What is an animated video?

What exactly does animated video mean?

An animated video is a series of still images that are played in sequence to create the illusion of movement. Instead of live action with actors, you work with drawn or digitally constructed elements. These can be 2D, 3D, or motion graphics, often combined with voice-over, music, and sound design. This flexibility allows you to visualize abstract processes, products, or instructions step by step. That's why animation is often used in explanatory videos, corporate animations, or product demos on websites, social media, and in sales presentations. Would you like an overview of the different types of animation? Take a look at the types of animation. Want to know more about the role of voice work? Read all about voice-overs for animated videos.

Main types of animation

• 2D animation - Flat, graphic style with illustrations and typography. Ideal for explanatory videos, process visualizations, and brand stories with a recognizable corporate identity.
• 3D animation - Realistic depth and material rendering. Perfect for product visualizations, technical animations, and architecture where details and perspective are important.
• Motion graphics - Moving graphic elements such as icons, shapes, and text. Suitable for short social content, titles, data presentations, and brand bumpers.
• Stop-motion - Frame-by-frame movement using real objects or clay. Characterful and tactile, often used for campaigns that stand out for their artisanal look.

Variants such as whiteboard animation and explanimation fall under 2D and motion graphics and are often used for crystal-clear instructions or onboarding.

Are you unsure whether to choose 2D or 3D? Consider your goal, target audience, and budget to determine what is right for you.

Not sure which style best suits your goal and target audience? Determine what works based on complexity, turnaround time, and brand identity.

Why use an animated video?

• Complex ideas made clear - Visualizations make abstract technology, processes, or data understandable in seconds.
• Brand consistency - You monitor style, colors, and tone of voice in every frame.
• Cost-effective - No sets, actors, or locations. Quickly adaptable for updates or new markets.
• Cross-border - With icons, subtitles, and voice-overs, you can easily scale across languages and channels.
• Platform-first - Tailor the format and length to social, paid, and web for maximum impact.

Curious about the budget and pricing structure? How much does an animated video cost?

Are you unsure about the ideal playback time per channel? How long should an animated video be?

What does the production process look like?

• Briefing - Focus on the objective, target audience, and key message.
• Script - Clear storyline with call-to-action and timing.
• Storyboard - Shot-by-shot visualization of scenes and transitions.
• Style frames - Sample frames in final style and color scheme.
• Animatic - Rough timing with voice-over to validate rhythm and length.
• Animation and audio - Development of movement, sound design, and music.
• Revisions and delivery - Feedback rounds and exports for web, social media, and events.

Want to see the entire process step by step? Animation video step-by-step plan: from idea to delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of an animated video?

An animated video is a moving image composed of successive still frames that are digitally animated and often combined with audio for explanation or storytelling.

What is included in animation?

Animation includes 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, stop-motion, and variants such as whiteboard animation and explanimation.

What are the 4 types of animation?

Commonly used categories include 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, and stop-motion.

What does an animated film mean?

An animated film is a longer production in which the story is told entirely through animated images, ranging from short shorts to feature films.

For inspiration: watch animation video examples.

Want to explain your story in a simple and visually compelling way? Animation Agency Eindhoven and Amsterdam creates 2D, 3D, and technical animations that get your message across. Contact us for honest advice and customized solutions.