The Complete Guide For Motion Graphic Ads

This article was updated on July 16, 2024

Many companies have adopted the use of standard media formats, in their advertising and marketing strategies. A significant number seem satisfied, with using still pictures and recycled video material. You can spice things up and get your creative juices flowing by incorporating motion graphics ads and marketing into your campaigns. Motion graphic ads are dynamic and engaging advertisements that can be displayed across various media channels, including digital outdoor displays.

Your potential customers have noticed this, too, and they’re beginning to expect something new and eye-catching. Enter cool motion graphics, a powerful tool for grabbing the attention of your audience and communicating your message in a visually engaging way. Stunning visuals in your motion graphics can effectively capture audience attention and convey complex messages.

From animated explainer videos to interactive social media content, there are several ways that you can use motion graphics to add a dynamic element to your marketing campaigns and help you stand out from the competition. Let’s briefly explore what motion graphics are and what benefits they provide before jumping into some innovative ways to incorporate them into your campaigns.

Definition of Motion Graphics

“Motion graphics” or “Motion Design” is graphic design in motion, combining elements like photography, illustration, and typography to create dynamic compositions. A motion graphics video animates these elements, transforming static visuals into interactive and engaging stories.

Using illustrated objects, characters, and backgrounds, motion graphics capture attention and convey meaning by breaking down complex ideas through visual metaphors and storytelling. This medium unleashes creativity, offering a platform for imaginative, engaging, and consumable content. Whether for explainer videos, animated infographics, or brand storytelling, motion graphics effectively deliver messages that resonate.

Motion Graphics: The Art of Visual Storytelling in Modern Media and Marketing

Today artists use motion graphics in film, TV, websites, social media, and sports arenas, from simple animated logos to complex movie title sequences. Promotional videos effectively showcase products or services by blending creativity and information, attracting and maintaining viewer attention. Visionaries like Saul and Elaine Bass pioneered this art in the 50s by creating complex movie intros that told the mood of the film. Similarly, motion graphics today tell the mood, culture, mission, and values of a brand, making them a cornerstone of marketing for decades.

Motion graphics and 3D animation have similarities, but their purposes are different. Animation is standalone entertainment like Pixar films or Saturday morning cartoons focused on narrative storytelling or character development. Motion graphics is supplementary to other media, visually explaining concepts and metaphors, setting tone, and highlighting messages and products. This is why motion graphics are so versatile and powerful in modern visual communication and advertising.

Types of Motion Graphics

There are several types of motion graphics, each serving a unique purpose in the realm of visual communication:

• Explainer Videos: These are short, animated videos designed to explain a product, service, or idea in a clear and concise manner. They are perfect for breaking down complex ideas and making them accessible to a broader audience.
• Social Media Posts: Animated graphics and videos tailored for social media platforms. These eye-catching visuals can boost engagement and shareability, making your content stand out in crowded feeds.
• Ads: Animated commercials and advertisements that leverage motion graphics to capture attention and drive conversions. These can be used across various digital channels to enhance brand visibility.
• Interactive Content: Motion graphics that allow viewers to interact with the content, creating a more immersive and engaging experience. This can include interactive infographics, quizzes, and more.
• Animated Text and Graphics: The use of animated typography and graphics to convey a message. This can add a dynamic element to presentations, videos, and other forms of content.
• 2D and 3D Animation: Techniques used to create motion graphics in two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. These animations can add depth and realism to your visuals, making them more engaging.

Motion graphic examples demonstrate the versatility and impact of these types in various fields, including advertising, marketing, and storytelling.

By exploring these different types of motion graphics, you can find the best fit for your marketing needs and create content that resonates with your audience.

Why Bother with Motion Graphics Advertising?

Let’s start out with a couple of impressive stats. An animated explainer video has an average retention rate of 95%, while standard videos have an average of 30%. Think of the significance if you are first launching your product or brand. A whopping 82% of all web traffic will be video by the end of 2024. (Park University)

Despite the time and effort necessary for successful motion design, the benefits of motion graphics are well worth it. Motion graphics advertising is a powerful tool for simplifying complex information and enhancing viewer engagement in a crowded digital landscape. Such videos are effective in various contexts, making them invaluable for communication and marketing. Let’s dig in to why they are effective and where is motion graphics is used:

Attention Grabbing

Through color, movement, and visually appealing design elements, a motion graphics video can capture a viewer’s attention and hold it for longer than still images or text. This is especially important on social media platforms, where a motion graphic video may only have a couple of seconds to make a strong impression. Animated videos have a 41% greater click-through rate than standard videos.

Animation is Engaging

Brands can also use motion graphics to convey information in an engaging, interactive, and immersive way, keeping viewers hooked for extended periods. Video marketers find these visual elements crucial for capturing attention and conveying messages effectively in a saturated media landscape. This can be particularly useful for explaining complex ideas or demonstrating products and services, as it makes the information more accessible and easier to understand. Animated videos require little effort for the end user to consume.

Memorable

The human eye is drawn to movement, and motion graphics are an effective way to build brand recognition and help your message stick in the minds of your audience. Motion graphics marketing can also create an emotional connection with viewers by using impactful storytelling and visual design techniques that artists design to evoke particular reactions.

Motion graphics can increase your audience’s message retention by 10% to 95%. By looking at various motion graphics examples, you can see how they simplify complex ideas, engage audiences, and enhance brand communication.

Versatile

Motion graphics videos are very flexible and can be used in various marketing and promotional materials, from social media ads and logos to landing pages and explainer videos. One well executed animated video can be repurposed across multiple digital channels.

This versatility makes it a valuable tool for marketing teams that want to add a more creative and personal touch to their campaigns.

Cost Effective Motion Graphics Marketing

While they may not be as cheap as other marketing options, motion graphics can be a cost-effective way to create professional, highly engaging marketing materials that won’t end up ignored or filtered into a spam folder. There’s a reason that so many businesses are devoting more marketing resources to video and motion graphics marketing, and that’s because it consistently provides a better return on investment than many other strategies.

Understanding Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is crucial in creating effective motion graphics that resonate with them. To create motion graphics that capture their attention and convey your message, you need to know who they are, what they need, and what they want.

Identifying Your Target Audience and Their Needs

Identifying your target audience involves researching and gathering data about their demographics, interests, behaviors, and pain points. This information will help you create motion graphics that speak directly to their needs and concerns. Consider the following factors when identifying your target audience:

• Age and demographics: Knowing the age range and demographic details of your audience can help tailor the visual style and content of your motion graphics.
• Interests and hobbies: Understanding what your audience enjoys can guide the themes and elements you incorporate and make an emotional connection.
• Behaviors and habits: Observing how your audience interacts with content can inform the pacing and complexity of your motion graphics.
• Pain points and challenges: Addressing the specific problems your audience faces can help you answer questions they have and lead to conversions.
• Goals and aspirations: Aligning your message with your audience’s goals can create a stronger connection and drive action.

By understanding your target audience, you can create motion graphics that are tailored to their needs and preferences, increasing the likelihood of engaging them and conveying your message effectively.

Creating Motion Graphics That Resonate with Your Audience

Creating motion graphics that resonate with your audience involves using visual elements, colors, and messaging that speak directly to their needs and concerns. Consider the following tips when considering how motion graphics resonate with your audience:

• Use colors and typography that align with your brand identity and appeal to your target audience. Colors can evoke emotions and set the tone, while typography can enhance readability and style.
• Use visual elements that are relevant to your target audience’s interests and needs. Incorporate imagery and design assets that they can relate to and find appealing.
• Use messaging that is clear, concise, and speaks directly to your target audience’s pain points and concerns. Avoid jargon and focus on delivering value. You should highly consider using a professional ad copywriter to tailor your message.
• Use animation and motion design techniques that are engaging and attention-grabbing. Unique transitions, dynamic movements, and interactive elements can keep viewers hooked.

By creating motion graphics that resonate with your audience, you can increase the likelihood of engaging them on an emotional level.

Motion Graphics vs. Animation

Key Differences Between Motion Graphics and Animation

While motion graphics and animation are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Motion graphics primarily involve the use of text, logos, and other graphic elements to convey a message. These elements are animated to create visually engaging content that can quickly capture attention. Motion graphics are typically used for short, impactful videos that are perfect for social media platforms, websites, and digital advertising.

On the other hand, animation encompasses a broader range of techniques, including 2D and 3D animation, stop-motion, and more. Animation often involves creating characters and narratives, making it suitable for longer, more complex videos that tell a story or convey a detailed message. While motion graphics focus on graphic elements and typography, animation can bring entire worlds and characters to life, offering a more immersive experience.

Unique Ways to Use Motion Graphics

So how can you incorporate motion graphics into your marketing strategy? Maybe you’re convinced about the benefits of motion graphics, but you’re not sure where to start leveraging them in your own campaigns. We’ve got you covered — here are a few of our favorite ways to use them: For inspiration, check out some of the best motion graphics examples that effectively communicate complex ideas and engage audiences.

A motion graphics video can be a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal, offering a dynamic way to convey your message and captivate your audience.

Animated Ads

Depending on where you live, it’s estimated you’ll see between 4000-10,000 advertisements per day. However, you may only notice a small fraction of them.

Emodo, a company specializing in advertising solutions, recently conducted a study that revealed the superiority of animated ads and promotional videos over static ads in terms of capturing attention, engaging viewers, and improving memorability.

By utilizing eye tracking technology with a sample size of more than 1,200 participants from the United States, the research indicated that animated ads led to a 25% boost in brand recall and a 17% enhancement in ad retention vs. native ad formats or static ads. Particularly noteworthy was the performance of ads on websites related to gaming, news, weather updates, and productivity tools. Among these categories, news websites stood out with spikes in brand recall (61.8%) and ad recall (56.4%). This was compared to identical ads without animated effects.

Motion graphics are an excellent way to break through that attention barrier and drive higher click-through and conversion rates. After all, every second is precious when it comes to catching a viewer’s eye, and quality motion graphics are simply one of the best ways to make your audience scroll back up to see what you’re offering.

Mighty Fine Motion Graphics Demo Reel

Explainer Videos

One of the most common and effective uses for motion graphics is to create explainer videos that help clearly and concisely simplify complex ideas and break down complex processes for your viewers.

Motion graphic examples demonstrate the versatility and impact of motion graphics in various fields, including advertising, marketing, and storytelling, emphasizing their ability to inspire creativity and enhance viewer engagement.

From animated explainer videos to interactive social media content, there are several ways that you can use motion graphics to add a dynamic element to your marketing campaigns and help you stand out from the competition.

This could be a tutorial for the product’s use, instructions for putting it together, or a display of its features. Navigating what could be a difficult process for the audience in an attractive and easy-to-understand manner is crucial. Anything that provides value and makes your audience’s life easier is an ideal way to advertise and build brand awareness.

Explainer videos on landing pages can increase conversion rates by 80%.

Animated Infographics

Infographics are the fourth most shared type of content on the internet, and adding a twist with motion graphics makes it even more likely that your content will be shared and remembered. Stunning visuals can effectively capture audience attention and convey complex messages. For most people, data and statistics are not inherently interesting to look at. However, animated infographics are a great way to bring numbers to life by presenting them in a more engaging and visually interesting way.

Kinetic Typography

Font choice has long been a subtle but important element of branding and aesthetic appeal. To get your creative juices flowing, consider how animated typography can inspire fresh ideas and overcome creative blocks. But animated typography takes it a step further by adding a sense of motion and energy that can further reinforce your business’s visual identity. Using motion graphics to augment your text can also be a great way to draw attention to your core message within a section of long-form text.

Animated Logos

Animated logos are essential for motion graphics marketing. They should be used for every video you produce instead of static images.

Businesses spend considerable time and resources (sometimes millions of dollars) designing a logo that is eye-catching, memorable, and reflective of their values or unique characteristics. And while static logos certainly still have their place, dynamic and animated logos are becoming an increasingly popular way of standing out from the crowd.

They’re also a great way to add a more interesting and professional touch to other business media, such as explainer videos, testimonials, and presentations, contributing to increased brand recognition and awareness.

Interactive Landing Pages

A thoughtfully designed landing page can leverage motion graphics to guide the visitor down the page and encourage them to interact with the different elements of your site. Even simple flourishes like responsive mouse-over effects or guided onboarding can improve the user experience and make navigating your site more enjoyable. It’s also a great opportunity to show off your brand identity through the creative use of shapes, colors, and typography.

Website animations have come a long way since Flash – I’m showing my age here. Subtle animations can be cost effective and an effective strategy for your website and motion graphics marketing.

How Are Motion Graphics Created?

If it sounds tricky to create eye-catching motion graphics that successfully communicate their intended message, you’d be right.

The motion graphics process typically begins by identifying core goals and incorporating them into a creative brief, which serves as the blueprint for developing a script. Then, designers and copywriters work together to turn those marketing goals into a simple, engaging, and enjoyable story without feeling too salesy. Studio artists and illustrators then use their skills to bring that story to life with detailed concept art, which serves as the basis for creating digital art assets.

Once the artists finalize a general storyboard, it’s finally time for the animators and effects artists to get to work. This is where motion graphic videos come into play, simplifying complex information and enhancing engagement. Depending on the project’s scope, the process can be very involved and collaborative. Typically requiring various teams to come together and iterate on ideas to fully conceptualize a final video.

If that sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is. While cheap DIY software offers tempting shortcuts, this approach often results in a clunky and ineffective end product. Always look at a vendor’s portfolio if you are in the market for an agency to help with motion graphics marketing.

The Future of Motion Graphics Marketing

Looking forward the progression of animated designs in advertising holds promise for exciting developments fueled by new technologies on the horizon. These advancements are poised to revolutionize how brands connect with their audiences delivering engaging, customized and interactive encounters.

Cutting-edge AI Technologies Influencing Designs

IA is transforming the design and customization of animated graphics. AI driven tools have the capacity to streamline the animation processes, produce real time data driven modifications, and generate content tailored to a designer’s objective.

AI has also been a boon for designers and animators looking to automate mundane tasks within different software environments, especially Adobe After Effects – our go to animation platform.

Adobe continues to push the boundaries of machine and deep learning with Adobe Sensei. They’re focusing on automating and auto-generating tasks to streamline production and enhance efficiency wherever possible.

We welcome these advances because there are certain parts of animation that take an emense amount of time like key framing or removing objects or a background from an image. Speaking of key frames, A more simplified and organized method of animating characters was provided a few years ago with the introduction of Adobe Character Animator, a more recent component of Adobe CC. Compared to the Puppet Tool, it’s much smoother and quicker. With the latest update, Adobe has made it possible to record facial expressions and head motions with only a webcam and microphone. Depending on the scope this could have take days or weeks to accomplish.

The most recent upgrade of Adobe Character Animator, which includes a live stream capability, allows users to make full-blown animations at record rates, which might completely change the game for 2D character animation.

Our team of motion designers has incorporated AI into our workflow to enhance productivity. However, AI is a tool that needs an experienced team to harness it’s potential. The tools of a master craftsman come to mind when I consider AI. In order to do a task, each trade requires a unique set of tools. You can’t use a screwdriver when you need a hammer.

The process will still be the same, however the workflow will become more efficient which means more of your budget can be spent on design!

Achieve Mighty Fine Design

Mighty Fine provides top notch content creation for motion graphics marketing services. Our skilled team, of writers, designers, and animators is dedicated to crafting captivating and compelling marketing content that resonates with your business objectives and brand image. Get in touch with Mighty Fine today to enhance your marketing strategies and transform your concepts into reality.