Motion design
Some links on this page are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our approach
Motion design turns abstract ideas into short, understandable animations. It differs from video shooting in its flexibility: no location, no casting, total control over the message and a coherent brand output. ## Explain, sell or signal Three uses cover the essentials: the **explainer video** to present a service or product, **social styling** to feed the networks without shooting every week, and **brand animation** (logo, data, web micro-animations) to make an identity recognisable. ## Script before visuals Effective motion design is won at the brief and storyboard stage. Validating these stages before animation avoids costly rework and ensures that every shot carries the main message.When this guide is for you
- You need to explain an abstract service or product (SaaS, finance, insurance, training) in under a minute
- Your visual identity exists but is not yet animated: logo, transitions and social media styling
- You want regular videos for social media without shooting every time
- You are preparing an advertising campaign or an investor presentation where figures must be made readable
- You want to improve your web pages or applications with micro-animations that guide the user
Step by step
- Brief and key message — Define the goal of the animation (explain, sell, inform), the target audience and the single message to remember. A storyboard always starts from a message, not from a wealth of information.
- Script and storyboard — Write a short script (or voice-over) and sketch the shots, transitions and rhythm, with an estimate of the intended duration.
- Visual style and animated guidelines — Choose the style (2D, explainer, 3D, kinetic typography, logo animation) and the colours, typefaces and movements consistent with your identity.
- Animation and finishing — Animate the elements in After Effects or an equivalent tool, add voice-over, music, sound effects and subtitles for videos watched without sound.
- Adaptations and delivery — Export the right formats (16:9 for YouTube and the site, 9:16 for TikTok and Reels, 1:1 for posts) with subtitles, then archive the source files.
What it costs (in MAD)
| Service | Indicative price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Logo animation (2 to 5 seconds) | 3,000 – 8,000 MAD (≈ 300 – 800 €) | Short format for intros, email signatures or social media |
| Social media motion design (15 to 30 seconds) | 5,000 – 15,000 MAD (≈ 500 – 1,500 €) | Per video, excluding multiple adaptations |
| Explainer video (60 to 90 seconds) | 15,000 – 30,000 MAD (≈ 1,500 – 3,000 €) | Script, storyboard, animation and voice-over included |
| 3D product animation | 25,000 – 80,000 MAD (≈ 2,500 – 8,000 €) | Modelling, textures, lighting and animation |
| Professional voice-over | 1,500 – 5,000 MAD | In French or Arabic depending on the platforms |
| Licensed music | 200 – 1,500 MAD | Commercial licence for social media and advertising |
Indicative ranges for the Moroccan market in 2026, excluding tax. Prices vary with scope and provider.
Mistakes to avoid
- Trying to say everything in 30 seconds: a successful animation built around a single clear message converts better than an exhaustive summary
- Starting animation before the script and storyboard are approved, which leads to costly rework
- Choosing an overly trendy style unrelated to your identity, which ages quickly
- Forgetting subtitles and the vertical version, when most social videos are watched without sound
- Neglecting the commercial licence for the music or visuals used
- Not asking for the source files: you remain dependent on the provider for even the smallest change
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between motion design and a classic video?
A classic video films real people or places. Motion design animates graphic elements (shapes, text, illustrations, data) and requires no shooting. The two are often combined, with animations inserted into a filmed video.
How long does a motion design animation take?
A small logo or social media animation takes 1 to 2 weeks. A 60 to 90-second explainer video takes more like 3 to 6 weeks, including the script and revisions.
Do you need a visual identity for motion design?
Yes. It sets the colours, typefaces and shapes used in the animation. Without one, the motion designer must either improvise or produce extra graphic assets, which increases the cost.
Can motion design be created with AI?
Video generation tools speed up some elements (backgrounds, transitions), but motion design carries a specific identity and message: AI remains an assistant in a production chain where the storyboard and art direction are human.
What length should an explainer video be?
60 to 90 seconds strikes a good balance between explaining and holding attention. On social media, favour 15 to 30 seconds and adapt the main message into several formats.
Updated on
Related guides
Version française: /services/video-audiovisuel/motion-design/ · AR · NL