There's plenty of reasons to choose animated videos over live action.
For example, explainer videos simplify complex subjects into digestible engaging content. Brand stories weave a relatable narrative oozing with brand style. And social loops are incredibly effective for retaining attention.
It is easy to compare a talking head with a slick animated production and show how animated video wins the engagement race hands down.
Other times live action will be the obvious choice. For example, if your goal is to show team culture, then naturally you'll want your people in frame.
What makes the comparison even more interesting today is the advent of AI. AI video tools are developing at such a rate that the current video landscape will shift dramatically in the coming years.
Most companies that opt for video production have a modest budget. But now imagine being able to create a multi-million pound commercial for the price of a talking head. That's game-changing.
So let's dive in and look at the advantages and disadvantages of animation vs live-action (and AI).
One of the things we adore about animated video production is the sheer scope to create literally anything from a blank screen. As we've already mentioned, to achieve the same level of creativity with film would cost an arm and a leg.
That is, until AI video tools entered the market. Now you have the same scope at a fraction of the cost.
The likes of Runway, Synthesia, Sora, and LTX Studio (to name but a few...) are changing how production companies approach client projects. And changing how brands approach video.
However, you still need the idea and you still need to know what makes a good production—compelling narrative, well-thought-out visuals, great pacing, top-notch VO delivery and curated sound design.
And from our testing, getting AI to deliver the creative output you actually asked for is easier said than done.
All the same—if you're weighing up animation vs live-action, then it is most definitely worth considering AI.
It's clear that marketers love these types of videos for several reasons.
They simplify complex information, making it digestible and engaging. They can be easily chopped up into bite sized content. They give unparalleled creative control. And animation transcends cultural and language barriers, making your message accessible to a global audience.
These factors contribute to higher conversion rates. Animated explainer videos are a cost-effective way to communicate your message clearly and effectively. They engage and convert.
Incorporating them into your marketing strategy can lead to significant business growth. They’re a powerful strategic tool to reach and resonate with diverse audiences.
And they've never been more popular in video marketing.
This advantage is worth a note of its own. One of the joys of designing a visual storyboard is the sheer scope you have to take a brand's guidelines and adapt them into all kinds of creative approaches.
There is only one rule (OK, there's several, but let's keep it simple)—it must look and feel like your brand.
Compared to film video production, bring able to brand an animation so fully and completely is a marketers dream. And it does not need to be done at the sake of creativity. They go hand-in-hand.
Here are some of the top reasons brand's choose animation over live-action.
Animation doesn't just simplify complex ideas, it can deliver them in a way that's highly engaging. For example, by giving careful consideration to the voice over and visuals in tandem, animation can effortlessly create understanding.
For technical or abstract topics, this feature is invaluable. Viewers can grasp intricate details through a combination of visuals and concise narration. Thus, animated explainer videos make learning seamless and enjoyable.
Capturing attention is always challenging. Especially today. Animation draws viewers in with its ability to 'show and not tell'. We can literally show you the benefits.
If you're a brand struggling to convey your value proposition, animated video production will absolutely change the game. How would it feel for a potential client to say they not only get what you offer, but they are excited to engage with you?
This is a promise animation can deliver on.
Emotional connection is key to compelling storytelling. Animation excels in evoking emotions, enhancing the story's impact. It can create empathy and relatability, helping audiences connect deeply with the content.
Animation can tell stories in a memorable way. This ability to touch viewers emotionally makes animated explainer videos effective in building brand loyalty. They capture hearts as well as minds. Check out some of the best from top marketing agencies and brands.
Compared to a full-on film production, animated explainer videos can offer a cost-efficient solution. They eliminate the need for costly actors, sets, and crew.
That said, it's not always the case. There's plenty of animated videos we could point to that would come in a great deal more than a typical film shoot. But like-for-like, animation does tend to be on the lower side.
Then there is flexibility. Updates or tweaks can be made without extensive reshoots. This adaptability ensures the content remains relevant and up-to-date with minimal effort.
Animated explainer videos have the unique ability to transcend cultural divides. This universal appeal makes animated content highly adaptable.
Visual approaches can be crafted to resonate across different cultures, and they can be easily translated into multiple languages.
Consistency is vital in branding, and animated explainer videos offer this seamlessly. Animation allows you to maintain your brand identity easily across all content—even whilst allowing for a great variety of creativity.
This unified look strengthens brand recognition.
Additionally, animated explainer videos ensure your messaging is coherent. Yes, we want to ensure the visual look reflects your brand identity. But we also want to create a consistent tone of voice.
It's no surprise that explainer animations excel in boosting engagement metrics. Their dynamic visuals and storytelling can significantly enhance viewer interaction. Typically, such videos see higher rates of likes, shares, and comments.
Shareability is another strong suit of animated explainer videos. Creative and engaging content encourages viewers to share with friends and networks. Such widespread circulation can lead to improved brand awareness and recall.
Animated explainer videos can significantly enhance your SEO efforts. These engaging videos keep viewers on your page longer, which reduces bounce rates. The longer dwell time signals to search engines that your content is valuable.
Additionally, search engines favour video content in search results. With keywords and transcripts optimised, animated videos can rank well. This boosts your visibility on search engine results pages. Ultimately, these factors contribute to improving your organic reach and attracting more potential customers to your site.
Animated explainer videos offer unmatched versatility across various channels. They can easily be adapted into different aspect ratios, like 1:1 and 9:16.
They can also be produced into seamless looping videos which are perfect for engagement on social networks like LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Beyond social media, these videos excel in other marketing arenas. Incorporate them into email marketing campaigns, presentations, or landing pages. They maintain consistent performance across devices, appealing to mobile and desktop users alike. This flexibility ensures your marketing message remains cohesive and effective, regardless of where it's seen.
If you're considering producing an animated video, you're not alone. Their ability to simplify complexity while engaging audiences makes them highly desirable for many marketing managers.
In short, they can provide a creative edge in a crowded space.
Moreover, these videos are cost-effective, flexible, and adaptable across platforms. They enhance brand storytelling, ensuring consistent messaging. Investing in animation equates to crafting a compelling and memorable customer experience.
Embracing animated explainer videos can significantly improve conversion rates. Incorporating them into your strategy can make a huge difference to delivering on your marketing objectives.
So where to start? You might want to start with our guide which will give you a flavour for the production process, timeframes and how much different types of productions cost. You can download our guide here.
