Who knew the captivating world of 2D animation, now a staple in entertainment, had roots burrowing all the way back to the 1800s? Since then, this versatile medium has blossomed into a powerful tool not just for TV shows and video games, but for B2B brands too.
It's perfect for breaking down complex concepts or showcasing product demos in an easy-to-understand and visually engaging way. With 2D animation videos, businesses can tell compelling stories, evoke emotions, and deliver clear, impactful brand messages.
Let's dive into what 2D animation is, how it works, its role in B2B branding, and 15 real examples worth studying.
2D animation is a form of drawn animation that works by creating the illusion of movement in a flat, two-dimensional space — where characters and scenes are crafted frame by frame, either by hand or digitally.
Unlike 3D animation, where characters and objects move through a three-dimensional world, 2D animation is limited to up, down, left, and right movements. It gives the illusion of depth without actually having any elements on the z-axis — there's a clear difference between 3D and 2D animation, covered in more detail further down this page.
To achieve that captivating 2D animation look, artists rely on a handful of core techniques. Here are the six most common:
Other 2D animation types you'll come across: screencast animation, typography animation, rotoscope animation, zoetrope animation, clay animation, and retro animation.
All three are common explainer-video formats, but they solve different problems. Here's how they stack up:
68% of consumers prefer watching videos to learn about new products or services rather than reading ebooks or articles — and 2D animation is one of the most affordable, effective ways to meet that preference.
Seeing examples helps more than reading definitions. Here are 15 real 2D animation videos in active use today, and what makes each one work.
We understand businesses, their pain points, and their unique needs. With our custom 2D animation services, we help you break down complex offerings, build credibility, and motivate prospects to take action.
We have a track record of creating successful 2D animation videos for brands like SUSE, Factspread, Fujitsu, Sponsorium, and more. We're also efficient on pricing — premium service within your budget — and now offer AI-assisted video production, combining the speed and precision of AI with the soul of handcrafted storytelling to produce animated explainer videos.
Is 2D animation still magical? Absolutely. Brands are using it in exciting and creative ways, showing that the style can be both extraordinary and versatile — there's still plenty of potential here for your B2B branding too.
With advances in AR, VR, and the boom in digital content, there are new opportunities on the horizon. Despite a few challenges, 2D animation's ongoing popularity suggests it will stay a vital, innovative medium for years to come.
You can dive into this style yourself using the tips from this guide, or leave it to professional agencies that provide 2D animation services. Either way, don't miss out on using the charm of 2D animation in your marketing content.
Anshu is a writer at Broadcast2World with a deep love for animated storytelling. With a background in Journalism and Mass Communication, she understands all the ins and outs of video production and marketing. Having authored hundreds of articles on video marketing, she’s always exploring fresh ideas and insights to help brands level up their marketing game. When she’s not geeking out over animation and marketing, you’ll find her immersed in a non-fiction book, always eager to learn something new.
No Comments Yet
Let us know what you think