How Long Does Post Production Take? Timelines by Project Type

How Long Does Post-Production Take?

As a first principle, a post-production timeline is not determined by the final video's length, but by its density and complexity. A simple 2-minute corporate video might take two weeks, while a complex 60-second commercial with 3D animation and visual effects could take over two months.

Projects can range from three days for a simple social media ad to twelve weeks or more for a 3D-heavy explainer video.

The final timeline depends entirely on the specific creative and technical tasks required. This includes the complexity of the story edit, the amount of 3D/VFX work, the detail of the colour grade, the intricacy of the sound design, and the client feedback process.

This article will demystify the "it depends" answer. We will break down these core factors and then provide real-world post-production timelines by project type, so you can plan your next project with confidence.

Deconstructing the Timeline: The 6 Key Factors That Determine Your Schedule

Before we can estimate timelines, we must understand the key variables. The final timeline is a combination of several key factors, and a bottleneck in any one of them can delay the entire project.

First is the technical prep, which includes managing the volume of 4K or 6K RAW footage. This data management (ingesting, logging, syncing) can take days before an edit even begins. Next is the narrative and edit complexity. A 60-second brand film with hundreds of quick cuts is far more time-consuming than a simple 2-minute interview edit.

The largest variable is often VFX and Motion Graphics. While simple 2D text is straightforward, complex VFX and 3D animation (like product visualization or green screen compositing) are deeply time-intensive and can add weeks.

The "finishing" stages are also critical. A cinematic colour grade is an art form, where a colourist meticulously sculpts every shot, which takes time. Likewise, a bespoke sound design involves more than a music track; it means creating a custom, immersive audio experience.

Finally, the timeline is heavily influenced by the feedback and revision loop. A project with a single, decisive point of contact who provides clear, consolidated feedback will move exponentially faster than one with vague notes from a committee.

Post-Production Timeline Estimates: From Corporate Videos to 3D Animation

Here are some good-faith estimates for common project types, assuming a professional studio and a responsive, decisive client.

Timeline for a 2-Minute Corporate Video

This project (like an "About Us" or client testimonial) is a brand staple. The process involves sifting through interview footage to find the core narrative, artfully weaving in b-roll to illustrate the story, and adding simple 2D motion graphics for titles. After the story is locked, it undergoes a professional colour and sound mix for polish. Including two consolidated rounds of client revisions, you can expect a total estimated timeline of 1.5 to 3 weeks.

Timeline for a 30-Second Social Media Ad

This timeline is all about speed, efficiency, and optimization. These ads are often adapted from a "hero" asset or built from a small amount of footage. The key here isn't just the edit, but the strategic versioning. This includes re-formatting for multiple aspect ratios (e.g., 1:1 for Instagram, 9:16 for TikTok) and "burning in" subtitles for silent viewing. Given the fast-paced nature of social media, this entire process is typically completed in 3 to 7 days.

Timeline for a 60-Second High-End Brand Film

This is where the "density vs. length" concept is clearest. This 60-second spot may take 20 times longer than the social ad because every single frame is scrutinized. It’s less of a video and more of a "moving painting." It almost always involves high-end VFX and 3D animation, heavy compositing, a dedicated colourist for a cinematic grade, and a bespoke sound design. Due to this complexity and the multi-layered approval process between client and agency, the timeline is much longer, ranging from 4 to 8+ weeks.

Timeline for a 90-Second 3D/Motion Graphics Explainer

For this type of project, "post-production" is the entire production. There is no footage, only digital creation. This is a highly linear, step-by-step process where one phase must be approved before the next can begin. It starts with the script, which informs the storyboard (visual script) and animatic (a moving storyboard). Once approved, teams begin 3D modeling, texturing, and building digital environments. This is followed by animation and then the final, time-intensive rendering phase, where the computers build each frame. With compositing and sound design at the end, this is the longest timeline, often taking 6 to 12+ weeks.

Your Secret Weapon: How to Shorten the Timeline as a Client

While the studio controls the creative work, the client has immense power over the schedule. A great studio-client partnership is the secret to efficiency. You can dramatically shorten the timeline without sacrificing quality. The most effective way is to deliver a clear and complete creative brief before work begins. Know your audience, key message, and desired outcome.

From there, organize all your assets—logos, brand guidelines, and other materials—in a single folder from day one. Finally, and most importantly, consolidate your feedback. Appoint a single person on your team as the final decision-maker. Collect all internal notes and deliver them in one clear, consolidated document. This single act prevents the "revision cycles" that are the primary cause of delays.

Understanding your post-production timeline is the first step to a successful launch. While these estimates provide a guide, every project is unique.

Lastly, At Balance Studio, we don't just give you a number, we give you a plan. We will work with you to understand your exact needs, from 3D animation to cinematic colour grading, and build a clear, transparent schedule. We are a full-service studio built on client-centric agility, ready to align with your team and bring your vision to life, on time.

Ready to build your plan? Reach out to our expert today for a complimentary consultation and an accurate timeline.