With the entire world being forced indoors ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's no wonder that humans have relied more and more on technology and the internet.
According to Statista, there are now 313 million active internet users in the United States of America alone. Currently, over 41% of the world population is using the internet. Believe it or not, those numbers are steadily rising!
Since there are more people on the internet, there is also a steady flow of content. Each day, there are new kinds of content that pop up all over the internet.
One of the most consistent kinds of content that a lot of people enjoy is video animation.
Source: canva
What is Video Animation?
The word "animation" is defined as the process of drawing and stitching together several photos (or drawings) to give the illusion of movement.
Video animation is adding different elements to animation and publishing it in a video file format. The most common video file format is currently .mp4, .avi, .wmv, and .mov to name a few.
Video animation can be used for several things like:
- Promotional videos
- Explainer videos
- Educational videos
- Comedy or Skit videos
- Vlogging
- Gaming Videos
Perhaps there are no professional fields where videos cannot be utilized. Whether your content is informational, educational, casual, or comedic, you possibly use videos for better clarity and better reach. Currently, entrepreneurs employ animated sales videos because of how effective they are in the digital marketing world.
Let's discuss the benefits of using video animation.
Benefits of Using Video Animation
There are a lot of benefits of using video animation, but these five stand out among the rest. Let's discuss each!
Highly customizable
Because animated videos are quite easy to make (with the right tools), videos tend to be highly customizable. It means that you can make a video that caters to your audience once you have decided on a target audience or age bracket.
Bring your thoughts to life
If you've ever had trouble explaining your thoughts, making an animated video might be the way to go. There are no limitations as to what you can create in your animated video. Whatever topic that might be, there is a way for you to express it through a video.
Reusable Digital Marketing Materials
As long as you have access or a copy of your animated video, you will be able to reuse that in the future. It's also a lot easier for you to post your content on other platforms that allow video sharing. If in case you need to update your video to add more information, you can easily take down the video and edit it accordingly.
Simplifies Complex Information
If you have some tough information on your hands, the use of video animation can help explain some of it for you. For example, if you're teaching your students a complex procedure, you may record your screen and add a voice-over explaining and demonstrating how the procedure goes.
You can Easily Get Professional Help
There are various video production companies that you can hire to do the work for you. Even if it costs you some cash, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. If you're not pleased with their work, you can also ask them to edit some elements or add in more information.
These experts will help you translate your abstract ideas into something that can be seen and easily understood.
10 Amazing Styles of Video Animation
Surely, there are a lot of video animation styles in the entire world. However, we've got to talk about these 10 amazing styles that you'll hopefully get to use if you ever want to make an animated video!
Let's discuss each. At the end of each point, we'll also include an example of the Video Animation Styles.
Live-Animation
Live-Animation is a combination between Live Action videos and Animated videos. You shoot actors performing a specific scene, and then once you are done recording all your needed materials, you add in elements of animation.
These elements include:
- Text
- Transitions
- Graphics
What's so great about Live-Animation is that it's quite easy to make, even if you're just a beginner. It also gives that extra spice to your regular live-action video, which can make your video more entertaining.
Whiteboard Animation
Whiteboard Animation is certainly a classic. It is a video where whiteboard images are drawn on a whiteboard, and the video is usually paired with narration.
Some whiteboard animators personally draw their own images. Others use pre-drawn images that you can drag and drop onto your whiteboard. You can then add transitions, text, or effects to your whiteboard to sprinkle some pizzazz. Typically, whiteboard animation is then accompanied by narration to explain better what's going on on the screen.
You may want to use whiteboard animation if you're telling a story or creating an educational video for young students.
Motion Graphic Animation
Motion Graphic Animation is a kind of animation video where motion graphics are the video's animated elements. Imagine a graphic design and make it move. Now, put all those moving graphic designs and add some background music, narration, and text. That is what Motion Graphic Animation is. Pretty straightforward, right?
A Motion Graphic Animation doesn't have to be very flashy or fancy. In fact, motion graphics that are simple work best. It's all about the message that you want to convey through your video.
You can use Motion Graphic Animation to tell a story, explain tough concepts, and talk about your company products.
Kinetic-Typography
Next on our list is Kinetic-Typography Animation, which isn't very different from Motion Graphic Animation. This time, instead of graphic designs that are moving, it's the text that is moving.
Animators usually use this to share ideas. These kinds of videos are usually accompanied by narration so that points can get across easily. Sometimes, kinetic typography is used to evoke emotion as well.
These can be used for lyric videos, testimonials from clients, informational videos, and advertisements.
Paper Cutout Animation
Paper Cutout Animation is a stop-motion animation video using real-life cutout characters or objects photographed and edited together. Each photo looks slightly different than the last one, as if the objects are moving. Materials are usually made out of cardboard, paper, or stiff fabric.
Paper Cutout Animation tends to work best if you want to make a short film or tell a story.
Screencast Animation or Screen Recording Animation
Screencast Animation or Screen Recording Animation is almost exactly like it sounds. You record your screen, add some subtitles or narration, and edit the video as needed.
You can insert kinetic typography, motion graphics, and other elements if you want to address or emphasize a point. These videos are usually made for instructional videos or educational videos.
Digital Cutout Animation
A Digital Cutout Animation is different from a Paper Cutout Animation video. Instead of drawing the objects by hand, you draw them using a graphic tablet and then edit them together to make it look like it's still a stop-motion video.
This kind of video is also good for telling stories or making short films. You can also use this to demonstrate a step-by-step process.
Cartoon Animation
Cartoon Animation is the smoother version of a Digital Cutout Animation. Movement looks fluid and blends in together to make it look natural. Cartoon animation is prevalent. Cartoons are so popular that countless cartoon television series are made for children and adults to enjoy.
Usually used for entertainment, you can also use Cartoon Animation to share information, discuss step-by-step processes, and more.
Stick Figure Animation
Stick Figure Animation is one of the most basic forms of Cartoon Animation that is easy to use and make. Even if it's pretty simple, you can make Stick Figure Animation fun by adding text, animation, humor, background music, and narration.
This kind of animation video works best if you have a boring subject to talk about and want to add a more casual tone.
3D Animation
3D Animation, also known as 3-Dimensional Animation, is a kind of animation video style wherein 3D graphics are used. It's mainly used in films and TV shows since it takes a while to make.
However, you can also use 3D graphics to display physical models on a digital platform. It's beneficial if your audience cannot see the model first-hand, like in medical fields or the 3D-model of a company's product.
CONCLUSION
Whether you are an educator, digital marketer, or freelance video content creator, these ten fantastic video animation styles will give you many options if you wish to make a video in the future.
Wondering how to make an animated explainer video? Well, there are various software available online that you can use to create your own video animation. However, if you feel getting the job done from a professional, do get in touch with us now.
Remember that your content is just as crucial as your animation style. Without good content, you won't be able to make a great animated video!
