Explaining a complex idea often leads to glazed eyes and distracted nods. That’s not because the content lacks substance but because the delivery falls flat.

Today’s audience has a radar for stale content. They want something that speaks to them without feeling like a chore to watch. So, if you bring your message to life with a dash of color and motion, you can capture their attention in seconds.

Unlike lengthy explanations, animations can simplify tough concepts in a flash and leave customers intrigued. This is why animated videos for business are quickly becoming a staple for those wanting to break free from the mundane and make an impression that sticks. 

The Benefits of Animated Videos for Business

It’s no secret that grabbing attention is more challenging than ever, especially with businesses vying for the same eyeballs. 

But then, how did brands like Dropbox manage to stand out? They turned to animated videos to explain their service in an instantly understandable way. 

The result? 4.7 million views (and counting) and a massive boost in sign-ups, all from one animated video that captured what plain text couldn’t.

Animated videos allow one to introduce concepts in a fun, friendly way, making them worth remembering. For a business, this means showing people how you solve their problems rather than just telling them. 

Expressing Abstract Concepts Visually

Some ideas are clear as day, while others? Well, they’re a bit like clouds - hard to grab, harder to explain. Animated videos can take complicated, abstract concepts and make them click.

Take data security, for instance. Talking about firewalls and encryption can sound pretty technical, in fact, downright dull. 

However, animated videos bring creativity to the table while explaining the concept. 

The video can perhaps show a castle guarding information or a clever character dodging “bad actors” trying to sneak in. Suddenly, that wall of text becomes a relatable, memorable story.

Creating Ever-Green Content

Unlike live-action content, which can feel dated with changing styles or seasonal relevance, animations have a timeless quality that stays fresh. 

Think about brands that used animated explainers years ago - those videos still hold up and deliver value long after their release date. Take this Slack video, for example. 

Although it was published years ago, it still attracts viewers and reinforces the brand’s message without losing its appeal over time. As a comment says, “The video is so pretty, I had to watch it again.” 

Cost-Efficiency With Limitless Creativity

When it comes to marketing, balancing creativity and budget can feel like a tightrope walk. 

But what if we told you there’s a way to implement your wildest ideas without sending your finances spiraling into chaos? 

Say, for instance, you’re trying to film an epic scene of a talking avocado debating the virtues of your product. With live-action, you’d be neck-deep in location fees, actor contracts, and whatnot. 

Animation, on the other hand, lets you conjure that avocado with a flick of your wrist and some creativity, all without the hassle of casting calls or rented sound stages.

Take a page from Coca-Cola’s playbook. 

The brand managed to create a memorable and fun ad that keeps one hooked till the end. 

So, with animation, your only limit is your imagination. 

Want to feature a dancing bear promoting your new service? Go for it! Need a cosmic adventure to explain your product? Piece of cake! 

The result? You get stunning visuals that engage your audience while keeping your wallet happy. 

Creating a Unique Brand Persona

Animation opens the door to endless possibilities for expressing who you are as a brand. You can create memorable mascots, whimsical backdrops, and distinctive visual styles that align with your values.

Wendy is one such example. With its spunky Twitter presence and cheeky animated ads, it gives a personality to its brand. 

Their animated videos capture the essence of what makes them unique - sassy and fun - while effectively engaging audiences who appreciate a brand with character.

Boosting Information Retention

Studies have shown that people remember visual information significantly better than text alone. 

When you create engaging animated videos using visuals, you create something that sticks long after someone watches it. 

Consider TED-Ed and how it uses animated videos for business to break down complex ideas. 

They turn dense topics into bite-sized stories that, besides informing, entertain, too. This makes it easier for viewers to remember key points long after the video ends.

It would be fair to say that animation simplifies concepts that might otherwise baffle your audience. It gives you the freedom to use visual metaphors, colors, and movement to make abstract ideas tangible. 

How to Make Animated Videos for Business: 5 Ideas Worth Trying

Creating animated videos for your business might sound like a daunting task reserved for Hollywood studios, but it’s not that complicated. 

These days, there are user-friendly platforms that make it a breeze to whip up eye-catching animations, even if you don’t have a degree in graphic design. 

Here are some animated videos for business ideas worth considering. 

1. Animated Tutorials

Unlike text-based instructions that can feel overwhelming or, worse, dry, animated tutorials bring an element of clarity that keeps audiences glued.

The beauty of animated tutorials lies in their flexibility. For instance, say you’re introducing a new app feature or demonstrating a product’s setup. 

Instead of relying on lengthy written instructions or a tedious live-action walkthrough, an animated video can guide your audience through each step using icons, characters, or stylized visuals. Here’s an example: 

Plus, animated tutorials are easy to update. As your products evolve, so can your b2b video without starting from scratch.

2. Cultural References

Adding cultural references to your animated videos can give your brand instant relevance. These references could be nods to trending memes or iconic movie moments.

Take the use of memes, for example. Adding meme-worthy moments in an animated video instantly makes your content relatable and shareable. 

A playful “expanding brain” as you progress through different stages of understanding, or the classic “distracted boyfriend” scenario for customer preferences, adds humor to your message. 

Besides being funny, it shows that your brand knows the cultural language of its audience.

However, it is worth noting that cultural references do not stop at memes. Subtle nods to favorite TV shows or even current events can deepen engagement. 

You can create an animated character pulling a James Bond-like move when discussing secure products or a Game of Thrones reference about market “territories” to pique your audience’s interest. These touches make your brand relevant and memorable. 

3. Short Animated Series

Rather than cramming everything into one video, a short form video series lets you stretch out your message across episodes. This allows you to create suspense and keep viewers coming back for more. 

This is where your business can take complex topics or services and break them into memorable parts. 

For example, a financial services company could create a series explaining different aspects of personal finance through episodes starring an animated “financial advisor” character. 

Or, if you’re in tech, you could develop a storyline where a quirky character tackles common tech issues and offers advice in an entertaining way.

The beauty here is that you’re building an experience, not just a one-off. By releasing episodes over time, you’re engaging viewers into something they want to follow.

4. Animated Testimonials

Animated testimonials take customer stories to a whole new level. Instead of just showing a customer quote or a talking head, animated testimonials let you visualize a customer’s experience.

You can, for instance, take a review about how your product solved a common problem and turn it into a short animated story. 

Maybe a small business owner is overwhelmed with paperwork, and suddenly, your software sweeps in to simplify everything. By animating the scenario, you’re allowing your audience to not only hear about the experience but see it happen. 

This way, viewers get a sense of the impact without needing paragraphs of explanation.

5. Reverse Animation 

Reverse animation lets you create an intriguing, almost hypnotic effect that keeps viewers guessing. This method flips the structure and leads viewers from a final outcome back to the start (revealing each step in reverse order).

For example, suppose you want to create a product assembly tutorial in reverse. In that case, you’d begin with the finished product, only to peel back each layer, revealing the elegance of the setup. 

It can also be a transformation scene where an animated workspace shifts from organized to chaotic and showcases how your product solves common challenges and brings order.

What makes this strategy intriguing is its ability to capture attention immediately. Our brains are wired to anticipate the future, so seeing events unfold backward taps into that curiosity. 

Tips on How to Create Animated Videos for Business

Anyone can throw together some graphics and text, but making memorable animated videos for business that reinforce your brand’s personality? That’s an art form. 

Here are some tips on how to make animated videos for business that go beyond the basics and truly stand out.

• Aim for bite-sized pieces. Opt for short animated videos for business and - 60-90 seconds max. Attention spans are short these days. Make sure you grab them before the viewers lose interest. 
• Command action like a pro. Don’t just end with a logo. Wrap up with an irresistible CTA. 
• Stay unpredictable. Routine is the enemy of creativity. Switch up animation styles and storytelling methods to keep your viewers guessing (and coming back for more).
• Use unconventional characters. If everyone’s doing cutesy mascots, go for something unexpected. Maybe your character’s a sarcastic houseplant or a wise old coffee cup with “too many stories” about your industry. A unique character instantly makes your video memorable.
• Break the Fourth Wall in subtle, surprising ways. Have your character look directly at the viewer or “react” when a key point is mentioned, almost as if they know they’re being watched. It’s a fun way to make your content feel personal and bring your audience right into the scene.

Team Up With Video Production Chicago Experts to Take Your Brand Story Further

Gone are the days of forced sales pitches and long-winded explanations. Animated videos for business offer a great way to entertain and convert in one fell swoop. 

It lets you tell a story that sticks and something viewers actually remember (and maybe even share). 

And, of course, making a memorable animated video isn’t as easy as it looks. It requires the right story, visuals, creativity, and a keen understanding of your audience. 

That’s where video production Chicago experts can help you. From concept to final cut, we’re here to bring your brand to life on screen. Ready to roll? Reach out today and see how we can make your brand stand out. 

FAQs

What are the benefits of animation videos?

Animated videos simplify complex ideas into bite-sized nuggets and make learning feel like playtime. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Put simply, whether you need to explain a concept, promote a product, or tell a story, animation does it all in style. And let’s not forget the added bonus: they can evoke emotions, which makes your brand unforgettable!

What is the purpose of an animated video?

The purpose of an animated video is to communicate ideas in a fun, engaging way. They allow a corporate videographer to tell your brand story in a striking format that resonates with your audience. Whether you want to educate or entertain, animated videos break down barriers and deliver your message with creativity. 

Why is animation important in branding?

Animation is important for branding because it brings personality to your business. Animated characters and vibrant visuals create a cohesive brand identity that stands out in a crowded marketplace. It’s like putting on a show that audiences can’t help but watch and remember!

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