Do you want to make a custom animated video with animated characters in it? If so, you’re in the right place! Video Igniter’s guide to character animation teaches everything you need to know about how to work with professional animators to create an animated video with custom animated characters in it. We cover topics like:

✅ How To Create Custom Animated Characters?

✅ How Long Does It Take To Create A Video With Animated Characters?

✅ What Does It Cost To Make A Video Character Animation?

✅ How Can I Save Money When Making A Video With Animated Characters?

And more!

Character Animation Example Videos

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.

Character Animation Demo Reel

 

Character Animation Portfolio Examples

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 character animation?

Character animation plays a pivotal role in storytelling by giving characters a voice and enabling them to connect with the audience on an emotional level. Through the subtle nuances of movement, expressions, and interactions, characters come alive and become relatable, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the narrative. Character animation adds depth and dimension to stories, making them more captivating and memorable.

Character Animation Across Industries

Character animation has found its relevance in a multitude of industries, including marketing, entertainment, and education. In marketing, animated characters can serve as brand mascots or spokespersons, to help convey brand messages and create a strong brand identity. In the entertainment industry, character animation brings fictional or historical figures to life, enhancing the storytelling experience in animated films, television shows, and video games. Character animation can also be a powerful educational tool to help make complex concepts more accessible and engaging for learners of all ages.

How To Create Custom Animated Characters?

Kick Off Call / Questionnaire

Production begins with a kick off call to learn more about:

✅ Who your target audience is?

✅ What you want to convey in your animation?

✅ What visual style you want to use for your animation?

✅ What do you want people to do when they’re done watching your animation?

✅ What do you want your character look like and act like?

Concept Art

Now that we have a better understanding of the story you want to tell, our art director can develop custom art for your animation.  This is an opportunity to develop the visual concept and character design for your video.

After you review the concepts, let the art director know which visual style you prefer. Then, you get an opportunity to collaborate with the art director to refine the visual style until you love it.

Script

Our team will develop the script for your animation. We will share an early draft of the script with you to collect your feedback. Then, we’ll integrate your feedback into the script and send you a polished version of the script to review and approve for production.

Storyboard

The next step is to turn your script into a storyboard. The storyboard is like the blueprint for your animated video. It provides specific instructions for the illustrators and animators so that they understand what to create and how to make it move in sync with your video script. We will share the first draft of the storyboard with you and give you time to review it and provide feedback. We will integrate your feedback and send the storyboard back to you to review and approve for production.

VoiceOver

You will receive multiple voiceover auditions to review. Give them a listen to hear how they lend their voice, emotion and energy to the words in your script. After you select the chosen voiceover talent, we will oversee the recording of the full voiceover and coach the voice talent through the pronunciation and energy needed for each scene of your animation. You get the opportunity to review the full voiceover and request revisions before approving the final draft for production.

Soundtrack

Our sound team will select several soundtracks that we feel will enhance the presentation of your animation. After you select your preferred soundtrack(s), we will purchase the broadcast rights so that you can legally use the music in your video.

Illustrations

After your concept art and storyboard are approved, our art team will create all of the illustrations for your video. You get the opportunity to review all of the art and request revisions before approving the art for production.

Animation

Now that the art is approved, our team can add rigging to the characters in your video and animate them in sync with the voiceover narration. As soon as the first draft is ready, we will render it out and share it with you to preview it with your team. After you collect everyone’s feedback, send us your revision requests. We will integrate your edits and send you the final draft of your character animation.

Tips for Creating Compelling Character Animation:

Creating compelling character animations requires a solid understanding of illustration and motion design. To create engaging character animations, focus on storytelling and character development. Craft relatable characters with consistent personalities and motivations. Align their design, behavior, and actions with the brand’s values for consistent branding.

What does it cost to create an animated video with characters?

Character animation contributes to a video’s production cost because of the extra time it takes to design and animate humans and other characters using realistic, smooth motion. As a general rule of thumb, a 60-second 2D video with character animation can usually be produced for $1,500-$10,000. Bare in mind, if the animation uses very intricate motion design, the cost can easily go over $10,000 per minute. 3D character animation costs 3-6x more for most projects. To put things in context, Pixar animated films cost over $1,000,000 to produce each minute of animation.

How long does it take to create a character animation?

It depends on the length of the animation and the complexity of the animation style. Short, simple 2D character animations (30 seconds-2 minutes) can be made in 2-8 weeks. Fancier 3D, Pixar-style character animation takes months or years to produce.

to discuss the project timeline for your character animation.

Types of Character Animation and When to Use Them

Character animation can take many different forms. The best approach depends on the goals of your project, the personality of the characters, the animated video style of your brand, and where the finished video will be used. Understanding the different types of character animation can help you choose an approach that looks professional while supporting your message.

2D Character Animation

2D character animation is one of the most versatile options for marketing videos, explainer videos, advertisements, educational content, social media, and internal communications. Characters are created in a two-dimensional visual environment and can be designed in virtually any artistic style.

A 2D character might be simple and graphic, highly detailed and illustrated, cartoon-like, realistic, or somewhere in between. Because the artwork can be customized to match an existing brand identity, 2D character animation is a popular choice for companies that want something more distinctive than stock animation.

2D animation can also be particularly effective when the goal is to communicate an idea quickly. A character can demonstrate a product, react to a problem, interact with graphics, or guide viewers through a process without requiring a live actor or physical production location.

3D Character Animation

3D character animation creates characters that exist within a three-dimensional environment. Characters can be viewed from different angles and can interact with realistic lighting, environments, objects, and camera movements.

This type of animation is useful when a project requires a more dimensional or cinematic appearance. 3D characters can be particularly effective for product demonstrations, technology companies, games, entertainment projects, advertisements, and videos where the physical relationship between characters and objects is important.

One advantage of 3D character animation is that a character can potentially be reused in future scenes or productions. Once a character has been modeled, textured, rigged, and prepared for animation, the same underlying asset can be used to create additional content.

Motion Graphics With Character Elements

Not every character animation needs to look like a traditional cartoon. Characters can be incorporated into motion graphics using simplified illustrations, silhouettes, icons, geometric shapes, or other graphic elements.

This approach can be useful for businesses that want the personality of characters without making the characters the sole focus of the video. For example, an animated person could interact with charts, UI screens, product illustrations, text, or other visual elements.

Combining character animation with motion graphics can create a polished visual style that works especially well for corporate marketing, technology, SaaS, financial services, and educational content.

Common Character Animation Techniques

There are several different techniques animators can use to make characters move.

Rigged Character Animation

Rigged characters are constructed with a digital skeleton or control system that allows animators to manipulate different parts of the character. Instead of redrawing the character for every frame, an animator can control the arms, legs, head, body, and other elements using a rig.

Rigging is especially useful for projects that require repeated movements or multiple scenes featuring the same character. It can also make it easier to maintain visual consistency throughout a longer animation.

Frame-by-Frame Animation

Frame-by-frame animation involves creating individual poses or drawings that are played sequentially to produce movement. This technique provides animators with a high degree of artistic control and can produce distinctive movement that would be difficult to achieve with a standard character rig.

Frame-by-frame animation can be a good choice when a project calls for a hand-drawn appearance, exaggerated motion, unusual character behavior, or a highly customized animation style.

Facial Animation and Lip Sync

A character’s face can communicate information without dialogue. Changes in the eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and head position can make a character appear surprised, confused, excited, concerned, confident, or skeptical.

When characters speak, lip synchronization can also help make the animation feel more believable. The animator matches mouth shapes and facial movements to the recorded voiceover so the character appears to be naturally speaking the dialogue.

How to Design an Effective Animated Character

A successful character should be recognizable even before the viewer understands what the character is saying. Shape, proportions, color, clothing, facial features, and movement can all contribute to a character’s identity.

Consider what makes the character visually different from other characters in the same video. Distinctive silhouettes and exaggerated features can make characters easier to recognize, particularly when videos are viewed on mobile devices or at smaller sizes.

Character design should also reflect the character’s role. A customer, employee, doctor, teacher, executive, technician, or fictional mascot may each require a different visual treatment. The character’s appearance should support the message rather than distract from it.

For branded content, consistency is particularly important. Colors, clothing, accessories, logos, and other visual details can reinforce the company’s identity without turning the character into an advertisement.

Where Character Animation Can Be Used

Character animation is not limited to traditional animated videos. Businesses can use animated characters across a wide range of content formats.

Examples include:

• Explainer and product videos
• Social media advertisements
• Website videos
• Digital advertising
• Training and onboarding videos
• Educational videos
• Internal communications
• Product demonstrations
• Presentation videos
• Brand campaigns
• Event and conference videos
• YouTube content
• Mobile and web app tutorials

Characters can also be designed as reusable brand assets. A company may develop a recurring character or mascot and use that character across multiple videos, campaigns, presentations, and digital channels. This can create greater visual consistency and help audiences become familiar with the brand over time.

How to Choose the Right Character Animation Style

There is no single character animation style that is right for every project. Start by considering the audience, message, distribution channel, and personality of the brand.

A simple 2D style may be appropriate when the priority is communicating information clearly and efficiently. A highly detailed 3D style may be better when realism, depth, or cinematic presentation is important. A stylized or unconventional approach may be more effective when the goal is to create something memorable or visually distinctive.

It is also important to consider how the animation will be used after the initial production. If a character will appear in multiple videos, choosing a style and production method that supports future reuse can provide additional value.

Ultimately, the strongest character animation is not necessarily the most complicated. The goal is to choose a visual approach that makes the message easier to understand, gives the audience a reason to pay attention, and creates a memorable connection between the viewer and the story.

Character Animation Production Resources

These articles are popular among people researching and reading about making videos with character animation:

• Video Igniter’s Animation Production FAQ
• How To Make An Animation
• Animated Cartoon Video FAQ
• How To Make A Video Animation

Still have questions about character animation?

Do you have a question about character 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.

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

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.

“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.

If you want to learn how to make a high-converting animation for a website, Video Igniter’s comprehensive guide to website animations will teach you everything you need to know including:

✅ How to make an animation for a website

✅ What it costs to make an animation for a website

✅ How long it takes to make an animation for a website

✅ Tips for making sure your website’s animation convert users

✅ and more!

Examples of Animations Video Igniter Can Create For Your Website

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you.  You can request access to our new production rates.

To start making your video, contact us or schedule a call with our production team.

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 kinds of animations can you make for your website?

Animated Explainer Videos

The most popular kind of animation that companies make for websites are called “Animated Explainer Videos” or “Explainer Videos” for short. Explainer videos are designed to take a big, new or complicated idea and break it down into its individual components to make it easier to explain the new information to people. Using animated visuals to compliment a voiceover narration further simplifies the teaching process and helps people learn and retain the information longer.

Animated Videos For Your Homepage

Many companies create promotional and educational animated videos for their website’s homepage. Using animation on your homepage creates a colorful, engaging first impression to welcome visitors to your website and teach them what you have to offer.

Website Landing Page Animation Videos

Adding videos to your landing pages and sales pages helps increase conversions and sales. By providing rich media content on your sales pages, you empower leads and clients to educate themselves before making a purchasing decision or contacting your sales team.

Customer Service Animations

Creating animated customer service videos that answer common questions your leads and customers ask enables your company to provide high quality customer service while saving on customer support costs. Instead of answering the same questions again and again, creating and sharing concise educational videos that show customers how to address their questions ultimately enables them to solve problems faster with fewer customer support followups.

Animated Product Demos For Your Website

Including animated tutorial videos within the user experience of your website enables customers to learn how to use your service/app faster.

Animated GIFs

Including animated GIFs on your website delivers a polished visual flair that enhances the perception of your brand and helps keep people on your website longer.

How to make an animation for your website?

After you contact Video Igniter about your video project, here’s what you can expect during the production process:

Website Animation Kick Off Call / Questionnaire

Production begins with a kick off call and or a questionnaire to learn:

✅  Who your target audience is

✅  What problems they experience

✅  How your product/service addresses those issues

Script

Once we understand who your target audience is and what sorts of problems they face, our team develops a script that is designed to communicate to your audience that you:

✅  Understand the problems they experience

✅  Understand how to solve the challenges they experience.

When the first draft of your script is ready, we will send it to you to review. We will incorporate your feedback and send the updated script back to you to review and approve.

Budget Saving Tip: Instead of hiring Video Igniter to write the script for your video, download our script writing template and draft it yourself! We’ll help you review your script before we proceed with production to ensure it follows all of our best practices for high-converting website videos.

Storyboard

The next step is to create the storyboard for your website animation. A storyboard is like a visual blueprint for your animation. Each page includes a sentence from your video’s script, a rough visual mockup of what the scene will look like, and instructions to explain how everything will move during that visual.

You get an opportunity to review the storyboard to ensure it contains enough detail for the illustration and animation teams to know what create in each scene. We’ll incorporate your revisions and send you an updated version of the storyboard to review and approve for production.

Budget Saving Tip: Instead of hiring Video Igniter to create your storyboard, download our storyboard creation template and guide and create the storyboard yourself. No artistic skills needed – we’ll take care of making sure your animation looks great!

VoiceOver

You will receive several voiceover auditions to consider for your project. Once you select your preferred voiceover talent, we will oversee the recording of the full voiceover. You get an opportunity to review the voiceover and request edits before approving the voiceover for production. After the voiceover is approved, we will secure the broadcast rights for you to use their voice in promotional media campaigns.

Soundtrack

You will also receive several soundtrack options for your video. Give them a listen and let us know which option you prefer. After you select a soundtrack for your website animation, we will procure the broadcast license so that you can legally use the music in your video.

Illustrations

Our team will develop custom concept art for your website’s animation. After you select your preferred visual concept, you have the opportunity to collaborate with our art director to refine the visual style until you absolutely love it! Then, we’ll create all of the illustrations for your animation. You get an opportunity to review them and request edits before approving the illustrations for production.

Creating Your Website’s Animation

Now that the storyboard, voiceovers, soundtrack and illustrations are approved, it’s time to animate! We’ll send you the first draft as soon as it’s ready to review. We recommend circulating the video among your marketing & leadership teams to collect everyone’s feedback. Bonus points if you can preview the video with members of your target audience to get their feedback as well! Once you’ve collected everyone’s feedback, send it to us. We will incorporate all of your edits and render out the final draft of your animated video.

Tips for creating a high-converting animation for your website

Compelling Intro + Hook

Your website’s animation should begin with a compelling intro or hook that is relevant and interesting for your target audience. Focus on the problem they experience and then introduce how your company can come in to solve their problem and make their life easier.

End with a call to action (CTA)

What do you want people to do when they’re done watching your website’s video? Contact your sales team? Download an app? Create a free account? What ever it is, say it! Your whole video should create interest within your target audience so that by the time they reach the end of your video, they want to know how they can get your product or service. When they get to that point, be specific and tell them what to do next!

Use a visual style that is relevant for your target audience

Aesthetics matter. If you’re developing a financial service product for Fortune 500 companies, use a sleek, clean & modern visual style for your video. Using a childish cartoon-style animation could decrease the perception of your product/service for your specific audience. When you hire Video Igniter to create your website’s animated video, we develop multiple custom art concepts and give you an opportunity to pick your favorite style. Then you get to refine the details with our art director to ensure the visual style is fine tuned for your target audience.

Test different thumbnails

The thumbnail for your website’s animation is the first impression people are going to get of your video. That’s why it’s important to develop multiple thumbnails for your video and test to see which one gets people to click play most often.

A/B Test different intros and Endings

In addition to testing different thumbnails, it’s worthwhile to test variations of your intro and the CTA at the end of your video. Testing different intros / hooks for your video enables you to see which messaging strategy gets people to watch your video longer. Testing different calls to action at the end of your video enables you to see which CTA is more likely to get people to take action when they’re done watching your video. By A/B testing different thumbnails, intros and endings for your video, you can dramatically increase the conversion rate of your website’s animated video.

What does it cost to make a website animation?

Production costs can range widely when you create an animation for a website. In general, expect to pay $1,500-$15,000 for a 60 second, 2D animated video. 3D animated videos tend to cost 2-4x more to produce.

How long does it take to make an animation for a website?

Most 2D website animations can be produced in 3-6 weeks – assuming your video is between 30 seconds and 2 minutes in length. 3D animated videos take 2-4x more time to produce. If you need to speed up production to finish your video before a deadline, we offer a rush delivery production option.

Website Animation Best Practices: Performance, SEO, Mobile & Accessibility

Creating an effective animation for your website involves more than producing an attractive video. You also need to consider how the animation will affect website speed, mobile users, accessibility, search visibility, and the overall user experience. A well-planned website animation should enhance your website rather than distract from its primary purpose.

Optimize Website Animation for Page Speed

One of the most important considerations when adding animation to a website is performance. Large video files, uncompressed GIFs, and complex animations can increase page load times, particularly for visitors using mobile devices or slower internet connections.

Whenever possible, optimize your website animation before publishing it. Compress video files while maintaining an acceptable level of visual quality, use modern video formats when appropriate, and avoid unnecessarily large files. You can also use a poster image or thumbnail so visitors see a visual preview before the video begins playing.

If an animation is not immediately visible when someone lands on the page, consider loading it only when it becomes relevant to the visitor. This can help prevent animations lower on the page from unnecessarily consuming resources before the visitor reaches them.

The goal isn’t simply to make your animation look good. Your animation for your website should load efficiently and work alongside the rest of the page without creating a frustrating experience.

Design Website Animations for Mobile Devices

A website animation that looks great on a desktop computer may not work as well on a smartphone. Mobile visitors have less screen space, may have slower connections, and often interact with websites using touch rather than a mouse.

Before publishing an animation, preview it on multiple screen sizes. Make sure text remains readable, important visual elements aren’t cropped, and the animation doesn’t require users to interact with tiny buttons or controls.

If your animation contains narration, remember that many mobile visitors may initially have their sound turned off. Adding captions or on-screen text can make the core message understandable even when the audio isn’t playing.

Shorter animations can also work particularly well on mobile landing pages. If visitors can understand the main value proposition in a few seconds, they are more likely to continue exploring the website.

Make Your Website Animation Accessible

Accessibility should be considered when creating any type of website content, including animated videos. Don’t assume that every visitor will be able to see, hear, or interact with your animation in the same way.

For videos containing important spoken information, provide captions or a transcript. Captions make your content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and also allow visitors to understand your video when they cannot listen to audio.

Avoid using animation as the only way to communicate critical information. Important pricing, product details, instructions, or calls to action should also be available as regular HTML text on the page.

It’s also worth being cautious with rapidly flashing or excessively distracting visual effects. Animation should support the user’s experience rather than make the page difficult or uncomfortable to navigate.

Use Animation Where It Supports the Customer Journey

Not every page on your website needs an animation. The most effective placement depends on what you want visitors to accomplish.

For example, an animation on a homepage can introduce your company and explain what you do. A product page animation can demonstrate how a product works. A landing page video can address objections and explain why someone should take the next step.

You can also use animation deeper in the customer journey. An animated tutorial can help a new customer learn how to use your product, while an animated FAQ video can answer common questions after someone becomes a customer.

Think about the question the visitor is trying to answer on each page. Then create an animation that helps answer that question as quickly and clearly as possible.

Choose the Right Type of Website Animation

There are several ways to add animation to a website, and the right approach depends on your objective.

An animated explainer video is useful when you need to explain a complicated product, service, process, or concept. A short product demonstration can show visitors how something works without requiring them to read a long explanation.

Motion graphics can be useful for presenting statistics, processes, timelines, or other information visually. Animated GIFs can work well for simple visual demonstrations or decorative elements, although large GIF files can create performance issues.

For some websites, interactive animation may make more sense than a traditional video. Interactive animations allow visitors to click, scroll, hover, or otherwise control what happens on screen. This can be particularly useful for product interfaces, software demonstrations, interactive infographics, and educational experiences.

The key is to select the animation format based on the communication goal rather than choosing a format simply because it looks impressive.

Measure the Performance of Your Website Animation

After publishing your animation, measure whether it is actually helping your website achieve its goals.

Depending on where the animation appears, useful metrics can include video plays, video completion rate, average watch time, click-through rate, conversions, form submissions, and sales. You can compare these results against pages or versions that don’t use animation to better understand its impact.

For example, if an animated video appears above a lead-generation form, you could measure whether visitors who watch the video are more likely to complete the form. If an animated product demonstration appears on a sales page, you could monitor whether visitors who engage with the animation are more likely to purchase or contact your sales team.

Analytics can also reveal where visitors stop watching. If a significant percentage of viewers leave during the first few seconds, your introduction may need improvement. If most viewers watch the entire video but don’t click your CTA, the problem may be with the offer or call to action rather than the animation itself.

Ultimately, the best animation for a website is one that combines strong visual communication with a fast, accessible, mobile-friendly user experience and a clear business objective.

Still have questions about making an animation for your website?

Do you have a question about creating an animation for your website 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 Website Animation Video Production Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Website Animation 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.

“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 about creating an animated video for your website!

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.

Are you looking for an animation maker to help you create a custom animated video? You’re in the right place! Video Igniter is an online animated video production service that enables you to get your idea, script or storyboard turned into a custom animated 2D or 3D video. In this article we’ll explain what Video Igniter’s animation maker service is like, how to use it, what it costs to use, how long it takes to make a custom video and tips to help you save money on your production budget.

Let’s dive in!

Examples Of Videos You Can Make With Video Igniter’s Animation Maker?

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

To start making your animation 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.

 

What is Video Igniter’s Animation Maker Service?

Video Igniter is a professional animation team that you work with online to make custom animated videos. Collaborating with our team to make a animation online enables us to provide faster service and reduce your production costs. Video Igniter’s online production dashboard streamlines your production experience and helps you keep production organized so that you always know what’s happening and what’s coming up next.

Benefits of Video Igniter’s Animation Maker Service

Faster Production

Video Igniter’s online animation maker platform streamlines your production experience by making it faster for you to review project assets and share feedback with our production team.

No video production experience needed

You don’t need to have any video production experience to use our animation maker to create custom animated videos. If you can describe the video you want, our team will guide you through the entire production experience and check in with you whenever we need your input.

Make any kind of video you can imagine (2D & 3D)

Video Igniter’s animation maker production team is capable of making any kind of custom animated video you can imagine. All you have to do is describe the video you want. We’ll assemble the ideal team to craft each part of your animated video. No need to shop around for different producers for different projects; we have all the talent you need under one roof.

We start where you are

Whether you have a script, storyboard or just the idea for an animated video, our team can pick up production wherever you are in the production process. We can help you turn your idea into a script and then a storyboard – or we can take your storyboard and immediately dive into production.

On demand production capacity

No need to hire a freelancer or a full time animator. Video Igniter’s production team is available to start production 24/7. Get in touch with us to discuss your project and get the ball rolling.

Scale up to meet your production needs

Want to make 1 video? How about 50? Regardless of how large or small your production needs are, Video Igniter’s animation maker can scale up to fit the demands of your project.

How to use Video Igniter’s Animation Maker Service to Create Custom Animated Videos

Here’s a brief overview of the production process so that you understand what to expect when you use Video Igniter’s animation maker to create your custom animated video:

Animation Maker Kickoff Call / Questionnaire

Production starts with a kickoff call and or a questionnaire to help us learn:

✅  Who the target audience is for your animation?

✅  What do you want to convey in your animation?

✅  What visual style do you want to use for your animation?

Script

Now that we understand what you want to convey in your video, our animation maker’s script writing team will develop the script for your video. You will get an opportunity to review the script and request revisions before approving the script for production.

Storyboard

Next, our animation maker’s storyboard team will turn your script into a storyboard. A storyboard is like a blueprint for your video. It tells the illustrators and animators what to create for each sentence of your script. You will get an opportunity to review the storyboard and request edits before approving the storyboard for production.

VoiceOver

You will receive a notification from our animation maker with several voiceover auditions. Give them a listen and pick your favorite voice. We’ll then hire that voiceover artist to record the full audio for your animation. You will get an opportunity to review the complete voiceover and request edits before approving it for production.

Soundtrack

You will also receive several soundtrack options from our animation maker. Give them a listen and let us know which one is your favorite. Then, we’ll purchase the broadcast rights for that song so that we can legally use it in your animation.

Illustrations

Our animation maker will create several pieces of concept art for your animation.

After you review the concepts, let us know which concept you prefer. We can also work with you to refine your preferred visual concept until the details are perfectly dialed in.  Then, we’ll make all of the illustrations for your animation. You get an opportunity to review all the art and request revisions before approving the art for production.

Animation

Now that everything has been approved, our animation makers can get started creating your video. We’ll send you the first draft as soon as it’s ready to review. Preview the video with your internal team (and, ideally, members of your target audience). Collect everyone’s feedback and send it to us to review. We’ll incorporate your revisions and render out the final draft for you to use.

What does it cost to use Video Igniter’s Animation Maker Service?

Video Igniter charges based off the length of the animation we make for you and the level of detail in your animation. To see our rates for 2D animation projects, you can request access to our current price sheet here. 3D animated videos require a custom quote.

How long does it take to use Video Igniter’s Animation Maker Service?

Using Video Igniter’s Animation Maker Production Service can enable you to create a 60 second 2D animated video in about 3-5 weeks. 3D animated videos can take 2-4x more time to produce. If you need to speed up production, we offer rush delivery animation. If you’re making a video longer than 60 seconds, contact us with details about your project and we’ll help you calculate the production timeline for your video.

How to Choose the Right Animation Maker for Your Project

Not every animation maker is designed for the same type of project. Some tools are built for creating simple animations yourself, while professional animation makers can develop completely custom videos around your brand, message, audience, and marketing goals. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right approach before production begins.

DIY Animation Maker vs. Professional Animation Service

One of the first decisions to make is whether you want to create the animation yourself or work with an experienced animation production team.

A DIY animation maker can be useful when you need a simple video, have a limited budget, or want to create content without outside assistance. These platforms often provide templates, pre-built characters, stock illustrations, animation presets, and drag-and-drop editing tools.

A professional animation maker takes a different approach. Instead of starting with a template, a production team can develop the video’s visual concept around your specific requirements. This can be especially useful when the animation represents a company’s brand, explains a complicated product, supports a major marketing campaign, or needs a distinctive visual style.

The right option depends on how much customization your project requires. A simple social media animation may not need the same level of production as a product launch video, sales presentation, training program, or national advertising campaign.

What Should an Animation Maker Create for Your Brand?

A good animation should do more than look interesting. Its visual elements should support the message you are trying to communicate.

Before choosing an animation maker, consider how the finished video should represent your organization. This may include your brand colors, typography, logo, visual identity, illustration style, photography, product interface, characters, or other recognizable design elements.

Providing brand guidelines at the beginning of a project can help an animation production team create visuals that feel consistent with your existing marketing materials. If your company already has established design standards, the animation can be developed to complement your website, presentations, advertisements, social media content, and other communications.

This is particularly important for businesses creating multiple animated videos. Establishing a consistent visual language can make a series of videos feel like part of the same campaign rather than unrelated productions.

Animation Makers for Different Marketing Goals

The best animation approach can also depend on what you want viewers to do after watching the video.

For example, a marketing animation may be designed to generate awareness, introduce a product, explain a service, demonstrate a feature, or encourage someone to contact your company. A sales video may focus on helping prospects understand a product’s value proposition. An internal training animation may prioritize clarity and information retention instead.

Consider the goal before deciding what the animation should look like. A visually impressive video is not necessarily effective if viewers do not understand its message or know what to do next.

For marketing videos, consider including a clear call to action. Depending on the purpose of the video, this could encourage viewers to visit a website, request a demo, download a resource, make a purchase, contact a sales team, or learn more about a product.

Where Can You Use an Animated Video?

Another factor to consider when working with an animation maker is where the finished video will be published.

The same animation may need to be adapted for multiple platforms. A company might use an animated video on its website, YouTube channel, LinkedIn page, paid advertising campaigns, sales presentations, trade show displays, email campaigns, or internal communications.

Different platforms can have different requirements for aspect ratio, resolution, duration, captions, and viewing environment. For example, a video intended for social media may need a vertical or square version in addition to a traditional widescreen version.

If you know where your animation will be used before production begins, tell your animation maker. This allows the production team to consider those requirements while developing the video rather than trying to adapt the finished project afterward.

Make Your Animation Accessible to More Viewers

Accessibility is another consideration when creating animated video content. Adding captions can make a video easier to understand for viewers who are watching without sound and for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

On-screen text can also reinforce important information, but it should be used carefully. Too much text can make an animation difficult to follow, particularly when viewers are simultaneously trying to read and watch moving visuals.

Consider how the animation communicates information through narration, visual storytelling, on-screen text, and sound. A well-planned combination of these elements can make the content easier for different audiences to understand.

Plan for the Final Video Files

Before your animation maker begins production, think about how you will use the finished files.

You may need a high-resolution master file for your website or video library, compressed versions for online distribution, shorter versions for advertising, or alternate versions for different platforms. You may also want captions, subtitles, or versions with different calls to action.

Planning these requirements early can be more efficient than requesting substantial changes after the animation has already been completed.

If you expect to create additional videos in the future, you can also ask about maintaining editable project assets and reusable brand elements. Having access to consistent visual assets can make it easier to develop future videos that match the original animation.

Questions to Ask an Animation Maker Before Starting

Before hiring an animation maker, ask a few practical questions about the project:

• Can the animation maker create a completely custom visual style?
• Can the team work with existing brand guidelines and marketing assets?
• What video formats and resolutions will be delivered?
• Can the video be adapted for multiple platforms?
• How will feedback and revisions be handled?
• Can the animation maker produce additional videos in the same visual style?
• Who owns the finished video and associated production assets?
• Can the team help develop multiple versions of the video for different audiences or marketing channels?

Answering these questions before production starts can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the finished animation is useful beyond its initial publication.

When Should You Hire an Animation Maker?

An animation maker can be particularly valuable when the project requires more customization than a template-based animation tool can provide. This may include branded marketing videos, product demonstrations, software explainers, advertisements, educational content, training videos, social media campaigns, and other projects where the visuals need to be developed specifically for the organization.

If your project has a specific audience, message, visual identity, and business objective, communicate those requirements before production begins. The more clearly your animation maker understands what the video needs to accomplish, the easier it becomes to create an animation that supports your broader communication and marketing strategy.

How can I save money using Video Igniter’s Animation Maker Service?

Using these 5 tips, you can save over $1,000 off your animation’s production budget:

1). Make the script for your animation

Instead of hiring Video Igniter to make the script for your animation, you can download our free script writing template and write it yourself! Save $500 off your production budget for each minute of animation you want us to make.

2). Make the storyboard for your animation

You can save another $500+ off your production budget by making the storyboard for your animation. Download our free storyboard creation template. It includes a guide that explains how to create a storyboard that our production team will know how to work with. Don’t worry about making your storyboard pretty – no artistic experience required; we just need you to document your ideas and we’ll be in charge of making them look great!

3). Use free (legal) music for your animation

Facebook’s sound collection offers a wide library of free music that you can use in your video (if you plan on posting your video to Instagram or Facebook). Incompetech is another great site for finding royalty free music that you can legally use in your videos – no matter where you plan to publish them. Just be sure to credit the artist if you plan on using their music in your video for free.

4). Record the voiceover for your animation

Did you know you can record professional quality voiceovers at home for free – without having to buy any expensive equipment or fancy software!? Check out 1:31 in this video to learn how you can record your own voiceovers for free.

5). Use stock assets for your animation

Video Igniter’s animation maker production service prides itself on creating 100% custom animated videos. However, if you want to lower your production budget, we can explore the possibility of using stock assets like clip art, stock photos/videos, icons, fonts & 3D models to help shave a little money off of your video’s production budget.

Animation Maker Production Resources

These articles are popular among people researching and reading about animation makers:

• 2D Video Maker FAQ
• Explore Video Igniter’s Explainer Video Maker
• Online Animation Maker: Learn How Video Makes Animations For You Online
• +160 Free Resources To Help You Create Animated Videos

Still have questions about animation makers?

Do you have a question about animation makers 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 Maker In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Animation Maker 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.

“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.

Unlimited revisions for a custom animated video? Sounds too good to be true… Here’s what we mean by that:

 

What does the unlimited revisions policy mean?

Unlimited revisions means we will revise each major deliverable of your animated video an unlimited number of times until you mark it as approved. That includes the script, storyboard, voiceover (and auditions), soundtrack options, illustrations (and concept art) plus the final animation.

If you request a revision that was not previously specified earlier in the production process, your revision request may require a budget increase. A member of our production team will reach out and discuss options with you before proceeding.

Read this companion article to learn more about animated video payment terms and how production budget increases (or decreases) are assessed.

Why do we offer unlimited revisions?

Nobody likes getting nickel and dimed. We don’t want to have to bug you for more money if you keep asking for more edits. Unlimited revisions makes things work better for everyone.

By paying our animators and designers competitive market rates, it motivates our team to do their best work the first time. This minimizes the number of revisions and extra work we have to do.  It’s about making a great production experience and having great production outcomes for everyone. By charging what we need to charge to a good job, we’re able to get your content produced and polished faster and for less than hiring a full animation studio.

Most importantly, we want to do everything we can to ensure your animated video project doesn’t go over budget.

How Unlimited Revisions Affect the Video Production Process

When comparing animated video production companies, an unlimited revisions policy can be an important consideration. However, the value of unlimited revisions extends beyond simply allowing a client to request additional edits. A well-structured revision policy can also affect project planning, communication, approvals, production schedules, and the overall client experience.

Unlimited Revisions vs. Unlimited Changes

One important distinction is that unlimited revisions do not necessarily mean unlimited changes to the project scope.

A revision typically involves refining something that has already been established as part of the project. For example, a client may want to adjust wording, modify a visual detail, change the timing of an animation, or refine a design.

A change in scope is different. It may involve adding new scenes, significantly increasing the video’s length, introducing new characters or environments, changing the project’s visual direction, or rewriting the concept after production has already progressed.

This distinction is important when evaluating an unlimited revisions policy. A production company can offer unlimited revisions while still maintaining a defined project scope. This allows clients to refine the agreed-upon production without creating an open-ended project with no defined requirements.

How Unlimited Revisions Can Reduce Approval Pressure

A revision limit can sometimes create pressure for clients to approve a deliverable before they are completely comfortable with it. If a client knows that additional revisions will incur another fee, they may feel compelled to accept a version that could benefit from additional refinement.

An unlimited revisions policy can remove some of that pressure.

Instead of asking, “Can we afford another round of edits?” the client can focus on a more useful question: “Does this deliverable accomplish what we need it to accomplish?”

This can be particularly valuable for marketing videos, explainer videos, training content, and other projects where multiple people may need to review the finished production before it is released.

Managing Feedback From Multiple Stakeholders

Animated video projects often involve more than one decision-maker. A marketing director, creative director, subject matter expert, executive, client, or legal team may all have feedback before a video receives final approval.

Without an organized review process, conflicting feedback can create unnecessary production delays.

One way to make unlimited revisions more efficient is to consolidate feedback from stakeholders before sending it to the production team. Instead of having several people send separate revision requests throughout the day, one designated project contact can collect the feedback and submit a single, organized list.

This approach makes it easier for the animation team to understand which changes are required and reduces the possibility of contradictory instructions.

Revision Tracking for Animated Video Projects

For longer or more complex productions, keeping track of revision requests can help prevent confusion. A simple revision log can record:

• The date feedback was submitted
• The scene, slide, or timestamp being referenced
• The requested change
• Who requested the change
• Whether the change has been completed
• Whether the updated version has been approved

Revision tracking can be especially useful when several versions of a script, storyboard, voiceover, or animation are being reviewed.

An organized process ensures that unlimited revisions remain manageable rather than turning into a series of disconnected requests.

Does Unlimited Revisions Make a Video Project Take Longer?

Not necessarily. The number of available revisions and the actual number of revisions requested are two different things.

An animation company may offer unlimited revisions while most projects require only a small number of changes. In fact, a clearly defined production process can help reduce unnecessary back-and-forth by establishing major creative decisions before the project reaches later production stages.

Clients can also help maintain momentum by providing consolidated feedback, identifying a primary decision-maker, and reviewing deliverables promptly.

For this reason, an unlimited revisions policy should not automatically be interpreted as an unlimited production timeline.

Questions to Ask About an Unlimited Revisions Policy

Before hiring an animation company, ask exactly what its unlimited revisions policy includes. Useful questions include:

• Which production stages include unlimited revisions?
• Are revisions included in the original project price?
• What constitutes a revision versus a change in project scope?
• Are there circumstances where additional production costs can apply?
• Does the policy apply to voiceover and voiceover talent changes?
• What happens if the video’s length changes?
• Does the policy apply to premium or rush animation projects?
• How are revisions submitted and tracked?
• Who is responsible for approving each production stage?

Getting clear answers to these questions can help you compare animation production proposals more accurately. Two companies may both advertise “unlimited revisions” while defining the service very differently.

Why the Definition of Unlimited Revisions Matters

The phrase unlimited revisions can sound straightforward, but the details of the policy determine what it actually means for your project. A useful revision policy should provide creative flexibility while still establishing clear expectations around project scope, approvals, deadlines, and production costs.

When evaluating an animated video production company, look beyond the phrase “unlimited revisions.” Review the complete terms of the policy and make sure you understand when revisions are included, how feedback is handled, and what types of changes could require additional production work.

A transparent revision policy gives both the client and production team a clear framework for creating a finished animated video that meets the project’s original objectives.

Questions?

If you have a question about the unlimited revisions policy 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:

Which assets does Video Igniter allow unlimited revisions?

Script

We will continue to revise your script until you love it. We can increase or decrease the length at your request and will notify you if these changes will result in a larger or smaller final budget. Even though we offer unlimited revisions, most scripts are reviewed and approved after 1-2 rounds of edits.

Storyboard

Just like the script, we will create and revise your storyboard as many times as you want until you mark it as approved. If you ask us to go back and rewrite the script at this phase of production, it may result in a budget increase. Otherwise, if you are sending edits for our storyboard artists to continue revising and refining what visuals we should show for each part of your animated video, we will continue to work with you to generate new original ideas for every part of your storyboard until you are completely satisfied with it.

How to send your storyboard revisions

It’s best to send feedback for each page of your storyboard, in order. If there’s no revisions needed for a particular page, you can leave it blank or say: “N/A.” Even though we offer unlimited revisions, most storyboards are reviewed and approved with 1-2 rounds of edits. Here’s some examples for how you can submit your storyboard revision requests:

“Slide 7: We want to see lots of characters in this scene. 7-8 is good but can we make it look like a whole crowd of people cheering?”

“Slides 9-13: We love the concept for this motion graphic. Can you add more design accents to it so that it will compliment our logo?”

VoiceOver

The first phase of getting voiceover(s) recorded for an animated video is to audition voiceover talent. When you hire an animator or Video Igniter we will identify multiple voiceover talents that will sound great for your animated video and have them record a few sentences from your script. This way, you can hear what kind of energy they will breathe into your script. This is better than relying on their demo reels. Let us know if you aren’t in love with any of the auditions. We’ll happily order up a new wave of auditions for you to review… and will continue to do so until we’ve nailed it!

After you select the voiceover artist of choice, we will hire them to record the full voiceover for your animated video. You will get a chance to review it and sign off on it before we move forward with production. If there are any parts of the voiceover you want to get rerecorded, let us know and we’ll get those parts rerecorded. We will continue to let you request revisions until you approve the voiceover.

What if you want to change voiceover artists after selecting one? This may incur a budget increase.

If we get beyond the VO phase of production and we receive a request to change part of the script or the voiceover, we will get in touch with a quote to cover the cost of re-hiring the voiceover artist to make the changes.

How to send your voiceover revisions

It helps if you send your voiceover revisions in chronological order and include the timestamp to indicate which part of the voiceover you are referring to. Even though we offer unlimited revisions, most voiceovers are reviewed and approved with 0-1 rounds of edits. Here are some example revisions you might send:

“0:09: The VO artist mispronounced the word ‘cacophony.’”

“0:58-1:10: Sounds like there is some background noise or the VO artist bumped something. Please have them rerecord this section. Otherwise it sounds perfect!”

Concept Art

After the storyboard is signed off, our design team reviews your brand guidelines & design inspiration for the animation and selects a key scene from your storyboard to create multiple pieces of concept art.

How to send revision notes for your concept art

When you review the concept art, it’s your job to tell the illustration team what you like and dislike about each piece of concept art. Maybe one of the designs is perfect and just needs a few refinements. Or maybe you like a few ideas from multiple pieces of concept art and want them pulled together. If you’re not in love with any of them, let us know what isn’t working for you and we’ll to discuss what you want. Either way, we’ll take your feedback and use it to refine the concept art as many times as it takes to nail the visual design. Normally concept art gets nailed down with 0-3 rounds of revisions.

Illustrations

Now that the concept art is approved, the illustration team will use it as a style reference and create all the remaining art for your animated video. You can request as many edits as you want for the illustrations as long as it’s within the scope of what was already agreed upon in the storyboard.

Suppose you request something simple – like changing a car’s design from red to black. That’s what we would consider a simple revision that doesn’t cost extra.

But what if you wanted to change that car into an airplane. That requires a bunch of redesigns. The airplane wouldn’t make sense driving on the ground so we’d need to redesign scenes showing the airplane in the sky. Or maybe you want to change the main character of your animation from a human to a dog. These types of edits are possible at this phase in the production process. However, they require additional rework outside the scope of what was defined in the storyboard. A member of our production team would reach out in a case like this to discuss how the production budget would need to be modified in order to address these types of revision requests.

How to send your revision notes for the art.

It’s best to send feedback for each slide in order. If no revisions are needed for a particular illustration, you can leave it blank or say: “N/A.” Even though we offer unlimited revisions, most illustrations are reviewed and approved with 0-2 rounds of edits. Here’s some examples showing how you can share your revision requests:

“Slide 3: Please change the color of the phone from red to black.”

“Slides 5-8: Can you add more clouds throughout this sequence?”

Animation

By this point, most revisions are related to the motion design since the voiceover and illustrations have already been signed off. If you want to make more substantial edits at this phase of production – something like adding a scene or changing the visuals or the voiceover – we would set up a discussion with our production team to figure out the minimum budget needed to address these particular requests.

How to send your animated video revision notes

It’s best if you organize your feedback in chronological order. This keeps everything organized and helps the animation team process your requests in chronological order. Even though we offer unlimited revisions, most animations are reviewed and revised just one time. Here are some examples of how to share your revision requests:

“0:11-0:14: Please speed up the appearance of the logo by ~1 second.”

“2:42: Looks like there’s a slight glitch that appears in the upper right corner.”

Good News!

Luckily, we almost never need to have a discussion with our clients about charging extra for their projects. As long as your project stays within the guidelines that were prescribed when the project started (namely: visual style, video length and deadline), you should not expect to receive a request for a budget increase just because you requested an edit to the video thanks to the unlimited revisions policy and our streamlined production process.

We designed the production process in a way that minimizes the odds we will need to revert back to a previous stage of the production process to address any revision requests that may come up.

Which types of projects does Video Igniter not allow unlimited revisions?

3D animation, hand drawn frame-by-frame animations, rush delivery animation, and high end 2D animations.  Basically, anything that we consider a Premium Animation project, a rush delivery project, or a discounted project is not eligible for unlimited revisions.

What if my custom quoted project goes over the maximum number of revisions allowed?

If your project doesn’t include unlimited revisions and you request more than 2-3 rounds of revisions for your script, storyboard, voiceover, soundtrack selections, illustrations or animation, we will consider a few factors before discussing with you whether or not your particular revision requests requires a budget increase. If your project requires a budget increase we will discuss options with you before proceeding.

Exceptions:

– If you request an edit multiple times and for whatever reason it was overlooked… We will address it at no extra charge.

– If the animator or designer did not follow or understand the specific revision request you previously asked for.

Note: Not all projects include unlimited revisions. If you were issued a custom quote, offered a discount or you’re making a 2D or 3D premium animation, your project is capped at 2 – 3 rounds of revisions. Contact your project manager if you are unsure if your project has unlimited revisions. If your animated video is being created using the Simple Animation or Standard Animation production option and no discount was given, your project includes unlimited revisions.

Hire Video Igniter For Your Next Animated Video Project

In addition to getting unlimited revisions on your Simple Animation and Standard Animation projects, you get:

– World class design talent at prices small businesses can afford.

– The ability to outsource the production of any kind of 2D or 3D animated video you can imagine.

+ 20 reasons why companies love hiring Video Igniter for their animation projects.

P.S. Check out our animation portfolio!

Animated Video Demo Reel

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.

Animated 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

“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

Animated Video Production Resources

These popular articles are recommended for people that have been reading about Video Igniter’s unlimited revision production policy:

How To Make A Video Animation

How To Review Your Animated Video

Should You Hire A Freelance Animator Or Video Igniter?

Get in touch about pricing and unlimited revisions for your video

Schedule a call to discuss pricing and unlimited revisions for your animated video.

Get a quote for your video project.

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

Request access to our newest price sheet.

To get your animated video created as fast as possible, create your Video Igniter account and fill out a creative brief to start the production process.

 

Do you want to create an animated ad for your business but aren’t sure how to get started? Video Igniter’s FAQ about animated ads answers everything wanted to know about how to make and use an animated ad.

Content:

1). How to make an animated ad?

2). What does it cost to make an animated ad?

3). How do I find an animator to help me create an animated ad?

4). How do I promote my business with an animated ad?

5). How do I save money on my animated advertisement production budget?

…And more!

Examples of Animated Ads You Can Get From Video Igniter

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated ad 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.

 

How To Make An Animated Ad:

Let’s take a quick look at the production process so that you understand what happens during each phase of production.

1). Questionnaire

After you’ve selected an animated video production company for your animated ad, they will send you a questionnaire to learn more about the video you want them to create. This is an opportunity to explain to your animators:

• What information you want to convey in your ad.
• Who your target audience is, and how to speak to them.
• What visual style to use for the ad.
• What call to action you want to include at the end of your advertisement.

2. Script

Now that you’ve had a chance to describe the video you want to create, your animation team can write the script for your animated ad. For a ballpark estimate, if you’re creating a 30 second animated ad, your script will be about 75 words long.

When the first draft is ready, give it a detailed review focusing on the ideas being presented and the story that connects them together. Ensure the presentation is delivered in a way that speaks to your target audience.

Collect your feedback, send it to your production team and they’ll incorporate your edits. You’ll get an opportunity to review the updated script and approve it for production or you can send them another round of edits.

3. Storyboard

After your script is approved, it’s time to create your storyboard. The storyboard is the blueprint for your animated ad. It tells the illustrators and animators what to create.

Your production team will develop the first draft of the storyboard and send it to you to review. Each page includes a sentence from your script, a rough mockup of the scene, directions for the animators and a list of the assets that are needed to create the scene.

When you review the storyboard, focus on the visual ideas that are going to be used to bring your script to life. Do the visuals enhance or detract from the presentation of the key messages in your ad? If you want to make revisions, let the production team know. Otherwise, mark the storyboard as approved so that production can proceed.

4. VoiceOver

Your video animator will help you procure voiceover auditions for your animated ad. Typically, they will order up 1-3 voiceover auditions for each character/narrator in your video. You get a chance to review the auditions and select your favorite(s). Then, the production team will oversee the production of the full voiceover recording to guide the VO artist through the pacing, tone and energy they should use. You get an opportunity to review the full voiceover and request revisions before approving it for production.

5. Soundtrack

The animation studio you are working with will also help select some soundtracks that will enhance the presentation of your animated ad.

Give the soundtracks a listen and let your production team know which one you like best so they can purchase the license to use the music in your ad. Can’t decide which soundtrack you like best? Let them know and they will help you preview your favorite options when the first draft of your animated ad is ready to review.

6. Illustration

Creating illustrations for an animated ad happens in two phases:

1. Creation of the concept art
2. Creation of the rest of the art

Illustration begins with the creation of concept art. This way, the production team can develop and refine a unique visual style specifically for your animated ad. Once the concept art is fully developed and approved by your team, our animation studio will create all of the rest of the art for your video to match the style of the concept art.

You get an opportunity to review all the illustrations and request revisions before approving the art for animation.

7. Animation

Now that everything is approved, it’s time to animate your ad! 2D animation takes about 1 week for content under 60 seconds in length. When the first draft is ready, give it a detailed review with your team and members of your target audience. Then, collect everyone’s feedback and share it with your animation team so they can incorporate your edits and render out the final draft.

What does it cost to make an animated ad?

Ballpark budget range for a 30-second 2D animated ad: $1,000-$5,000+.

Ballpark budget range for a 30-second 3D animated ad: $3,000-$25,000+.

Check out this article for a more in depth look at animated video pricing.

How do I find an animator to help me make an animated ad?

Picking the right animated video production company to make your animated ad is a key decision in the animated video production process.

Here are some resources to help you find the right animated video production company to produce your animation’s ideal visual style, on time and within your budget:

• 9 Things to Look For When Hiring An Animator to create an animated ad.
• How do you hire an animator?
• How do you outsource an animated video project?
• Pros and Cons of Different Animation Styles
• What goes into production cost of an animated video?
• Learn the different types of online animated video makers.
• Interested in 3D animation? Read about 3D animation makers.
• What’s the difference between hiring an animation studio, a freelance animator and Video Igniter?
• What is Video Igniter Animation?
• Need your video fast? Learn about rush delivery.

How do I promote my business with an animated ad?

Let’s take a look at the tried and true methods you can use to promote your animated ad to your target audience.

1). SEO

The best way to leverage your animated ad is to get your video to appear at the top of Google and YouTube’s search results.

To learn more about Video SEO and how to optimize your videos to appear in search engines, check out our Video SEO guide!

2). Facebook/Instagram

Facebook and Instagram make it easy to create targeted video advertising campaigns to get your animated ad in front of your target audience. Their built in platform tools make it easy to guide viewers to your site or your social pages if they’re interested in learning more about your company and staying connected with your brand while they determine if they want to become a customer of yours.

3). TikTok & SnapChat

TikTok & SnapChat also offer self-service ad platforms like Facebook and Instagram. If you have developed your video to play in vertical mode and you want to reach a B2C audience, consider using TikTok or SnapChat to promote your ad.

4). YouTube Ads

Wanna reach almost any kind of person on the planet with your video message? YouTube is used around the world and offers self-service ad tools that let you promote your animated ad to specific members of your target audience.

5). LinkedIn

If you want to promote a B2B company, Linkedin is the best platform to reach your audience. CPMs and CPCs are higher on Linkedin compared to most platforms but it is one of the few places online that you can reach a business-specific audience with your animated ad at scale.

6). Traditional PR

If your animated ad can be used to explain and illustrate something that is new and topical, consider including it with your PR outreach. It’s a tall order to expect publications to promote your advertisement for free. However, if your video presents a novel idea or makes it possible for people to understand a new complicated idea, it will be easier for the publication to justify including your animated ad when they write an article about your company.

7). Honorable Mention: Hulu

Hulu also has a self-service ad platform that you can use to develop large scale TV advertising programs.

Why use animation to create an ad?

Why do people use animation to create animated promotional ads instead of using live action filmed content for their ad?

Get more awareness

Animated ads help marketers gain awareness better than live action videos. Animated ads use colorful thumbnails and eye candy visuals that make the viewer more likely to click play and give the video a few seconds of attention to see if they want to keep watching.

Makes it easy to understand new information

Animated ads visuals that focus the viewer’s attention and a voiceover to explain your key message(s). You could show a photorealistic 3D animated model of brain neurons firing, or you could break the process down into a simple 2D animated diagram that walks the viewer step by step through what is happening when neurons fire. In either case, the animated visuals make it easier to understand what is happening compared to trying to learn that information from a paper book.

Holds attention, boosts memory recall. 

Animated ads introduce new colorful movements every few seconds. This appears to be enough to dramatically increase viewer retention rates throughout the course of the video. As a consequence of paying attention to the ‘user friendly’ visuals that make the information easy to understand, the viewer’s ability to retain information goes up.

Makes it easy to share important messages

There are many ways to promote your message to the world. Sharing a video via a link happens to be one of the most useful and scaleable ways to get a mass media message to large audiences or to a specific target market.

What are some good examples of animated ads?

How long does it take to make an animated ad?

It takes 3-5 weeks to produce most 2D animated video ads. 3D animation takes about twice as long to produce. If you need to speed up production, check out our rush delivery animation option.

To learn more about the animated video production process and how long each stage of the production process takes, check out this companion article:

How long should my animated ad be?

That depends on what your goal is for your animated ad…

If your goal is to get awareness

Aim for a length of 5-60 seconds. Most awareness videos are in the 5-30 second range. The purpose isn’t to tell people your whole story. The goal is to get them intrigued enough to  want to learn more and share your story. In many cases, the shorter the better.

If your goal is to educate your leads and prospective clients

For leads and prospects that have already heard about you and want to learn more, your videos should be about 1-2 minutes long.

Long videos are usually reserved for customer education and retention. Longer videos can be used to give an in depth look at your product/service to show how it works. You can also make longer, feature-length content (30-90+ minutes) that would be of interest to your target market. Consequently, this feature-length content could be repurposed to gain awareness among new potential customers as well as delighting your existing clients.

Want to promote your animated ad? Schedule a call with our production team or use this form to get in touch.

 

How do I maximize the business outcomes of my animated ad?

If you want to maximize the effectiveness of your animated ad, check out the following resources:

• 7 Tips to help you write a great script.
• Pick the right visual style for your promo video.
• 6 Tips To Increase Viewer Engagement.
• Review the Do’s and Don’ts of Explainer Videos.
• 7 Tips For Using and Improving Your Businesses’s Video.
• Learn how to interpret your video’s viewer data to see if it needs improvement.
• A/B Test variations of your promo video to improve its conversion rate.

Emerging Trends in Animated Ads

Animated ads are constantly evolving to match new technologies and consumer preferences. Staying up to date on the latest trends can help your brand stand out and resonate with your audience. Here are some of the most promising trends to consider:

Personalized animated ads
Dynamic personalization, powered by AI, enables brands to tailor animated ads to each viewer’s location, preferences, or recent behavior. Personalized animated ads can dramatically improve engagement rates and conversions by making viewers feel seen and understood.

Interactive animated ads
Interactivity is a major growth area. These ads invite viewers to engage with clickable hotspots, sliders, or quizzes inside the animation itself. Interactive elements increase the time viewers spend with your content and make them more likely to take action afterward.

Hybrid animation and live-action
Brands are experimenting with combining animated elements over live-action footage, creating a fresh and memorable look. This hybrid approach blends realism with the imaginative power of animation, offering the best of both worlds.

AR & VR animated ads
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are introducing new ways to deliver immersive animated ads. For example, an AR-enabled ad could let someone scan a QR code and see an animated character pop up in their environment, making the ad more playful and shareable.

Social platform–driven styles
Short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are inspiring new visual styles in animated ads — including vertical formats, snappy edits, and stylized transitions. These social-first styles help your ad fit seamlessly into a user’s feed while still delivering a brand message.

By incorporating these trends, you’ll be able to keep your animated ad campaigns fresh, competitive, and highly relevant.

Optimizing Animated Ads for Conversion

Making a beautifully animated ad is only half the job — you also need it to drive results. Here are some best practices to optimize your animated ad for higher conversions:

Clear call to action (CTA)
Your CTA should be visible, memorable, and aligned with your campaign objective. Whether you want viewers to click a link, download an app, or sign up for a newsletter, make the CTA appear on screen clearly, both visually and through narration.

Keep your message focused
Avoid trying to say too much. Animated ads work best when they focus on one or two clear takeaways. Simplify your messaging so viewers instantly understand what you offer and what to do next.

Leverage emotional storytelling
Animation is an amazing storytelling medium. Use it to spark emotions — laughter, hope, curiosity — which will improve retention and make your message stick. Emotionally resonant ads also get shared more.

Test variations
Don’t settle on one version. A/B testing different scripts, visual styles, CTAs, or even voiceover tones can reveal what resonates best with your audience and drive higher conversion rates over time.

Optimize for silent playback
Many people watch ads on social platforms with the sound off. Ensure your animated ad still works visually without a voiceover by adding animated text captions and visual storytelling cues.

Measuring Animated Ad Performance

Once your animated ad is live, you’ll want to measure its performance. Here’s how to track success:

View-through rate (VTR)
This metric tells you what percentage of viewers watched your ad to completion. Higher VTRs suggest your animation is engaging and relevant.

Click-through rate (CTR)
If your ad includes a link, CTR will reveal how well it motivates people to take action.

Engagement rate
On platforms like TikTok or Instagram, this includes likes, comments, shares, and saves. High engagement is a strong signal of a compelling animated ad.

Conversion rate
Ultimately, you want to know how many viewers completed your desired action — for example, purchasing a product or signing up for a service.

Cost per acquisition (CPA)
Tracking CPA can help you understand how efficiently your animated ad is bringing in customers compared to other forms of advertising.

Heatmaps and viewer drop-off
If you’re running the ad on your website or through YouTube, consider heatmaps or retention graphs to see exactly where viewers drop off. That information can guide future improvements.

Advanced Animation Techniques to Consider

If you want your animated ad to stand out even more, you can explore these advanced techniques:

Parallax animation
This gives a subtle 3D depth to 2D scenes, creating a more immersive visual experience.

Frame-by-frame character animation
Rather than relying on software shortcuts, animators can handcraft each frame for more fluid and expressive characters, adding personality and charm.

Kinetic typography
Text can be animated in dynamic ways to become part of the storytelling. Kinetic typography is especially useful when you want to keep messages clear in silent playback environments.

Data-driven animation
For B2B brands, consider animations that visualize complex data in a compelling, understandable way. Animated data visualizations help you turn dry stats into stories that captivate audiences.

Procedural animation
This technique uses algorithms to generate motion dynamically, saving production time while creating mesmerizing patterns, transitions, or effects.

Legal Considerations for Animated Ads

It’s easy to forget that animated ads have legal requirements just like live-action spots. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Music licensing: Make sure you have commercial rights for your soundtrack.
• Voiceover contracts: Confirm usage rights for the voiceover artist, including any international territories if you plan to distribute globally.
• Intellectual property: Avoid using characters or assets that resemble copyrighted material.
• Disclaimers: If your ad makes health or financial claims, check with your legal advisor to add disclaimers where required.

Accessibility in Animated Ads

Finally, remember accessibility. Making your animated ad inclusive helps you reach a broader audience:

• Provide closed captions for voiceovers.
• Use high-contrast color palettes to assist visually impaired viewers.
• Avoid flashing animations that might trigger seizures.
• Include clear on-screen CTAs instead of only audio-based instructions.

By designing your animated ad with accessibility in mind, you not only follow best practices but also strengthen your brand’s reputation for inclusivity.

Types of Animated Ads for Different Marketing Goals

Not every animated ad should be designed the same way. The best format depends on what you want the viewer to do after watching the advertisement. A brand awareness campaign, product launch, retargeting campaign, and direct-response advertisement can all use animation, but each requires a different creative approach.

Product Demonstration Ads

A product demonstration animated ad shows potential customers how a product works. This is particularly useful for software, technology, consumer products, medical devices, and products with features that are difficult to demonstrate with traditional photography.

For example, a software company could use animation to show a customer uploading a document, processing it through the platform, and receiving a finished result. Instead of simply telling viewers what the product does, the animation visually demonstrates the customer experience.

Product demonstration ads work particularly well when the product has an unfamiliar interface, complicated functionality, or an invisible process that would be difficult to film.

Problem-Solution Animated Ads

A problem-solution advertisement begins by identifying a problem experienced by the target audience and then introduces the advertised product or service as the solution.

This structure is especially effective for B2B companies and service businesses because it immediately establishes relevance. Instead of beginning with a company introduction, the advertisement begins with something the prospective customer already recognizes.

A simple structure might look like this:

Problem → Consequences → Solution → Benefits → Call to action

For example, an accounting software company might begin with a business owner struggling with spreadsheets, duplicate data entry, and missed deadlines. The animation can then introduce the software and visually demonstrate how it eliminates those problems.

Product Launch Animated Ads

Animation can also be an effective way to introduce a new product, feature, service, or company.

A product launch ad doesn’t necessarily need to explain every feature. Its primary purpose may be to generate curiosity and encourage viewers to visit a landing page, sign up for a demonstration, download an app, or learn more.

For a product launch, consider creating several versions of the animated ad rather than relying on one long video. A short teaser can generate awareness, while a longer advertisement can explain the product after viewers have expressed interest.

Testimonial-Style Animated Ads

Customer testimonials don’t always need to be filmed interviews. An animated advertisement can transform customer experiences, quotes, statistics, and success stories into visual narratives.

For example, an animation could introduce a fictionalized customer journey, show the problems the customer encountered, explain how the product helped, and finish with measurable results.

This approach can be particularly useful when customers are unwilling or unable to participate in filmed testimonials.

Educational Animated Ads

Some products require education before a customer can appreciate their value. An educational animated ad can introduce a complicated concept and then connect that concept to the company’s product or service.

This format is useful for industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, cybersecurity, insurance, education, and professional services.

The important distinction is that an educational ad should still function as an advertisement. Don’t overwhelm viewers with information simply because animation makes it possible to explain complex subjects. Choose the information that helps the viewer understand why the product or service matters.

How to Structure an Animated Ad

One of the most important decisions in animated ad production happens before any animation is created: determining what information belongs in the video.

A strong animated advertisement generally has a simple narrative structure. The exact structure can vary depending on the campaign, but the following framework provides a useful starting point.

1. Start With the Audience

The opening seconds should immediately establish relevance.

Rather than starting with a long company introduction, consider opening with a question, problem, surprising statement, visual situation, or recognizable customer experience.

The viewer should quickly understand that the advertisement is relevant to them.

2. Introduce the Problem or Opportunity

Once you’ve captured attention, explain the situation that your product or service addresses.

This section should be concise. The goal isn’t to describe every possible problem your customers encounter. Focus on the most important problem connected to the campaign.

3. Present the Solution

Introduce the product or service as the solution.

Animation provides an advantage here because virtually anything can be visualized. You can animate a product interface, create a diagram, visualize an invisible process, demonstrate a physical product, or represent an abstract concept.

4. Explain the Most Important Benefits

Focus on outcomes rather than simply listing features.

For example, instead of saying that software includes “automated reporting,” explain that automated reporting allows the customer to spend less time manually compiling reports.

The animation should reinforce these benefits visually.

5. End With One Clear Action

The final section should tell viewers what to do next.

Examples include:

• Visit the website
• Start a free trial
• Request a demo
• Download an app
• Get a quote
• Learn more
• Sign up
• Contact the company

Avoid giving viewers several competing instructions. One primary CTA usually makes the advertisement easier to understand.

Designing Animated Ads for Different Screen Sizes

An animated advertisement should be designed for the environment in which it will be viewed.

A video created for a television commercial doesn’t necessarily work well as a social media advertisement. Similarly, an animation designed for YouTube may need significant changes before it works effectively as a vertical mobile advertisement.

Horizontal Animated Ads

A 16:9 horizontal format remains useful for YouTube, websites, presentations, connected TV, and many traditional video advertising placements.

Horizontal videos provide substantial space for characters, environments, product interfaces, diagrams, and multiple visual elements.

Vertical Animated Ads

Vertical video is particularly useful for mobile-first platforms. A 9:16 composition allows the animation to occupy most of the viewer’s smartphone screen.

When creating vertical animated ads, don’t simply crop a horizontal video after production. Important characters, text, products, and other visual elements may end up outside the safe viewing area.

It is better to design the composition specifically for the vertical format.

Square Animated Ads

Square video can also be useful for social feeds and other environments where a traditional horizontal video doesn’t occupy enough screen space.

If you expect an animated ad to run across multiple platforms, discuss the required aspect ratios with your animation production company before production begins. Planning for multiple formats from the beginning can reduce the amount of work required later.

How to Create Animated Ads for a Full Marketing Funnel

 

An animated advertisement doesn’t have to perform every job in your marketing funnel.

In fact, creating several advertisements for different stages of the customer journey can be more effective than attempting to create one video that appeals to everyone.

Top-of-Funnel Animated Ads

At the awareness stage, viewers may know nothing about your company. The advertisement should therefore focus on generating attention and establishing a simple connection with the audience.

Short animations, humorous concepts, surprising visuals, memorable characters, and strong visual hooks can work well at this stage.

Middle-of-Funnel Animated Ads

People in the consideration stage need more information.

A longer animated ad can explain how the product works, demonstrate important features, compare different approaches, or address common objections.

At this stage, the viewer already has some interest, so the advertisement can provide more detail.

Bottom-of-Funnel Animated Ads

People close to making a purchase typically need reassurance rather than a broad introduction.

An animated advertisement at this stage could emphasize pricing, specific benefits, customer results, product differentiators, implementation, guarantees, or a particular offer.

The CTA should also be more direct.

Repurposing One Animated Ad Into Multiple Marketing Assets

A major advantage of investing in an animated advertisement is that the finished production can often become the source material for additional marketing content.

Instead of producing one video and using it only once, consider creating multiple versions during the production process.

A 60-second animated advertisement could potentially be adapted into:

• A 15-second social media advertisement
• A 30-second paid advertising version
• A vertical mobile version
• Short clips for social media
• A website hero video
• A sales presentation asset
• A product demonstration
• An email marketing asset
• A YouTube advertisement
• Short animated GIFs
• Individual animated scenes for social posts

This approach can make the original production investment more valuable because the same creative assets can support multiple marketing campaigns.

When planning the project, tell your animation team how you intend to distribute the content. They can design characters, illustrations, compositions, and scenes with future adaptations in mind.

Common Animated Ad Mistakes to Avoid

Even a technically impressive animation can fail if the creative strategy isn’t right. Avoid these common mistakes when developing an animated ad.

Trying to Explain Everything

One of the most common mistakes is attempting to fit an entire website’s worth of information into a short advertisement.

An animated ad isn’t supposed to answer every possible question. Its job is to communicate the most important message and encourage the viewer to take the next step.

Prioritizing Animation Over the Message

Visual effects should support the advertisement’s message rather than distract from it.

Complex transitions, elaborate camera movements, and impressive effects aren’t valuable if the audience doesn’t understand what they’re supposed to remember.

Making the Introduction Too Slow

The beginning of the video is critical. Spending the first several seconds on logos, company history, or generic introductions can give viewers a reason to leave before they hear the actual message.

Get to the point quickly.

Using Too Much On-Screen Text

Animation can communicate information visually, but excessive text can make the advertisement difficult to follow.

Use on-screen text strategically to reinforce important information, especially when the video may be viewed without sound.

Forgetting the Landing Page

The advertisement and the destination page should work together.

If an animated ad promises a specific offer, product feature, or benefit, the landing page should immediately reinforce that same message. A mismatch between the advertisement and landing page can create unnecessary friction after the viewer clicks.

Creating Only One Version

Marketing campaigns benefit from experimentation.

Instead of assuming you know which opening, CTA, visual style, or message will perform best, consider creating multiple variations that can be tested against one another.

How to Choose an Animation Style for an Advertisement

The visual style of an animated ad should be chosen based on the audience, brand, message, and distribution channel rather than personal preference alone.

Common approaches include:

2D character animation: Useful for storytelling, humor, emotional messaging, and human-centered advertisements.

Motion graphics: Effective for technology companies, B2B advertisements, statistics, product features, and typography-driven concepts.

3D animation: Useful when the advertisement needs to showcase physical products, realistic environments, product features, simulations, or premium visual presentation.

Kinetic typography: Useful when the message depends heavily on memorable statements, statistics, or short phrases.

Illustrated animation: Useful for brands looking for a distinctive visual identity that doesn’t rely on photorealism.

Hybrid animation: Combines live-action footage with animated characters, graphics, effects, or typography.

The right style is the one that makes the advertisement’s message easier to understand while reinforcing the brand.

Animated Ads vs. Live-Action Ads

Animation isn’t automatically better than live-action video. Each production method has different advantages.

Live-action can be particularly effective when the advertisement depends on real people, physical locations, product demonstrations, or authentic customer interactions.

Animation becomes especially valuable when the concept requires something that is difficult, expensive, dangerous, impossible, or impractical to film.

For example, an animated advertisement can visualize microscopic processes, futuristic technology, software systems, internal bodily processes, imaginary environments, abstract ideas, or highly stylized worlds.

Animation also provides greater control over the visual presentation. Once the artwork is created, elements can be changed, moved, recolored, or reused without needing to reshoot an entire scene.

The decision should therefore come down to the message you need to communicate rather than choosing animation simply because it looks interesting.

Creating an Animated Ad Campaign Instead of a Single Video

For companies running ongoing advertising campaigns, it can make sense to think beyond a single animated ad.

An animated campaign can use a consistent visual identity across multiple advertisements while changing the message for different audiences, products, offers, or stages of the customer journey.

For example, a company could create:

1. A short brand awareness advertisement
2. A product-focused advertisement
3. A customer problem-solution advertisement
4. A feature demonstration
5. A customer success story
6. A retargeting advertisement
7. A promotional advertisement

Using consistent characters, colors, illustration styles, animation techniques, and branding can make the individual advertisements feel like part of the same campaign.

This approach can also make future production more efficient because some visual assets can potentially be reused or adapted rather than recreated from scratch.

Animated Ad Production Checklist

Before sending an animated advertisement into production, make sure you can answer the following questions:

• Who is the advertisement targeting?
• What problem does the audience have?
• What is the single most important message?
• What action should viewers take?
• Where will the advertisement be shown?
• What aspect ratios are required?
• Will viewers potentially watch without sound?
• What brand guidelines need to be followed?
• Are there legal disclaimers or required disclosures?
• What visual style fits the campaign?
• What length is appropriate for the placement?
• Which metrics will determine success?
• Will multiple versions be tested?
• Can the finished animation be repurposed into additional marketing content?

Answering these questions before production begins can prevent expensive changes later.

The more clearly the creative team understands the advertisement’s objective, audience, distribution strategy, and success criteria, the easier it becomes to make production decisions that support the campaign.

How do I save money on my animated advertisement production budget?

• You can write the script for your animated ad.
• You can create the storyboard for your animated ad.
• You can use free (legal) music.
• You can record the voiceover for your animated video ad.
• Consider using stock assets.

For more tips on affordable animation and how to keep your production budget as low as possible, check out this companion article:

Final Thoughts on Creating an Animated Ad

An effective animated ad is more than a collection of attractive visuals. It combines strategy, writing, design, animation, sound, distribution, and measurement into a single marketing asset.

The most successful projects begin with a clear understanding of the audience and the action the advertiser wants that audience to take. From there, the script, visual style, animation techniques, aspect ratio, soundtrack, and CTA can all be selected to support that objective.

Animation gives businesses an enormous amount of creative flexibility. It can turn complicated products into simple visual explanations, transform abstract ideas into stories, demonstrate products that are difficult to film, and give brands a distinctive visual identity.

If you’re planning an animated ad, think about the entire campaign rather than only the video itself. Consider where the advertisement will appear, how viewers will encounter it, what they should do afterward, which variations you may want to test, and how the finished animation can be repurposed.

With that strategy in place, your animated advertisement can become more than a promotional video—it can become a reusable marketing asset that supports awareness, education, lead generation, and conversions across multiple channels.

Still have questions about animated ads?

Do you have a question about making or using an animated ad that wasn’t answered in this FAQ? Use this form to contact us with your question. We will follow up with an answer and then we’ll post the question and answer to this page.

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 video 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 ad for your business:

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

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Animated Ad 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

“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

“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 about creating your animated ad

Schedule a call to discuss your animated ad project with our production team.

Get a quote for us to create your animated advertisement.

Request access to our newest price sheet.

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