Top Animated Explainer Video Production Companies (2026)

Animated explainer videos have become the go-to tool for brands looking to connect with their audience quickly. With this in mind, many production companies are trying to simplify the process of showcasing a brand’s personality, especially if they want to be recognised as the animation studio that can make all the difference.

So, who’s leading the way in 2026?

Here’s a curated list of the top animated explainer video production companies this year — studios that create beautiful visuals and evoke emotion. They are not ranked by size or price, but by creativity, impact and effectiveness in helping brands to tell authentic stories.

1. Zelios

Zelios is the kind of studio that clients keep coming back to. It’s not just because their videos look amazing; it’s because they understand what clients need. Based in Southeast Asia and growing rapidly, Zelios.agency blends cinematic storytelling with brand strategy.

They specialise in app previews, software explainers and startup launch videos, hitting the mark first time every time. The team is also hands-on, often acting as creative partners and strategic consultants to help you create the perfect video for your brand.

If you need an explainer video that does more than just look good — one that actually converts — this agency is the one to book.

→ zelios.agency

2. The Mill

Known more for its VFX and commercial work, The Mill also produces animated content that’s sharp and technically brilliant. Their explainer videos often feel like blockbuster trailers; dramatic, cinematic, and loaded with high-end polish.

If you want your product to feel like it belongs on a movie screen, The Mill’s your studio. They bring a sense of gravity and scale that’s hard to match.

→ themill.com

3. Ordinary Folk

Ordinary Folk is anything but ordinary. Based in Vancouver, this team knows how to pack a punch using minimalist style and smart storytelling. They’ve built a reputation for making explainer videos that don’t feel like typical explainers, more like short animated films with heart.

Their animations often blend hand-drawn charm with motion design, and everything they touch feels incredibly modern and clean.

→ ordinaryfolk.co

4. Illo TV

This Italian studio brings serious visual flair to the table. Illo TV is known for bold colors, abstract forms, and that unmistakably European design aesthetic. They’ve worked with clients like Airbnb and Bloomberg, proving they can balance artistic direction with business communication.

What stands out most about Illo is their visual experimentation. They don’t settle for safety. Their explainers feel like art installations with a message.

→ illo.tv

5. Not Real

Not Real might sound like a punchline, but their work hits deep. This Argentina-based crew blends CGI, 2D, and live action to turn abstract ideas into playful, memorable stories, especially for tech and design brands.

→ notreal.tv

6. Crumb Studio

Crumb Studio may be small, but their animations pack a ton of personality. They lean into quirky, playful styles like those videos with bright colors, expressive characters, and clever pacing. Perfect for brands that want to stand out without sounding too serious.

Their client base includes eco brands, health startups, and indie creators. Crumb excels at making even the most technical topics feel warm and human.

→ crumb.tv

7. Clim Studio

Clim Studio from Barcelona has a vibe you can spot right awau; smooth shapes, soft fades, and motion that just feels natural. Their work isn’t just about looking good; it creates a whole mood. They usually team up with brands in tech, finance, and lifestyle, helping them simplify complex ideas into something clear, calm, and easy to connect with.

→ studioclim.com

8. Prand

Prand is known for being a motion design chameleon. One day they’re doing snappy 2D explainer videos; the next, they’re diving into complex 3D brand visuals.

What sets them apart is their ability to adapt; to your budget, your message, and your vibe. They’re a favorite among mid-sized brands looking for top-tier quality without the massive agency overhead.

→ prand.tv

9. Panic Studio

Panic Studio brings humor into explainer videos in a way few others can. Their animations are witty, fast-paced, and just weird enough to be memorable.

They’re based in Eastern Europe but work with global clients, especially in the SaaS and e-commerce spaces. If your brand tone is more “friendly chaos” than “corporate calm,” Panic is your perfect match.

→ panicstudio.tv

10. The Heist

This is one of those under-the-radar studios with cult status. The Heist is known for dark, moody explainer videos that feel more like noir stories than typical corporate content.

They work best with brands in fashion, music, and tech, anyone trying to build a mysterious edge for their brand. Their work feels premium without being flashy.

→ theheist.com

11. PlusOne

PlusOne is based in Amsterdam and lives up to the Dutch design legacy; clean, precise, and aesthetically satisfying. Their animations are technically flawless and conceptually sharp.

They often work with financial and healthcare companies, turning complicated data and products into crystal-clear narratives.

→ plusoneamsterdam.com

12. Lumbre

Lumbre is all about emotion. What people like most about this video production company is how perfect it is for a government PSA or brand explainer, which means Lumbre knows how to stir feelings through smart animation and very careful pacing.

Their work leans more educational and civic, but the impact is powerful. If your message needs to inspire action or build trust, Lumbre delivers.

→ lumbre.website

Final Thoughts

There is no single ‘best’ explainer studio; it depends on your goals, tone and budget.

However, if you’re looking for a studio that can bring your ideas to life and connect with your audience, the list we’ve provided is a great place to start!

After all, in 2025, animation is about more than just making things look pretty. These video production studios ensure that this message is conveyed loudly and clearly with beautiful designs.