In today’s digital age, businesses are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to engage with their audiences. One of the most cost effective ways to engage with your audience is through animated business videos. Animated videos have become a popular tool for businesses to explain complex ideas, showcase products or services, and grab the attention of their target audience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of making a business animation, we’ll share examples of popular animated business videos so you can see what a successful business animation looks like, and give you tips on how to make your own.

Examples of Business Animations You Can Get From Video Igniter

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video 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 are the benefits of making animated business videos?

Capture Attention

Most content online features people on camera. Animated videos stand out in the ocean of internet content. Creating colorful animated thumbnails and intros increases the odds of someone watching your video.

Increase Engagement & Retention of Information

Animated videos are engaging and can hold the viewer’s attention better than a person speaking on camera. They can be used to tell a story, showcase a product, or explain a process. Using animation can also help make the content of your video more memorable.

Break Down Complex Ideas

Animated videos can simplify complex concepts and ideas that may be difficult to explain in words. They can use motion graphics, animation, a voiceover and music to make the message more digestible and entertaining.

Boost SEO

Animated videos can improve your website’s SEO. They can drive traffic to your website and increase the amount of time visitors spend on your website. Keeping people on your site longer can also improve your website’s search engine ranking.

Cost-effective

Animated videos can be more cost-effective to produce than live-action videos. They don’t require actors, sets, production crews or film locations. This can help keep your production costs down.

Versatility

Animated videos can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used on social media, websites, in presentations, and in email marketing campaigns. This versatility makes them a valuable tool for any business since they can be repurposed in more ways than traditional paper media.

Examples of Animated Business Videos

Dropbox: Dropbox created an animated video to explain their product in a simple and engaging way. The video uses animation and sound to explain how Dropbox works and why it’s beneficial for businesses.


Spotify: Spotify used animation to create a video promoting their launch in the US. The video is designed and animated to follow the beat of the music playing the background.

Want to see more animated business videos?

Check out our portfolio here.

How to make animated videos for your business?

Determine Your Message

Before you start creating an animated video, you need to determine your message. What do you want the video to convey? Who is your target audience? Think through all of these questions before you start your project.

Choose Your Style

There are many different styles of animation to choose from, including 2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion & frame by frame animation. Choose the style that best fits your message, brand and budget. You can learn the pros and cons of different animation styles here.

Write a Script

Once you have your message and style, you need to write a script. The script should be concise, engaging, and easy to understand. Download our free scriptwriting template here and check out this article for more tips on how to write your script. Don’t want to write the script for your business animation? That’s ok, we can write it for you!

Create The Storyboard

A storyboard is a visual representation of the script. They help you visualize the video and tell the illustrators and animators what to create. Download our free storyboard template here to create your own storyboard – or you can hire us to create your storyboard for you.

Record The VoiceOver

You can hire a voiceover artist to record the narration for your business animation – or you can record it yourself, for free!! Check out this video to find where you can hire voiceover artists and learn how you can record professional quality voiceovers at home for free. We can also help you audition voiceover talent and license their recording to use in your video.

Create The Animation

Once you have your script, storyboard, and voiceover, it’s time to create the animation. This can be done using animation software or by hiring an animation company. Check out this companion article for an in depth look at how to make an animated video.

TL;DR: We help you design a custom visual style for your business animation. Then we develop all the art, give you a chance to send us feedback and then we animate your video.

Add Sound Effects and Music

We recommend adding sound effects and music to enhance your video and make it more engaging.

Test & Optimize Your Animated Video

Before you spend money promoting your business animation, it’s important to make sure your video resonates with your audience. Share the video with members of your target audience to get their feedback. Make sure the video makes sense to them and addresses an important pain point they experience.

We also recommend testing different thumbnails, intros and endings of your video to help identify which version gets more people to click play, which version gets people to watch longer, and which version gets more people to engage with your CTA (call to action) at the end of your video.

Promote Your Business Animation

Now it’s time to promote and syndicate your video for the world to see. If you need help with video promotion services, get in touch!

What does it cost to make an animated video for my business?

The cost of making a 2D animated video for your business varies depending on the length of the video, the style of animation, and the complexity of the message. A simple 30-second animated video can cost between $750 and $5,000, while a more complex 2-minute video can cost upwards of $100,000. Most animated business videos cost between $3,000-$15,000 to produce. 3D animated videos can cost 2-4x more to produce.

How long does it take to make animated video for my business?

The time it takes to make an animated video for your business depends on the length of the video, the style of the animation, and the complexity of the message presented in your video. Most 60 second animated videos take 3-6 weeks to produce. 3D animated videos can take 2-3x as much time to produce. Factors that can affect the production timeline include the number of revisions, the level of customization, and the availability of resources.

Need your animated video fast? We offer a rush delivery animation service to help speed up production before your upcoming deadline.

Tips for making an effective animated business video

Keep it simple

Animated business videos should be easy to understand and digest. Avoid using technical jargon and keep the message concise.

Develop a narrative

Use a narrative structure to tell a story that engages the audience. A story can help create an emotional connection with the audience and make the video more memorable. Our free script writing template can help you develop the structure for your video.

Use visual metaphors

Visual metaphors can help convey complex ideas in a simple way. For example, using a lightbulb to represent an idea or a road to represent a journey.

Add humor

Humor can make your video more entertaining and engaging. However, make sure the humor is appropriate for your target audience. Humor can be tricky to pull off in animated business video.

Use music

Music can enhance the emotional impact of your video and make it more engaging. Choose a soundtrack that fits with the tone and message of the video.

Use a call-to-action

A call-to-action at the end of the video can encourage the audience to take action. Your whole video should get people interested in your product or service; at the end, the call to action lets them know what they need to do to take action to get your product/service – for example, directing them to visit your website or follow you on social media.

Animated business videos can be a powerful tool for businesses to engage with their audience and convey complex messages in a simple yet entertaining way. By following the tips outlined above, you can create an animation for your business video that effectively communicates your message and engages your audience.

How Businesses Use Animation Across the Marketing Funnel

Business animation isn’t limited to explainers or homepage videos. High-performing companies use animated videos at every stage of the marketing and sales funnel, from awareness to retention.

Top of Funnel (Awareness):
Short, visually bold animated videos are ideal for social ads, YouTube pre-roll, and landing pages. These animations focus on big ideas, relatable pain points, and emotional hooks rather than features. Motion graphics and character animation work especially well here because they stop the scroll and communicate value instantly.

Middle of Funnel (Consideration):
At this stage, animated business videos help educate and differentiate. Product explainers, feature walkthroughs, and comparison videos help prospects understand how your solution works and why it’s different. Animation allows you to show abstract concepts—like software workflows, data movement, or system integrations—clearly and concisely.

Bottom of Funnel (Conversion):
Sales-focused animations can support demos, proposals, and follow-up emails. These videos reinforce key benefits, address objections, and explain pricing or onboarding. Many businesses use short custom animations alongside sales calls to increase close rates.

Post-Purchase (Retention & Training):
Animated business videos are also powerful for onboarding, internal training, customer education, and support. Using animation for these assets creates consistency, reduces support tickets, and improves long-term customer satisfaction.

Business Animation for Internal Communication & Training

While many companies focus on marketing, internal business animation is often overlooked—and extremely valuable.

Animated videos are ideal for:

• Employee onboarding

• Process training

• Compliance and safety education

• Change management announcements

• Company vision and culture videos

Because animation doesn’t rely on real-world locations, employees, or outdated interfaces, internal animated videos age better than live-action alternatives. They’re easier to update, scale across teams, and localize for global organizations.

For distributed or remote teams, animated training videos ensure consistent messaging and reduce the need for repeated live training sessions.

Measuring ROI: How to Track Business Animation Performance

One of the biggest advantages of animated business videos is how measurable they are. To maximize ROI, businesses should track performance beyond simple view counts.

Key metrics to monitor include:

• Watch time & completion rate: Indicates how engaging and clear your animation is

• Click-through rate (CTR): Shows how effective your call-to-action is

• Conversion rate: Measures how well the video supports business goals

• Time on page: Animated videos often increase dwell time, which supports SEO

• Sales cycle length: Many companies see shorter sales cycles after adding animation

For internal videos, success metrics may include reduced training time, fewer support requests, or improved assessment scores.

Accessibility & Inclusivity in Business Animation

Modern business animation should be accessible to the widest possible audience. Accessible animated videos not only support inclusivity—they also improve SEO and user experience.

Best practices include:

• Closed captions and subtitles

• Clear voiceover pacing

• High-contrast visuals for readability

• Avoiding color-only communication

• Logical visual hierarchy

Search engines increasingly reward accessible content, and captions also make your animated business videos more effective on social platforms where sound is often muted.

Localization & Global Scalability

One major advantage of business animation is how easy it is to localize for international markets.

Instead of reshooting footage, animated videos can be adapted by:

• Replacing voiceovers

• Swapping on-screen text

• Adjusting icons or cultural references

This makes animation a cost-effective solution for companies expanding into new regions or supporting multilingual audiences. For more information, check out this companion article about how to translate your video content.

Animation vs. Live Action for Business Videos

Businesses often ask whether animation or live action is the better choice. The answer depends on the goal—but animation offers several unique advantages.

Animated business videos are ideal when:

• Explaining abstract or technical concepts

• Visualizing software or systems

• Maintaining brand consistency

• Avoiding on-camera talent

• Planning long-term reuse

Live action can feel personal, but animation offers greater creative control, scalability, and clarity—especially for complex business messaging.

The Future of Business Animation

As attention spans shorten and digital competition increases, business animation continues to evolve.

Emerging trends include:

• Modular animations that can be remixed across campaigns

• Data-driven motion graphics

• Personalized animated videos for sales outreach

• AI-assisted production workflows

• Short-form animated content for social platforms

Companies investing in animation now are building flexible visual assets that can adapt as platforms, audiences, and technologies change.

Final Thoughts on Business Animation

Business animation is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a strategic communication tool. From marketing and sales to training and internal communication, animated business videos help companies explain more clearly, engage more effectively, and scale more efficiently.

When executed well, animation doesn’t just look good—it drives real business results.

Still have questions about business animations?

Do you have a question about business animation 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. 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 on our home page to learn more about how we can help you create an animated video. For examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce, check out the demo reel below:

 

Looking For A U.S. Company That Makes Animations For Businesses?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington and has produced hundreds of custom animated explainer videos for some of the world’s largest (and smallest) businesses, startups, agencies & video production companies.

Business Animation 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 about creating an animation for your business!

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video project.

Get a quote for us to create your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief for your video and we’ll begin production as soon as we receive your production deposit.

Trade shows are an important opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services, network with potential customers and partners, and generate new leads and sales. However, with so many companies vying for attention at these events, it can be a challenge to stand out from the crowd. That’s where animated trade show videos come in – they can be a powerful tool for boosting your trade show success and make your booth more engaging and memorable. In this post, we’ll explore how and why to create animated videos for trade shows, as well as tips for making them more effective for your business.

Examples of Trade Show Videos You Can Get From Video Igniter

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated trade show video 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.

Video Production Demo Reel:

 

Trade Show Demo Videos:

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 Use Animated Videos for Trade Shows?

Animated videos are a great way to capture attention and engage trade show attendees. They can be used to showcase your products or services, explain complex concepts, or simply add some visual interest to your booth. Here are some of the key benefits of using animated videos at trade shows:

1. Attention-Grabbing: Animated videos are inherently more eye-catching than static images or text. They can help draw people to your booth and make it stand out from the ocean of other exhibitors.

2. Memorable: Animated videos are more likely to stick in people’s minds relative to other types of content (pamphlets, brochures, business cards, etc). By creating a memorable video, you can ensure that attendees remember your booth and your company long after the event is over.

3. Cost-Effective: Animated videos, motion graphics, animated infographics, explainer videos and kinetic typography animations can be created relatively quickly and easily, and can be used for multiple events. They can also be repurposed for your social media and displayed on your website.

4. Customizable: Animated videos are relatively to easy to update and customize (compared to live action videos). You can update text and images in your animated trade show video without having to pay for a brand new video.

5. Sharable: Add a QR code to your business card so people can watch your video on their phone.

How to Make an Animated Video for a Trade Show

Now that we’ve explored why animated videos are a valuable tool for trade shows, let’s dive into how to create one. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Define Your Goals

Before you start creating your video, it’s important to define your goals. What do you want the video to accomplish? Do you want to showcase a product, explain a concept, or simply add some visual interest to your booth? Understanding your goals will help you create a video that is both effective and relevant to your audience.

Choose Your Producer

There are a variety of tools, software programs, freelancers and animation studios that can be used to create your animated trade show video. Some popular DIY options include Adobe After Effects, Powtoon, Wideo, and Vyond. If you don’t want to create the video yourself, you can hire us, Video Igniter Animation.

Develop Your Script & Storyboard

Once you’ve picked out your animation producer, it’s time to plan out your video. Create a script & storyboard that outline the key scenes and elements that will appear on screen during each part of your video. This will help ensure that your animator knows what to create.

Source The Audio

Trade shows are noisy so it’s possible your video may play on a loop with no audio. In fact, it’s a good idea to develop your trade show video so that people can learn just by watching, without needing to hear anything at all. Assume most people won’t be close enough to hear. That being said, adding a voiceover narration and soundtrack are still good ideas. Even if people can’t hear what your video is saying at the trade show, it’s still useful to have the narrative explanation for people who are able to watch your video online.

Create The Animation

Now that your storyboard is approved, the animation team can develop the visuals for your animated trade show video. This may involve creating characters, backgrounds, and other visual elements. After you approve the design of the illustrations, the animation team will add motion to the illustrations so that they sync up with your voiceover.

Test and Refine

Once your video is complete, test it out on members of your target audience to ensure that it meets your communication goals and resonates with your audience. Make any necessary tweaks or changes to improve its effectiveness before using it at a trade show.

Tips for Making Your Animated Trade Show Video Effective

Now that you know how to create an animated trade show video, let’s explore some tips for making it as effective as possible:

Keep it Short: Trade show attendees are often short on time, so it’s important to keep your video short and to the point. Aim for a length of 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Your video will play on a loop so people can catch it again if they missed something the first time.

Focus on the Benefits: When creating your video, focus on the benefits of your product or service rather than its features. This will help attendees understand how your offering can help them, rather than simply seeing what it does.

Use Humor: Humor can be a great way to engage attendees and make your booth more memorable. Just be sure to keep it appropriate and relevant to your brand and audience.

Make it Interactive: Consider adding interactive elements to your video, such as touchscreens or buttons that trigger different videos to play. This can help keep attendees engaged and interested.

Incorporate Your Brand: Be sure to incorporate your brand into your video using colors, logos, and other visual elements that reinforce your brand identity.

Types of Trade Show Videos That Perform Best on the Show Floor

Not all trade show videos are created equal. The most effective trade show video formats are designed specifically for busy, noisy environments where attendees may only glance at your booth for a few seconds. Choosing the right type of animated trade show video can dramatically impact foot traffic, engagement, and lead quality.

Explainer Trade Show Videos
Explainer-style trade show videos focus on clearly communicating what your company does and who it’s for. These videos work best when they emphasize a single core value proposition and use strong visuals to guide viewers through the message without relying on audio.

Product Demo Trade Show Videos
Animated product demo videos are ideal for showcasing software platforms, workflows, or physical products that are difficult to demonstrate live. Animation allows you to zoom in on details, visualize processes, and show outcomes that would be impossible to capture on camera.

Brand Awareness & Looping Booth Videos
Some trade show videos are designed purely to attract attention. These looping animated videos use bold motion, typography, and branding to pull people in from across the aisle and encourage them to stop at your booth.

Industry-Specific Trade Show Videos
Customizing your trade show video to speak directly to a specific industry—such as healthcare, manufacturing, SaaS, or finance—can increase relevance and improve lead quality. Industry-specific language and visuals help attendees instantly recognize that your solution is meant for them.

Best Length and Format for a High-Performing Trade Show Video

One of the most common questions businesses ask is: How long should a trade show video be? The answer depends on how it’s being used—but shorter is almost always better.

For most booths, the ideal animated trade show video length is 30–90 seconds, designed to loop seamlessly. Attendees should be able to understand the core message even if they start watching halfway through.

Best practices for trade show video length and format:

• Use short scenes (3–5 seconds each)
• Design the video to work without sound
• Include large, readable text
• Prioritize visuals over narration
• End with a clear call-to-action (e.g., “Ask us for a demo”)

How to Use Your Trade Show Video to Capture More Leads

A great trade show video doesn’t just attract attention—it supports your lead generation strategy. When paired with the right booth setup, your animated video can significantly increase the number of meaningful conversations your team has during the event.

Use Your Video as a Conversation Starter
Your trade show video should answer the “What do you do?” question before someone even speaks to your team. This allows booth staff to focus on qualifying leads rather than repeating the same explanation all day.

Add Clear Calls-to-Action On Screen
Effective trade show videos guide attendees toward the next step. This might include:

• “Scan the QR code to learn more”
• “Ask us for a live demo”
• “Sign up for a free trial”
• “Enter our giveaway”

Integrate With Lead Capture Tools
Trade show videos work especially well when paired with tablets, kiosks, or QR codes that link to landing pages. These pages can collect contact information, schedule demos, or deliver downloadable resources.

How to Repurpose a Trade Show Video After the Event

One of the biggest advantages of an animated trade show video is its long-term value. Unlike booth displays or printed materials, your video can continue generating ROI long after the event ends.

A single trade show video can be repurposed into:

• Website homepage or landing page content
• Email marketing campaigns
• Sales presentations
• Social media ads
• LinkedIn posts
• YouTube videos
• Paid trade show follow-up campaigns

By designing your trade show video with repurposing in mind, you get significantly more value from your production budget.

Common Trade Show Video Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned companies sometimes miss the mark with their trade show videos. Avoiding these common mistakes can dramatically improve results.

Overloading the Video With Information
Trade shows are not the place for deep explanations. Focus on one message, one audience, and one goal.

Relying Too Heavily on Audio
Most trade show floors are loud. If your message depends on narration, many viewers will miss it entirely.

Small Text or Busy Visuals
Trade show videos should be readable from several feet away. Clean layouts and bold typography perform best.

No Clear Next Step
If viewers don’t know what to do after watching your video, you’re missing a major opportunity.

Why Animated Trade Show Videos Outperform Live-Action Booth Videos

While live-action videos can work in some contexts, animation often outperforms live video at trade shows for several reasons.

Animated trade show videos:

• Are easier to update for future events
• Maintain a consistent brand look
• Simplify complex ideas
• Avoid issues with lighting, sound, and filming
• Are more cost-effective long term

This flexibility makes animation a smart investment for companies that attend multiple trade shows each year.

Why Work With a Professional Trade Show Video Company

Creating a high-performing trade show video requires more than animation skills—it requires an understanding of trade show environments, attendee behavior, and marketing goals.

A professional trade show video company helps you:

• Clarify your message
• Choose the right animation style
• Design for silent playback
• Optimize for looping displays
• Repurpose content across channels

At Video Igniter, we specialize in animated trade show videos designed to attract attention, communicate clearly, and generate leads—both on the show floor and beyond.

Conclusion

Animated videos are a powerful tool for enhancing your trade show booth and generating new leads and sales for your business. By following the steps outlined in this post and incorporating these tips, you can create a memorable, effective trade show video that helps your booth stand out from the crowd.

Still have questions about animated trade show videos?

Do you have a question about making or using an animated trade show video 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.

Get in touch about making your animated trade show video!

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video project.

Get a quote for us to create your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief for your video and we’ll begin production as soon as we receive your production deposit.

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 animated video or 3D animation you can imagine. Check out our animated video portfolio.

If you’re looking for an explainer video company to make an explainer video, we make those too!

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

Watch our explainer video on our home page to learn more about how we can help you create an animated video. For examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce, check out the 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 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

With so many different animation styles out there, we thought it would be helpful to present an overview of the most common types of animated videos and provide a run down of their pros and cons to help you figure out which animation styles could be used for your video.

2D Animation Styles:

1). Flash / After Effects 2D animation
2). Motion Graphics
3). Hand Drawn Animation (aka Frame by Frame or Cel Animation)
4). Kinetic Typography
5). Cut-Out Animation
6). Rotoscoping Animation

3D Animation Styles:

1). 3D Animation
2). Stop Motion
3). Cel-Shaded Animation

Non-Animated Explainer Videos:

1). Screen Recording
2). Whiteboard Videos

2D Animation Styles:

1). Flash / After Effects 2D Animation

If you’ve seen a 2D animated video online, odds are, it was likely made using Adobe Flash or Adobe After Effects. These are two of the most popular programs for creating 2D animated videos because they enable an infinite range of different animation styles at a lower cost than producing a video with traditional frame-by-frame (hand drawn) animation.

Pros: Enables you to create infinite different types of animation styles. Very easy to make custom branded art.

Cons: This is what everyone does. Can be difficult to pick out which studio or freelancer is best for you.

Example of an Animated Explainer Video Created with Flash:



Example of a More Advanced Animation Created with Adobe After Effects:

 

2). Motion Graphics

Think of motion graphics as a type of animation that’s more like an animated diagram or a series of shapes, icons and text sliding around. Generally this is animation that doesn’t have people walking around. Instead, motion graphics are used like visual accents. Sometimes they are overlaid on top of live action videos, other times they’re inserted between scenes of a video to show an animated diagram that visually illustrates what a narrator is explaining.

Pros: Can be simpler to produce than traditional animation.

Cons: May not include enough detail for what you want to show or explain.

 

3). Hand Drawn Animation aka Frame-By-Frame Animation

This is the ‘real’ old school style of animation. The kind where each frame of the animation is hand drawn by the video animator. It enables the artist to create beautiful flowing animated details with realistic, smooth movements. It also takes a lot of time, skill and a huge team with an adequate budget to produce anything more than a few seconds long.

Pros: Visually unique compared to the glut of 2D animated content out there.

Cons: Expensive. Takes a long time and a big team to produce.

4). Kinetic Typography

Kinetic typography is a type of animated video that relies heavily on animating text with flashy motion and designs to keep the viewer engaged. Sometimes characters and scenes get mixed in but typically the goal is to animate the words in visually unique ways in sync with the narrative voiceover.

Pros: When designed with proper timing, these videos do a great job at keeping viewer’s interest. It’s also possible to watch these videos without the sound on (i.e. in a social media feed) and still be able to understand the content of the video w/out the audio.

Cons: Since the focus tends to be text-based, sometimes content that’s presented in kinetic typography videos should actually be an animated diagram (which you can totally mix into your video).

5). Cut-Out Animation

Cut-out animation uses flat materials, like paper or fabric, to create characters and scenes that move in a two-dimensional space. Traditionally, this style involved physically moving cut-out pieces frame by frame, but modern software now simulates the process digitally. Cut-out animation is popular for its cost-effectiveness and charming simplicity, as seen in shows like South Park. If you’re looking for a fun, quirky, and budget-friendly animation style, cut-out animation might be a perfect fit.

Pros: This fun animation style is visually unique and helps your message stand out from other forms of 2D computer animation.

Cons: Creating this style of animation takes more time to create compared to modern forms of computer animation.

6). Rotoscoping

Rotoscoping involves tracing over live-action video footage to create lifelike movement in an animated format. This style blends realism with artistic expression, making it a great option when you want natural character motion with a stylized visual appeal. Rotoscoping was famously used in films like A Scanner Darkly and Waking Life to create a surreal, dreamlike effect that draws viewers into the story.

Pros: Visuals include realistic, natural movement using a unique stylized aesthetic.

Cons: Rotoscoping is a time-consuming, expensive process which requires a film crew to capture video content before animators can trace over each scene.

Types of 3D Animation:

1). Animated Computer Generated 3D Visuals

3D animation is ideal for when 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. 3D animation also works great for your standard business explainer video if you want to go for a high impact visual style that stands out from the rest. Just note that 3D animations take longer to produce, require a larger budget, and it’s not as easy to make changes to the video once production has begun. 3D animated video styles can look cartoon-ish (like Pixar movies) or they can be made to look like photo-realistic renderings of the real world.

Pros: Great for showing how products/machines work or exploring 3D environments

Cons: Expensive and takes a long time to produce. Difficult to make changes mid-way through video production.

Cartoon-style 3D:

Photo-realistic 3D:

 

2). Stop motion

Stop motion animation is created by setting up a scene (could be made of clay, paper, legos, etc), taking a photo, moving a few things slightly in the scene, and taking another picture. By repeating this process of taking photos of the scene with slight adjustments, the images can be combined to create a moving animated scene.

Pros: Fun and unique to watch.

Cons: Expensive and it takes a long time to do a good job – definitely can’t be rushed.

3). Cel-Shaded Animation

Cel-shaded animation gives 3D objects a flat, cartoonish appearance reminiscent of traditional 2D animation. It’s often used in video games and stylized animations to create bold, eye-catching visuals. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Arcane demonstrate how cel shading can blend modern 3D animation with classic, hand-drawn aesthetics.

Pros: Evokes a nostalgic, hand-drawn aesthetic with modern computer animation tools. Rendering costs are lower compared to photorealistic 3D animation.

Cons: Limited realism compared to traditional 3D animation. Requires talented artists to do a quality job creating this visual style.

Non-animated explainer videos:

1). Screen recording

Sometimes you want to show what’s actually happening on a phone, tablet or computer screen. In this case, you can use different programs to record what is happening on screen to show exactly what is happening, rather than providing a high level story of what an app actually does. Motion graphics are sometimes mixed in to keep the viewer’s attention and to visually call out specific details on screen.

Pros: Great for showcasing how to use different websites, software and apps.

Cons: Generally kinda boring to watch unless there’s some unique motion graphics overlaid on top of the screen recording. Not great for sales/marketing videos, but that’s not what they’re really meant for anyway.

 

Deep Dive: How to hire and collaborate with a motion graphics company?

2). Whiteboard videos

Whiteboard videos are another style of hand drawn animation – however, unlike Frame-by-Frame animation, where the animator draws each frame individually and then flips through them to make the image look like it’s in motion, whiteboard explainers are videos that show the artist in the act of drawing out visuals in sync with a voiceover.

Pros: Generally quick and less expensive to produce. Great at keeping the viewer’s attention.

Cons: They all look very similar so they’re not great for brand recognition.

Practical Applications for Different Animation Styles

The type of content you want to create often informs the visual style that’s appropriate for the video. Below, you can see our recommendations for which style(s) of animation are appropriate to use for creating educational, entertaining and promotional video content.

Educational Content

Animations simplify abstract concepts and make learning more accessible. Animated educational videos often use 2D animation and motion graphics to illustrate scientific principles, historical events, and mathematical theories.

Entertainment

From children’s cartoons to adult animated series, the entertainment industry uses a diverse range of styles to appeal to different audiences. 2D, 3D, and stop motion animation have all found success in TV, movies, and online content.

Marketing and Advertising

Animation helps brands stand out in competitive markets by delivering memorable, engaging content. Motion graphics and character animations are popular choices for commercials, product explainers, and social media content.

Choosing the Right Animation Style

The right animation style depends on your video’s goals, target audience, and budget. If you need something cost-effective and fun, 2D animation might be the way to go. For high-impact, immersive content, 3D or mixed media animation could be a better fit.

With so many cool animation styles to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow it down to the right option for your video. If you’re still not sure which types of animation are appropriate for your video, send us a message or schedule a call to discuss your video project and goals with Video Igniter’s production team.

Key Factors That Influence Different Animation Styles

When evaluating different animation styles, it’s important to understand the practical factors that influence which approach makes the most sense for your project. While aesthetics matter, production constraints often play an equally important role in determining the final style.

One major factor is budget. Some animation styles, like frame-by-frame hand-drawn animation or photorealistic 3D animation, require significantly more time and specialized talent. This increases cost. More streamlined animation styles, such as motion graphics, cut-out animation, or kinetic typography, are typically more affordable while still delivering strong visual impact.

Timeline is another critical consideration. If you’re working with a tight deadline, simpler animation styles are often the best choice. Motion graphics, screen recordings, and limited 2D animation can be produced relatively quickly compared to stop motion or complex 3D animation, which often require longer production schedules.

Your distribution platform also matters. Animation styles that work well on a website homepage may not perform the same way on social media or in paid ads. Bold, simplified visuals with strong contrast—such as motion graphics and kinetic typography—often perform better on mobile feeds where viewers scroll quickly.

Comparing 2D vs 3D Animation Styles

One of the most common decisions people face when exploring different animation styles is whether to choose 2D or 3D animation. Each has distinct advantages depending on your goals.

2D animation styles are often favored for explainer videos, brand storytelling, and educational content. They are cost-effective, flexible, and easier to revise mid-production. 2D animation also lends itself well to custom brand design, allowing companies to maintain consistent visual identity across marketing materials.

3D animation styles, on the other hand, are ideal for showcasing physical products, architectural spaces, or complex machinery. They allow viewers to see objects from every angle and understand how components interact in three-dimensional space. While more expensive, 3D animation can create a premium, high-impact look that stands out in competitive industries.

In many cases, a hybrid approach works best. Combining 2D animation with 3D elements or motion graphics allows brands to balance visual impact with budget efficiency.

How Animation Style Impacts Viewer Engagement

Different animation styles influence how audiences perceive and engage with video content. Fast-paced motion graphics and kinetic typography are effective at grabbing attention quickly, making them well suited for short-form content and ads. These styles rely on rhythm, timing, and visual momentum to keep viewers engaged.

Character-driven animation styles, such as 2D character animation or rotoscoping, tend to create stronger emotional connections. When viewers see characters reacting, struggling, or succeeding, they’re more likely to remember the message being communicated.

Highly detailed animation styles like hand-drawn animation or stop motion often feel more “crafted” and artistic. This can elevate brand perception, especially for creative industries, entertainment brands, or companies that want to emphasize originality and craftsmanship.

Understanding how different animation styles affect engagement helps ensure your video doesn’t just look good—it performs well.

Animation Styles for Branding and Visual Identity

Animation plays a significant role in shaping a brand’s visual identity. The animation style you choose should align with your brand’s personality, tone, and long-term marketing strategy.

Minimalist motion graphics and clean typography often suit modern tech companies, SaaS platforms, and startups that want a sleek, professional look. Hand-drawn or cut-out animation styles work well for brands that want to feel approachable, playful, or human.

Consistency is key. Once you select an animation style, it’s beneficial to reuse visual elements, character designs, and motion patterns across multiple videos. This builds brand recognition and makes future video production more efficient.

Emerging Trends in Different Animation Styles

As technology evolves, so do animation styles. One growing trend is the use of AI-assisted animation, where tools help generate visuals, automate motion, or speed up production workflows. While human creativity remains essential, AI tools are enabling faster iteration and lower costs for certain animation styles.

Another trend is mixed media animation, which blends live action footage with animated overlays, motion graphics, and text. This approach combines the authenticity of real footage with the clarity and flexibility of animation.

Social media has also influenced animation trends. Short, looping animations with bold visuals and clear messaging are becoming increasingly popular for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Using Different Animation Styles Across the Marketing Funnel

Different animation styles serve different purposes depending on where viewers are in the marketing funnel. At the awareness stage, visually striking styles like motion graphics, kinetic typography, or stylized 2D animation help capture attention.

During the consideration stage, explainer-focused animation styles—such as character animation or product walkthroughs—help educate viewers and build trust. For conversion-focused content, screen recordings or product-focused 3D animation can clearly demonstrate functionality and value.

By aligning animation style with viewer intent, brands can maximize the effectiveness of their video content.

Final Thoughts on Different Animation Styles

There is no single “best” animation style—only the best style for your specific goals. By understanding the strengths, limitations, and use cases of different animation styles, you can make informed decisions that balance creativity, budget, and performance.

Whether you’re creating an explainer video, marketing campaign, educational series, or branded content, choosing the right animation style is one of the most important steps in producing a successful video.

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.

Watch the demo reel below for examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce for you.

 

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

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it – these testimonials highlight Video Igniter’s reliability, creativity, flexibility and ability to deliver animations that exceed expectations. When you choose Video Igniter Animation, you can rest assured that you are working with a trusted and reputable studio.

“Couldn’t be happier with Derek and his team. The quality of the work for the cost far exceeded expectations and surpasses anything in the market. Derek was patient, offered many revisions, and was overall great to work with.”

Alex Novick – Founder, Sproutly.com

“Video Igniter were very easy to work with and the entire process for creating and suggesting edits was seamless and stress-free. I would work with them again and would recommend to others looking to create a modern and stylish explainer video.”

Clair Simpson – VP Marketing, Repool.com

“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 making 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 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

Get in touch!

Schedule a call to discuss your animated video project.

Get a quote for us to create your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief for your video and we’ll begin production as soon as we receive your production deposit.

Outsourcing 3D animation has become a popular option for businesses looking to create captivating visuals for their products, services, or brands. In this guide, we will explore the process, costs, and timeline for 3D animation outsourcing. We’ll also discuss tips for saving money on your production budget and share some other animation outsourcing companies so you can make an informed decision for your next project.

Examples Of Outsourced 3D Animated Videos You Can Get From Video Igniter

Video Igniter can create any kind of 3D animation video 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 3D 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.

 

How do you outsource a 3D animated video?

Outsourcing a 3D animated video involves several steps. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do:

1). Define your project scope: Before you search for an animation studio to outsource your project to, spend some time thinking through your project requirements. Consider the length, style, business purpose, timeline and budget that are needed to do this right. This will help you communicate your expectations clearly to the outsourcing company.

2). Research potential companies: Look for 3D animation outsourcing companies with a solid track record, a diverse portfolio, and positive client testimonials. Check their website, blog and portfolio to learn more about their expertise.

3). Request quotes: Contact several companies to request quotes for your project. Provide them with your project scope and any relevant materials, such as a storyboard or reference images. This will allow them to give you an accurate cost estimate.

4). Evaluate proposals: Review the proposals you receive and compare factors such as cost, timeline, the number of revisions you get and the overall quality of their work. This will help you determine which company offers the best value for your project.

5). Sign a contract: Once you’ve selected an outsourcing company, sign a contract that outlines the project scope, deliverables, timeline, and payment terms. Make sure to include clauses for revisions and intellectual property rights.

6). Collaborate and monitor progress: Stay in close communication with the company throughout the production process. Provide feedback and request revisions as needed to ensure the final product meets your expectations.

What is the production process like when you outsource the creation of a 3D animated video?

Video Igniter can help you make any kind of 3d animated video you can imagine. Here’s an overview of what the production experience is like when you outsource your 3D animation project to us:

Project Kickoff

Production begins with a call and or a questionnaire to get a deeper understanding of what needs to be communicated and what needs to be shown in your video. We’ll also ask you about your target audience so that we can learn how to craft the visuals and message for your audience.

Script

Next, we’ll work with you to develop the script for your 3D animated video. The script provides the skeleton for your 3D animation. It helps us determine what we are ultimately going to communicate throughout your video. You get an opportunity to review your script and request revisions before approving the script for production.

Storyboard

Once your script is approved, we’ll create the storyboard for your 3D animation. The storyboard is the blueprint for your video. It tells everyone on the production team what we’re going to show in each scene. Right now, your goal is to help us include enough detail in our instructions so that there will be no ambiguity about what the design and animation teams will create.

Concept Art

After the storyboard is approved, our art director will help develop concept art for your animation. Creating concept art enables us to establish the visual style for your video before the illustrators and modelers get to work creating all the pieces needed for your 3D animation. While every project is different, this process usually begins by creating a black and white 3D model.

Our art director will work with you to refine the details until they’re perfect! Then, they’ll apply textures, color, lighting and shadows to bring out the desired visual style. They’ll work with you until you’re thrilled with the outcome.

VoiceOver

While your concept art is in development, we’ll audition voiceover talent for your animation. You choose which audition you like best. Then, we will oversee the recording of the full voiceover to ensure it has the proper tone, pacing and pronunciation. You get an opportunity to review the full voiceover before approving it for production.

Soundtrack

We will also select some soundtracks and sound effects that will be used to enhance the presentation of key moments in your animation. You get an opportunity to review the selections and let us know which one you prefer. After the soundtrack(s) have been selected, we will secure the proper media license(s) for you to use the music in your 3D animation.

3D Modeling & Rigging

After the concept art is approved, we’ll begin developing all of the models for your animation. You will get to collaborate with our team to ensure every detail is pixel perfect. If there are parts of your models that move, we will add structural rigging to help later in the animation production process.

Animatic

When you outsource a 3D animated video, one of the most important and detailed steps in the production process is the animatic. It’s essentially a moving version of the storyboard. It shows the key visual moments of your animation, synced up with the voiceover. There may be some light animation and motion design. Some animatics are made with 2D sketches and others are made with 3D models. Regardless of the level of detail in the visual and motion design, the key point right now is to nail down the timing of every part of the animation.

Color, Animation & Special FX

Once the animatic is approved, we’ll finish developing any remaining 3D models, add color and give you an opportunity to request revisions. Then we’ll animate your video and add the voiceover and music. Review the first draft with your internal team and members of your target audience. Finally, collect everyone’s feedback and send it to us so that we can integrate your revisions and render out the final draft.

What does 3D animation outsourcing cost?

The cost of 3D animation outsourcing varies depending on a few factors:

Project complexity/quality: A more complex video with intricate details, multiple characters, or elaborate environments will typically cost more than a simpler video.

Length: The longer the video, the higher the cost. Most companies charge based on the number of minutes or seconds of animation.

Outsourcing location: Companies in countries with lower labor costs may offer lower prices than those in countries with higher costs of living.

Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500+ per second of animation, depending on the factors mentioned above. Keep in mind that this is a general range. Individual companies may offer different pricing structures. Get a quote for your 3D animated video.

How long does 3D animation outsourcing take?

The timeline for 3D animation outsourcing depends on the complexity of the project and the capacity of the outsourcing company. On average, you can expect the following timeframes for a 1-2 minute animation:

• 1-3 weeks for pre-production, which includes scriptwriting, storyboarding, and concept design.
• 4-12 weeks for production, including modeling, rigging, animation, lighting, and rendering.
• 1-3 weeks for post-production, such as editing, sound design, and visual effects.

Keep in mind that these estimates are approximate, and actual timelines may vary. Always discuss deadlines with the outsourcing company to ensure they align with your needs.

Legal and Technical Due Diligence in 3D Animation Outsourcing

While the creative process is exciting, the long-term value of 3D animation outsourcing is secured in the contractual and technical details. Failing to address these points can lead to costly legal issues or technical incompatibility down the line.

1. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection and NDAs

When you outsource, you are sharing proprietary designs, scripts, and product models. Securing your IP is non-negotiable.

• The Assignment Clause: Your contract should contain a clear Assignment of Intellectual Property clause. This clause states that upon final payment, all rights, title, and interest in the animated characters, models, textures, code, and final video (including the underlying source files) are transferred solely and exclusively to you, the client. Without this, the studio could claim co-ownership.
• Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Always sign a legally binding NDA before sharing sensitive assets like product schematics, unreleased software features, or confidential character designs.
• Source File Ownership: Clearly define the format and ownership of the original working files (e.g., Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D files). This allows you to make future edits or hire a different studio for sequels without having to pay the original studio again for the assets.

2. Understanding Licensing and Usage Rights

Ensure your contract clarifies the scope of use for the final video and any licensed assets.

• Commercial Use: Confirm the license allows for unlimited commercial use, including advertising, sales, and internal training. Most voiceover artists charge an additional fee for their voiceover if it will be used for a commercial purpose.
• Stock Assets: If the studio uses stock 3D models, textures, or music, they must provide documentation showing they have secured the necessary commercial licenses for you to use those assets in the final rendered video.

The Economic Deep Dive: Pricing Models Beyond Per-Second

The cost breakdown of 3D animation outsourcing is often oversimplified. To accurately manage your budget and justify the investment, you need to understand the underlying pricing models used by professional studios.

Hourly Rate Model

Often used for very short projects, specialized tasks, or revisions beyond the contracted scope.

• Pros: Highly transparent for short, distinct tasks like “rigging this specific character” or “fixing the final lighting.”
• Cons: Unpredictable total cost. If the animator is inexperienced or encounters unexpected technical issues, your bill increases rapidly.
  • Regional Rates: Rates can vary dramatically: North America/Western Europe ($100−$200+ per hour); Eastern Europe/Latin America ($40−$75+ per hour); Asia ($15−$40+ per hour).

Fixed-Price/Per-Project Model

The most common model for explainer videos and defined commercial projects. The studio agrees on a total fee based on the detailed project scope (script, length, complexity).

• Pros: Budget certainty. You know the exact cost upfront, which is ideal for marketing departments.
• Cons: Less flexibility. Any deviation from the approved storyboard or script will result in a Change Order, which adds cost and time. This model requires extensive pre-production.

Retainer Model

Ideal for clients with continuous needs, such as a game studio requiring new assets monthly, or an agency with recurring client projects.

• Pros: Dedicated resources and priority scheduling. You secure a block of the studio’s time (e.g., 80 hours per month) at a discounted rate, making it efficient for high-volume work.
• Cons: Requires a long-term commitment, and you lose the money if you don’t fully utilize the allocated hours.

Specialization Outsourcing: Rendering and Rigging

One of the biggest benefits of 3D animation outsourcing is the ability to offload the two most technically demanding and resource-intensive stages: Rigging and Rendering.

The Power of Outsourcing Rigging

Rigging is the process of creating a digital skeletal system (bones, joints, and controllers) for a 3D model, allowing it to be animated. If the rig is poorly done, the animation will look stiff or break entirely.

• Why Outsource: Rigging requires highly specialized technical artists (riggers) who understand complex mathematics and inverse kinematics. Outsourcing this phase guarantees quality movement without needing to hire a full-time specialist.
• Key Deliverable: Request an industry-standard rig that includes IK/FK blending (blending Inverse Kinematics for precise joint movement and Forward Kinematics for natural limb arcs) and facial expression controls (blend shapes).

The Necessity of Outsourcing Rendering (Render Farms)

Rendering is the final stage where the computer calculates all the lighting, textures, shadows, and special effects to turn the 3D data into a final 2D video file (the frames). This is the most computationally demanding task.

• The Bottleneck: A single high-end consumer computer could take hours to render a single, complex frame. A 60-second animation (1,800 frames at 30 fps) could take weeks to render locally.
• The Outsourced Solution: Outsourcing studios use Render Farms—massive clusters of high-performance servers designed for parallel processing. They can render a complex animation in hours instead of weeks, offering significant time savings that justify the cost.
• Technical Benefit: By outsourcing rendering, you avoid the massive capital expenditure of buying and maintaining the necessary hardware (high-end GPUs, specialized cooling, and network storage). This is a primary driver of cost-efficiency in 3D animation outsourcing.

How to save money when outsourcing a 3D animated video project?

• Write your own script – download our free script writing template.
• Create your storyboard – download our storyboard template and guide.
• Use free (legal) music – check out Facebook’s Sound Collection and Incompetech.
• Make a shorter video.
• Use a mix of 2D and 3D animation instead of exclusively using 3D animation.

Use 3D models – we can save some time and money by buying a pre-created 3D models and customizing them for your animation.

Provide the voiceover for your animation.

Who are the industry leading 3D animation outsourcing companies?

There are numerous 3D animation outsourcing companies available, each with their own unique strengths and specializations. Here are a few to consider:

Video Igniter: Video Igniter (that’s us ;) specializes in creating high-quality, custom animated videos for businesses, including explainer videos, product demos, and social media content. We offer a full range of animation services including 2D animation, 3D animation and frame by frame animation.

Yowza! Animation: Industry titans like Walt Disney Animation Studio and Warner Bros Animation have been outsourcing animation projects to Yowza for decades! This Toronto-based animation studio makes both 2D and 3D animations.

Illumination Studio: Illumination Studio is a global animation production company with expertise in 3D animation and visual effects. They have worked on a variety of projects, including feature films, television series, and commercials.

Remember to research and compare several companies before making a decision. Consider factors such as experience, portfolio quality, pricing, and turnaround times to find the best fit for your project.

Conclusion

3D animation outsourcing can be a cost-effective and efficient way to create compelling visuals for your business. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth outsourcing process and achieve outstanding results. Consider your project’s scope, budget, and timeline, and explore various outsourcing companies to find the perfect partner for your animation needs.

Still have questions about 3D animation outsourcing?

Do you have a question about outsourcing a 3D animated video 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. 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 on our home page to learn more about how we can help you create an animated video. For examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce, check out the 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 video project.

Get a quote for us to create your animated video.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

Create your Video Igniter account, fill out a creative brief for your video and we’ll begin production as soon as we receive your production deposit.

Did you know that animated videos can help you increase traffic to your website? In this article, we’ll explain the art of video SEO so that you can boost website traffic, generate more leads and get more sales.

What is video SEO?

SEO stands for search engine optimization – it’s a series of best practices and technical implementation to help you get your blog posts, images, videos and products to appear at the top of search engine results.

Video SEO is a subset of search engine optimization that focuses on getting your video content to appear at the top of Google’s, YouTube’s & Instagram’s search results. This gets more eyeballs on your content which increases the number of people who discover your business.

What are the benefits of video SEO?

Video SEO drives traffic to your site

Posting videos online can help you generate increased awareness for your company, product, or service by driving traffic to your website site using video SEO tactics and implementation.

Let’s say you run a plumbing business that specializes in Japanese toilets. You could create a video titled, “How to unclog a Japanese toilet,” post it on your website and optimize it to increase the odds that it appears at the top of Google’s search results. When people with Japanese toilets have problems with their toilets, they will likely search Google for an answer and come across your video. This is the basic way video SEO works to generate awareness and drive traffic to your website.

Video SEO increase awareness

A lot of the time, when people are searching for video answers, they turn to YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. By posting your videos on these platforms and optimizing your keywords, title and tags, you increase the odds of your video(s) appearing when people search for videos. People who discover you via these sites are likely to follow or subscribe to your account to continue learning new information from you. As they continue to watch your videos over time, the odds of them clicking to visit your website increases.

Videos increase the amount of time people spend on your site

Adding videos to your website helps keep people on your website longer. When people stay on your site longer, it’s because they’re reading or watching a video. Google sees this as a sign that your website is useful. This increases your website’s ranking and subsequently leads to more website visitors.

Video SEO can help increase sales

As more and more people organically visit your website, more people will visit your sales and landing pages. With properly designed pages and a great sales team, you’ll have more leads coming in each month that your team can close.

 

How does animation help with video SEO?

99% of videos that appear in search results are low quality videos filmed on people’s phones. Animated videos stand out in search rankings because their colorful animated thumbnails attract viewers and increase the odds a person will click play on it.

Animation keeps viewers watching longer than live action content because there’s a constant flow of new animated visuals to follow.

The combination of getting more people to click play on your video and keeping them engaged longer increases your video’s ranking in search engine results… which also gets more people to watch.

How do you optimize animated video for SEO to increase website traffic?

1). Research your video title

What would someone search for if they were going to watch your video? There’s probably a few different phrases people could search for that would bring up your video on YouTube or Google.

In order to get your video to appear in search results as often as possible, you want to figure out which of those phrases people search for most often. Brainstorm a list of all the things people could search for to find your video. Then, use a service like TubeBuddy to type in all of those phrases to see which one gets searched the most often.

Use the winning phrase as the title for your video.

2). Update the file name

For a more improvement in your search rankings, be sure to change the file name of your video to match the video title you researched. Update the file name before you upload your video to YouTube or another video hosting service.

3). Decide which platform to upload to

If you want to drive traffic to your website, upload your video to a 3rd party site (like Vimeo or Wistia) and embed the video on your website. This way, if your video SEO is strong enough, your video will appear in search results and refer people to your website.

Otherwise, if your goal is to develop thought leadership and awareness of your company within your industry, add the video to a mainstream site like YouTube where it will get discovered more often (but won’t directly take people to your website).

If you don’t use a popular video hosting service like YouTube, Vimeo or Wistia, you may need to do some additional work to ensure the structured data (your video, a video thumbnail, description, transcript, etc) associated with your video is available and properly formatted for search engine bots. Check out this article for more tips on how to make sure your video seo is working right with your video player & hosting service.

4). Include title keywords in your description

Add a description for your video and include keywords from your video’s title within the description to improve the search-ability of your video. You can also use related keywords in your description to expand the # of possible words that can bring up your video in a search engine.

5). Add a transcript

Adding a transcript to your video makes it much more searchable by Google’s bots.  YouTube’s A.I. can help auto-generate a transcript, but it’s not very accurate, so you should review it before publishing. You can also manually transcribe your video’s script and add it to YouTube or Wistia.

6). Embed the most important video first

If you’re embedding multiple videos on each page, the first video that appears on the page is the one that’s going to get indexed and potentially appear in Google’s search results.

7). Don’t embed the same video on multiple pages

It can confuse search engines if you embed the same video on multiple pages. If you’re trying to get a specific video to appear in Google’s search results, avoid embedding it on multiple pages. Otherwise Google won’t know which page it should prioritize for its search results.

8). Pick a great thumbnail

Having a great thumbnail can make or break your video. Test different thumbnails to see which version gets people to click play the most often. Not sure how to do that? Check out this article to learn how to improve your video conversion rate.

9). Put your video near the top of the page

If the video is the most important part of your page, put it at the top where people will see it! Making them scroll down to find your video decreases the odds of someone finding it and watching it. If people click to your site, immediately see the video and start watching it, Google sees this as a sign that ‘this webpage + video are useful,’ and improves your search rankings accordingly.

10). Get people to watch and share your video

Videos need to be watched in order for search engines to recommend them. Not only that, but if people stop watching your video too early before they get into the ‘meat’ of your content, search engines will stop recommending them.

Advanced Video SEO: Technical Implementation and Structured Data

While optimizing your title, description, and tags is essential, the real differentiating factor in modern Video SEO lies in technical implementation—specifically, ensuring search engines can properly index your video content via structured data.

11). Implement Schema Markup (Structured Data)

Search engines rely on Schema Markup (a specific vocabulary of tags) to understand the content of your page. For video SEO, implementing VideoObject schema is critical, especially if you host the video on your own domain or use a non-YouTube player.

• What it is: A piece of code you add to the page HTML that explicitly tells search engines the video’s title, description, duration, upload date, and a link to the thumbnail image.
• Why it Matters: Correct implementation significantly increases the likelihood of your video appearing in Google’s video carousel or featured snippets—highly visible positions on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP).
• Actionable Tip: Use Google’s Rich Results Test tool after implementing the schema to confirm that the markup is valid and correctly indexed.

12). Create and Submit a Dedicated Video XML Sitemap

Standard XML sitemaps tell search engines about your web pages. A Video XML Sitemap specifically tells them about the video content on those pages, providing crucial metadata in one clean, centralized file.

• What it is: A separate XML file that lists all your video URLs, their publication dates, titles, descriptions, and, most importantly, the content location (where the video file itself is hosted).
• Why it Matters: For videos embedded on your website, a video sitemap is often the only way to guarantee that Google discovers and indexes the content quickly. This is especially important for new videos.
• Actionable Tip: If you use a CMS like WordPress, many SEO plugins (like Yoast or Rank Math) have built-in tools to generate and submit a Video XML Sitemap automatically.

13). Optimize Player Responsiveness and Load Time

Video players can be resource-intensive, slowing down your page load time (PageSpeed). Slow-loading pages are penalized by Google, effectively negating your SEO efforts.

• Solution: Ensure your video player is responsive (adjusts to mobile screens) and uses lazy loading. Lazy loading prevents the video player from loading until the user scrolls down to its location, improving initial load speed metrics. This is a crucial element of modern video SEO, as Google prioritizes fast, mobile-friendly experiences.

Advanced YouTube Optimization: Signals for Ranking

Since YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, optimizing your video directly on its platform is paramount for overall video SEO.

14). Strategic Use of Tags (Beyond the Obvious)

Tags are not as critical as the title and description, but they provide context and help YouTube categorize your video for suggestion features.

• The Trinity: Always include three types of tags:
  1. Broad Keywords: General topics (e.g., “marketing,” “business strategy”).
  2. Specific Keywords (Long-Tail): Your exact search phrase (e.g., “how to unclog a Japanese toilet”).
  3. Branded/Competitor Keywords: Terms related to your company or adjacent brands to appear in suggested streams.

15). Leveraging YouTube Cards and End Screens

These interactive elements keep viewers engaged and funnel them toward the next action, both of which are critical SEO signals.

• Cards: Use cards to link to relevant content, playlists, or your website during the video.
• End Screens: Use the last 5-20 seconds to prompt the viewer to subscribe, watch another video (increasing session watch time), or click a CTA link to your website. Session Watch Time (the total time a viewer spends on YouTube after starting your video) is a massive ranking factor.

16). Playlist and Channel Optimization

A single video optimized for a highly competitive keyword may struggle, but a well-organized playlist will rank better.

• Strategy: Group related explainer videos into a themed playlist (e.g., “Japanese Toilet Troubleshooting”). Optimize the playlist’s title and description just as you would a single video. This signals to YouTube that your channel is a topical authority, boosting the ranking of all videos within that grouping.

Correlation Between Video Metrics and Search Rank

Understanding that viewer behavior is the ultimate SEO signal is the final step in mastering video SEO. The search algorithms are designed to find the video that best satisfies the user’s intent.

17). Watch Time (Retention) is King

This is arguably the single most important factor. If your 5-minute video holds a viewer for 4 minutes and 30 seconds (90% retention), but a competitor’s 5-minute video only holds them for 1 minute (20% retention), your video will be prioritized.

• Actionable Insight: Constantly analyze your drop-off points in YouTube/Wistia analytics. If you see a consistent sharp drop, that specific segment of the video (visuals, scripting, or pacing) needs to be re-edited or removed. Animation excels here because its dynamic nature inherently drives higher retention.

18). Comments, Likes, and Shares (Engagement)

High engagement signals that the video is valuable, useful, and relevant. Search engines use these metrics as a proxy for quality.

• Actionable Insight: Add a specific prompt in your video’s voiceover to encourage action. Instead of “Leave a comment,” try “Let us know in the comments below which part of your Japanese toilet gives you the most trouble.” A specific question generates a higher response rate.

19). Click-Through Rate (CTR) from Search

On YouTube or Google, your video’s rank is partially determined by its CTR—how often people click your video when it appears in search results.

• • Actionable Insight: This metric is entirely controlled by your Title and Thumbnail. Test different versions to find which combination yields the highest CTR. For animation, leverage bold, high-contrast text and characters with exaggerated expressions on your thumbnail.

Video SEO Final Note

Understand things will change over time.

Google is constantly tweaking their algorithm (multiple times a day). As such, your video’s rankings will continue to change over time as Google refines its algorithm and other people continue to create and publish content similar to yours. By adding content and updating the pages that contain your video content, you can show to Google’s search bots that you are keeping the content accurate and up to date (something their algorithm shows preference for).

Still have questions about video SEO?

Do you have a question about video 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. 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 on our home page to learn more about how we can help you create an animated video. For examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce, check out the demo reel below:

 

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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.”

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