If you want to create a short animated video, you came to the right place! Video Igniter‘s guide for short animated videos answers the most frequently asked questions our clients ask about creating them.

Short Animated Video Examples

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. Check out the example videos below.

To start your project contact us, schedule a call with our production team or request access to our new pricing page.

Are you looking for an example of a different style of animation? Send us a message to let us know what kind of animation example you want to see and we will follow up with relevant production samples.

Why do companies make short animated videos?

First off, “short” is a relative term when it comes to animated videos. Short could be 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, a minute and a half, 2-5 minutes, 5-10 minutes, or +15 minutes.

When it comes to making short animated promotional videos, your video will probably be under a minute long. The really short ones (5-15 seconds) are designed to quickly get people’s attention and intrigue them to check out the company’s website or social media.

Companies (and non-business people/organizations) also make animated shorts – like those ~5 minute videos that appear before a Pixar animated movie. These types of animated shorts are used to tell fun or emotional stories that can help draw people into learning more about your company or cause.

How to make an animated short video

Find a producer for your short animated video

The first step to making an animated video is to figure out who is going to produce it. Scroll down to the section titled, “How to choose a producer for your short animated video” for tips on how to pick the right producer for your project.

Questionnaire

Production begins with a questionnaire to help us understand what kind of animated video you want us to create.

Script

After we review the response to your questionnaire, we will begin developing the script for your video. We’ll send you the first draft to collect your feedback. If you love it as-is, we’ll start creating the storyboard. Otherwise, let us know what changes you want to see in your video script and we’ll incorporate the edits and send it back to you to review and approve. If you are using Video Igniter’s Simple Animation or Standard Animation options to create your animated short, you get unlimited revisions on your script (and all other phases of production).

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

Budget Saving Tip

You can save hundreds or thousands of dollars off the cost of your custom animated video by writing the script for your project. Even if you aren’t a great writer, you can still save time and money off your production budget by creating the first draft and working with us to polish it and make it ready for production. Download our free scriptwriting template.

Storyboard

Now that your script is approved, it’s time to develop the storyboard. The storyboard is like the blueprint for your animation. It tells the illustrators and animators what to create. The diagram below shows what a page in a storyboard might look like:

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

When the first draft of your storyboard is ready, we will send it to you to review. If you love it as-is, we’ll move forward with production. Otherwise, let us know what changes you would like to see and we will incorporate them into the storyboard. You will get another opportunity to review and approve the storyboard (or request edits) before we proceed with production.

Budget Saving Tip

You can save hundreds or thousands of dollars off the cost of your short animated video by creating the storyboard. You can create a storyboard even if you have no artistic abilities. Download our free storyboard template and storyboard creation guide.

Soundtrack

Soundtracks enhance the presentation and emotional experience of watching your animated short video. We will select several soundtracks we think will compliment your animated short and send them to you to review. If you love one of them, we’ll procure the proper broadcast license to use it in your video. Not a fan of any of the soundtrack options? Just let us know why and we’ll select some fresh options for you to review. What if you can’t tell which option you like best? Let us know and we’ll help you preview the different options when the first draft of your animated video is ready to review.

VoiceOver

Not all animated shorts have voiceovers in them. Assuming yours does, we’ll order up some voiceover auditions from our favorite voiceover artists that we feel will deliver the appropriate tone and energy for your short animated video’s narration. Send us your honest feedback when you hear the auditions. If you love one of the artists, we will hire them to record the full voiceover and license the recording for all the platforms you plan to post your video. If you aren’t in love with any of the auditions, we will source new auditions for you to review and will continue to do so until we find one you love (assuming you are doing a Simple or Standard Animation project).

Budget Saving Tip

You can record your own professional sounding voiceover at home or in the office for free! No fancy equipment or expensive software needed. Check out 1:31 in this video about voiceovers.

Illustration

After the storyboard is approved, our art director will review your brand guidelines and design inspiration and use that to develop concept art for your short animated video. The art director will select a key visual from your storyboard and design it using one or more unique visual styles. Review the concept art and let us know how you feel about each of them.

If you love one of the concepts as-is, we’ll develop the rest of the illustrations for your video in that style.

If you love one of the concepts but want us to refine it a bit, let us know how you’d like us to edit the concept art. We’ll make the changes and send it back to you to review and approve – and then we’ll create all the art for your video.

Suppose you like details from more than one concept? Let us know which parts you love and which parts you don’t like and we’ll combine all your favorite details into a new visual concept. We will continue to work with you to refine it until you love it. Then we’ll create all the art for your video using the approved concept art as a style reference.

What if you’re not a fan of any of the concepts? That’s ok! Share your honest feedback and we’ll develop new concept art for you to review until we create something you love.

Once all the illustrations have been created, we will send them to you to review. Let us know your feedback for each illustration and we’ll incorporate your edits. You’ll get another chance to review and approve the illustrations before we begin animating.

Animation

Now that everything is approved, we can animate! It takes about a week to animate 1 minute of 2D video. 3D animations require 2-3x as much time. When the first draft is ready, review it with your internal team and members of your target audience. collect everyone’s feedback and send it to us. We’ll incorporate your edits and deliver the final draft.

How to choose a producer for your short animated video?

If you’re interested in hiring someone to make an animated video, take a look at their portfolio to review the quality of their work. It’s also worth asking about their design process, pricing structure and the amount of revisions you get when working with them.

Resources to help you find an animator to create your animated logo:

• 9 Things to look for when hiring an animator.
• How do you outsource an animated video project?
• How do you hire an animator?
• What is Video Igniter Animation?
• What’s the difference between hiring an animation studio, a freelance animator and Video Igniter?
• What goes into production cost of an animated video?
• Considering making the animated video yourself? Learn about DIY options.
• Need your video fast? Learn about rush delivery.
• Pros and Cons of Different Animation Styles

How much does it cost to make a short animated video?

A 2D 30 second animated video costs about $500-$4,000 to produce. 3D animations cost at least twice as much. To figure out how much your short animated video will cost to produce, contact us to get a custom quote.

How long does it take to make a short animated video?

For reference, it takes about 3-5 weeks to produce a 60 second animated video. Shorter animated videos still take 2-3 weeks to get through the whole production workflow. Rush delivery animation is available if you need to speed up production to meet your deadline.

How to get the most out of your short animated video?

If you are making a short animated video for a business or marketing purpose, there are a lot of things you can do during the production process and after production has completed that will improve your business outcomes. Here are some resources we recommend you review before your next video marketing project:

• 7 Tips to help you write a great script for your animated video.
• Pick the right visual style for your animated video.
• 6 Tips To Increase Viewer Engagement for your animated video.
• Check out our explainer video tips!
• 7 Tips For Using and Improving Your Businesses’s Video.
• Learn how to interpret your video’s viewer stats to see if it needs improvement.
• A/B Test variations of your animated video to improve its conversion rate.
• How To Review Your Animated Video Project Assets

The Best Uses for a Short Animated Video

A short animated video is incredibly versatile. Businesses use them for social media ads, quick website explainers, event promotions, and even email campaigns. They’re also great for internal updates or team training. Nonprofits and individuals can use short animations to tell meaningful stories, raise awareness, or simply entertain. Because they’re brief and to the point, audiences are more likely to watch them all the way through.

Why Short Animated Videos Work So Well

Short videos work because they match how people browse online. Viewers are more likely to watch something when they know it only lasts a few seconds. Adding animation makes them even more engaging by using bright visuals and smooth motion to hold attention. In just 10–30 seconds, a short animated video can spark curiosity and make your brand memorable.

Short Animated Video Trends

Animation styles are constantly evolving, and following trends can help your short video stand out. Kinetic typography, minimalist line art, looping GIF-style animations, and sleek 3D micro-animations are all popular right now. Mixing live-action footage with animation is also trending, creating a unique, modern look that catches the eye in busy social feeds.

Repurposing Across Platforms

A short animated video can be easily reused across multiple platforms. A 30-second clip can be trimmed into a 5-second YouTube bumper ad, turned vertical for TikTok, or looped as a GIF in emails. You can even pull still frames as images for blog posts and ads. Repurposing one animation for different formats helps you get more value from a single production.

The Ideal Length

When it comes to “short,” there’s a sweet spot. Quick 5–10 second clips are great for ads and teasers. A 15–30 second video works well for highlighting one main idea or call to action. If you need to explain something slightly more complex, aim for 30–60 seconds. If your message requires more time, break it into a series of short videos instead of one long piece.

Storytelling in a Few Seconds

Even a short animated video can tell a powerful story. Focus on one clear idea. Show a quick before-and-after transformation, or create a micro-story about a character overcoming a problem with your product. You can also use simple visual metaphors—like a rocket launch for business growth. A small but focused story can still leave a lasting impression.

Improving Website Engagement

Adding a short animated video to your website can instantly boost engagement. Animation draws attention, explains your message quickly, and keeps visitors on the page longer. Even a simple looping animation on your homepage can improve your bounce rate. This extra time on site also helps improve your search engine ranking over time.

More Ways to Save Money

You can reduce production costs for your short animated video by reusing your existing brand assets like icons or logos. Choosing a simpler animation style, like flat 2D graphics, is also more affordable. If you need multiple videos, batch them together as one project to save time and money. Semi-custom template-based animations are another great budget-friendly option.

What’s Next for Short Animated Videos

The future of short animated videos is becoming even more exciting. AI tools are speeding up production, interactive videos are letting viewers tap or click for more info, and augmented reality animations are blending 2D or 3D elements into the real world. Staying ahead of these trends can help your brand look more innovative and stand out from the competition.

What is the Video Igniter animated video creation platform?

Video Igniter offers animated video production services online. We modernized the experience of creating a custom animated video to help you save on your production costs and create custom content faster. Video Igniter streamlines the complex process of making a custom animated video and does 99% of the work for you. All you need to do is tell us what you want us to create and review the assets we create for your video (script, storyboard, voiceover, soundtrack, art and animation).

If you’re looking for a website to create an animated video online, Video Igniter’s custom animated video production service enables you to create any kind of animated video you can imagine. Our talented staff collaborates behind the scenes to create custom 2D and 3D animated videos so you don’t have to figure out if you have the right animator for the job. We handle all the technical and creative aspects of production including helping you develop your script and storyboard (if you haven’t already created them yourself).

Hire Video Igniter to make your short animated video

World class animation and design talent at prices startups can afford.

We can make any kind of 2D animation or 3D animated video you can imagine. Check out our animated video portfolio!

+20 reasons companies love hiring us to create animated videos.

Animated Video Demo Reel

Animated Video Success Stories and Testimonials

“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”

Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services

“My whole family and everyone on Facebook thinks you are amazing. My whole office is freaking out.”

Patricia Shields – Real Estate Agent

“I run a video production company and outsource animation. The team at Video Igniter did a great job in taking the concept I very crudely drew out and made it into a beautiful animation. The review process was easy and their turnaround time was very quick. I’d def recommend them if you’re looking for an animation project.”

Pat Henderson – Founder, Path8 Productions

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

“I am beyond satisfied with my experience with Video Igniter. The first drafts of the work were almost exactly what I had in my head when developing the concept. After that each step along the way was seamless until arriving at a perfect finished product. And all this at a tremendous value. Anyone who has considered creating a marketing video should check out Video Igniter.”

Anonymous Customer Feedback

Get in touch about your short animated video project

Schedule a call to discuss your short animated video project.

Get a quote for your animated short.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account.

Check out our animated video portfolio to see our latest and greatest creations.

Fill out a creative brief, and we’ll start creating your video.

Do you want to make an animated gif but aren’t sure how to even get started? In this FAQ, we answer the questions you’ve sent in about making animated GIFs, including:

• What are the different ways to make animated GIFs?
• How to make a custom animated GIF?
• How long does it take to make one?
• What do they cost to make?
• …and more!

What are the different ways to make animated GIFs?

Online DIY Animation Apps

There’s a handful of online animated video making services you can use to create short animated clips and then convert those video files into animated GIFs. Canva and Powtoon offer vast libraries of pre-existing content (characters, background scenes, objects, text effects, etc) that you can combine together using their online editing platform to create your own animated GIFs.

Professional Animation Software

Custom animated GIFs are created using professional animation programs like Adobe After Effects, Blender, Cinema 4D, and many others. You can learn how to use these programs to make custom animations and export the files as GIFs. However, the learning curve is steep! It’ll take you a while to get a handle on things and understand how to create what you want to create. If you want to make a custom animated GIF but don’t have the time, patience or interest in learning how to make them yourself, you can always hire a freelancer, animation studio or Video Igniter to create them for you.

To learn more about how to create custom GIFs, scroll down to the section titled, “How To Make A Custom Animated GIF?”

Video -> Animated GIF Converter

If you want to create a ‘live action’ animated GIF – that is, a filmed video that is converted into an animated GIF file format, there are several free online tools you can use. GIPHY’s GIF conversion tool enables you to upload a video and quickly convert it into an animated GIF. You can also add motion graphic text animations on top of the video before exporting your GIF.

Animated GIF Example

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animation or GIF for you. Check out our animation portfolio here. Request access to our demo reels and price sheet here. Contact us or to start making your video.

(We’re only showing you one low resolution version of a GIF with a reduced frame rate and a ton of file compression because the full definition GIFs make this page load too slowly. Want to see the full HD GIF and other GIFs we’ve made? Use this form to get in touch with us.)

What do people use animated GIFs for?

Animated Memes

Most animated GIFs we see online are used as comedic or dramatic memetic responses to things people post online. They are better at visually expressing strong emotions compared to simple emojis like:    :)    :(    :/

NFTs

NFTs or “Non-Fungible Tokens” are digital 1 of 1 items – NFTs are a way companies use blockchain technology to create scarcity and rarity for digital items. An NFT can be the official deed to your house, a legal agreement, a video of a popular moment in sports history and even, an animated GIF. Animated NFTs are a way for digital motion design artists to sell their original works in a way that enables the buyer to prove they are the official owner of that art and not simply someone who got a screen recording or ‘right clicked and saved a copy’ of the NFT to their computer. This way, the original piece of motion art can prove it’s authenticity when and if it gets sold again.

Looping Animated Instructions and Diagrams

Some instructions, diagrams and charts are created as animated looping GIFs to help people visualize and understand all the steps in a process.

Promos & Ads

Everything from product launches to coupons and music festival lineup announcements are being produced as animated videos and GIFs to make their message stand out visually.

How to make a custom animated GIF?

Pick a producer for your animation project

Picking the right animation studio or animated video production company to help you create your animated GIF is an important part of the production process. VideoIgniter.com can help you create your custom animated GIF – or you can check out these resources to help you pick an animation production partner:

• 9 Things to Look For When Hiring An Animator.
• How to hire an animator?
• How to outsource an animated video project?
• Pros and Cons of Different Animation Styles
• What goes into production cost of an animated video?
• Learn about the types of online animated video makers.
• What’s the difference between hiring an animation studio, a freelance animator and Video Igniter?
• What is Video Igniter Animation?

Review the pre-production checklist

Even though animated GIF projects are shorter than a normal animated video project, we still recommend you review the pre-production checklist before production begins. This list includes all of the files and notes you should organize for your animation producer before production officially kicks off.

Questionnaire/Kick off Call

After you’ve paid a deposit to begin production, we will send you a questionnaire and or with you to make sure we fully understand the project you want us to create. This is your opportunity to tell us important details like:

• What is the purpose of the animated GIF?
• What do you want to show in your GIF?
• What visual style we should use?
• Who is your target audience?

Draft the concept

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

Now that we have an understanding of what kind of animated GIF you want us to create, our creative team will develop the concept further. Then, they’ll write up a summary of what they plan to produce and run it by you to ensure we’re on the right track. You can request revisions if necessary.

Storyboard

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

After the concept is approved, we’ll develop the storyboard for your animation. The storyboard is a document that explains what the illustrators and animators are supposed to create. Each page of the storyboard includes a rough mockup of the scene, a description of the visuals, and directions for the animators to understand what motion design they are supposed to create. If you need to show specific details in your animated GIF, be sure those instructions are included in the storyboard so that the illustrators and animators know exactly what you want them to create.

Illustrations

Now that the storyboard is approved, our team will develop illustrations for your animated GIF. You get an opportunity to review the art and request revisions.

Animation

Once the art is approved, our team can animate your GIF! Give it a review with your team and let us know if you want us to make any final revisions.

How long does it take to make an animated GIF?

Depends on the style, length and amount of detail in your GIF. Some animated GIFs can be made in a few days. Others may take a week or more (usually for 3D animated GIFs).

What does it cost to make a custom animated GIF?

This is a tough question to answer. It depends on how complex your GIF is. It could be under a hundred dollars for something simple or several thousand dollars for an animated GIF with detailed frame-by-frame hand-drawn animation. Click here to get a quote for your animated GIF.

Tips to save money on your GIF’s production cost

• Provide a detailed writeup of what you want the animation team to create.
• Create the storyboard for the GIF you want us to create.
• Consider letting your production team use stock icons to help lower the cost.
• Provide existing brand assets that can be used in the GIF so that all the art doesn’t need to be created from scratch.

How to Create a Seamless Animated GIF Loop

A key part of making a professional-looking animated GIF is ensuring it loops smoothly. If the motion feels abrupt or has a noticeable jump at the end, it can distract viewers and make the GIF less appealing. To create a seamless loop, you should plan the first and last frames carefully so they transition naturally. Cyclical movements, like rotating objects, blinking lights, or gently moving shapes, work well because they return to their original position.

It also helps to avoid harsh cuts or sudden changes in motion that might break the flow of the animation. Testing different playback speeds can make your animated GIF feel more natural and polished. A smooth loop makes viewers more likely to watch the GIF multiple times, which is ideal for social media engagement.

Different Styles of Animated GIFs

There are many styles you can use when designing an animated GIF, and the right choice depends on your audience and goals. Frame-by-frame animation offers a classic, hand-drawn look that feels organic and personal. Motion graphics, on the other hand, use clean shapes, typography, and simple animations that are ideal for businesses and professional presentations.

For a more sophisticated look, you might explore 3D animated GIFs, which add depth and realism but typically require more time and skill to produce. Another popular style is the cinemagraph—a mostly static image with just one or two elements that move. Cinemagraphs are especially eye-catching because they combine photography with subtle animation. Choosing the right style helps your animated GIF communicate your message more effectively and align with your brand’s visual identity.

Optimizing Animated GIFs for Web and Social Media

When you share an animated GIF on your website or social channels, file size and loading speed matter. Large, uncompressed GIFs can slow down your site or take too long to display in a feed. To keep them lightweight, it’s best to limit the duration of your GIF to just a few seconds. Reducing the number of colors or using a more limited color palette can also help decrease file size without sacrificing too much visual quality.

There are several free tools available, like EZGIF or Photoshop’s “Save for Web” feature, that make it easy to compress your GIFs. If you need even better performance, you can export your animation in alternative formats like WebP or MP4, which offer higher quality with smaller file sizes. Optimizing your animated GIFs not only makes them more user-friendly but also helps your content load faster, improving your SEO and user experience.

When to Use an Animated GIF Instead of a Video

Deciding between an animated GIF and a video often comes down to your goals and the platform where you’ll share it. GIFs work best for short, looping animations that don’t require sound, such as reaction memes, quick product highlights, or small attention-grabbing moments for social media. They are easy to share, don’t rely on audio, and load instantly in most messaging apps and social feeds.

Videos are more appropriate when you need to tell a longer story, include voiceovers, or provide detailed explanations. For example, a GIF might be perfect for teasing a new product launch, while a full video would better showcase the product’s features. Understanding when to use an animated GIF helps you choose the right format for your message and audience.

Behind the Scenes of Professional Animated GIF Production

When you work with a professional studio or freelancer to create an animated GIF, the process is structured to ensure quality. It usually begins with a kickoff call or creative brief where you explain your goals, target audience, and visual style preferences. The creative team then develops rough concept sketches to share initial ideas.

Once the concept is approved, a storyboard and style frames are created to give you a clear picture of how the animated GIF will look. After you approve the storyboard, illustrators design the final assets, and animators bring them to life with smooth, looping motion. Finally, the team delivers the finished GIF in an optimized format. Even though a GIF is only a few seconds long, it still goes through several production stages to achieve a polished result.

Advanced Animated GIF Techniques

To make your animated GIFs stand out, you can experiment with more advanced animation techniques. Parallax effects, for example, create a sense of depth by moving background and foreground layers at different speeds. Morphing transitions, where one shape seamlessly transforms into another, can add a dynamic and artistic touch. Kinetic typography—animated text—makes written content more engaging and visually appealing.

Particle effects like sparkles, smoke, or abstract textures can also enhance the look of your GIFs. While these techniques add time to production, they create more visually interesting results that are highly shareable. If you want your animated GIF to grab attention in a crowded feed, investing in advanced techniques can make a big difference.

How Animated GIFs Enhance Marketing Campaigns

Brands are increasingly using animated GIFs in their marketing campaigns because they’re fast, engaging, and easy to share. In email marketing, adding a subtle GIF can increase click-through rates by making your message more eye-catching. On social media, GIFs stand out in busy feeds and communicate messages quickly without the need for sound.

They’re also useful on product pages to demonstrate features or highlight promotions with short, looping animations. By including animated GIFs in your marketing toolkit, you can make your content more dynamic and keep your audience engaged without the time commitment of creating full-length videos.

Learning to Create Your Own Animated GIFs

If you want to make your own animated GIFs, there are plenty of tools and resources available. Online platforms like Canva, GIPHY, and EZGIF make it easy to create simple animations without professional software. If you’re ready to take your skills further, programs like Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, and Blender offer more advanced features for custom designs.

You can also learn through free tutorials on YouTube or structured courses on Skillshare and Udemy. Joining animation communities and forums is another great way to get tips and feedback from other creators. With a little practice, anyone can learn how to design eye-catching animated GIFs for personal or professional use.

The Future of Animated GIFs

The animated GIF has been around for decades, but it continues to evolve with new technology. AI-generated GIFs are becoming more popular, allowing creators to generate animations from simple text prompts. Interactive GIFs, which respond to clicks or hovers, are starting to appear on websites to create more engaging user experiences.

As compression technology improves, we’re also seeing higher-resolution GIFs with better quality at smaller file sizes. These trends show that the animated GIF remains a powerful and adaptable format that will continue to play a big role in digital communication.

Still have questions about animated GIFs?

Do you have a question about animated GIFs that wasn’t addressed in this FAQ? Use this form to send us your question and we’ll follow up with an answer. We’ll also post the question and answer to this page so other people can benefit from the knowledge.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Video Igniter Animation is an online animated video production service that can be used to make custom animated GIFs. By working with our team online, you can get your custom animated video produced faster and for less than hiring a brick and mortar animation studio.

We can help you create any kind of 2D animated video or 3D animation you can imagine. Check out our animated video portfolio!

Watch our explainer video to learn more about how we can help you create an animated video for your business or check out our demo reel below.

Looking For An Animated GIF Production Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”

Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

“I am beyond satisfied with my experience with Video Igniter. The first drafts of the work were almost exactly what I had in my head when developing the concept. After that each step along the way was seamless until arriving at a perfect finished product. And all this at a tremendous value. Anyone who has considered creating a marketing video should check out Video Igniter.”

Anonymous Customer Feedback

Get in touch!

Get a quote for us to create your animated GIF.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief, and we’ll start creating your animated GIF.

App explainer videos are a popular way to market new apps. Whether you’re developing a desktop app, mobile app, web app, or some other kind of app, you can help grow the success of your app by creating an explainer video for your app.

Examples of Mobile App Explainer Videos You Can Get From Video Igniter

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated app explainer video for you. Check out the example videos below.

To start your project contact us, schedule a call with our production team or request access to our new pricing page.

Are you looking for an example of a different style of animation? Send us a message to let us know what kind of animation example you want to see and we will follow up with relevant production samples.

Top reasons to get an explainer video for your app:

1). Generate awareness

Explainer videos are a great way to get the word out there about your app.

2). Help people understand what your app does

Explainer videos make it easy for people to understand what your app does – without having to download your app. The app acts as a teaser to illustrate how people will benefit from using the app.

3). Encourages people to buy/use/download your app.

At the end of the day, this is how you’re going to turn your app into a successful business.

Pick a producer for your app’s video

Looking for someone to produce an animated explainer video for your app but you’re not sure where to start? Here are some resources to help you figure out the right production option for your video:

– 9 Things to Look For When Hiring An Animator

– Pros and Cons of Different Animation Styles

– What’s the difference between hiring a freelance animator vs an animation studio vs Video Igniter?

– Considering making the video yourself? Learn about DIY options.

– What is Video Igniter Animation?

How to make a mobile app explainer video:

Special Considerations:

Explainer videos for mobile applications can be produced several different ways. You could produce it as a screen recording of the app and add motion graphics to enhance the presentation. You can film a demo of people using the app. Or you can create an animated version of your app to show how people interact with it and how it improves their lives. Many app explainer videos are mix of screen recordings and animation.

Think through how you want your video to be framed before you begin thinking about the visuals you want for your video. If your video is being created for Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, consider making your video using a vertical orientation. Will the video mostly reside on your website? It should probably be a horizontal video. Planning on displaying the video on social media? Vertical, horizontal, or square shaped videos all can work.

Script

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

If your goal is to create a short, 30 second app promo video, we recommend using the following guide to write your first draft:

Intro (hook): What is the interesting/useful thing you offer to people?

Demo: Show people the awesomeness your app will bring to their lives.

Call To Action: Remind the viewer about how your app will make them better and tell them what they need to do to get your app.

For a 30 second video, you’ll need to keep your script to 70-90 words so be concise. Thinking about making a longer explainer video for your app? Check out our explainer video script writing guide, examples and template.

Storyboard

Now that your script is approved, it’s time to turn it into a storyboard. The storyboard is the blueprint for your explainer video. It describes all the visuals that need to be created for each sentence of your video’s script. The diagram below shows what information needs to be included on each slide of your storyboard:

Downloadable Template: Want to create your own storyboard? Download our free template here.

VoiceOver

After your storyboard is approved, your animation producer will pick out several voiceover talents and have them record a short 1-3 sentence audition from your script. This way, you can listen to how the voiceover artist will bring their energy to your specific script before you decide which person should get hired to record the voiceover. Be sure to add notes to your script to let the voiceover artist know where to change the tone, speed or inflection while they read.

Soundtrack

Soundtracks bring more life and energy to your app’s explainer video. They enhance the world that your app lives in and helps keep viewers engaged. Pick out a few soundtracks that you like from sites like Audio Jungle or Premium Beat. When the first draft of your animation is ready, you can insert the various songs you selected to identify which one feels right for your explainer video.

If you are planning on broadcasting your promotional app explainer video using paid media (TV or Online), ensure you purchased the broadcast rights to use the song.

Check out this video if you want to learn how to select the perfect soundtrack for your animated video!

Art

Next, the production team will go through your storyboard and develop visuals for every sentence in your script. This may entail screen recording parts of your app or creating custom animated art. If the team is creating art, they will start by creating concept art for one scene of your app’s explainer video.

They’ll design the scene using multiple visual styles and give you a chance to provide feedback and refine your preferred style frame before they create all the art for your video. You will get an opportunity to review all the assets (screen recordings & art) and request revisions before moving on to animation.

Animation/Production

Finally, it’s time to make the magic happen. All the assets have been created and approved and now production can begin. It takes 3-4 days to create the first draft of a 30 second promo video. When the first draft is delivered, take your time reviewing it internally and share the video with members of your app’s target audience. Now’s the time to collect feedback and request revisions before you spend time and money promoting your app with the video.

SFX

Finally – the animation is locked in. This means the timing of the motion design is complete. Sound designers can now add extra sound effects to add more detail and life to your explainer video.

How long should my mobile app explainer video be?

If you intend to display your promo video within the Apple and Android mobile app stores, your video should be 30 seconds long. The Google Play store enables you to post longer promo videos but you might as well keep things concise unless you want to create multiple versions of your app’s explainer video. Planning on keeping your app’s explainer video on your website’s homepage? Feel free to make that video 1-2 minutes long.

How Long Does It Take To Make To Produce An App Explainer Video?

It takes about 3-6 weeks to produce an explainer video for a mobile app. 3D animations take about twice as much time to produce.

If you need your explainer video produced faster for your app’s launch date, rush delivery production options are available. to discuss rush delivery for your app’s explainer video.

What Does It Cost To Make An Explainer Video For A Mobile App?

Production budgets for mobile app explainer videos have a wide range. One one hand, you could produce a low cost explainer video using screen recordings taken from your phone and add some simple transitions or motion graphics to make it look more polished. That would only cost you a few hours of your time and ~$50 for a voiceover, soundtrack and some motion graphics you can customize for the promo video. If you want to produce something more custom using 2D and or 3D animation, expect to spend at least $1,500-$5,000 for a 30-second promo video.

Where To Use Your App Explainer Video

Once your mobile app explainer video is complete, it’s important to distribute it strategically to maximize exposure and downloads. Here are key channels where you can publish and promote your app video:

1. App Store Listings
Include your app explainer video in your listings on the App Store and Google Play. It helps potential users quickly understand the value of your app without needing to scroll through long descriptions or screenshots.

2. Your Website
Feature the explainer video prominently on your homepage or dedicated app landing page. Videos help improve time-on-site and can increase conversion rates by over 80%.

3. Social Media
Repurpose the video into shorter, bite-sized versions for Instagram Reels, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Use vertical formatting where appropriate to increase visibility and engagement.

4. Paid Ads
Use your app explainer video in performance marketing campaigns on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Videos drive higher click-through and install rates compared to static ads.

5. Pitch Decks & Investor Presentations
A mobile app explainer video makes a fantastic opener for investor decks. It sets the tone and helps potential investors instantly grasp your value proposition.

6. Email Marketing
Add your explainer video to onboarding sequences, app update announcements, or re-engagement campaigns. Videos can boost click rates and drive app reactivations.

How App Explainer Videos Help Improve ASO (App Store Optimization)

Incorporating a well-made app explainer video into your app store listing can significantly improve your App Store Optimization (ASO) efforts:

• Improved Engagement Metrics: Videos increase user interaction time on your listing page, which signals relevance to the app store algorithms.

• Boost Conversion Rates: Users who watch a video are more likely to install your app, improving your install-to-view ratio.

• Enhanced Keyword Targeting: Including closed captions or uploading your video to YouTube (linked to your listing) allows you to embed relevant keywords that further support your SEO strategy.

Pro Tip: Use captions and onscreen text so users can understand your video even without sound—especially since many people browse app stores with their phones on silent mode.

App Explainer Video Trends to Watch

Staying on top of emerging video trends can help your app stand out. Here are some key trends in app explainer video production:

1. Vertical-First Design:
With TikTok and Instagram Reels dominating attention spans, vertical app explainer videos are becoming the norm for mobile-first platforms.

2. Interactive Explainers:
Some companies are incorporating interactive elements (like tappable hotspots or branching storylines) into videos on landing pages or web apps.

3. Live Action + Animation Hybrid:
Combining real people using your app with sleek UI animations makes your video feel more human and relatable.

4. Personalized Explainers with AI:
Brands are starting to use AI tools to generate customized app explainer videos tailored to different audience segments (e.g. different versions for freelancers vs. enterprise users).

5. Sound Design-Driven Videos:
With soundtracks and sound effects carefully synced to app interactions, even minimal animations can feel dynamic and cinematic.

What Makes a Great App Explainer Video?

Not all explainer videos are created equal. Here’s what separates the best from the rest:

• Clarity: Within the first few seconds, viewers should understand what your app does and why it matters.

• Brevity: Shorter is better. Aim for 30-60 seconds, especially for social and mobile-first platforms.

• Call-to-Action: Don’t just end your video with a logo. Tell people exactly what to do next—download, sign up, or visit your site.

• Brand Consistency: Use your brand’s colors, fonts, tone of voice, and design language so the video feels cohesive.

• Emotional Hook: A relatable problem, funny scenario, or delightful animation can draw people in emotionally.

When Should You Make an App Explainer Video?

Wondering when in your app development or marketing cycle you should invest in an explainer video? Here are some ideal times:

• Pre-launch: Use a teaser-style explainer to build excitement and attract beta testers.

• Launch Day: Promote your app with a full explainer video across all channels.

• After Major Updates: If your app has added major new features or been completely redesigned, a new explainer video can help communicate those changes to existing and new users.

• Investor Pitches: Raising a seed or Series A round? A sleek explainer video shows investors you’re serious and makes your pitch memorable.

App Explainer Video Mistakes to Avoid

Creating your first app explainer video? Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Too Much Jargon: Keep the language simple. Explain benefits, not features.

• Weak Hook: Don’t take 20 seconds to get to the point. Grab attention fast.

• No Storyboard: Jumping straight into animation without a clear visual plan can lead to costly rework.

• Inconsistent Style: Mixing styles (live-action, 3D, sketch, flat) without purpose can confuse viewers.

• No Clear CTA: Always end with a direct, actionable instruction (e.g. “Download now,” “Try free,” “Join our waitlist”).

Benefits of Using Animation vs. Screen Recording for App Explainers

Should you use real screen recordings or animation in your app explainer video? Here’s a breakdown of both:

Pro Tip: If your app has a cluttered interface or performs complex actions, animation can help simplify and visually communicate the flow more clearly than raw screen recordings.

SEO Tips for Your App Explainer Video

To get the most organic traffic out of your app explainer video, follow these SEO strategies:

• Host the video on YouTube and embed it on your website. YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine. Optimize your video’s title, description, and tags with relevant keywords like “app explainer video,” “mobile app demo,” and your app’s category.

• Add a video transcript. This makes your content indexable by Google and improves accessibility.

• Use schema markup. Add VideoObject schema to your webpage to increase your chances of appearing in video-rich search results.

App Explainer Video Production Resources

These popular articles are recommended for your video production journey:

+160 Free Resources To Help You Create Animated Videos

How to use an animated video maker app to create my video?

Which animation services does Video Igniter offer?

How to create an animation storyboard for your video project.

Create a 3D animation with Video Igniter’s 3D Animation Maker.

Hire Video Igniter to Create An Explainer Video For Your App

World class design talent at prices small app developers can afford.

We can make any kind of 2D or 3D animated explainer video you can imagine.

+20 reasons companies ❤️  hiring us to create animated explainer videos for their apps.

App Explainer Video Demo Reel: 

App Explainer Video Success Stories & Testimonials

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

“One thing I really appreciated about working with Video Igniter was the whole process felt personal and easy. The online portal was great… And working with Derek was GREAT! He was always clear and prompt in communication.”

Anonymous Customer Feedback

“From the very beginning, we knew working with Video Igniter was the right decision. Derek was easy to talk to and completely accessible through the entire experience. He offered different options to the creative process, was open to changes and additions to the storyboard, and made sure we were 100% happy with every second of our finished video.

We couldn’t be more satisfied with the finished product and highly recommend Derek and the rest of the Video Igniter team for the quality of their work, pricing that worked within our budget and a personal touch all along the way.”

Chelle Parmele – Fmr. Director of Marketing, SheerID.com

Get in touch:

Schedule a call to discuss your app’s explainer video.

Get a quote for your app’s explainer video.

Check out our animated video portfolio.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief, and we’ll start creating an explainer video for your app.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Do you want to create an animated investor pitch deck for your company but aren’t sure how to get started? This comprehensive FAQ answers all the popular questions we receive about making and using animated investor pitch decks.

In this article, we cover:

• What is an animated investor pitch deck?
• Why use an animated investor pitch deck?
• How to use an animated investor pitch deck?
• Types of animated investor pitch decks.
• How to make an animated investor pitch deck?
• How long does it take to make an animated investor pitch deck?
• How much does it cost to produce an animated investor pitch deck?
• Tips to help you save time and money when making your pitch deck.
• …and more!

Examples of Animated Investor Pitch Decks You Can Get From Video Igniter

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated investor pitch deck for you. Check out our animation portfolio here. Request access to our demo reels and price sheet here.

Contact us or schedule a call to start making your video.

Are you looking for an example of a different style of animation? Send us a message to let us know what kind of animation example you want to see and we will follow up with relevant production samples.

What is an animated investor pitch deck?

An investor pitch deck is a slideshow presentation that businesses, startups and entrepreneurs create to help them make the case to investors to invest in their business.

Investor pitch decks include information about the team, what the business does, how much money you’ve made, and how much money you want from the investors. You also need to explain how your company is going to invest the money and grow it.

An animated investor pitch deck is a modern variation of the traditional PowerPoint pitch deck. Instead of using slides, the pitch deck is produced in the form of an animated video for the investors to watch.

Why use an animated investor pitch deck?

Makes your pitch concise

Investor pitch decks can take 15-60+ minutes to go through. That’s a lot of time to try and hold your investor’s attention. By focusing on the key messages that are relevant for your pitch, you can create a short, concise investor pitch that’s 2-10 minutes long.

Makes your pitch easier to understand

Animated visuals can tell a story and make it easier for investors to understand your pitch. Motion graphics and animated infographics can be used to visualize stats, facts and data that are more impressive to see compared to just stating the facts.

Helps investors stay focused on your message

Long, in-person presentations are generally boring and difficult to pay attention to. Colorful animated visuals that continuously change and move about help keep your investor’s attention focused while they are learning about your business opportunity.

Investors can view when their schedule is convenient

Investors receive more pitches than they have time to review. By creating an animated investor pitch deck, you can send short the animated video to your investor to watch when it’s convenient for them.

You can even add a CTA (“call to action”) at the end of your video that investors can click on to learn more, watch another video, contact your sales team or get directed to your investment page so they can send you $.

Saves on time and money on travel

Animated investor pitch decks can help your business save time and money on expensive travel costs. Why fly across the country to give an initial presentation when your animated investor pitch deck can do it for you. Save the travel budget for the most serious investors that merit a face-to-face meeting.

See where investors drop off

Adding analytics tracking to your video enables you to:

• See if investors are watching your pitch deck til the end.
• See if investors stop watching at a specific part of your video.
• Understand if there are parts of your video that are being rewatched.
• Count the number of people who watch your video and click on your CTA at the end.

Check out this companion article for more tips on how to understand the stats and analytics for your animated investor pitch deck.

What to include in your animated investor pitch deck?

Include most or all of the following topics in your investor pitch deck. Many of these can be 1-3 sentences long but some may require more time to explain.

1. Overview Of The Company Overview
2. What Is Your Mission/Vision For The Company
3. Introduce The Team & Their Industry Experience
4. What Problem Does Your Company Solve?
5. What Is The Solution You Are Bringing To Market?
6. What Is The Market Opportunity
7. What Is The Product/Service?
8. Who Are Your Customers?
9. Explain Tech Behind Your Product/Service
10. Is Your I.P. Defendable?
11. Who Is Your Competition?
12. What Traction Do You Have Already?
13. What Is The Business Model?
14. What Is Your Marketing Plan?
15. Company Financials And Projections
16. What Are You Asking Investors To Give You?

How to use an animated investor pitch deck?

Meeting Screening

Figure out which investors are serious about hearing your pitch. Email a link to your animated investor pitch deck to investors you want to pitch to. Follow up to see which ones have seen your video and are interested in meeting in person to learn more and ask questions.

Use During Meetings

Animated investor pitch decks are polished, concise presentations. It’s like an automated pitch man (or woman) that has perfected your presentation and can reproduce it consistently. Consider showing your animated investor pitch deck during your investor meetings instead of relying on your team to speak for the full presentation.

When you meet with investors, play your 2-10 minute animated pitch deck and then investors can ask you questions about the topics they want to learn more about.

Post Online

Embedding your animated investor pitch deck on your website and syndicating your video across social media and websites like Start Engine can help you get more investor eyeballs on your pitch. Be sure to include instructions for people who want to follow up to learn more or are ready to invest.

Display At Trade Shows

Animated investor pitch decks perform well at trade shows. It enables casual passers by to watch a video to learn about your company while all your booth staff are busy talking to other people. Use your animated investor pitch deck to draw people in so they can ask you questions and follow up with you if they want to invest.

Types Of Animated Investor Pitch Decks

Comprehensive Animated Investor Pitch Deck

A comprehensive animated investor pitch deck explains everything about your pitch. See the section above titled, “What to include in your animated investor pitch deck?” for a list of all the topics that should ideally be included in your animated pitch deck.

Condensed Investor Pitch Deck

A condensed investor pitch deck focuses on just a few of the items listed in the comprehensive animated investor pitch deck. Some companies opt to create a shorter, incomplete version of their pitch deck to lower the cost of producing it and to not give away all the details of their pitch until they meet with investors in person.

This type of pitch deck is typically designed to help companies get their foot in the door at VC firms.

Explainer Video

Animated explainer videos are a popular way for tech startups to explain what their business does. These types of videos tend to focus on the benefits the user will receive and aren’t intended to be used as pitch decks.

That being said, explainer videos can serve a dual purpose. In addition to being used as a video promotion tool for your business, your explainer video can function as a short version of your pitch – something busy VC are more likely to check out when they have a free moment.

If the value proposition is compelling, expect them to reply asking to learn more.

Financial Animated Infographic

Watching someone explain numbers in a spreadsheet might be the most boring thing in the universe. Still, it’s important to explain your financial data and projections for the future.

Instead of presenting your financial documents, identify the key takeaways and develop an animated infographic to highlight and explain your key financial data.

How to make an animated investor pitch deck

1). Pick Your Production Company

Choose an animation studio or animated video production company to help you create your animated investor pitch deck. VideoIgniter.com can help you create a custom animated video investor pitch deck – or you can check out these resources to help you pick an animation production partner:

• 9 Things to Look For When Hiring An Animator.
• How to hire an animator?
• How to outsource an animated video project?
• Pros and Cons of Different Animation Styles
• What goes into production cost of an animated video?
• Learn about the types of online animated video makers.
• What’s the difference between hiring an animation studio, a freelance animator and Video Igniter?
• What is Video Igniter Animation?

2). Review The Pre-Production Checklist

Before production begins, review the pre-production checklist. This list tells you what files and thoughts you should organize and have on hand before production officially begins.

3). Kick Off Call Or Questionnaire

Production starts with a kick off call or questionnaire. This is your opportunity to explain the key details that need to be included in your animated investor pitch deck and what kind of visual style you want to use.

You can also speak to the nature of your investors – are they tech investors who understand computer-speak? Or maybe they’re green-tech investors that want to hear how your tech will help save the world.

Due to the amount of detailed information that needs to be included in your investor pitch deck, it would be best to compile all of the necessary information into a document for your production partner to work with. The more information you include, the better.

It’s our job to figure out how to present the key details as efficiently as possible.

4). Script

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

The video script for an animated investor pitch deck typically starts out as an outline of the main ideas. Once those are approved, our production team will expand on the writing and include notes about how the visuals will enhance the presentation of the content.

You get an opportunity to review the script and request revisions. We recommend circulating the draft among your advisors to get their feedback now. It’s much easier to change the content of your pitch deck at this point before we get into storyboarding, voiceovers and illustrating.

Collect everyone’s feedback and share it with us to revise. You get another opportunity to review the script and approve it before production begins.

5). Storyboard

Download Video Igniter’s Free Storyboard Template

Now that the script is approved, we’ll develop a storyboard to help visualize what content we’re going to show for each part of the script. The animated video storyboard is essentially the blueprint for your animated video. It tells the illustrators and animators what to create.

When the first draft of the storyboard is ready, give it a detailed review and send us your feedback. We’ll incorporate the revisions and send it back to you to review and approve.

6). VoiceOver

After the storyboard is approved, we will get voiceover auditions for you to listen to. Tell us which version you prefer and we will coach the selected VO artist through the full recording to ensure they use the correct tone, pacing and pronunciation.

We’ll send you the full voiceover to review. Let us know if you want the artist to rerecord any parts. Otherwise, mark it as approved!

7). Soundtrack

Not all animated investor pitch decks include music but it can be a nice touch. Our team will identify several soundtracks that we feel suit the mood for your presentation and you select the one you like best. We’ll purchase the video soundtrack license so that you can legally use the music in your video.

8). Illustrations

Our team will develop concept art for your animated fundraising video based on your brand guidelines and the style references you shared in the production questionnaire. Let us know which visual concept you prefer.

We design the rest of the art for your animated pitch deck and give you an opportunity to review the illustrations and request revisions before approving them for production.

9). Animation

Now that everything is approved, we can animate! When the first draft of your animated pitch deck is ready to review, share it with members of your advisory team to collect people’s thoughts. Organize the feedback and share it with us so that we can incorporate your revisions and render out the final draft.

How long does it take to make an animated investor pitch deck?

Depends on the length of your pitch deck. Typically, a 60 second animated video takes 3-5 weeks to produce. Animated pitch decks tend to use a simpler visual style and less motion design than a traditional animated video – so it’s possible that production could go faster than that.

Want to figure out how long it will take to create your animated investor pitch deck? Use this form to contact us – let us know what you want to create and that you want a production schedule estimate. Tell us if you have a specific deadline and we can develop a rush delivery production schedule.

How much does it cost to produce an animated investor pitch deck?

Animated investor pitch decks cost several hundred to several thousand dollars per second. Contact us and let us know what kind of animated visual style you are interested in. Or, request access to our price sheet to see what our standard rates are.

Most animated investor pitch decks use less motion design than a standard animated video so it’s worth while to contact us to see if your pitch deck is a candidate for pricing lower than our standard rates.

Tips to help you save time and money when making your animated pitch deck

• Develop the script with your internal team.
• Use our storyboard template to create your storyboard. If that requires too much artistic talent, you can still get a discount by providing us a written draft of your ideas for the visual concepts you want to show during each section of your animated pitch deck.
• Provide the voiceover narration for your animated pitch deck.
• Use free, legal music for your video.
• Use stock images and icons in your video.

Benefits of Using Animation Over Traditional Slide Decks

While traditional slide decks have long been the standard for investor pitches, animated investor pitch decks offer a dynamic alternative that’s far more engaging and persuasive. One of the main advantages is the ability to transform complex business concepts into visual narratives. Rather than reading through text-heavy slides, investors can watch and listen as your pitch is brought to life through motion graphics, data visualizations, and clear, concise narration. This format helps communicate your message faster and more clearly—particularly important when your audience may only spare a few minutes of attention.

Animation also offers a level of polish and consistency that’s hard to replicate with live presentations or static decks. Every investor receives the exact same message, delivered in a compelling and professional way. This eliminates variability in delivery and helps reinforce your brand identity throughout the pitch. With animated investor pitch decks, your presentation becomes a strategic storytelling tool that enhances clarity, credibility, and memorability—all of which are essential when trying to win investor trust.

How to Write a Compelling Script for an Animated Investor Pitch Deck

The success of your animated investor pitch deck starts with the script. A well-written script acts as the foundation for everything that follows—from voiceover to visuals. Instead of jumping straight into production, it’s critical to invest time in crafting a thoughtful narrative that resonates with potential investors. Begin by outlining your value proposition in the first 15–30 seconds. This is your hook—an opportunity to clearly explain what your company does, what problem it solves, and why now is the right time to invest.

The tone should be conversational but authoritative. You’re not writing a whitepaper; you’re telling a story about a company with momentum. Avoid jargon or overly technical language unless you’re pitching to investors who are already familiar with your industry. Throughout the script, maintain a forward-moving narrative that connects your business model, product, market opportunity, traction, and team—all while leading toward your ask at the end. If your company has early traction or a competitive edge, make sure to feature that prominently. Keep each segment tightly focused, and aim to say more with fewer words. A good rule of thumb is that one minute of script equals about 130–150 spoken words, so you want to be incredibly concise with the content you choose to include.

Choosing the Right Animation Style for Your Pitch

When planning your animated investor pitch deck, selecting the right visual style can have a huge impact on how your message is received. The animation style should align with your brand identity and the expectations of your target investors. For example, startups in fintech or SaaS often benefit from clean 2D motion graphics that emphasize clarity and professionalism. Meanwhile, companies showcasing hardware, biotech, or architectural innovations may find 3D animation more suitable, as it allows for realistic representations of products and environments.

Whiteboard animations or hand-drawn styles can be useful for communicating highly technical or educational content in a more approachable way. However, they may not deliver the premium feel some investors expect. If you’re not sure which direction to take, review your competitors’ investor videos or consult your animation partner for recommendations based on your industry and audience. The right animation style does more than just look good—it reinforces your message and enhances investor confidence.

How Startups Use Animated Pitch Decks to Raise Capital

More and more startups are turning to animated investor pitch decks as a core tool in their fundraising strategy. In many cases, founders are able to use a single well-produced video to introduce their company to dozens of investors at once. Instead of repeating their pitch over Zoom or flying out for introductory meetings, they’re able to send a 2–4 minute animated pitch that concisely covers the essentials. This allows them to cast a wider net without sacrificing quality or consistency in their presentation.

There are also instances where startups have used an animated pitch deck as the first touchpoint with investors—either through email outreach or platforms like LinkedIn or AngelList. A professionally produced video stands out in a crowded inbox and gives investors something quick and digestible to engage with. If the pitch is compelling enough, it often leads to a follow-up request for a full financial model or a meeting to ask deeper questions. In some cases, startups have reported raising significant funding from investors who never saw a live pitch—only the animated video and supporting materials.

Understanding the Psychology of Animated Investor Pitch Decks

There’s a growing body of research supporting the use of animated videos as a more effective communication tool than traditional slides or text-based content. This is rooted in the science of how people learn and retain information. Animated pitch decks leverage a multimedia approach—combining voice, visuals, and text—to engage multiple areas of the brain at once. This “dual-channel” processing leads to better comprehension and recall, especially when explaining complex ideas or technical innovations.

Moreover, the continuous movement and visual transitions in an animated pitch deck help hold the viewer’s attention longer than static images. In a world where attention spans are shrinking and competition for investor time is fierce, every second counts. The ability to sustain interest, deliver information clearly, and create emotional resonance makes animation an ideal medium for early-stage companies trying to leave a lasting impression.

Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your Animated Pitch Deck

Even the most exciting startup ideas can fall flat if the animated pitch deck is poorly executed. One common mistake is cramming too much information into the video. Investors don’t need every detail of your product roadmap—they need a high-level understanding of your vision, traction, and opportunity. Overloading the script with stats, buzzwords, or technical jargon will only confuse viewers and dilute your core message.

Another mistake is skipping over storytelling. A list of facts and figures—even when animated—won’t capture attention unless there’s a narrative thread that ties everything together. Similarly, using low-quality visuals, robotic voiceovers, or mismatched music can make your video feel amateurish and hurt your credibility. Remember, your pitch deck is an extension of your brand. The investment you make in quality animation can signal to investors that you’re serious, detail-oriented, and committed to excellence.

Still have questions about your animated investor pitch deck?

Do you have a question about the creating or using an animated investor pitch deck that wasn’t addressed here? Use this form to send us your question and we’ll follow up with an answer. We’ll also post the question and answer to this page so other people can benefit from the knowledge.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Video Igniter Animation is an online animated video production service. By working with our team online, you can get your custom animated video produced faster and for less than hiring a brick and mortar animation studio.

We can help you create any kind of 2D animation or 3D animated video you can imagine. Check out our animation portfolio!

Need help syndicating your animated video? Ask us about video promotion!

Watch our explainer video to learn more about how we can help you create an animated video for your business or check out our demo reel below.

Looking For An Animated Video Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”

Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

“I am beyond satisfied with my experience with Video Igniter. The first drafts of the work were almost exactly what I had in my head when developing the concept. After that each step along the way was seamless until arriving at a perfect finished product. And all this at a tremendous value. Anyone who has considered creating a marketing video should check out Video Igniter.”

Anonymous Customer Feedback

Get in touch!

Schedule a call to discuss your animated investor pitch deck.

Get a quote for us to create your animation.

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Computers have broadened the possibilities for different animation styles and techniques that were never possible with hand drawn 2D animated videos. When your imagination is the only limit for the style for your animated video, it can be daunting to figure out the right animated video style for your project. In this article, we’ll present a set of questions to help you think about narrowing down the right style for your animated explainer video. If you have a question about animated video styles that isn’t answered in this article, you can use our contact form to ask your question or click the image below to with a member of our production team:

Questions to ask yourself to figure out which of the different types of animation styles is right for your animated explainer video:

1). Who is your audience? (What does their current design taste look like?)

2). Should I use 2D or 3D animation

3). High end vs cheap?

4). When is the final draft needed by?

5). When should we use hand drawn or ‘frame by frame’ animation?

6). When to use types of non-computer animation (stop motion, paper cut out, whiteboard, screen recordings)

1). Who is your audience? (And what does their design taste look like?)

This article is going to make you think about design in many different ways but the most important factor is knowing who your audience is and understanding their design preferences. If you’re making an animated video to teach kids, then a simple, cartoon animation style is what you’re looking for. On the other hand, if your audience is comprised of C-suite executives who are watching your animated explainer video to see if they want to try your product/service, a more sophisticated animation style or motion graphic would be appropriate.

What kind of animated visual style speaks to your target audience?

Whomever your audience is, spend some time looking at websites, social media pages, and other types of custom animation that your target audience would watch. Find what’s already resonating with that audience and save those examples to share with the designers that are going to work on your animated video. They will be able to take in the examples you share along with your branding and come up with a unique style that fits both criteria.

2). 2D vs 3D Animated Video

In many cases, 2D is the way to go. It’s an infinitely versatile visual storytelling medium. You can get intricate and complicated with the design to make something that stands out, or use a simple animation style without losing your message. 2D videos are quicker and less expensive to produce than 3D animated videos. 2D videos are also easier to make changes to mid-way through production if someone gets a great idea they want to incorporate. 3D animations are the ideal style for your animated video if you want to take a viewer on a journey inside a 3D space to show what an environment is like or to understand the inner workings of a machine or system. 3D animation also works great for your standard explainer video if you want to go for a high impact visual style that stands out from the bunch. Just note that if you want to make a 3D animation, it will take more time and a larger budget to produce than 2D animation.

3). High end vs cheap? OR Knowing how your budget will affect style

The size of your budget will greatly impact the style, quality and length of your animated explainer video. If you only have a few hundred dollars, your video will likely use a simple animation style consisting of stock images, icons and characters. Budgets of a few thousand dollars can get you a simple or modern looking 2D animation with custom graphics and smooth animations.

For a high end 2D animation (frame by frame animation), you’ll likely want a budget of more than $5,000 per minute of animation in your video. Custom 3D animations usually cost more than $10,000 to create 60 seconds of content. You might be able to find animators that will do this work for less, but expect to pay more than $10k/min if you want good quality custom graphics and animations.

4). What is your deadline?

How much time do you have to get your animated video produced?

How much time do you have to get your video made? Are you weeks away from a product launch and trying to get things done in a short timeline? If so, you’ll want to stick with some form of 2D computer animation or maybe a whiteboard style video. 3D animation and frame by frame animation (or hand drawn animation) generally requires a few months to do all the work. 2D animations are easier to change and modify the style so that they can be produced in a shorter time frame.

Deep Dive: How long does it take to animate a 1 minute video?

5). When to use hand drawn or ‘frame by frame’ animation?

Frame by frame animation (aka hand drawn animation or ‘cel-animation‘) is what most people are familiar with when they think of animation. Think back to the original Disney movies and Looney Tunes cartoons that were created by artists who illustrated each frame by hand. 24 individual images were created per second of video – each with slight adjustments that appear as continuous fluid motion when played as a video.

These days, frame by frame animation is usually done on a computer. Artists will design characters and scenes and then animators will adjust that image slightly for every single frame of the video to make it look like the image is in motion. While technology has made this art form easier and more advanced than it has ever been, it is still a tedious and time consuming process. Frame by frame animation is the way to go for your video if you want to have beautiful fluid motion in your characters, scenes and transitions. The extra time is worth the effort for the visual effect this animation style enables.

6). When to use types of non-computer animation (stop motion, paper cut out, whiteboard, screen recordings)

Stop motion animation, paper-cut out animation, whiteboard animation and screen recordings are all styles of animated videos that you can use for your business – and potentially even create them yourself! While there’s no clear cut answer to when or why you should use one of these different animation styles, they tend to be easier to produce and require a lower budget. If you are making a stop motion video, a paper cut out video, or a whiteboard recording, the only equipment you need is your phone’s camera (and maybe a whiteboard and a pen). Screen recorded videos are best for when you want to show someone how an app or a website works. Sometimes written instructions can be vague, but a screen recording provides unambiguous instructions to viewers about what steps to do next.

Whiteboard animations are a popular low cost visual production style.

7. The Role of Color Psychology in Animation

Color is one of the most powerful tools in animation—it sets the tone, influences emotions, and helps communicate messages effectively. When choosing an animation style, it’s important to consider how color psychology plays into your brand and storytelling.

Bright, saturated colors – Often used in animations targeting children or upbeat, fun brands. Think of brands like Nickelodeon or Lego, where vibrant colors create excitement and energy.

Muted, pastel tones – Popular for minimalist or sophisticated brands. Tech companies and modern wellness brands often use this color palette to evoke a sense of calm and trust.

Dark and moody shades – Great for serious, dramatic storytelling. These colors work well in cinematic animations, gaming trailers, or explainer videos targeting high-end, niche audiences.

If your brand has established color guidelines, ensure that your animation follows them to maintain consistency across all marketing materials.

8. Storytelling and Scripting in Animation

Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

Regardless of how visually stunning an animation is, a poorly structured story can make the final video ineffective. Before deciding on an animation style, focus on creating a compelling script.

Clear messaging: Your script should communicate your key message concisely without overwhelming the viewer.

Engaging narrative: Even explainer videos benefit from storytelling elements—introduce the problem, provide a solution, and wrap up with a strong call to action.

Character-driven vs. abstract storytelling: Some videos rely on relatable characters to guide the viewer through a story, while others use abstract visuals and motion graphics to communicate information in a sleek, modern way.

Pro Tip: A well-structured storyboard helps bridge the gap between the script and animation. Creating a storyboard allows you to visualize key moments and ensure that the chosen animation style supports the story effectively.

9. VoiceOver Narration vs. Text-Only Animation

When producing an animated video, you’ll need to decide if you’ll use voiceover narration, text-based messaging, or a combination of both.

Voiceover narration adds personality and emotion, making it easier to connect with the audience. This works well for tutorials, product explainers, and storytelling-driven animations.

Text-based animation (kinetic typography) is a great option if you want a visually engaging video without using a voiceover. This style works well for social media videos, where people may watch without sound.

Combining both methods provides flexibility—allowing the message to be understood even when muted while keeping the narration engaging for those who listen.

When using voiceovers, consider professional voice talent to ensure clarity and credibility. If you’re targeting a global audience, creating different language versions or subtitles will expand accessibility.

10. Accessibility and Inclusivity in Animation

A truly effective animated video is one that can be understood and enjoyed by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. Here are some ways to ensure accessibility:

Closed captions and subtitles – Essential for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They also help with engagement, as many people watch videos on mute. Video platforms like YouTube use AI to translate your English subtitles into other languages which expands your video’s ability to connect with non-English speaking audiences.

Color contrast – Ensuring high contrast between background and text elements improves readability for visually impaired audiences.

Audio descriptions – Adding narration that describes key visual elements can help blind or visually impaired viewers understand the content.

Avoiding excessive motion – Fast-moving animations or flashing elements can be overwhelming for neurodivergent viewers or those prone to motion sickness.

Incorporating accessibility into your animation design ensures that your video reaches the widest audience possible.

11. How Different Industries Use Animation

Not all animation styles work for every industry. The right style should align with the subject matter and audience expectations. Here’s how different industries leverage animation:

Healthcare & Medical – 3D animation is often used to create detailed visualizations of human anatomy, medical procedures, and pharmaceutical mechanisms. These medical animations help simplify complex topics for both patients and professionals.

Technology & SaaS – Motion graphics and 2D explainer videos are commonly used to break down complex tech concepts, demonstrate app features, and showcase software user interfaces.

Finance & Fintech – Abstract motion graphics, whiteboard animations, and kinetic typography help explain financial services, investment strategies, and blockchain technology in a visually engaging way.

Education & E-Learning – A mix of 2D character animation and interactive animations is often used to make learning more engaging for students of all ages.

Entertainment & Gaming – 3D character animation, anime-inspired styles, and frame-by-frame animation bring fictional worlds and characters to life in gaming trailers, web series, and feature films.

By analyzing how animation is used in different industries, you can get inspiration for your own project and ensure that the style you choose aligns with your industry’s norms and expectations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Animation Style

Choosing the wrong animation style can lead to a video that feels out of place, ineffective, or even off-brand. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Ignoring your target audience – A serious corporate audience may not appreciate a cartoonish style, while children might find sleek motion graphics too complex.

Underestimating production time – Choosing a highly detailed animation style without factoring in production time can lead to missed deadlines.

Choosing style over substance – A visually stunning animation won’t be effective if the message isn’t clear or engaging.

Overcomplicating the visuals – Too many intricate details or excessive motion can make it difficult for viewers to follow along.

Not aligning with brand identity – If your company has a minimalist, modern brand aesthetic, a highly detailed and complex 3D animation may feel out of place.

By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you can make a more informed decision and ensure your animated video effectively conveys your message.

Exploring Emerging Animation Trends

Animation is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with trends can help your video feel fresh and innovative.

AI-driven animation – Artificial intelligence tools are automating parts of the animation process, making production faster. AI is especially useful for generating in-between frames, automating lip-syncing, and even assisting with scriptwriting.

Hybrid animation styles – Combining 2D and 3D animation elements creates a unique aesthetic that feels modern and dynamic.

Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR) animation – As AR and VR technology grows, more brands are using interactive animated experiences to engage users in a more immersive way.

Hand-drawn aesthetics in digital animation – Many brands are opting for a “handmade” feel in digital animations, blending traditional hand drawn animation artistic elements with modern animation tools.

Staying ahead of these trends can help businesses choose animation styles that feel current and engaging.

Deep Dive: Interested in seeing examples of what these different animation styles look like? Check out this article:

Animation Style Guide: Different Types of Animated Explainer Videos.

Choosing the Right Animated Video Style for Different Platforms

The platform where your video will be published plays a significant role in determining the best animated video style to use. Each platform has its own user behavior, formatting, and design expectations:

YouTube – On this platform, longer-form content (1–5 minutes) works well. Explainer videos with a balance of voiceover, character animation, and motion graphics are highly effective here. If your channel is branded, use consistent animation styles to build visual identity.

Instagram & TikTok – Short, punchy videos with fast transitions and high visual impact perform best. Consider using kinetic typography, bold color palettes, and loopable animations that are optimized for vertical video formats.

LinkedIn – Professional audiences on LinkedIn tend to engage with animations that use clean motion graphics, corporate branding, and subdued color schemes. Think modern, informative, and visually polished.

Websites & Landing Pages – Animations embedded on a homepage or product landing page should be lightweight, load quickly, and enhance the user experience without being too distracting. Use subtle looped animations or animated icons to increase engagement.

Email Marketing – While embedding full animations in emails can be tricky, GIF-style animations can improve click-through rates when used sparingly. Choose simple animation styles that loop cleanly and emphasize your CTA.

Understanding how your animated video style aligns with the norms and constraints of different platforms helps you tailor your content for maximum reach and effectiveness.

Interactive Animation vs. Passive Animation

As animation technologies evolve, brands now have the option of creating interactive animated videos, where viewers can click, scroll, or make decisions that affect the content being shown.

Interactive animated video styles are particularly effective for:

• Training and e-learning content
• Onboarding new users to digital platforms
• Product configurators and guided demos
• Gamified experiences and quizzes

These types of animations require a different design mindset. Instead of a linear story, interactive styles involve decision trees, dynamic transitions, and UI-like interfaces.

Passive animations, on the other hand, follow a fixed script and are ideal for storytelling, brand introductions, or explainers. They’re easier and less expensive to produce but may have less viewer retention in educational or demo contexts.

Choosing between interactive vs. passive animation styles depends on your communication goals and user engagement priorities.

How Branding Influences Animated Video Style

Your brand identity should be at the core of every design decision—including your animation style. Animated videos are often one of the first touchpoints a potential customer has with your brand, so it’s crucial to ensure your animation aligns with your brand guidelines.

Key branding elements to consider:

• Typography: Does your brand use modern sans-serif fonts or playful handwritten styles? Match this within the animation.
• Logo Animation: Incorporating a consistent animated version of your logo can help reinforce brand recognition across videos.
• Color Palette: Stick closely to your brand’s color hierarchy and understand how color psychology complements your overall brand personality.
• Illustration Style: Some brands use geometric, flat illustrations while others prefer organic, hand-drawn visuals. Consistency here matters.

If your brand is known for being innovative, minimalist, luxurious, fun, or eco-friendly, your animated video style should reflect that tone visually and emotionally.

Pre-Production Planning Tips for Choosing Your Animation Style

Before jumping into production, follow these pre-production best practices to ensure you choose the most effective animation style for your goals:

1. Develop a creative brief
Clearly outline your project goals, audience, message, tone, and preferred animation styles. This helps align your production team and reduces revisions.

2. Storyboard multiple style options
Visualize key scenes in different styles (2D flat, whiteboard, isometric 3D, etc.). This allows you to evaluate which one fits best with your message and brand.

3. A/B test short animation snippets
If you’re unsure which style will resonate most with your audience, test two different 10-second animation samples on social media and measure engagement.

4. Assess your team or partner studio’s strengths
If you’re hiring a studio or working with freelancers, ask to see their animation reels and see which styles they execute best. Choosing a style they excel in will ensure higher quality results.

Animation Styles in Cross-Cultural and Multilingual Campaigns

If you’re creating animated content for global audiences, be mindful that animation styles don’t translate universally. What feels modern and clean in North America might feel sterile in Latin America or too simple in Asia.

Tips for cross-cultural animation success:

• Use characters and imagery that are culturally neutral or easily localizable.
• Avoid idiomatic expressions in text or voiceover unless you plan to adapt for each language.
• Use symbolic imagery that’s globally recognized (e.g., a lightbulb for ideas, magnifying glass for search).
• Keep your animation style flexible enough for future adaptations.

Creating multilingual versions of the same video may also influence your choice in style—text-heavy animations may need redesigns to accommodate languages like German (longer words) or Arabic (right-to-left scripts).

Budget-Saving Tips Without Compromising Animation Style

Animation can be expensive, but smart planning can help you achieve high-quality visuals even on a modest budget. Here’s how:

• Use pre-built assets: Incorporating elements from animation libraries or stock graphic platforms can speed up production and reduce costs without sacrificing visual quality.
• Limit the number of scenes: Focus on storytelling efficiency—fewer scenes with clever transitions can deliver just as much impact.
• Reuse elements: Backgrounds, character rigs, and motion templates can be reused throughout the video, reducing the need for new designs.
• Batch similar animations: If you’re producing a series of videos, batch tasks like voiceover recording and character rigging to reduce overall costs.

By making budget-conscious decisions, you can still deliver a professional-looking animation that aligns with your style goals.

Licensing, Copyright & Legal Considerations with Animation Styles

Not all animation styles are created equally when it comes to legal and licensing considerations:

• Stock assets: If your animation includes icons, illustrations, or music from a stock platform, ensure you’re using them within the terms of the license (especially for commercial use).
• Third-party templates: Many motion graphics templates for After Effects or similar programs have specific licensing rules. Verify usage terms to avoid legal issues.
• Original character design: If you’re creating branded mascots or characters, make sure you have ownership or exclusive rights to use them in perpetuity.

Discuss legal rights and usage ownership with your animation provider up front, especially if you plan to reuse your video style across multiple platforms and formats.

Animated Video Style Wrap Up

Choosing the right animation style for your project requires careful consideration of your audience, budget, timeline, and branding. Whether you’re looking for a sleek motion graphics explainer, a fun and playful 2D animation, or a high-impact 3D visualization, understanding your goals will help you make the best decision.

If you’re still unsure about which style is best for your project, our team is here to help. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call with our production team to discuss your animation needs!

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We can make any kind of 2D or 3D animated product video you can imagine.

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