ask each agency for a written scope and compare quotes. BrightSeen quotes each project after a free brief review.
How long does a motion graphic video take to make?
A typical 30 to 60 second explainer takes a few weeks from script approval to final delivery. The timeline depends mainly on how quickly you return feedback, how many revision rounds you need and how many languages are produced, so agree the schedule and review dates in writing before work starts.
Is an Arabic and English video more expensive?
Yes, an Arabic and English video costs more than a single-language one, because each language needs its own script, voice and layout direction. It usually costs much less than two separate productions when both versions are planned and produced together from the start.
Do I own the video after I pay?
You should own it. Before work starts, ask for written confirmation of who owns the final video and the source files, and which usage rights are included, such as websites, social ads and presentations, so you can edit or reuse the video later without paying again.
Is motion graphics cheaper than filming a video?
For software, services and processes, motion graphics is often cheaper than filming, because there is no crew, location, equipment or reshoot, and changes are made directly in the animation file. Filmed video can still be the better choice when you need real people, places or products on screen.
