Browsers on the internet are getting more and more selective in the content they consume. This isn’t helped by the fact that attention spans are also shrinking (a Microsoft study says they are now 8 seconds! What!?) When marketing a new product, especially one that requires a bit of explanation, you might feel like you have your work cut out for you. If you’re looking for an effective medium to push through all the clutter online, we might have the answer! Animated videos are a cost-effective way to venture into video content. An aesthetically appealing and linguistically accessible video definitely gets the best results. We saw this happen when a study published in the Information Technology for Development Journal showed that using an animated video to convey knowledge leads to high levels of retention and adoption. The study involved the use of animated videos to train Mozambique farmers , and a two-year follow up assessment demonstrated a knowledge retention rate of nearly 98% and a solution adoption rate of 89%.
What exactly are Animated Videos?
Animated videos are a fast-growing video medium being used to pitch ideas in a simple, quick and convincing way. Chances are, you already understand the importance of good graphic design for a brand. Well, animated video is just the next step in effective graphic design. It combines the efficiency and consistency of graphic design with the engagement potential of video. They are especially effective if you have numbers, facts or specific processes to showcase to your audience. With video, it will be much easier to simplify and present attractively.
“It isn’t always possible to create a high level ad film for your product launch, and to be honest, if you’re a small or online business the audience doesn’t really need a big over the top production. “
When to use Animated Videos?
Explainer Videos:
To simplify complex ideas into a more audience friendly format, animated explainer videos are pretty much your best bet. They will make information entirely visual, making it easy to understand and remember. No matter how technical, any concept presented fluidly with interesting characters and music will attract your intended audience’s attention. These work especially well for new innovations in software as they can be difficult to explain otherwise.
Product Launch:
It isn’t always possible to create a high level ad film for your product launch, and to be honest, if you’re a small or online business the audience doesn’t really need a big over the top production. They just need an engaging introduction to your product. Telling potential customers how your product will solve a problem, or fulfill a need is easier through animated videos, while still bringing eyes to your website or social media.
“But to really gain those views and impressions, you have to win over algorithms based on what audiences are most likely to click.”
Corporate Launch:
Similar to a product launch, with a corporate launch you might want to get people interested and excited about your start-up and all that it has to offer. The creative room that comes with animated videos can make your launch video convey any tone, from quirky and funny, to elegant and sophisticated.
Advertising:
Pay-per-click ads are one of the best forms of advertising you have today. It’s not as expensive, since you only pay for the actions and impressions you get. But to really gain those views and impressions, you have to win over algorithms based on what audiences are most likely to click. In other words, it must be SEO-friendly. That’s where animated video content comes in! It looks impressive and is easy to create for multiple ad postings.
Training:
Instead of using long winded PowerPoint presentations or user manuals, you can break down your employee training process into a series of animated videos. Step-by-step animated videos can effectively familiarize employees with company policies and practices, plus, they can go back to them any time for a refresher. Anytime you need to bring a new employee on board or introduce new guidelines, animated videos can be a convenient go-to.
Brand Building:
Animated videos can be a wonderful way to tell your brand’s story, build a brand profile and then reinforce it. Though animated videos are considered to be the more formal type of video content they can be used creatively to give your brand the friendly human touch. Whatever your brand chooses to focus on, be it customer service, convenience or innovation, you can bring that to the forefront with animated videos.
Where to use Animated Videos?
Landing page:
Animated videos can be a great addition to your home page. They can be used as banners, introductory videos or how-to demonstrations.
Social Media Posts:
All your animated video content can be shortened to make social media posts. They can be used to create gifs, mascots and other engaging content that can define your brand online.
Presentations:
Just like online content, your presentations to customers, employees or other business can also benefit from animated videos. An intro or an explainer in the form of an animated video can do a much better job of getting your point across than just text and photos. They can also improve the way hard facts are communicated with animated infographics and engaging visuals.
As you can see, animated video is an extremely versatile and useful medium. With its functionality and purposes explained, you may already have some ideas for where your business could use an animated video. If you’re interested in learning more, check out more of our blog or contact us if you’re ready to create that video!