The 6 Most Popular Animation Styles
​
Screencasts
Screencasts are ideally suited to explainer videos, since they show the audience specific instructions on how to use something with actually images taken from the product. Screencasts work well for videos that are heavy on the tech or have detailed instructions, such as displaying new apps, or products that can be assembled or modified. These tend to be the cheapest option, but aren’t always as engaging as other forms of animation.
​
Whiteboard
Whiteboard videos are ubiquitous, and with good reason. Because they are usually done in black and white and involve only text and simple illustrations, they are simple to make, and allow you to easily distill complex topics into simple images. Because the viewer is watching the information appear in real time, there is a sense of transparency, and increased engagement — viewers want to pay attention to see what happens next.
​
Typography
While essentially another form of text, when combined with the right fonts, colors, music, and graphics, typography can be a powerful way to evoke emotions, emphasize important points, and spur your audience to action. Typographic animation works well in videos that tell a story, as the right words at the right time can drive home key points.
Motion Graphics
Taking typography and whiteboards to the next level, motion graphics bring text and graphic images to life. For instance, you might use motion graphics to explain how your product works, or to demonstrate a process. These are ideally suited for explaining complex products or processes, as they require you to distill the information into simple graphics, but still allow you to focus on details that might otherwise get lost. Because you can customize the fonts, colors, and illustrations in motion graphics, you have endless possibilities for the overall look and feel of the video.
Stop motion animation can take a number of forms — cut outs, drawings, stick figures, clay, puppets, etc. — but the effect is the same: it may feel a bit low tech, but’s often fun and attention-getting. Stop motion is created by setting up a scene, taking a picture, then moving an element and taking another picture, until you’ve captured the entire process you want to explain. Stop motion is one of the more time-consuming forms of animation, and it’s not always possible to make changes on the fly. It also has the potential to be a little less engaging than other forms of animation, especially if you stick to simple black and white drawings.
Cartoons
Again, cartoons tend to be what most of us think of when we think of animation. 2D and 3D animation are ideal for telling stories and explaining complex concepts, and allow for a wide range of styles. Depending on how complicated your concept is, cartoons can lead to long production times.
​
