Say “animation”, and it usually conjures images of kids cartoon characters - but the reality is, we see animation in action everywhere, every day. It’s the motion on websites, the moving text and graphics in social ads, and the blending of stock photos to create the look of a live action video. Animation is in almost every brand’s content strategy. And while the tools keep evolving, one thing hasn’t changed: 2D animation remains one of the most effective ways to tell a visual story.
Animation is a great way to cut through the noise, but knowing what styles work best in what places is half the battle.
Every style has its own tone, pacing, and personality. Some feel bold and modern. Others lean nostalgic, hand-drawn, or even playful. The key is choosing a style that supports your message and speaks clearly to your audience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular 2D animation styles for business, why style plays such a big role, and how to choose the right one for your next project.
What Is 2D Animation?
2D animation is quite simply bringing flat characters, objects, and environments to life in a two-dimensional space.
Creating 2D animation videos involves building movement frame by frame. Whether drawn by hand or created with digital tools, the goal is to create the illusion of motion. You’ve seen it in classic cartoons, explainer videos, on websites, and in mobile apps.
While it began as hand-drawn art, today’s 2D animation generally uses digital tools to speed up production without losing its handcrafted feel. It’s still a go-to for marketers, educators, and creators because it simplifies complex ideas, grabs attention, and works across platforms.
In short, 2D animation continues to offer the perfect blend of creativity, clarity, and strategic impact.
Why 2D Animation Styles Matter
When people think about animation, they often focus on the visuals. But the style of animation does more than look good - it influences how your message is received.
Different 2D animation styles spark different emotions. Some feel fun and quirky. Others come across as sleek, modern, or nostalgic. The tone is set before a single word is spoken.
For example, if you're creating a product demo, a clean and minimal animation style can help keep things clear and professional. On the other hand, if you're telling a story for a nonprofit, a hand-drawn, expressive look might feel more personal and heartfelt.
Animation gives you creative flexibility that few other mediums can offer, and it’s a powerful tool in any visual content strategy. It can break down complex ideas, walk viewers through a process, or make your message more memorable. But for it to work, the style has to support your goal.
The right animation technique can improve engagement, boost watch time, and make your message easier to absorb. It’s not just about making things move, it’s about making an impression.
Choosing the type of animation you want to use might seem like a visual detail, but it's actually a vital part of your strategy.
Core 2D Animation Styles (& When to Use Them)
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to animation. Each type of animation brings its own pacing, production process, and personality to the table. Below are some of the most widely used and effective 2D animation techniques used to achieve business goals, whether they are for marketing, sales, or internal use.
Cel or Character Animation
This is where animation began. Frame by frame, each element is fully illustrated, giving the animation a warm, handcrafted feel. This type of animation is almost always character based, meaning it’s focused on custom designed characters that move and take action in the space.
This technique takes time but delivers timeless results. It’s ideal when emotion, storytelling, or a nostalgic tone are at the forefront.
Best for:
- Story-driven or character-focused content
- Animated shorts or branded mini-films
- Brands that want an artistic or vintage aesthetic
Vector-Based Animation
This digital animation style uses scalable graphics, which means the visuals stay sharp at any size. Tools like Adobe Animate and After Effects are often used here to create smooth, clean movement.
It’s one of the most efficient styles for marketers due to its speed, flexibility, and clarity.
Best for:
- Explainer videos
- App or product walkthroughs
- Branded content with a modern, minimal look
Motion Graphics Animation
Motion graphics animate design elements like shapes, icons, and text. It’s one of the most popular 2D animation techniques used in digital marketing, especially when your message needs to be clear and fast.
Think animated infographics, logo reveals, or UI animations.
Best for:
- SaaS and tech companies
- Data visualizations
- Product demos or pitch videos
Rotoscope Animation
This type of animation traces over real video footage to create stylized, lifelike movement. The result feels both human and artistic.
With newer software and AI tools, rotoscoping is now faster and more accessible, making it a great option for blending realism with creativity.
Best for:
- Music videos & commercial ads
- Experimental or indie-style campaigns
- Projects where human motion matters
Typography Animation
Also known as kinetic typography, this animation technique brings words and phrases to life through movement. It's direct, punchy, and great for content where the message lives in the text.
Best for:
- Social ads
- Brand messaging
- Video intros or callouts
Hybrid or Mixed-Media Styles
Mixed-media productions combine video styles. Could be 2D and 3D animation, or a mixture of animated elements and real footage, photography, or illustrations. It’s often used to create custom visuals that stand out in today’s crowded content landscape.
Best for:
- High-impact campaigns
- Unique brand stories
- Videos that blend real-world and digital aesthetics
- Great for repurposing existing content or footage into something fresh
Isometric Animation
This eye-catching style gives flat 2D animation a sense of 3D depth without the complexity of full 3D production. Isometric animation uses a fixed perspective and angled grids to create the illusion of dimension, making it perfect for visually mapping out systems, processes, or environments - anywhere that clarity and structure are key.
Best for:
- Visualizing systems, workflows, or architecture
- Explainer videos for SaaS, data, or infrastructure
- Brands that want to balance simplicity with sophistication
How to Choose the Right 2D Animation Style for Your Project
Picking the right 2D animation style is not just about what looks good, it's also about what drives results.
The style you go with needs to support your message, speak to your audience, and align with your brand’s tone and goals. Here's how to make the right call.
1. Start with your message
What’s the purpose of the video? Are you trying to educate, explain, persuade, or entertain?
- If you're breaking down complex ideas, vector-based or motion graphics animation usually works best. These styles are clear, clean, and easy to follow.
- If you’re outlining a complex integrated system or process, isometric animation is perfect for making connections and a “big picture” vantage point.
- If you're telling a story or aiming to connect emotionally, cel animation or mixed media might be a better fit.
Every animation style has its own connection power. Pick one that amplifies your message, not just matches your brand colors.
2. Know your audience
Who’s watching? And where are they watching it?
- A fun, informal style often resonates with younger or digital-native audiences.
- A sleek, polished type of animation might be better for enterprise viewers or formal presentations.
- Go with flashy for social and top-of-funnel channels. Get more detailed for demos and bottom-of-funnel viewers.
3. Consider your timeline and budget
Not every 2D animation process is created equal.
- A cel animation video takes longer and requires more resources.
- Motion graphics or vector-based styles tend to be quicker to produce and easier to revise.
- Also consider scalability. If this video is part of a broader campaign, choose a 2D animation technique that’s easy to repeat, repurpose, and adapt.
4. Blend styles when it makes sense
You don’t need to stick to just one format. Some of the most engaging videos combine styles - like using kinetic typography with motion graphics or overlaying animated elements on live-action footage.
For example, motion graphics paired with isometric animation can create a layered, dimensional look without going full 3D. Blending styles can help your video stand out without making production overly complex.
Examples of Different 2D Animation Styles in Action
Understanding the most common 2D animation styles is helpful. But seeing how they actually perform in real projects? That’s where the insight becomes actionable.
All of these Levitate Media productions contain more than one type of 2D animation, but these examples highlight the main type of animation used:
Awareness for a Social Impact Campaign
Style Used: Character Animation
To tell a personal story, The Academy Group opted for a character animation that follows characters through a storyline. The result was heartfelt and highly shareable.
Why it worked:
- Style and characters added warmth and authenticity
- Made the message feel more personal and relatable
- Held viewer attention from start to finish
This form of animation is often used when emotion and human connection matter most.
Product Explainer for a Tech Firm
Style Used: Vector-Based Animation + Motion Graphics
Octo Consulting needed to explain their tech service offering quickly and clearly. Using vector-based visuals and motion graphics, the video broke down the problem, their solution, and why they are a trusted leader in their industry.
Why it worked:
- Simplified a complex concept with clear visuals
- Fast-paced motion design held attention
- Consistent look walked viewers through the process
This type of animation is a top choice for tech brands and startups because it’s fast, scalable, and built for clarity especially when used in animated explainer videos.
Promotional Video for an Ad Management Platform
Style Used: Typography Animation + UI (User Interface)
WideOrbit needed a video to promote their ZingX platform and showcase why it’s an ideal marketing solution. A mix of kinetic typography and screencast walkthroughs kept the content clean and easy to follow.
Why it worked:
- Kinetic Typography reinforced main takeaways
- Clean look kept the focus on the messaging
- UI highlighted the ease and accessibility of their platform
Kinetic Typography is great for driving powerful messages - it’s engaging, focused, and digestible.
Social Video for a Consumer Brand
Style Used: Mixed Media (2D + Live Footage)
To promote their brand, products and company history, Wei-Chuan combined video clips, photography, and 2D animation to create a video that inspires loyalty and trust. Perfect for all promotional channels, including socials.
Why it worked:
- The hybrid look was fresh and visually engaging
- Animation highlighted key points and product visuals
- Shares brand history and company culture in an engaging timeline
Mixed-media animation offers the most versatility and dynamic video styles. These are great for your flagship & promotional videos.
How Levitate Media Can Help with 2D Animation Projects
At Levitate Media, we work with businesses across industries to create custom animated content that actually delivers. Whether you need an explainer video, internal training, or a full-scale campaign, our team can help you choose the right animation style and build a story that resonates.
We’re more than just an animation studio. We’re a strategic partner that builds with purpose.
Check out our animation portfolio to see how we’ve brought stories to life for brands just like yours.
Conclusion
In animation, style isn’t just about how things look. It’s about how they communicate.
The right 2D animation style helps you connect with your audience, clarify your message, and bring your story to life in a way that feels both intentional and on-brand.
Whether you're launching a product, educating your team, or building a strategic campaign, 2D animation continues to be one of the most effective storytelling tools out there. Knowing the right styles to work with is the first step toward making content that truly performs.
If you're ready to turn your ideas into motion, Levitate Media is here to help. From creative concepting to final delivery, we’ll guide you through every phase of production with clarity, flexibility, and results in mind.
Let’s create something your audience will remember.
FAQs About 2D Animation Styles
How is 2D animation different from 3D animation?
2D animation takes place in a flat, two-dimensional space, focusing on height and width. 3D animation, on the other hand, adds depth and volume, creating more realistic visuals. Both have their strengths, but 2D is often faster, easier to produce, and more cost-effective—especially for explainer videos or digital content.
What’s the best 2D animation style for explainer videos?
Vector-based animation and motion graphics are ideal for explainer videos. They're clean, easy to follow, and perfect for simplifying complex ideas. These animation styles also adapt well to different platforms, from websites to presentations and social media.
How long does a 2D animation video take to make?
It depends on the animation style, length, and complexity of the content. A short motion graphics explainer might take two to four weeks. A frame-by-frame hand-drawn or rotoscope animation project usually takes longer. Working with an experienced animation studio can help streamline the process and keep things on track.
Can you combine different 2D animation styles in one video?
Absolutely. Many brands use a hybrid approach, mixing different types of animation styles—like typography, cut-out, or animated overlays on live-action footage. This approach keeps content dynamic and visually engaging while helping your message stand out.
