"In 2022, worldwide 70% of marketers created explainer videos and 55% of video marketers created animated videos for their companies."
You'll not interested in reading how an airplane flies but you'll be curious to see an explainer that shows the working principle of an airplane. That's the importance of explainer videos. And the most effective way to present your explainer is by using animation. Even if you notice, most of the explainer videos are animated videos. Because they can easily simplify any complex concept to present it most engagingly.
Now that you've decided to create an animated explainer video for you, you may face the two roads in front of you. Whether to choose 2D animation or 3D animation? And why? Which one will be right for your brand? Which one has the potential to present your brand's services? And should you really go with animation? That's why we've created this blog for you. Till the end of this blog, you'll completely understand which animation style will suit your explainer's requirements and why only animation can help you.
Why Should You Use Animation for Explainer Videos?
Imagine explaining a human's digestive system, a complex rocket science principle, or even your brand's intricate services. Can you explain them verbally? What will you remember more? A speech about humans' evolution on this planet or a video showcasing the same evolution with great visuals? Definitely "Visuals". But the sad part is that live-action has its limits whereas animation is a perfect choice to explain your services seamlessly.
We all know that explainer videos are needed for companies and are one of the best ways to showcase your product or service. But, not all services can be explained with real-life locations & humans. That's where animation explainers can help you. Animation, with its versatility and visual appeal, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of these videos. Here's why animation is important for your explainer videos:
Animation can simplify complex concepts and make them easier to understand. You can use animation to visualize abstract ideas, data, or processes that might be hard to explain with words or live-action footage.
Animation can appeal to emotions and create a connection with your audience. You can use animation to create characters, stories, and scenarios that resonate with your viewers and make them care about your message.
Animation can enhance your creativity and branding. You can use animation to create a unique and memorable style for your explainer videos that reflect your brand identity and personality.
You can also use animation to experiment with different colors, shapes, sounds, and movements that can make your videos more attractive and distinctive.
By incorporating lively characters, dynamic transitions, and visually appealing graphics, animation transforms an ordinary explanation into an entertaining and memorable experience.
A well-crafted animated explainer video can help create a brand personality, making it easier for the audience to relate to and remember the product or service being promoted.
Difference Between 2D vs 3D Animation Explainer Videos
Now if you're someone with a great knowledge of different styles of animation, you will easily understand what sets these animation styles different. But if you are someone looking to create animated explainers for the first time, you shouldn't miss this opportunity to learn. Let's understand what sets 2D animation & 3D animation apart:
2D Animated Explainer Videos
2D animation is a technique that creates the illusion of movement by displaying a series of images in a sequence. Each image is slightly different from the previous one, creating a sense of motion. 2D animation is also called vector-based animation because it uses lines and curves to define the shapes and movements of the characters and objects. 2D animated explainers can be done by hand or by using computer software. These explainers are usually flat and have no depth or perspective unless it is simulated by using techniques like parallax scrolling or shading.
When to Use 2D Animation for Explainer Videos?
When your content demands a blend of cost-effectiveness, quick turnaround, emotional connection, and universal appeal, 2D animation emerges as the star of the show.
Nature of your project: If your message revolves around storytelling, character development, or emotional connection, 2D animation is your go-to pal. Its simplicity lends itself well to bringing characters to life, making your audience feel connected on a personal level.
Budget & Timeline: If you're working with tight resources and a ticking clock, 2D animation is your superhero. It's often quicker and more cost-effective compared to its 3D counterpart. You won't sacrifice quality for speed either – 2D animation can still deliver stunning visuals that captivate your audience without breaking the bank.
The tone of your message: 2D animation is inherently versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of tones – from serious and professional to light-hearted and whimsical. Whether you're explaining a complex business concept or promoting a fun product, 2D animation can adapt seamlessly to your desired tone, ensuring your message hits the right emotional chords.
Pros & Cons of 2D Explainer Videos
Pros of 2D animated explainers | Cons of 2D animated explainers |
It is often more budget-friendly than 3D animation | Compared to 3D animation, 2D may lack the depth and realism that some projects demand |
It typically has a faster production time, making it an excellent choice for projects with tight deadlines | It may struggle to showcase products or concepts from multiple angles or in three-dimensional space |
The simplicity of 2D animation makes it ideal for conveying abstract concepts or emotional storytelling | Achieving a unique visual identity can be challenging with 2D animation |
It has a timeless and universal charm, making it suitable for a diverse audience of all ages | In industries where cutting-edge technology is a crucial component of the brand image, 2D animation may be perceived as less advanced compared to 3D |
3D Animated Explainer Videos
3D animation is a technique that creates realistic and lifelike images by using pixels to create and manipulate 3D models. Each model has height, width, and depth, and can be viewed from any angle. 3D animation is also called pixel-based animation because it uses pixels to define the colors and textures of the models. 3D animated explainer videos require a deep understanding of physics and motion, as well as sophisticated computer software and hardware.
When to Use 3D Animation for Explainer Videos?
Imagine you're dealing with intricate product details, architectural designs, or scientific processes, that's where 3D animation can be helpful.
Detail & Accuracy: If your goal is to showcase a product from every angle, dive into the intricacies of a complex system, or bring architectural blueprints to life, 3D animation is your trusted ally. It adds that extra layer of realism, giving your audience a detailed experience.
More Immersive Content: 3D animation excels in creating a sense of depth and space. If your explainer video involves exploring different environments, whether it's the depths of the ocean, outer space, or a futuristic cityscape, 3D animation can transport your audience into a visually stunning and three-dimensional world.
Target Audience: If you're targeting a tech-savvy audience or a demographic that appreciates visually rich content, 3D animation can cater to those preferences.
Exceptional Branding: While 2D animation can also help you create memorable branding 3D can add extra sausage to this. If you have a lot of budget and time for your project and if you aim to establish a cutting-edge and modern brand image you can go for 3D.
Ultimately, when your content demands intricate detailing, a sense of depth, a touch of cinematic magic, and a modern brand image, 3D animation steals the spotlight for your explainer videos.
Pros & Cons of 3D Explainer Videos
Pros of 3D animated explainers | Cons of 3D animated explainers |
It excels in providing realistic visuals, making it ideal for showcasing detailed products | 3D animation often comes with a higher production cost |
It brings cinematic quality to explainer videos, making them visually spectacular | Producing high-quality 3D animations demands a higher level of technical expertise |
For brands aiming for a modern, cutting-edge image, 3D animation can contribute to a sophisticated and innovative visual identity | While versatile, 3D animation may be perceived as having a more standardized look, limiting the range of artistic styles compared to the varied styles possible with 2D animation. |
It allows for the presentation of products or concepts from various angles | The creation of 3D animations can be time-consuming, potentially delaying project timelines compared to the quicker turnaround of 2D animation |
Which One is Right for Your Project?
Choosing between 2D and 3D animation boils down to your project specifics. If you have a high budget, ample time, and demand intricate detailing, opt for 3D animation. It excels in creating detailed, realistic visuals and allows for a three-dimensional exploration. Perfect for showcasing products, architectural designs, or complex processes.
On the other hand, if you're working with a tighter budget, and shorter timelines, and prioritize a simpler, versatile approach, 2D animation is the go-to choice. It's quicker, cost-effective, and ideal for storytelling and emotional connections, making it universally appealing to diverse audiences.
How “Wow Animation” Can Help You Create Animated Explainers?
“Wow Animation” is not just an explainer video company but we’re masters who deeply understand how your audience’s brain processes information and create 2D animated explainer videos specifically tailored for your brand that makes your people stop their scrolls.
We utilize colors strategically, tapping into the psychology of color to evoke specific emotions and enhance visual appeal.
We understand the art of storytelling, using pacing techniques that align with human attention spans and keep viewers engaged throughout the animated journey.
By incorporating elements that trigger emotional responses, we ensure that your video message goes beyond information, creating a memorable and resonant experience.
Every frame is crafted with precision, considering visual cues that guide the viewer's attention and enhance the overall impact of the animated explainer.
With insights from neuroscience, we align motion, visuals, and storytelling to connect with the viewer at a cognitive level, leaving a lasting impression.
Apart from animated explainer video production; we craft a distinctive visual identity for your brand, ensuring that your business stands out in the competition.
Have a look at these exceptional 2D explainers that we've created for our global clients.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between 2D and 3D animated explainer videos ultimately depends on the specific goals and requirements of your project. Whether it's 2D or 3D, the future of animated explainer videos is full of creative possibilities, allowing businesses to connect with their audience in innovative and compelling ways.
If you're looking to create a 2D explainer video then hold on! We have something that you can't afford to miss.
We know that creating high-quality explainers can be time-consuming and expensive. Getting a team from scripting to video production can be hustling & expensive. That’s why “Wow Animation” offers you an “Unlimited Video Plan”. It's like having your own team that'll create videos only for you. With this plan, you just have to pay once a year and get unlimited 2D animated videos for your brand. No hidden fees, no contracts, and no hassle. Claim your free consultation with us now
FAQs
1. What are the essential steps to create an animated explainer video?
To create an animated explainer video, follow these steps:
Plan: Decide your message and target audience.
Script: Write a short, clear script.
Storyboard: Sketch scenes to match the script.
Voiceover: Record or hire a voice for narration.
Animation: Create visuals based on the storyboard.
Sound & Music: Add effects and background music.
Review: Check if it's easy to understand.
Finalize: Make any needed tweaks, then share your video!
2. How do I choose the right animation style that suits my company's brand?
Selecting the most fitting animation style for your company's brand involves a thoughtful and strategic approach. To make the right choice, consider the following factors:
Match the animation style with your brand identity: Align colors, logo, and personality with the style. Modern brands may benefit from 3D animation, while approachable ones could use 2D. Classic brands might find whiteboard animation suitable.
Fit within your budget and timeline: Be mindful of costs and time. 3D animation is pricier, while whiteboard is quicker. Motion graphics and 2D animation are budget-friendly but rely on the artist's skills.
Support brand goals: Align the style with objectives. Use a whiteboard for education, motion graphics for clarity, and 2D/3D for storytelling and engagement.
Connect with your audience: Choose a style that resonates with your target demographic's preferences and associations.
By considering these factors, you'll choose an animation style that accurately represents your brand, engages your audience, and fits your budget and timeline.
3. Can you provide tips on writing an engaging script for the explainer video?
Writing an engaging script for an explainer video requires a mix of creativity, clarity, and audience-centric messaging. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective and captivating script:
Audience-Centric: Tailor the script to address your audience's needs and preferences.
Problem-Solution: Clearly define a problem and showcase how your solution resolves it.
Engaging Story: Craft a relatable narrative with characters and scenarios that resonate.
Benefits Highlight: Emphasize the benefits of your product or service for the viewer.
Clear Call to Action: Conclude with a specific action you want the viewer to take.
4. What is the ideal duration for an animated explainer video?
The ideal duration for an animated explainer video is typically around 60 to 90 seconds.
This duration can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the topic, the target audience, the platform where the video will be shared, and the industry where you serve