Animated cartoon video: your photo turned into a moving cartoon
An animated cartoon video is a short clip in which a cartoon made from your photo comes to life: it waves, flies, laughs or reveals a message. Hans Esser draws the cartoon and animates it into a video of up to 9 seconds, costing from €250; longer clips are possible at a higher price. Watch the three examples in the videos below.
What an animated cartoon video is
An animated cartoon video is a cartoon that moves. It starts with a drawing of you, your partner, your team or your pet, made from your photo, and then adds motion: a wink, a wave, a character flying across a skyline, a speech bubble that pops up at the right moment. The result is a short video caricature or scene that you can play, send and post.
You can see three examples in the videos below: Hans flying over Manhattan with a propeller cap, Hans drawing in a palace hallway, and a caricature appearing on the easel with the speech bubble “Prachtig!”, Dutch for “Beautiful!”. Each started as a still cartoon and was then animated.
Where a short cartoon animation works best
A clip of a few seconds is made for moments when people scroll, tap and share. Popular uses are:
- Social media: a Reel, Story or TikTok that stops the scroll, or a moving intro for your channel.
- Greetings: a birthday, a congratulation or a thank-you that is more personal than a sticker.
- Invitations: a party, wedding or anniversary invitation where the hosts wave from the screen.
- Presentations and events: a playful opening slide, a farewell for a colleague or an announcement.
- A short cartoon animation gift for someone who already has every mug and T-shirt.
Prefer a still image for your avatar? A cartoon profile picture as a still companion can be made from the same drawing.
How a cartoon video from a photo is made
- Send your photo via WhatsApp or info@decartoonist.com, with a short description of what should happen in the clip.
- Choose a style, from a classic cartoon to a caricature with gentle exaggeration or a painted scene.
- Hans draws the cartoon and prepares the movement. He combines AI tools with his own drawing and manual finishing.
- You see a proof within 3 days of payment and can ask for changes in one revision round.
- You receive the video as a video file, for example MP4, without a watermark.
Want the drawing itself to lean towards a caricature? The caricature maker who can also animate page shows how exaggeration works. For photo tips and the full order flow, see the order steps for a video or a drawing.
Which photo works for an animated cartoon
To animate a photo into a cartoon, one sharp, well-lit photo of the face is the starting point. A clear expression helps, because the movement builds on it: a big smile turns naturally into a laugh, a raised eyebrow into a wink. For a pet, choose a photo where the eyes are visible and the coat is in focus.
Also tell where the clip will be used. An upright video for Stories and Reels needs a different composition than a landscape video for a presentation, and a message such as a name or date should be readable on a small screen. Want your dog or cat to star? A pet to cartoon drawing that can come to life is a good starting point.
Video length and price
An animated cartoon video costs from €250 for a clip of up to 9 seconds. That is long enough for one clear idea: a wave, a reveal, a short flight or a message. Longer videos are possible at a higher price. What influences the price:
- the length of the clip beyond 9 seconds;
- the number of people or animals that move;
- a simple background or a full scene such as a skyline or a palace hallway;
- extras such as text, a speech bubble or several versions.
You always hear the price before Hans starts and see a proof first. Details are on video cartoon pricing and longer clips; for a story in several scenes on paper, a custom comic book told over several pages may suit you better.
How it differs from an app that animates a photo
Apps that animate a photo apply the same movement to every face, often with warped features or a flickering background. A video caricature from De Cartoonist is designed for one person and one idea: the cartoon is drawn first, checked for likeness, and then brought to life with movement that fits the character.
You also get a proof, one revision round and a file without a watermark that you may use privately. Commercial use, such as an advert, is discussed in advance. Curious what else Hans has made? Browse more scenes and clips by the studio.
More cartoon styles
Anime filter from your photo
Big eyes, clean lines and bright colour: you as the lead character of your own anime.
3D cartoon avatar from a photo
Soft shapes, warm light and a big smile, like a still from an animated film.
Custom caricature maker
Playful exaggeration of the features that make someone unmistakable. A classic gift.
Comic book effect for your photo
Bold ink, halftone dots and a speech bubble. Star in your own comic panel or strip.
Pet to cartoon portraits
Your dog, cat or rabbit as a cartoon with its own personality, alone or with you.
Pet memorial cartoon of a pet that passed away
A lasting memory of your dog, cat, bird or mouse, drawn with its own character.
Custom comic book with your own story
A short comic story over several pages, starring your pet, your family or a loved one.
Cartoon profile picture (PFP)
A clear, bold avatar that stays recognisable at thumbnail size on every platform.
Photo to drawing and sketch
A calm pencil sketch, ink drawing or line art portrait instead of a colourful cartoon.
Cartoon maker with no watermark
A clean, print-ready file: why free apps add a watermark and what you get instead.
Watch the cartoonist at work
Frequently asked questions
What is an animated cartoon video?
An animated cartoon video is a short clip in which a cartoon made from your photo moves: it waves, laughs, flies or reveals a message. Hans Esser draws the cartoon first and then animates it, so the character stays recognisable.
How much does an animated cartoon video cost?
An animated cartoon video costs from €250 for a clip of up to 9 seconds. Longer videos, more characters or a detailed scene cost more. You hear the price before work starts and always see a proof first.
How long is an animated cartoon video?
The base price covers a video of up to 9 seconds, which is enough for one clear idea such as a wave, a reveal or a short flight. Longer videos are possible at a higher price; mention the length you have in mind when you get in touch.
Can you make a cartoon video from a photo of me?
Yes, a cartoon video from a photo is exactly how it works. Send one sharp, well-lit photo of your face with a clear expression, and describe what the cartoon should do. Hans draws you first and then brings the drawing to life.
Can my dog or cat be turned into an animated cartoon?
Yes, pets make great stars of a short cartoon animation: a tail wag, a head tilt or a leap for a treat. Choose a photo with visible eyes and a sharp coat, and tell Hans about the habit that makes your pet recognisable.
What can I use an animated cartoon video for?
You can use it for social media posts, Reels and Stories, birthday and congratulation messages, party or wedding invitations, presentations and farewells. Private use is included; commercial use, such as an advert, is discussed in advance.
Is a short cartoon animation a good gift?
Yes, a short cartoon animation gift is personal and easy to share: the recipient sees themselves come to life on their phone. It works well for birthdays, anniversaries and farewells. Mention if it is a surprise so Hans keeps contact through you.
In what file format do I receive my cartoon video?
You receive the cartoon video as a video file, for example MP4, without a watermark. That format plays on phones and computers and can be posted on most social media platforms or added to a presentation.
Can the animated cartoon video be made upright for Stories and Reels?
Yes, tell in advance where the video will be shown. An upright clip for Stories and Reels is composed differently from a landscape clip for a presentation or website, so choosing early gives the best result.
Can text or a name appear in my animated cartoon video?
Yes, a name, date or short message can appear, for example in a speech bubble like the “Prachtig!” example on this page. Keep the text short so it can be read in a few seconds on a small screen.
What is a video caricature?
A video caricature is a caricature that moves: the exaggerated drawing of a face comes to life with a wink, a laugh or a gesture. It combines the humour of a caricature with the attention a moving image gets on social media.
How is this different from apps that animate a photo into a cartoon?
Apps apply a standard movement to any face, often with warped features. Hans Esser first draws a cartoon of you, checks the likeness and then adds movement that suits the character. You also get a proof and one revision round.
Can several people appear together in one animated cartoon video?
Yes, a couple, a family or a small team can appear together. Every extra person or animal needs its own drawn likeness and movement, so the number of characters affects the price. Send a clear photo of each person.
Do I see a preview before my cartoon video is finished?
Yes, you always see a proof before the video is final. In the revision round you can ask for changes to details such as the expression, colours or text. A completely different idea counts as a new request.
How do I order an animated cartoon video?
Send your photo and a short description of the clip via WhatsApp to WhatsApp or by email to info@decartoonist.com. You can also call 06‑41788191. Everything runs online, in English or Dutch, for customers anywhere in the world.
Ready to see yourself as a cartoon?
Send one clear photo, tell us the style you like, and the cartoonist gets to work. You see a proof before anything is final.