May 20, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Lemonly.

Cutting through the clutter has never been more crucial for businesses vying for customer attention. Animated video is proving to be an invaluable marketing tool.

Today’s marketers face an uphill battle, competing against ever-increasing noise while attention spans are getting shorter. Consumers seek content that engages their interests quickly and effectively. That’s why animated videos — especially those that explain complex or technical information — are in high demand.

Why animated video?

Animated videos can transform uninspiring or complicated information into captivating visual content. The design, motion, music and voiceover all help brands capture just the right tone for their message, from playful and cheery to sleek and serious. 

Animated video catches users’ attention in social media feeds or information-dense web pages. When users can learn about a product or service with a video, they understand and remember more than text alone. In fact, 44 percent of consumers say watching a short video is their most preferred way to learn about a product or service, according to data from Wyzowl.

By leveraging the persuasive power of animation to engage viewers and prospects, brands can convert viewers into fans, leads and, ultimately, customers.

How brands use animated video to tell their stories

Animation is a versatile medium — the sky’s the limit to what you can depict with motion graphics, from abstract concepts to real-world scenarios. 

Brands commonly use a few different types of animated videos depending on their goals:

• Explainer videos, as their name suggests, are helpful for explaining information or guiding an audience through the features and benefits of a complex idea, product or service.
• Product demos highlight technical details and show a product in action so users can understand how to navigate and use its features.
• Hype videos or sizzle reels spark excitement with a dynamic, often fast-paced overview of a product launch, brand refresh or other noteworthy update.

Custom design, a smart script and eye-catching animation help brands from any industry capture attention, delight customers and show their personality.

Local expertise with national experience

Sioux Falls-based creative agency Lemonly specializes in visual content that helps brands tell their stories. Animated video is a Lemonly specialty — combining the agency’s infographic-style approach to design with the engaging storytelling of video.

“Clients who work with Lemonly to create animated videos get an end product that captures their message and tone perfectly in a tight, beautifully designed package, typically 60 or 90 seconds,” said Jade Delaney, director of business development.

“When it comes to explaining a concept or product in ways your audience will understand and remember, while also giving viewers a great impression of your brand’s quality and personality, animated video is a sound investment you can make,” Delaney said.

Lemonly has an impressive roster of national and local animated video clients, including Texas Instruments, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Midco and more. For brands looking to make a positive impression on customers and explain their offerings with personality and polish, Lemonly makes a great creative partner.

Animated video delivers results in today’s marketing landscape

Companies in every industry are realizing the benefits of animated video in their marketing mix. They understand the need to grab users’ attention quickly and explain their benefits clearly.

A survey this year of marketing professionals and online consumers by Wyzowl reports that 91 percent of businesses use video as a marketing tool. That investment in animated video is paying off: 87 percent of video marketers say video has helped them generate leads, and 88 percent say it has helped increase users’ understanding of the product or service.

A similar report by HubSpot confirms the trend. Research from the marketing and CRM giant reveals that 25 percent of marketers say video delivers their highest ROI of any media format by far.

The popularity of video continues to grow, and companies who’ve yet to embrace video may be missing out on the value it offers. Wyzowl found that of the 9 percent of content marketers who didn’t use animated video in the past year, 68 percent planned to start using the format in 2024.

Animation offers engaging, informational storytelling

Text and graphics go a long way in explaining a concept, product or service. Adding motion to the mix makes the viewing experience even more engaging and memorable. Animated videos solve the limitations of static visual explanations by showing people and products in action. Viewers gain a more dynamic understanding of how something works — and how it can solve their problems.

Lemonly notes the following benefits as key reasons why more and more clients are investing in animated video:

• Clarity: Use expertly crafted animation to transform industry jargon into understandable visual explanations.
• Memory: Stand out and stay in mind with eye-catching motion and a memorable story.
• Impact: Leverage animation’s versatility to craft a compelling, emotionally resonant narrative by blending storytelling techniques — from real-world scenarios to abstract metaphors — for maximum impact.
• Personality: Highlight your brand with unique animation style, characters, music, sound effects and voiceover that match your brand’s distinct visual identity and tone of voice. 
• Data: Turn key metrics into eye-catching visualizations that make data digestible for everyone.
• Value: Invest in a great explainer video, and let it work hard for you across all your marketing channels: website, social, demos and more.

Tell your story with animated video

As more companies turn to animated video to tell their stories, those that stand out will focus on telling clear stories and infusing their content with their unique personality.

For animated videos that excite audiences and explain complex topics, reach out to Lemonly. Their team of content experts and creative storytellers can help tell your story with clear and engaging animated videos.