In today’s fast-moving digital world, brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage their audiences, communicate their messages effectively, and stand out from the competition.
Animation in business has emerged as a common tool to achieve these goals. From marketing and training to internal communications and customer engagement, animation offers a dynamic, versatile, and visually appealing way to convey complex information and enhance brand storytelling.
Let’s take a quick look at 9 ways animation is used in business.
1. Marketing and Advertising
One of the most popular uses of animation in business is for marketing and advertising purposes. Animated videos help brands showcase their products or services in a visually compelling and easy-to-understand manner. Whether it’s through explainer videos, social media content, or animated ads, businesses can leverage animation to:
- Simplify complex concepts
- Capture audience attention with engaging visuals
- Improve brand recall through memorable storytelling
- Increase conversion rates by presenting value propositions clearly
- Enhance engagement on websites and social media platforms
Watch: a recent Gisteo marketing video for BoomBox, digital marketing platform
2. Explainer Videos
Explainer videos are a staple in the business world, particularly for startups and tech companies. These short, engaging videos use animation to break down complicated ideas and highlight key benefits in a concise and visually appealing way. Businesses hire production companies like Gisteo and use explainer videos for:
- Introducing new products or services
- Clarifying processes and solutions
- Enhancing website engagement
- Supporting sales pitches and presentations
Watch: one of our many explainer video productions at Gisteo, this one for a Canadian-based healthcare organization
3. Training and E-Learning
Training employees and educating customers can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex topics. Animation makes training more engaging and effective by using visuals to reinforce learning. Businesses use animated content for:
- Employee onboarding
- Compliance and safety training
- Product usage tutorials
- Continuing education programs
Animation helps learners retain information better by presenting content in a visually digestible format that can be revisited as needed.
Watch: an Gisteo-produced onboarding video for new student chapters at SPIE
4. Internal Communications
Keeping employees informed and engaged is crucial for any business. Animated videos can be used to make internal communications more engaging and easier to understand. Examples include:
- Company updates and announcements
- Policy changes and procedural guides
- Corporate culture and values reinforcement
- Performance reports and business goals
Using animation for internal communications helps ensure messages are conveyed consistently across the organization, improving overall understanding and morale.
Watch: an “elevator pitch” training video for LMU students, staff and alumni. Produced by Gisteo.
5. Customer Support and FAQs
Customers often prefer visual content over lengthy text explanations when seeking help. Businesses are increasingly using animated videos to address frequently asked questions and provide self-service support. These videos can:
- Demonstrate product features and troubleshooting steps
- Provide how-to guides for common issues
- Enhance user experience and reduce support costs
- Improve customer satisfaction and loyalty
Watch: a FAQs video for new members at Broadway SF, a theater in San Francisco. Produced by Gisteo.
6. Social Media Engagement
Social media is a crowded space, and businesses need to create eye-catching content to stand out. Animated posts and stories perform exceptionally well, as they are more likely to capture attention and encourage shares. Animation is commonly used on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok to:
- Promote special offers and campaigns
- Celebrate milestones and achievements
- Share customer testimonials and case studies
- Create viral content through humor and creativity
Watch: a social media video for a lawn service company. Produced by Gisteo.
7. Investor and Stakeholder Presentations
When pitching to investors or stakeholders, businesses need to present their ideas clearly and persuasively. Animated presentations help visualize data, illustrate market potential, and explain business models effectively. This can include:
- Animated infographics to simplify data
- Visual storytelling to support business plans
- Interactive elements for better engagement
- Highlighting key financial performance metrics
Watch: an investor pitch video for a renewable energy solution
8. Brand Storytelling
Every brand has a story to tell, and animation allows businesses to bring their narratives to life in a compelling way. Animated storytelling helps to:
- Humanize the brand
- Establish emotional connections with the audience
- Differentiate from competitors
- Reinforce brand values and mission
Watch: Gisteo produced brand manifesto for Treasure Data
9. Product Demonstrations
For businesses with complex products, especially in the tech and manufacturing industries, animated demonstrations offer an effective way to showcase functionality and benefits. These videos help customers understand how products work, what makes them unique, and why they should choose them over competitors.
Watch: Gisteo produced demo for Jackpot.com (lottery app) and 7Eleven employees
FAQs About Animation in Business
1. Why should businesses invest in animation?
Animation enhances communication, boosts engagement, and simplifies complex concepts, making it easier for businesses to connect with their audiences effectively.
2. How much does it cost to create an animated business video?
The cost varies depending on factors such as animation style, length, and complexity. At Gisteo, we keep it simple with straightforward, transparent pricing.
3. What types of businesses can benefit from animation?
Virtually any business can benefit from animation, including startups, tech companies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and so many more.
4. How long should an animated business video be?
The ideal length depends on the purpose and platform, but generally, explainer videos perform best when kept between 60 to 90 seconds. Training and education videos with a captive internal audience can be longer.
5. What are the different types of animation used in business?
Common types include 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, whiteboard animation and kinetic typography animation.
6. How can animation improve brand awareness?
Animation helps create memorable visuals and consistent branding that enhances recognition and recall among target audiences.
Conclusion
So I hope the answer to the question “how is animation used in business?” has been made clear in this article. Animation is no longer just for entertainment; it’s an essential tool that enhances communication, marketing, and engagement strategies for businesses of all types. Whether you’re looking to explain your product, train your team, or captivate your audience on social media, animation provides endless possibilities for businesses to connect with their target audiences in meaningful ways.
If you’re considering adding animation to your business strategy, Gisteo can help bring your ideas to life with compelling, effective, and budget-friendly videos tailored to your needs.
Contact us or schedule a free consultation to discuss a project.
