When we think of 2D animations, it’s easy to picture cartoons or simple sketches brought to life. But 2D animation is much more than just visuals moving across a screen, it’s a storytelling medium that combines art, timing, sound, and design to communicate ideas effectively.
In video & animation, 2D animation plays a crucial role in helping creators connect with their audience. Whether it’s a charming character in an explainer video or text animation guiding viewers through important points, every element works together to keep people engaged, helping small businesses maximize their ROI by delivering clear, memorable messages without high production costs.
To give you a straightforward look at the different styles,, we have attached an infographic below that breaks down the key types of 2D animation for you to explore.
Why Businesses Choose 2D Animation for Their Videos
For businesses, 2D animations offer a flexible and cost-effective way to share messages clearly. Animated video creation allows companies to explain complex products or services simply, making information easier to understand and remember.
Unlike live-action videos, 2D animation doesn’t require expensive sets or actors. It gives brands the freedom to design characters, environments, and scenes that perfectly fit their message and style. This makes 2D animation a popular choice for marketing, social media, training, and educational videos.
Many industries have embraced 2D animation for these reasons. Insurance companies prefer animation videos over text-heavy policies to make information more approachable.
Similarly, the education sector relies increasingly on 2D animations to create engaging lessons that improve learning and retention.
The Role of Text Animation in Communication
Text animation is another important part of many 2D animations. Moving text grabs attention and emphasizes key information without overwhelming the viewer. It helps organize content visually and keeps messages clear and dynamic, especially in explainer videos or tutorials.
Key Factors That Make 2D Animation A Top Choice for Campaigns
Creating an effective 2D animation involves more than just drawing. It requires combining several components:
- Storytelling: The heart of any animation, whether it’s a simple product demo or a full narrative.
- Visual Style: The look and feel, from hand-drawn sketches to sleek motion graphics.
- Sound and Music: Sound effects and music set the mood and enhance the story.
- Timing and Movement: How elements move on screen, which affects the animation’s flow and pacing.
Understanding these elements helps creators produce videos that hold viewers’ attention and deliver messages smoothly.
Different Types of 2D Animation
Now that you have a better sense of why 2D animation matters, it’s time to explore the specific styles you’ll come across in video & animation projects. Each type offers unique ways to tell stories or present information.
Below, you’ll find an infographic summarizing the major types of 2D animation, complete with quick pointers to help you spot the style and understand where it fits best.
Check out the infographic below to explore the different types of 2D animation styles!
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning an animated video creation for your business, a personal project, or just exploring the art of animation, knowing the variety of 2D animation styles helps you pick the right approach. Each style has its strengths, whether it’s storytelling, simplifying complex ideas, or adding dynamic text animation to keep viewers hooked.
By understanding these techniques, you’re better equipped to create or commission videos that truly connect with your audience and make your message stand out.

By day I create engaging content along with infusing high-volume, low-competition keywords strategically so that it gets loved by you and Google Crawler. Off the clock? I scroll for fresh ideas. (Don’t judge, gotta fuel the creativity!)