Video Content

12 Best 2D Animation Examples For Creative Brands (2024)

Laura Chaves
October 31, 2023

The State of Video in 2024

Marketing is all about grabbing your target audience’s attention and keeping them engaged. One powerful tool to achieve this is animation.

By incorporating animation into your content, you can make it more exciting, eye-catching, and memorable. Among the various types of animation, 2D animation has a timeless quality that appeals to both young and old viewers.

2D animation, also known as two-dimensional animation, involves creating the illusion of movement by manipulating flat images on a two-dimensional plane.

In this blog post, we’ll showcase ten remarkable examples of 2D animation that captivate audiences and inspire marketing efforts.

If you’re ready to discover the power of animation for your brand, you can get a pricing estimate in seconds with our Vidifit quiz.

Content

    Top 12 2D animation examples worth watching

    1. Vidico x Spotify – Advertising Academy

    Average Pricing: Starts at $5000

    Target Industries: SaaS, Audio Streaming

    Collaborated With: Spotify, Airtable, Linode

    What Makes It Stand Out: The strategic partnership between Vidico [1], an award-winning 2D animation video production company, and Spotify lends credibility to the Academy’s mission.

    The 2D animation video effectively targets its intended audience, which comprises individuals and entities interested in digital audio advertising, highlighting the program’s educational aspect.

    Leveraging the power of 2D animation, the video explains and simplifies complex concepts related to digital audio advertising, making them accessible to a broad audience.

    Through vibrant visuals, storytelling elements, and clear narration, it is one of the best 2D animation examples with engaging content, ensuring that it is informative and enjoyable.

    2. Vidico x Linode – Cloud Computing

    Average Pricing: Starts at $5000

    Target Industries: Cloud Computing, Tech

    Collaborated With: Spotify, Airtable, Linode

    What Makes It Stand Out: This project is the collaboration between Linode and the creative team of Vidico to produce a high-quality animated explainer video.

    Linode’s mission to accelerate innovation by simplifying and democratizing cloud computing is a significant undertaking, and the explainer video plays a crucial role in conveying this story effectively.

    Unlike other 2D animation examples, the explainer video likely employs clear and concise storytelling, supported by engaging visuals and 2D animation, to break down these complexities into digestible and understandable components.

    The animation style ensures that viewers can grasp Linode’s value proposition regardless of their familiarity with cloud computing.

    3. Honda “Paper”

    Target Industries: Automobile and Transportation

    Collaborated With: General Public

    What Makes It Stand Out: Honda “Paper” is a great example of 2D animation with its masterful fusion of digital and real-world elements to create an impressive 2D design.

    The Emmy-nominated commercial represents an extraordinary feat of creativity and craftsmanship, involving dozens of animators and illustrators who painstakingly created thousands of original drawings over four months.

    What sets this project apart is its commitment to crafting every element using animated flip paper compilation and capturing it in camera.

    Unlike other 2D animation examples, this level of dedication and artistry results in a visually stunning and unique 2D animated video.

    4. Down the Rabbit Hole

    Target Industries: Music Festival Promotional

    Collaborated With: Agent Pekka and General Public

    What Makes It Stand Out: The 2D animated video is a remarkable showcase of shape organization and experimental design in the realm of animation.

    It underscores the importance of meticulous pre-planning and organization in an animator’s workflow.

    The sheer complexity of this project is evident in the mesmerizing abstract 2D animation video that bursts with color palette and shape.

    Unlike other 2D animation examples, it is in meticulous shape layer keyframing, which is no small feat. Given the abstract and intricate nature of the 2D animated video, the multidisciplinary approach to 2D design was great.

    5. MailChimp: Introducing Facebook Ads

    Target Industries: Social Media, Paid Media, Email Marketing, E-Commerce

    Collaborated With: Canva, Shopify

    What Makes It Stand Out: Creating a startup animated video often requires a powerful marketing tool, and few options are as effective as a 2D animated explainer video.

    These 2D animated videos uniquely explain complex concepts and engage viewers, making them ideal for startups looking to convey their message.

    In the case of well-established companies like MailChimp and Facebook, their use of 2D explainer videos shifts the focus away from introducing themselves to new customers.

    The visual storytelling in these explainer videos is a testament to the importance of creative branding, ensuring that the message is effectively communicated and leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

    6. HubSpot: What is the Hubspot CMS

    Target Industries: Marketing, Sales, Service

    Collaborated With: WWF, Ebay, Kelly

    What Makes It Stand Out: The HubSpot CMS 2D explainer video is a standout example of how animation [2] can engage audiences effectively from an animation and marketing perspective.

    Contrary to other 2D animation examples, the animation style of the video is characterized by its fun and playful nature, creating an immediate positive association with the brand and product.

    This visual allure is a key hook that draws viewers into the animation video or stop motion and keeps them engaged.

    The animated video and stop motion excel in the clarity and conciseness with which it conveys the key features and benefits of HubSpot CMS.

    The script of the animated video is well-written, ensuring that even viewers with varying levels of experience can easily comprehend the story.

    7. CMYK

    Target Industries: Established Enterprise, Customer Service

    Collaborated With: Undisclosed

    What Makes It Stand Out: The CMYK animation serves as a compelling demonstration of how even subtle movement can infuse a wealth of personality into 2D animated characters.

    This animation’s ability to breathe life into characters that might initially appear rigid or devoid of emotion makes it remarkable.

    By introducing the most minimal movements, the animators evoke a sense of personality and depth that captivates the audience.

    It is a potent reminder that even the slightest nuances in movement, expression, or gesture can go a long way in conveying an animated character’s inner thoughts and feelings.

    8. Slack – Work, Simplified

    Target Industries: Engineering, IT, Customer Service

    Collaborated With: Airbnb, Uber, NASA

    What Makes It Stand Out: The 2D animated video created for Slack is a remarkable marketing tool that provides solutions to its target audience from both animation and marketing perspectives.

    From an animation standpoint, it is an impactful work that unfolds in a two-dimensional space, effectively illustrating the intricacies of the software.

    The animated videos are visually engaging, offering viewers a clear and detailed glimpse into the app’s functionality and benefits.

    Its ability to educate, inform, and foster a sense of belonging makes it invaluable in promoting the Slack messaging software to a broad and diverse audience.

    9. Google Cloud – Navigating AI

    Target Industries: Tech, Digital Marketing

    Collaborated With: General Public

    What Makes It Stand Out: The Google Cloud “Navigating AI” stop motion video is a shining example of how visuals and motion graphics can effectively convey complex ideas, educating and entertaining audiences without needing voiceovers.

    In less than a minute, this motion video manages to distill and explain the intricacies of how the Google Cloud platform operates, using stunning designs and illustrations.

    By relying solely on 2D motion graphics, it achieves a remarkable feat in visual storytelling, ensuring that viewers grasp the key concepts surrounding AI clearly and engagingly.

    The visuals and graphics employed in the motion video seamlessly complement the narrative, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the advantages of Google Cloud’s AI capabilities.

    10. McDonald’s – Drive Thru Car Free Day

    Target Industries: Food, Technology, Environment

    Collaborated With: General Public

    What Makes It Stand Out: The McDonald’s “Drive Thru Car Free Day” video is a prime example of stylish 2D animation that impacts the McDonald’s brand.

    Its bright colors and simple yet charming animated character designs make it relatable and engaging for audiences of all ages.

    The playful and imaginative array of transportation options depicted in the video, from giant elephants (characters) to bicycles, embodies the spirit of the event and showcases McDonald’s as an inclusive and eco-conscious brand.

    11. Deloitte – Future of Mobility

    Target Industries: Consumer, Financial, IT

    Collaborated With: Confidential

    What Makes It Stand Out: The “DELOITTE: Future of Mobility” app, designed for mobility managers, payment providers, and city planners, represents a great example of 2D animation.

    It is a great example of an artful blend of stop motion, 2D, and 3D animation. While the environment is crafted in 2D and 2.5D, the final presentation creates the illusion of a 3D space, adding depth and immersion to the viewer’s experience.

    The transitions of the videos between these dimensions are executed seamlessly, contributing to a comprehensive and beautiful case study.

    The futuristic theme, combined with sophisticated animation techniques like ‘toon shading,’ engages the audience and inspires them to envision a more advanced future.

    12. Etsy Plus

    Target Industries: E-Commerce, Home Living, Lifestyle

    Collaborated With: General Public

    What Makes It Stand Out: The introduction of Etsy’s latest service, Etsy Plus, is a prime example of the effective use of 2D animation in conveying valuable information and captivating audiences [3].

    Etsy Plus is designed to enhance the selling experience for its users while significantly boosting their sales, and this animated video effectively communicates its critical features with style and flair.

    Textures add depth and richness to the transitions, creating a visually engaging narrative.

    The animated objects and animated characters, skillfully crafted by the animation studio, complemented the storytelling and added charm and personality to the presentation.

    Moreover, the well-delivered voiceover guides the audience through the video, ensuring that viewers stay on track and absorb the information effectively.

    Benefits of 2D Animation For Your Business

    • Cost-Effective: 2D animation is generally more budget-friendly than hand-drawn and 3D animation, making it a cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes [4].
    • Versatility: 2D animations can be used across various platforms, including websites, social media, presentations, and more, providing versatility in marketing efforts. However, the animator’s timeline should be considered.
    • Engaging Storytelling: The examples of 2D animation mentioned above are excellent for storytelling, helping businesses engage and connect with their audience on an emotional level (as seen in the South Park series).
    • Brand Consistency: Unlike hand-drawn characters, 2D animations can incorporate brand elements, colors, and styles consistently, reinforcing brand identity and recognition.
    • Explaining Complex Concepts: 2D animations simplify complex ideas, making them easier for customers to understand, which is particularly useful for tech companies or those offering intricate products or services.

    Why choose Vidico

    Outstanding quality

    Vidico is a creative video production company committed to delivering outstanding quality in every project. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in the high-quality animation video content and animations we produce.

    Clients can expect visually stunning and engaging animation video that effectively conveys their message and brand.

    From concept to drawing, our animation artists will keep in touch as they create the animation video that suits your marketing goals.

    Expert Team

    Vidico boasts an expert team of professionals skilled in video production and animation.

    Our production team includes experienced creatives, animators, directors, writers for writing scripts, game developers, and more, ensuring that each animation project benefits from a wealth of knowledge and talent.

    You can rely on Vidico’s team to bring their vision to life with creativity and expertise.

    Transparent Pricing

    At Vidico, we offer transparent pricing for animation video, ensuring that clients clearly understand project costs from the outset.

    This transparency helps budget planning and eliminates unexpected expenses, fostering trust and confidence in our partnership.

    Get to know the transparent pricing and the right video type for you in less than 90 seconds with our Vidifit Quiz.

    FAQs

    What is 2D animation known as?

    2D animation, also known as vector-based animation, is a technique that utilizes flat, two-dimensional objects or characters to create the illusion of movement.

    The animation video involves manipulating these vector graphics to generate dynamic sequences. This approach offers flexibility and precision in crafting animations, making it a popular choice for diverse multimedia applications.

    What is the purpose of 2D animation?

    The purpose of 2D animation is to visually convey stories, ideas, and information using two-dimensional graphics.

    It is employed in various contexts, including entertainment, education, marketing, and more, to effectively engage and communicate with audiences.

    2D animation simplifies complex concepts and enhances storytelling through movement and visual appeal.

    Why does 2D animation look better?

    2D animation often appears better due to its simplicity and artistic appeal. You can create characters digitally (can be liquid animation) instead of hand-drawn, allowing for more artistic expression and style.

    The absence of complex 3D modeling lends a timeless charm, making 2D animations relatable and visually pleasing while retaining a unique character.

    Conclusion

    The diverse array of 2D animation examples showcased demonstrates the immense potential of this medium.

    Whether used for branding, marketing, education, or entertainment, 2D animation captivates audiences with its versatility and storytelling capabilities.

    Remember that quality matters if you’re looking to harness the potential of 2D animation for your next project.

    Take the first step by signing up for our Vidifit Quiz so we can provide you with top-notch, visually stunning animations that will leave a lasting impact on your audience.

    References:

    1. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/08/12/2497652/0/en/Video-Production-Company-Vidico-Launch-Rebrand-To-Offer-Their-Customers-Clarity-Precision-And-An-Even-Higher-Level-Of-Communication.html
    2. https://www.britannica.com/art/animation
    3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/02/10/the-rise-of-streaming-unleashing-a-growing-appetite-for-animation-and-diverse-storytelling/?sh=36b453071402
    4. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/business/japan-anime.html
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