Getting noticed online is tough. Feeds move fast, people scroll even faster, and most ads barely get a glance.
That’s why more brands are turning to animation advertising. Animated ads and animated commercials grab attention with dynamic visuals, color, and storytelling that make people pause and pay attention.
A good animated video ad doesn’t just look sharp. It helps explain complex ideas in a clear, visual way while keeping your audience engaged. From fun 2D character spots to sleek motion graphics, these videos make messages easy to understand and hard to forget.
In this post, we’ll show you why they work, share real animated ad examples that got results, and help you see how animation can strengthen your next marketing campaign. Let’s get started.
What is Animation Advertising?
Animation ads are exactly what it sounds like, using animated advertising videos and character animation to promote a product, service, or idea.
Instead of filming actors or sets, they rely on design, motion graphics, and storytelling. Think motion graphics, 2D characters, or even 3D product demos. The animation style depends on the message, but the goal stays the same: grab attention and make it stick.
You’ve probably seen these ads everywhere:
- A quick explainer video on a homepage
- A looping banner on Instagram
- A short animated video ad before a YouTube video
Animation in advertising works across formats, platforms, and devices, making it one of the most visually stunning animated ad formats available.
Compared to traditional video, animated ads are:
- Easier to update
- Easier to scale
- Easier to control creatively
You don’t need a set, camera crew, or perfect lighting. You just need a message and a plan.
That’s why more brands are leaning into animation. It’s clear, engaging, and often more memorable than live-action content, especially when you only have a few seconds to make an impression.
Levitate Tip: Animation gives businesses control over every detail, from color to movement, so your brand visuals always stay consistent.
Why Brands Use Animated Ads
More companies are shifting from traditional ads to animation, and for good reason.
According to Wyzowl’s 2025 State of Video Marketing Report, 87% of marketers say video helps them drive better results, and many are now using animated ads and animation advertisements as part of that strategy.
- Cost-Effective
Live-action is expensive. Animation skips the gear, locations, and actors, delivering high-quality results without the overhead. - Easy to Update
Need to tweak a line or product detail? No reshoots just update the file and re-export. - Stronger Storytelling
With animation, you’re not limited by reality. You can visualize anything data, ideas, even flying pigs. - Universal Appeal
Animation works across languages, ages, and markets. It’s ideal for global reach without heavy localization.
When you combine all of this with faster production and strong results, it’s easy to see why animation in advertising is becoming the go-to choice for marketers today.
Are Animated Ads Effective
Absolutely. The results speak for themselves.
They do more than grab attention, they use engaging visuals, sound design, and storytelling to deliver measurable results. They increase engagement, improve brand recall, and boost conversions across every platform.
According to HubSpot’s 2025 Video Marketing Trends, 71% of marketers say short-form video delivers the highest ROI across social platforms. Animating your ad gives you the best of both worlds: bite-sized storytelling + eye-catching motion = content that sticks (and converts).
Animated ads consistently outperform static ads and live-action clips, especially when designed with smooth transitions and clear sound effects. Animation brings those elements together in a way that keeps your audience watching and helps them remember what they’ve seen.
It also makes complex ideas simple. When viewers understand your brand message faster, they’re more likely to take action. That’s why more businesses are using animated ads for campaigns that require both clarity and impact.
Levitate Tip: Animation doesn’t just capture attention, it builds trust by turning creative ideas into visuals your audience can instantly understand.
Metrics That Matter
Here’s where animation really proves its value.
Click-Through Rates (CTR)
Animated ads consistently outperform static visuals and live-action clips. According to HubSpot’s 2025 Video Marketing Trends, video ads on social media platforms can boost CTR by up to 35%, especially when animation is used to highlight key messages or product features.
Engagement and Brand Recall
Viewers tend to stay longer with animated videos because they’re easier to follow and more visually dynamic. That extra engagement time helps improve brand recall, especially when animation is paired with clear messaging, strong visuals, and consistent branding.
Animation makes information stick. When audiences can see your story play out through movement and color, they’re more likely to remember your brand long after the video ends.
Conversion Rates
Animated explainer or promotional videos can increase conversions by up to 20%, helping audiences move from interest to action faster. Animation simplifies the buying journey by showing how a product or service solves a problem in real time.
When Animation Outperforms Live Action
There are plenty of times when animation simply performs better than live-action video.
If you’re marketing a tech product, SaaS platform, or financial service, animation helps simplify ideas that might otherwise feel complex. It can visualize a process, turn data into motion, or show an entire customer journey without ever filming a thing.
For healthcare and medical brands, animated ads are ideal for explaining treatments or product benefits in a way that’s both accurate and easy to understand. Educational content and training videos also benefit from animation because they keep viewers engaged while breaking down difficult information step by step.
Animated content is also easier to adapt for global audiences. It can be localized quickly and affordably without reshoots or heavy post-production.
Why Do Animated Video Ads Hit Harder?
Great animation doesn’t just attract attention. It holds it.
Animated ads connect because they blend movement, background music, color, and rhythm to keep viewers engaged and help them remember what they see. When those elements work together, your ad becomes an experience, not just another video.
Color can shape emotion. Warm tones create excitement, while cool hues build calm and trust. Combined with motion and sound effects, these dynamic visuals influence how people feel about your brand long after the entire video ends.
Animation also improves recall. Storytelling, movement, and sound give your message more ways to connect. That’s why animated video ads stay in people’s minds longer than static visuals or live-action clips.
In short, animation shows what your brand does and helps people feel it. That’s what turns attention into trust.
Key Elements That Make Animated Ads Work
Not every animated ad hits the mark. The most effective animated ads ones are built on strategy, clarity, and strong creative choices.
Here are the four key effective elements:
1. A Strong Script and Message
Animation might be the format, but every single commercial video succeeds when the story drives it. A focused script keeps viewers engaged and guides them toward one goal: whether that’s to buy, learn, or remember.
The strongest scripts use emotion to connect, using humor, empathy, or surprise to make the message more memorable.
2. The Right Visual Style
How your ad looks can shape how your brand feels.
Choose an animation style that matches your tone and audience:
- 2D animation feels friendly and approachable.
- 3D animation delivers a polished, immersive look.
- Motion graphics keep things clean and professional.
The visuals don’t need to be complex. They just need to reflect your brand identity and fit your story.
3. Voiceover and Sound Design
Sound brings visuals to life. A clear voiceover gives the message personality, while music and effects set the mood. Even short animated video ads benefit from thoughtful sound design that keeps audience attention and supports the pacing.
4. Smart Distribution
The best creative work won’t perform if no one sees it.
Once your video is ready, placement matters. Think about where your audience actually consumes content and tailor distribution accordingly.
Animated content performs especially well on:
- Social media feeds
- YouTube pre-rolls
- Landing pages
- Email campaigns
Matching your message to the right channel helps your video reach the people who need it most.
How Animation Fits into a Modern Advertising Strategy
Animation isn’t just for commercials or product explainers. It’s a flexible content format that works across every stage of your marketing funnel, from first impressions to customer conversions.
Here’s how animation supports a complete video strategy:
Top of Funnel (Awareness)
At this stage, the goal is to grab attention fast. Short, scroll-stopping animated video ads work best here. They highlight your brand in seconds and encourage viewers to learn more.
Ideal formats: promotional videos, brand animations, and short social clips.
Middle of Funnel (Consideration)
Once people know who you are, animation helps them understand what you offer. Explainer videos and motion graphics simplify complex topics, showing how your product or service solves real problems.
This is where clarity builds trust and interest.
Bottom of Funnel (Decision)
When it’s time to make a decision, clarity and confidence matter most. Product demo videos and animated testimonials show results, highlight features, and remove uncertainty. They turn viewers into buyers by reinforcing value through strong visuals and storytelling.
When to Choose Animation Over Live Action
Animation isn’t always the right fit, but in many cases, it’s the smarter choice.
Use animation advertising when:
- You need to explain something complex
- You want complete control over the visuals
- You’re working with a tight budget or timeline
- You need a consistent message across multiple platforms
It’s especially effective for:
- SaaS and tech companies
- Startups and growing brands
- Financial and healthcare services
- Educational or product-led businesses
The key is knowing what you’re trying to communicate, and choosing the format that helps you do it best.
How Much Does an Animated Ad Cost?
One of the first questions businesses ask about animation ads is how much it costs. The answer depends on your goals, timeline, and how complex the project needs to be.
Pricing for animated commercial videos typically ranges from $3,000 to $50,000+, depending on the animation style, video length, and level of customization.
A 30-second 2D explainer is going to cost a lot less than a 90-second 3D ad with custom characters and voiceover. But to give you a general idea, here’s a basic pricing breakdown:
2D Animation Videos
These are the most budget-friendly and versatile. Ideal for:
- Explainers
- Onboarding content
- Social media ads
Starting at: $3,000–$7,000
3D Animation Videos
These offer more depth, realism, and polish. Great for:
- Product demos
- Premium campaigns
- Immersive storytelling
Starting at: $8,000+
See our 3D animation examples
Motion Graphics & Explainer Videos
Clean, professional, and ideal for:
- Tech and SaaS content
- Finance and healthcare
- Educational topics
Starting at: $4,000–$6,000
What’s Included in an Animation Project?
Every animation project includes:
- Scriptwriting
- Storyboarding
- Voiceover
- Design and animation
- Feedback rounds and final delivery
You can also adjust scope, length, and style to fit your marketing goals.
Want a quick estimate? Use our Video Pricing Calculator to get a customized range for your next animated ad.
Conclusion
Animation advertising isn’t just about creating eye-catching visuals. It’s about clarity, connection, and results. Animated ads help brands stand out, simplify ideas, and keep audiences engaged from start to finish.
From short social clips to detailed explainers, animation is flexible, scalable, and consistently outperforms static or live-action formats. It’s the perfect tool for brands that want to blend clarity with creativity and leave a lasting impression.
How Levitate Media Helps Brands Create Animated Ads That Work
At Levitate Media, we don’t just create animated videos, we craft animated ads that drive real business results.
From script to final frame, our team blends strategy, creativity, and storytelling to deliver videos that perform. Whether you need a bold commercial, a clear explainer, or a polished product video, we make every second count.
We’ve helped businesses across industries:
- Increase engagement
- Simplify complex products or services
- Strengthen brand recall
What sets us apart is versatility. Our in-house team handles everything: scripting, design, animation, and voiceover for consistent quality and faster turnaround.
If you’re ready to turn your story into a scroll-stopping animated ad, let’s make it happen.
FAQs
Can animation be combined with live-action footage?
Absolutely. Many brands mix animation with live-action to highlight features, data, or explain complex concepts visually. This hybrid style is great for tech demos, commercials, and brand storytelling, and it helps your video stand out across multiple platforms.
How long should an animated ad be?
Most animated ads perform best between 15 and 60 seconds, depending on the platform. Shorter videos work great for social media, while slightly longer spots are ideal for explainers or product overviews. The key is to keep it focused, clear, and visually engaging.
Are animated ads cheaper than live action?
In most cases, yes. Animation skips the cost of on-site filming, gear, and location rentals. Once created, it’s also easy to modify or re-export for future use. For details on pricing and production options, check out our 2D Animation Services and 3D Animation Services.
What industries use animation the most?
Animation ad is used across nearly every sector, but it’s especially popular in tech, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and education. See examples in our Marketing Video Production Services.
How do I get started with an animated video for my brand?
Start by defining your goal, audience, and key message. Then choose an experienced video production partner who can bring your story to life through motion, color, and sound.
Levitate Media helps businesses turn their ideas into visuals that connect. If you’re ready to elevate your brand with animation, let’s make it happen.
Insights from
