10 Types of Animations [With inspiring examples]

You have probably heard and even enjoyed the animated content of the following studios – Walt Disney, Pixar (Toy Story), Barre Studios (Tom and Jerry), and Studio Ghibli (My Neighbor Totoro). They are considered the pioneers who saw and brought to light the endless potential of animation.

Do you remember any brand using animation as a medium of their marketing campaign? Coca-Cola and Kelloggs’ are believed to be among the firsts who used animation in marketing. There are other brands like Slack, Starbucks, Nike, Microsoft, Amazon, and many others that leverage animation videos for marketing their products. 

Why Animation is used in marketing? 

Something that is visually appealing sticks around our minds for longer than just a piece of written content. Animation helps you simplify the complex features of your product and present your brand message in a simple format. 

Other reasons for using animation in your marketing strategy are –

1. It increases audience engagement. 
2. Can be shared across all platforms. 
3. Produces content that sticks with us.
4. A better and cost-effective approach to increased brand awareness. 
5. Innovative way to stand out. 

If you need animation videos for marketing your products or services, check out the portfolio of animation companies in Kolkata. 

The best practices of different types of animation styles that you can use in marketing campaigns are given below. 

2D Animation 

Best for: explainer videos, product demos, and mascots representing brand personality. 

Why it works: Familiar. It creates characters that seem funny, and that viewers can instantly resonate with. 

3D Animation 

Best for: Product launches, provides intuitive brand experience, easy visual demonstration of product features and use cases. 

Why it works: 

Stop Motion 

Best for: Unique brand identity, targeting a specific niche audience, promoting handmade products, and others.

Why it works: Provides a charming feel, and helps your brand stand out by adding a personal touch to marketing campaigns. 

Claymation 

Best for: Best for promoting family-friendly products or services, offers a warm brand image.

Why it works: Similar to stop motion. 

Typography Animation 

Best for: Event promotions as it has short, attention-grabbing content, and highlight key brand messages. 

Why it works: Visually appealing ways to represent text-based information. Works well for grabbing eyeballs in a short time frame. 

Whiteboard Animation 

Best for: Explainer videos, product demos, simplifying complex concepts. 

Why it works: Offers an engaging way to explain complex concepts that build accountability and trust among viewers. 

Motion graphics 

Best for: Infographics, data visualization, technical product demos, and explainer videos with a professional touch. 

Why it works: Represents data and abstract concepts to life in a visually compelling manner, hence best for breaking down core technical data.

Rotoscope Animation 

Best for: Targets sophisticated niche-based audience, offers artistic brand image, and promotions with a focus on realism. 

Why it works: Visually striking because of a mix of realism and artistic style.

Flipbook Animation 

Best for: Simple explainer videos, low-budget animation marketing with a touch of creativity. 

Why it works: Quick way to create engaging content for your audience. 

Puppet Animation 

Best for: Target specifically children’s products to work well, offering a magical brand image. 

Why it works: The detailed hand movements instantly create a sense of strong emotional connection between the product and your target audience.