1When the manual isn't enough
A manual can list every step and still leave people stuck: which way a part goes in, how long to hold a button, why the app won't pair. When customers can't find the answer, they contact support, leave a low rating or send the product back.
It adds up. Electronics brands see about 46 support tickets per 100 orders (Gorgias Ecom Lab), and one assisted support contact costs about $13.50 on average, against $1.84 when customers help themselves (Ringly). A clear instructional video moves more of those answers into self-service.
2What we make
SetupMotion makes designed 2D and 3D animation, not filmed footage. Every video is built from your official manual, so the video and the printed instructions say the same thing.
- Quick Start (60–90 seconds): unboxing, first setup and first use.
- Full Guide (4–10 minutes): chapters for setup, daily use, cleaning and fixes.
- Numbered chapters, glowing button highlights, callout labels and captions.
- A natural voice in each language, with a human voice actor on request.
- Vertical clips for social media and product listings.
- A QR video manual page that opens in the customer's language.
3How production works
You stay in control of accuracy: nothing is animated until you approve the script.
- Send your manual Share the manual, product photos or 3D files, and the languages you need.
- Approve the script We write a short step-by-step script from your manual. You check every step, and the safety notes stay in.
- We animate it and add the voice We design the scenes and animate them. The first draft arrives about 5 business days after you approve the script, and two rounds of changes are included.
- Use the files everywhere You get wide and vertical versions, captions and subtitle files for your website, listings, support center and packaging.
4Why animation instead of a film shoot
A filmed how-to needs a set, a presenter, lighting and a new shoot whenever the product or the packaging changes. Animation can show what a camera can't: the inside of a housing, the exact button to hold, the cable that goes in first.
Because every scene is designed, a changed step, a new language or a vertical cut doesn't mean starting over. There is no stock footage and no AI avatar in our videos.
5Every language you sell in
Each guide can speak 20+ languages, with translated on-screen text and voice, not just subtitles. Three languages are included in every package.
Already have a video in one language? See video localization. Want the code on the box to open the right language automatically? Add a QR video manual.
6Prices
A Quick Start costs $490 with 3 languages included, plus $49 per extra language. A Full Guide with chapters costs $1,490, plus $99 per extra language. The QR video manual is free for the first year with any guide, then $19 per month or $190 per year per product; see all prices.
Founding clients get 40% off their first project in exchange for honest feedback and permission to show the work in our portfolio. One-off projects are paid 50% to start and 50% on delivery.
Questions
What is an instructional video?
A short video that shows how to do a task step by step. For a physical product, that usually means unboxing, assembly or first setup, daily use and care, in the order your manual gives.
How much does instructional video production cost?
It depends on length, style and the number of languages, and studio quotes vary widely. Our Quick Start is $490 and a Full Guide is $1,490, each with 3 languages. Our video cost guide compares the options.
How long should a product how-to video be?
Long enough to cover the steps that cause questions. A 60–90 second quick start handles first setup; a 4–10 minute guide with chapters covers setup, daily use, cleaning and fixes, and viewers jump to the part they need.
Do you need our physical product?
No. We work from your manual, product photos or 3D files, and draw your product so every button and part matches.
Do you film live action?
No. We make designed animation only: no filming, no stock footage and no AI avatars.
How fast is delivery?
The first draft usually arrives about 5 business days after you approve the script. Rush delivery is possible; just ask.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-12
