Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by an animated commercial, unable to look away? These creative masterpieces have a unique ability to forge connections between brands and viewers, using the magic of animation to tell unforgettable stories.
From hand-drawn masterpieces to cutting-edge CGI wonders, animation commercials have revolutionized the advertising landscape. Animated videos have emerged as a powerful tool for conveying messages, building brand narratives, and engaging audiences. However, selecting the perfect animation style for your project can be challenging. Drawing from our extensive experience crafting animations for industry giants like Millenium Bank, SHARP, Mitshubishi Electric and TESCO, we’ve honed the art of storytelling through animation. If you’re curious about how animation can elevate your industry-specific message, we invite you to explore our diverse portfolio.
Introduction to animated commercials
Animated commercials are a unique and powerful form of advertising that combines the art of storytelling with creative visuals. These dynamic animated ads use various animation techniques to bring products, services, and brand messages to life in ways that capture attention and spark imagination. From simple 2D cartoons to complex 3D renderings, animated commercial videos offer endless possibilities for creating memorable and impactful marketing campaigns.
What sets animated video ads apart is their ability to transcend reality and create worlds that are limited only by the imagination of their creators. This flexibility allows brands to communicate complex ideas, evoke specific emotions, and showcase product features in ways that, let’s be honest😃, live-action commercials simply cannot achieve. Moreover, animated advertising videos have a universal appeal that can bridge cultural and linguistic barriers, making them ideal for global marketing campaigns.
Definition and explanation of animated commercials
Animated commercials are advertisements that use animation techniques to create moving images and tell a story or convey a message about a product, service, or brand. These animated video commercials can range from simple 2D animations to complex 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI), stop motion animation, or a combination of various techniques. Characteristic of animated ads is their ability to bring inanimate objects, characters, or concepts to life through movement and visual storytelling.
Look how we assisted SHARP in introducing their new air purifier to the market. This is an excellent example of how animation can captivate an audience’s attention and spark interest in a subject. Our animated commercial for SHARP demonstrates the power of visual storytelling in effectively communicating product features and benefits, while maintaining viewer engagement throughout the advertisement.
Unlike static ads, animated commercials offer complete control over every aspect of the visual presentation. This allows advertisers to create precise brand representations, showcase product features in unique ways, and even personify abstract concepts. Animation advertising can also be more cost-effective in certain scenarios, especially when depicting scenes or effects that would be expensive or impossible to achieve with live actors and real-world settings.
Brief history of animated commercials
The history of animated commercials is a journey that parallels the evolution of animation itself. The roots of animation ads can be traced back to the early 20th century, with simple animated sequences appearing in movie theaters as early as the 1910s. One of the pioneers in this field was Walt Disney, who created animated ads for companies like Coca-Cola and Nabisco in the 1920s, laying the groundwork for the industry.
Did you know that many advertising professionals point to a completely different brand that first used animated advertising in their advertising efforts? We are talking about Botany Lambs, a clothing company that is often cited as the first company to use animated advertising in 1941 to introduce their Botany Mills necktie collection.
As television became widespread in the 1950s and 1960s, animated commercials truly came into their own. Iconic animated ad characters like Tony the Tiger for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and the Jolly Green Giant for Green Giant vegetables became household names. These early ads often featured catchy jingles and simple, memorable animations that stuck in viewers’ minds long after the commercial ended.
The 1980s and 1990s saw a revolution in animated advertising with the advent of computer animation. Groundbreaking commercials like Pixar’s 1984 ad for Listerine showcased the potential of this new technology. As CGI became more sophisticated, it opened up new possibilities for creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant animated ads.
In recent years, the rise of social media and digital platforms has led to a new golden age of animated commercials. Brands like John Lewis, with their annual Christmas ads, and Chipotle, with their award-winning “Back to the Start” campaign, have shown how animated commercials can go viral and create lasting emotional connections with audiences worldwide.
Importance of animated commercials in advertising
These vibrant and imaginative creations have the power to break through the clutter of everyday advertising, capturing the audience’s attention in ways that static ads or live-action commercials often struggle to achieve. By leveraging the limitless possibilities of animation, brands can create worlds and scenarios that are impossible to replicate in reality, allowing for more creative and impactful storytelling.
Through clever use of visuals, metaphors, and characters, animated ads can explain intricate product features or abstract ideas in a way that’s both entertaining and easy to understand. This makes them particularly effective for industries like technology, finance, or healthcare, where products or services may be difficult to showcase or explain using traditional advertising methods.
Why use animated videos as ads?
Animated videos allow you to create engaging, memorable content that stands out from traditional ads. With animation, you can bring abstract concepts to life and explain complex ideas in a simple, visual way that resonates with viewers.
One of the key benefits of animated ads is their versatility. You can adapt the style, tone and messaging to perfectly match your brand identity and target audience. Whether you need a fun, playful animation or a more sophisticated corporate style, animation gives you the flexibility to create exactly the right look and feel.
A dynamic animation showcasing cyber_Folks’ latest e-commerce solution that enables rapid online store deployment. The animation seamlessly blends illustrations and imagery, creating a modern and energetic presentation style that mirrors the minimalist line art aesthetic shown in the reference image.
Animated videos also tend to have a longer shelf life than live action ads. Their timeless quality means they can be used across multiple platforms and campaigns over an extended period, maximizing your return on investment.
A great example of this is our E-commerce Animations, which are still being successfully used by our clients even several years after their presentation. With our experience in creating evergreen animated content, we can help you create films that continue to engage and convert viewers long after their initial release.
Benefits of using animated commercials
Dynamic ads provide unparalleled creative freedom, allowing brands to bring even the most outlandish ideas to life and create truly memorable experiences for their audience. By tapping into the nostalgia and wonder associated with animation, these commercials can forge strong emotional connections with viewers, leading to increased brand loyalty and engagement.
Moreover, animated ads are incredibly versatile and adaptable. They can be easily modified for different markets or platforms, making them cost-effective for global campaigns. Animation also allows for consistent brand representation across various marketing materials, ensuring a cohesive marketing message. Additionally, animated commercials often have a longer shelf life than live-action ads, as they are less likely to appear dated over time.
Improved brand recognition and recall
The unique visual style and characters created for animated ads become strongly associated with the brand, creating instant recognition even with brief exposure. This visual distinctiveness helps brands stand out in a crowded marketplace, making it easier for consumers to remember and identify them among competitors.
The combination of engaging visuals, memorable characters, and catchy jingles or background music in animated commercials creates a multi-sensory experience that is more likely to be retained in long-term memory. This improved recall means that consumers are more likely to think of the brand when making purchasing decisions, even long after they’ve seen the ad. The emotional connections fostered by well-crafted animated commercials can lead to positive brand associations, influencing consumer preferences and loyalty over time.
For example, the anthropomorphic M&M characters have become iconic brand ambassadors. Their distinct personalities and humorous interactions in animated commercials have made the candy brand instantly recognizable.
Enhanced emotional connection with audience
Animated commercials possess a unique ability to forge deep emotional connections with viewers, tapping into the universal language of visual storytelling. By creating charming characters and fantastical worlds, these ads can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and nostalgia to empathy and inspiration. This emotional resonance is crucial in today’s advertising landscape, where consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that align with their values and speak to their hearts.
The flexibility of animation allows advertisers to craft narratives that resonate with specific target audiences, addressing their desires, fears, and aspirations in ways that feel authentic and relatable. Whether it’s a heartwarming tale of friendship, a humorous take on everyday situations, or an inspiring journey of personal growth, animated commercials can create powerful emotional experiences that linger in viewers’ minds long after the ad has ended. This emotional impact increases brand affinity, encourages sharing and word-of-mouth promotion.
Iconic animated Ads
The world of animated commercials is rich with iconic examples that have left an indelible mark on popular culture. These ads have succeeded in promoting products and become beloved pieces of art in their own right. From heartwarming holiday stories to whimsical product demonstrations. These iconic animated ads showcase the incredible potential of animation in advertising.
As we explore some of the most memorable animated commercials, we’ll see how they’ve pushed the boundaries of creativity, storytelling, and emotional engagement. These ads have set new standards for what’s possible in advertising, inspiring countless imitators and raising the bar for the entire industry.
“The Bear and the Hare” (John Lewis)
John Lewis’s “The Bear and the Hare“ is a masterpiece of animated storytelling that has become a beloved holiday classic. Released in 2013, this beautifully crafted commercial tells the tale of a bear who has never seen Christmas because he always hibernates through winter. His friend, the hare, comes up with a touching solution to ensure the bear can finally experience the magic of the season.
The ad’s stunning hand-drawn animation, created by a team of talented artists, gives it a timeless, storybook quality that resonates with viewers of all ages. Set to a cover of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” by featured artist Lily Allen, the commercial creates a deeply emotional experience that embodies the spirit of gift-giving and friendship. Its success lies not just in promoting John Lewis’s products, but in creating a heartwarming story that viewers eagerly anticipate each holiday season.
“Happiness Factory” (Coca-Cola)
Coca-Cola’s “Happiness Factory“ is a prime example of how animated commercials can create entire worlds around a product. This imaginative ad takes viewers on a fantastic journey inside a Coca-Cola vending machine, revealing a magical realm where whimsical characters work tirelessly to create the perfect bottle of Coke.
The commercial’s vibrant 3D animation brings to life a colorful cast of characters, from fluffy polar bears to tiny bottle-cap workers, all working in harmony to deliver happiness in the form of a refreshing drink. By anthropomorphizing the production process, Coca-Cola creates an emotional connection between the consumer and the product, reinforcing the brand’s association with joy and wonder. The ad’s success led to several sequels and spin-offs, cementing its place in the pantheon of iconic animated commercials.
“Dumb Ways to Die” (Metro Trains Melbourne)
“Dumb Ways to Die“ is a brilliantly unconventional animated commercial that took the world by storm. Created for Metro Trains Melbourne to promote rail safety, this catchy and darkly humorous ad features adorable cartoon characters meeting their demise in various silly ways, with the message that the dumbest way to die is by being careless around trains.
The ad’s simple yet expressive animation style, combined with its infectiously catchy song, made it an instant viral hit. It garnered millions of views on YouTube and spawned a successful mobile app.
“Get a Mac” (Apple)
Apple’s “Get a Mac” campaign, while primarily live-action, incorporated animated elements that significantly contributed to its iconic status. The commercials personified Mac and PC as human characters but used simple animated transitions and effects to emphasize points and add visual interest.
The clean, minimalist style of the animations perfectly complemented Apple’s brand image, while the humorous interactions between the characters made complex tech comparisons accessible and entertaining. By blending live-action performances with subtle animated elements, Apple created a long-running campaign that was both informative and highly engaging, showcasing how even simple animations can enhance the impact of a commercial.
Storytelling in animated commercials
Storytelling is at the heart of the most memorable animated commercials. Animation provides a unique canvas for storytelling, enabling advertisers to bring even the most fantastical ideas to life and convey complex messages in engaging, easily digestible ways. By crafting stories that resonate with viewers’ experiences, aspirations, or emotions, animated commercials can leave lasting impressions that go far beyond simple product promotion.
Effective storytelling in animated commercials often follows classic narrative structures, with characters facing challenges, undergoing transformations, or embarking on adventures that mirror the viewer’s own experiences or desires. These stories can be told in various animation styles, from heartwarming tales that tug at the heartstrings to humorous anecdotes that make viewers laugh out loud. The key is to create a narrative that feels authentic to the brand while also captivating the audience’s imagination and emotions.
Humor in animated ads
Animation’s inherent ability to exaggerate reality and create absurd situations makes it particularly well-suited for comedic storytelling. By making audiences laugh, brands can lower viewers’ defenses, making them more receptive to the underlying marketing message and creating positive associations with the product or service being advertised.
Here are some examples of brilliantly, funny and best animated video ads:
- “Crispy commercials” – Anthropomorphic M&M characters in comical situations.
- “Play with Oreo” – This animated ad features playful transitions and charming characters in amusing scenarios centered around Oreo cookies.
- Zomato animated commercial – A short, witty 25-second animated ad showcasing the convenience of food delivery with clever visual gags.
- “Red Bull gives You wiiing”s – The long-running series of animated commercials featuring absurd situations where Red Bull literally gives characters wings.
- Cadbury’s “Gorilla” – An unexpectedly talented gorilla drummer.
- Skittles‘ “Touch” – A man with the magical ability to turn everything he touches into Skittles.
Successful humorous animated ads often rely on clever visual gags, witty wordplay, or unexpected twists that surprise and delight viewers. The key is to strike a balance between entertainment and brand messaging, ensuring that the humor enhances rather than overshadows the commercial’s primary purpose. When done right, humorous animated ads can become cultural touchstones, sparking conversations and encouraging sharing across social media platforms.
Product promotion through animated commercials
Through animation, products can be brought to life, demonstrated in impossible scenarios, or presented in visually stunning contexts that capture the audience’s attention. This approach is particularly effective for products that are difficult to film in live-action or for explaining complex features and benefits.
See an example of animation 3D, that brings products to life, presenting them in an extraordinary way. A consistent graphic style builds brand recognition. Creative visualization of product advantages attracts the attention of recipients.
One of the key advantages of using animated commercials for product promotion is the ability to create a consistent brand image across various marketing materials. By developing a distinctive animation style that aligns with the brand’s identity, companies can ensure that their products are presented in a cohesive and memorable way across all advertising channels. This consistency helps reinforce brand recognition and recall among consumers.
Emotional storytelling in animated commercials
By crafting narratives that resonate with viewers on a personal level, ads can evoke strong emotions that lead to lasting brand loyalty and increased engagement. Animation’s unique ability to create fantastical worlds and characters allows advertisers to tell stories that might be impossible or prohibitively expensive in live-action, opening up new avenues for emotional impact.
The most effective emotionally-driven animated commercials often focus on universal themes such as love, family, friendship, and personal growth. By tapping into these shared human experiences, brands can create ads that feel authentic and relatable, even when set in imaginative or surreal contexts. The key to success lies in striking a balance between emotional resonance and brand messaging, ensuring that the story serves to enhance rather than overshadow the product or service being promoted.
Check out some of our favorites and examples of animated videos that tell stories.
“Be together. Not the same” (Android)
Android’s “Be together. Not the same” campaign is a masterclass in emotional storytelling through animation. The ad features various unlikely animal friendships, symbolizing the diversity of Android users and devices. Set to touching cinematic music, the commercial celebrates individuality while emphasizing the connective power of technology.
“Monty the penguin” (John Lewis)
Another John Lewis Christmas classic, “Monty the penguin”, uses CGI animation to bring a child’s imagination to life. The story of a boy and his penguin friend searching for love tugs at the heartstrings while cleverly promoting the store’s holiday offerings. The ad’s thoughtful sound design and emotive background music enhance the emotional impact of this animated commercial video.
“The last game” (Nike)
Nike’s “The last game” is an ambitious animated short film that tells the story of soccer players fighting to save the soul of the game from a villainous corporation. The high-quality 3D animation and compelling narrative create an emotional rollercoaster that celebrates the passion and creativity of sports, aligning perfectly with Nike’s brand values. This awesome animated ad showcases how animation can be used to create epic, cinematic experiences in advertising.
Creating effective animated ads
Creating effective animated commercials requires a delicate balance of artistry, storytelling, and strategic marketing. The process begins with a clear understanding of the brand’s message and target audience, which informs every aspect of the ad’s creation. Successful animated commercials often start with a strong concept that aligns with the brand’s values and resonates with viewers on an emotional level. This concept is then developed into a storyboard, which serves as a visual blueprint for the entire production process.
See how we create animated ads that leave a lasting impression. We combine artistry with marketing messages to tell a brand story. This film begins with a captivating and energetic opening, designed to grab viewers’ attention within the first 5 seconds.
One of the key factors in creating effective and best animated ads is choosing the right animation style to match the brand’s personality and the commercial’s message. Additionally, attention to detail in character design, background art, and animation quality is crucial in creating a polished final product that captures and holds the audience’s attention.
Tips for creating stunning animated commercials
- Start with a strong, emotionally resonant concept that aligns with your brand values.
- Develop a clear, concise script that communicates your message effectively.
- Choose an animation style that complements your brand identity and target audience.
- Create memorable characters or visual elements that viewers can connect with.
- Use color psychology to evoke specific emotions and reinforce your brand.
- Incorporate thoughtful sound design and cinematic music to enhance the emotional impact.
- Keep the pacing dynamic with smooth transitions to maintain viewer interest.
- Ensure that your brand message is seamlessly integrated into the story.
- Test your ad with focus groups to gather feedback and make improvements.
- Optimize your animated commercial for various platforms and screen sizes.
Importance of clear messaging and branding
No matter how visually stunning or emotionally compelling an ad may be, it must ultimately serve its primary purpose of promoting the brand and conveying a specific message to the audience. Effective animated commercials seamlessly integrate the brand’s identity, values, and unique selling propositions into the narrative and visual elements of the ad, ensuring that viewers make a clear connection between the story and the brand.
Witness a stellar example of brand promotion and effective communication. This animation showcases how AleBilet’s website streamlines ticket transactions. By addressing common pain points and offering solutions, we’ve crafted a compelling narrative that highlights the platform’s benefits and alleviates potential customer concerns.
One of te advantages of animated commercials is their ability to simplify complex ideas and present them in an easily digestible format. This makes clear messaging even more critical, as it allows brands to communicate their value proposition in a way that resonates with viewers and sticks in their memory. By maintaining consistent visual branding elements, such as color schemes, logos, and character designs, throughout the commercial and across multiple campaigns, brands can build strong recognition and recall among their target audience.
Get started with animated commercials for your brand
As you set out to create an animated video as awesome as the inspiration we included above, be sure to consider the elements that separate the best animated ad examples from the rest:
- Create a unified, purposeful tone – Video’s primary benefit over nearly all other forms of media is its ability to create an emotional connection with viewers. Be intentional about selecting your voiceover, animation style, and background music to evoke the right emotion from your audience.
- Tell a compelling story – Video is all about storytelling. Remember not to focus too much on pushing product, and instead tell the story of your brand. This approach will always resonate with your viewers much more than an overly salesy message.
- Learn more about animated videos -The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to animated commercials.
And our most important advice: don’t do it alone😁! Before you start your commercial video project, learn more about how experts can create great animated videos for your brand. Explore our portfolio on YouTube to see examples of how we’ve helped companies like yours bring their stories to life through animation.
At Explain Visually, we carefully craft each element to align with your brand identity and message. Our team of expert storytellers can help you create a narrative that captivates your audience and leaves a lasting impression. 20 Captivating Animation Commercials That Captured Audience Attention
Best animated commercial videos – conclusion
Will animated ads continue to captivate audiences and drive marketing success? As technology advances and consumer preferences evolve, these dynamic visual stories are poised to play an increasingly crucial role in the future of advertising, offering unparalleled creative possibilities and emotional resonance.
Animated ads have revolutionized the advertising landscape, giving brands unprecedented creative freedom to tell their stories and connect with their audiences. From heartwarming stories that tug at our emotions to hilarious moments that make us laugh out loud, these animated wonders have the power to captivate viewers and leave lasting impressions. As we discovered in this article, the best animated ads combine stunning visuals, engaging storytelling, and clear brand messaging to create truly memorable experiences.
The evolution of animation techniques and technologies continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in advertising. From hand-drawn classics to cutting-edge CGI, animated ads have proven their ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing media landscape. As brands seek new ways to stand out in a crowded marketplace, the endless possibilities of animated advertising offer a powerful tool for creating meaningful connections with consumers and increasing brand loyalty.
For those looking to harness the power of visual storytelling in their marketing efforts, we invite you to Explain Visually. We offer expert services in creating engaging animated content. With our team of skilled animators and storytellers, we can help you bring your brand message to life with stunning animated ads, animated explainer video, and other visual content. At Explain Visually, we have the experience, knowledge, and passion to turn your vision into reality. Discover how animation can transform your marketing strategy and take your brand to new heights with our creative work. Contact us.
