Rebranding with animations

When should you opt for rebranding, and where does animation fit in?

You opt for rebranding when you have a new strategy, merger, international growth, an outdated image, or when your brand no longer fits your proposition. Animation reinforces every moment in this process. Use teasers to build curiosity, a brand launch video to introduce your new brand identity, and explanatory animations to explain changes. After the launch, short formats for social media and micro-animations on your website accelerate recognition and conversion. Internally, animations help with onboarding, training, and explaining new brand guidelines so that everyone works consistently with the brand. Read more in Moving branding: how to use animation effectively.

Applications of animation during rebranding

Introducing your new brand identity

Summarize your brand story concisely in a powerful brand movie to launch your new brand. Incorporate your name, logo, color scheme, typography, and tone of voice in a recognizable motion language. Think of animated intros and hero sections on your website, social cutdowns, and short bumpers for presentations. By maintaining the same animation style and tempo, you make the new identity instantly recognizable and scalable across all channels. See, for example, our case study: brand journey with animation.

Making changes understandable

Explanatory animations make the reasoning behind your rebranding concrete. In a few scenes, you show what is changing, what is staying the same, and what value customers can expect. For employees, you translate your strategy, brand values, and practical dos and don'ts into clear visuals. This reduces resistance, accelerates adoption, and ensures that everyone sees the right examples and cases to work consistently themselves. All of this can be embedded in motion graphics for a consistent brand experience, so that your message remains recognizable everywhere.

Logo animation as a recognizable anchor

A logo animation gives your brand its own rhythm and character. Use a short version as an intro and outro for videos and as a micro-interaction in your UI. Make sure you have variants for square, landscape, and portrait formats ready for your website, social media, and advertising. Consistent movement and timing ensure faster brand recognition and a more professional look at every touchpoint.

Approach: how to tackle rebranding with animation

Start with a joint intake session on brand strategy, target audience, core message, and brand assets. Then develop a concept and script that clearly articulates your brand promise. In the style phase, you translate brand guidelines into motion principles such as tempo, transitions, and typography in motion. With a storyboard and possibly an animatic, you test your storyline and timing at an early stage. This is followed by production in 2D or 3D, including sound design and voice-over. Plan clear feedback rounds and deliver sets for each channel, from website and social media to sales decks and internal onboarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which animation styles work best for rebranding?

That depends on your goal and brand personality. Motion graphics and 2D explanatory animations are clear and scalable. 3D is ideal for product realism and premium experiences. Combinations with live action or UI animations enhance digital touchpoints. Not sure about the style? Read: Choosing the right animation style for your brand.

How do you measure the effect of animation during a rebranding?

Monitor viewing time, retention, CTR, and social engagement per format. Look at branded search, direct traffic, and brand recognition in pre- and post-measurements. A/B test hero sections, thumbnails, and call-to-actions. Internally, measure adoption through enablement and guideline compliance.

How long does it take to create a rebranding animation?

Depending on scope, style, and feedback rounds, this can take anywhere from a few weeks to several weeks. A streamlined process with a clear script, timely feedback, and reusable templates speeds up delivery for all channels.