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.
Curious to learn how?
Let’s dive into this blog to explore how 2D animation works, its role in B2B branding, and check out some top-notch examples.
Source: Dribble
It works by creating the illusion of movement in a flat, two-dimensional space.
Is it the same as 3D animation?
Not quite!
Unlike 3D animation, where characters and objects move through a three-dimensional world, 2D animation is limited to up, down, left, and right movements.
2D basically gives the illusion of depth without actually having any elements in the z-axis.
There's a clear difference between 3D and 2D animation.
To get a clearer picture of how 2D animation comes together, let’s dive into its production process.
There are three stages involved in its creation-
Source: Freepik
They say the first step is the most important, and that's exactly what this stage is.
Here, concept artists and visualizers design characters, sketch background designs, and create storyboards.
Storyboards are like comic strips; they help us visualize the actions and events throughout the entire animation.
Once all this is set, we can move to the next step.
Source: Freepik
In the production stage of 2D animation, digital artists get busy creating assets from the pre-production designs.
These assets, which include characters, backgrounds, and props, are crucial for bringing the storyboard to life.
Layouts, detailing backgrounds, overlays, underlays, and key poses, serve as the bridge between the storyboard and the animation.
Rather than drawing each frame, animators use software like After Effects, working with keyframes to ensure smooth movements.
If your video includes dialogue, voice actors record the scripts, and animators synchronize the characters' mouth movements and expressions with the audio.
Finally, special effects are added to enhance scenes, adding more depth and realism.
Source: Freepik
After we have the rough animation, it undergoes a cleanup process where solid, clean lines are added and the frames are colored (in case of frame-by-frame animation).
The final frames are then combined with backgrounds and other elements from the pre-production phase.
Intermediate frames, or "tweens," are generated between key images to ensure smooth transitions and fluid movement.
We then add final finishing touches like sound design and editing.
And just like that, you’ll have your 2D animation ready!
Next, let’s delve into the types of this animation.
Understanding these will give you a richer view of the various styles and methods used to bring 2D animations to life.
To achieve that captivating 2D animation style, artists rely on various techniques.
Here are some of the most popular ones-
In this type, each frame is drawn separately and then played back in rapid succession to create motion.
We often see this technique used for complex animations with many moving parts.
It involves manipulating different pieces of an animated character or object to create movement.
It allows for more precise control over the shape, color, and size of the characters and is thus commonly used in cartoons.
Rotoscoping traces over live-action footage to create an animated version of it.
This technique can simulate realistic movement or create stylized effects.
Stop-motion involves physically manipulating objects in front of a camera to create the illusion of movement.
It's often used in television shows and video games, with claymation being a popular example.
Computer animation uses digital tools to create and manipulate hand-drawn or 3D models.
This technique offers great flexibility and detail.
It is thus widely used in advanced video games and animated films.
Now that you’ve got a grasp on the basics of 2D animation, let’s dig a little deeper and explore why your B2B brand could really benefit from it.
This technique blends graphic design with animation.
Motion graphic focuses on animating text and shapes instead of characters.
It is a perfect style for creating title sequences, promotional videos, and explainer videos.
Visual content reigns supreme!
Today, 68% of consumers prefer watching videos to learn about new services or products, rather than reading ebooks, infographics, presentations, or articles.
So, what's the takeaway?
2D animation can leave a lasting impression on your potential customers.
It's one of the most popular choices in content marketing today because it’s not only affordable but also delivers impressive results.
What’s great about 2D animation is that it makes content engaging and interactive, helping you build a strong connection with your audience.
Here’s why 2D animation is so crucial for B2B branding-
Source: Freepik
Need affordable promotional videos?
2D animation is your best bet!
It’s the perfect solution for creating engaging explainer videos without overspending.
Unlike live-action films, which require hiring actors, securing locations, and investing in expensive equipment, 2D animation keeps costs low while still delivering high-quality results.
Companies that choose 2D animation can produce effective and captivating videos without breaking the bank.
Its affordability and creative potential make it a popular choice for businesses looking to promote their brand and services cost-effectively.
As mentioned earlier, 2D animation is incredibly versatile.
It’s not just great for B2B explainer videos; it also offers endless creative freedom.
Companies can customize every element to craft unique, engaging videos that truly convey their message.
With 2D animation, you can design characters and backgrounds that fit perfectly into your story and explore storytelling possibilities that live-action videos can’t match.
This flexibility allows you to bring your story to life in a way that really connects with your audience.
Source: Freepik
The main goal of any marketing video is to engage customers, and 2D videos excel at this.
They help you stand out from the competition by creating unique visuals that showcase your brand or style.
Plus, 2D animation offers great flexibility for B2B storytelling, allowing you to craft complex narratives that might be challenging with live-action videos due to time or budget limitations.
2D animation adapts easily to any device, making it a great choice for versatile video production.
Source: Freepik
Videos are naturally easy to share on social channels because they’re visually appealing and entertaining.
Animation takes this even further.
It helps companies connect with viewers across different platforms, expanding their reach and building a more engaged audience for their product or service.
Seeing examples really helps us understand and learn more.
So, let’s expand our knowledge of this creative animation style by exploring some top examples of 2D animation.
Why choose 2D animation?
Because it’s a blast!
It’s engaging, budget-friendly, and packs a punch when it comes to delivering your message.
2D animated explainer videos do more than just entertain—they educate too, making them perfect for keeping your audience hooked.
But 2D animation isn’t just about conveying information.
It’s an art form that brings your brand’s personality to life, showcasing your unique style.
With its colorful visuals, animated characters, and creative touch, 2D animation turns even the simplest ideas into something extraordinary.
Curious to see 2D animation in action?
Check out these 15 standout examples and discover how this dynamic medium transforms ordinary concepts into unforgettable experiences!
This Honda ad is one you definitely won't skip on YouTube.
It's a standout 2D animation example.
With animated storytelling, it creatively showcases the evolution of Honda's engineering and innovation.
The video takes you on a journey from bikes to cars to boats and planes, all through an imaginative concept.
It’s not just informative; it also tugs at your emotions.
Watching the progress from dream to reality is truly inspiring.
What's the best part?
There’s a lot to love.
The video uses 2D animation and paper-crafting techniques to tell its story without any dialogue, relying on visuals and sound effects instead.
This unique approach gives the ad a charming and distinctive look, setting it apart from typical car commercials.
The attention to detail is also incredible.
Each scene is crafted to look like a miniature diorama, complete with tiny cars, landscapes, and even a working engine.
The meticulous craftsmanship not only adds to the video’s appeal but also earned it prestigious awards, including a Cannes Lion, a Clio Award, and an Emmy nomination.
Swiggy’s marketing techniques are top-notch, and this video is a prime example.
It delivers a powerful message with minimal fuss, directly addressing a common thought: “I want to eat out but don’t feel like leaving the house.”
The ad cleverly positions Swiggy as the perfect solution for this dilemma.
It highlights key features like doorstep delivery, a wide variety of options, no minimum order, and live order tracking—all packed into a quick 27 seconds.
The vibrant 2D animation instantly grabs attention and aligns perfectly with Swiggy's brand identity.
The dynamic style keeps viewers engaged, and the humor in the script makes the video both informative and entertaining while remaining relatable.
Rather than coming off as a pushy sales pitch, this animation offers an enjoyable and relatable experience.
It effectively showcases Swiggy's services in a way that resonates with the audience.
To celebrate World Car-Free Day on September 22, McDonald's Brazil launched this fun and innovative video encouraging customers to visit the Drive-Thru using eco-friendly transportation.
The video is one of the top examples of 2D animation.
It proudly showcases McDonald's commitment to cutting carbon emissions and supporting environmental initiatives.
It taps into the growing trend of sustainability and social responsibility.
What makes this video really stand out?
It’s all about creativity!
Picture animated characters arriving at the Drive-Thru on everything from skateboards and horses to turtle rides and even bathtubs.
Oh, and let’s not forget the dinosaurs!
This video has it all!
In live-action, creating such whimsical scenes would be not only expensive but also nearly impossible for a one-day event.
That’s where 2D animation comes in.
It’s a stylish and cost-effective way to make a lasting impression.
With their bright colors and simple yet captivating character designs, such animated videos grab attention and entertain viewers of all ages.
Plus, they can position your brand exactly the way you want.
Just like this video, which portrays McDonald's as a socially responsible brand, resonates with those who care about environmental issues.
Simple and to the point—that’s what this explainer video is.
It excels at showcasing HubSpot CMS’s features and benefits in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way.
With its calm, colorful animation and smooth transitions, it guides you effortlessly through the story.
The script is well-crafted and accessible, whether you’re a seasoned user or a newbie.
The visuals align perfectly with the script, keeping viewers engaged by matching what they see with what they hear.
It’s direct and to the point, showing exactly what needs to be shown and saying precisely what needs to be said.
From a marketing perspective, it strikes a great balance—promoting the product without being too pushy, while keeping the tone light and enjoyable.
The best part?
It makes complex information easy to understand and fun to watch!
Want to learn how to convey information while also creating a positive brand association?
This video nails it!
It effortlessly showcases the features and benefits of Freighty's logistics management software, making it approachable for both industry professionals and general viewers.
With its calming voice-over, suitable background music, sound effects, and a well-written script, the video is super easy to follow.
It maintains a professional tone while adding a touch of humor, like the truck falling into a pit with a funny sound effect.
All this keeps the video from being too serious.
Another standout feature is its seamless use of brand colors.
The visuals hold viewers' attention and reinforce brand identity, enhancing understanding through clear and engaging storytelling.
Overall, the video looks professional and communicates effectively with B2B brands.
Do meeting alarms set you into an anxious frenzy?
Yes or yes?
Either way, we can all agree that sound is dreadful.
This Slack video starts with that awful alarm, instantly showing the chaos and stress it brings.
The sound effects and visuals perfectly capture the pressure our character feels handling their schedules.
Right from the start, the sound effects make you feel that pressure, like a constant reminder of having to be on time.
The gray, dull visuals around our character emphasize how frustrating and exhausting all these schedules are for him.
But everything changes when he switches to Slack.
Suddenly, the sound effects are pleasant, and the visuals shift from gray to vibrant colors.
It skillfully conveys the essence of Slack.
From a marketing perspective, this Slack video is a masterpiece.
It doesn't bombard you with self-promotion but instead provides valuable information and education.
It is thus truly one of the best 2D animation examples.
The first thing I noticed when the video started was Google's branding, clearly showcased in the opening scene.
And that’s what sets it apart—its clear and intuitive visual explanations.
It captivates viewers with a game of visuals, energetic music, and no voiceover, all brought to life with bright colors.
Using these elements, it brilliantly explains complex artificial intelligence concepts in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.
It uses visuals and graphics to reinforce the narrative, highlighting the benefits of Google Cloud's AI capabilities.
By breaking down intricate ideas into simple visual representations, the video makes AI accessible to everyone.
This helps demystify AI technology, making it understandable and interesting.
It shows the practical applications of AI, making potential customers more likely to consider Google Cloud's AI services.
The video highlights the benefits and features of the Ewarenow platform, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable living.
It starts by addressing the challenges of high energy consumption and then shows how Ewarenow offers solutions to reduce energy use and costs for consumers.
What stands out in this video are—its design elements which give the illusion of a 3D environment even though the video is completely in 2D!
The use of vibrant colors and well-designed icons throughout the video keeps the viewer engaged and interested.
The voiceover used is also soothing and guides you through the explanation effectively, complemented by an enthusiastic background tune.
One clever scene shows a side-by-side comparison of energy consumption before and after using Ewarenow, making the benefits visually clear.
And, as we know, comparisons make data easier to understand and stats make your brand believable.
So this brand really played well here!
The video gives a glimpse into a normal person's daily life and how Amazon's Smart Home products can add a helpful touch.
It shows how these products can make daily tasks more comfortable, like checking who’s at the door from anywhere, adjusting lights when you enter a room, managing the thermostat, or monitoring your dog’s food intake with accessible cameras.
By showing the real benefits of these products, it helps viewers understand and appreciate what the brand has to offer.
The video does a great job of explaining the technical aspects without using jargon.
It uses simple language and clear visuals to keep the content accessible to everyone.
In just one minute, this video gets straight to the heart of what you need to know.
It showcases Spotify’s Ads by Anchor, making it clear how effortlessly you can create and manage your podcast ads.
With vibrant, modern animations and smooth transitions, it brings the features to life in a visually engaging way.
The lively animation and straightforward approach make the ad really compelling.
Plus, it uses relatable scenarios to show off the product's benefits.
The video nails it by demonstrating just how simple Ads by Anchor is to use, making it perfect for podcasters who want a hassle-free advertising solution.
The video takes you on a creative journey "down the rabbit hole" with swirling, abstract visuals.
It starts by plunging into this metaphorical rabbit hole, presenting a series of surreal, artistic animations.
These fluid transitions and imaginative visuals keep you hooked.
The vivid colors and the feeling of sinking deeper into the video make it impossible to look away, keeping you engaged with every movement.
Targeted at promoting a music festival, the artistic style lets you imagine the creative vibe of the event.
This unique 2D video stands out as a rare and captivating piece—mesmerizing people with its complexity and depth.
This video introduces Etsy Plus, Etsy’s new premium service for sellers.
With charming, whimsical animations that have a handmade feel, the video perfectly aligns with Etsy’s brand.
It showcases how Etsy Plus offers extra tools and features to enhance your shop, bringing the service to life with playful animations.
For instance, we see how one product transforms into another, highlighting the wide range of goods Etsy Plus can handle.
A well-delivered voiceover keeps you engaged and smoothly guides you through the information.
Overall, the video effectively promotes Etsy Plus to current sellers, encouraging them to upgrade and make the most of their shops.
Simple and classic, yet incredibly effective—that’s this video.
It clearly shows common writing challenges and demonstrates how this tool can help in a straightforward way.
The video uses concise visuals to highlight how Grammarly works, who it benefits, and how it improves writing.
You’ll see clear animations of Grammarly spotting and fixing mistakes, examples of professionals and students using the tool, and visuals of how Grammarly’s suggestions enhance writing.
What does it do?
Three things–
It eventually creates a connection with the audience by showing that these common writing issues are faced by many, and Grammarly is here to help turn those situations around.
It’s a tried-and-true approach!
Airbnb usually focuses on celebrating guests in their ads, but this video takes a different, more emotional turn.
Instead of spotlighting the guests, it highlights the real-life heroes—Airbnb hosts.
It is truly among the best 2d animation examples.
Why?
Because it takes a commendable creative route.
It uses animation to share three inspiring stories of hosts going above and beyond for their guests.
You’ll hear about a host who saved guests from fire and even burned herself but still came back from the hospital and cooked a feast for the guests warmly.
Another story features a host who helped guests return home safely during a war, and the third one shows a host rescuing a guest from a cliff by calling 911.
The animation brings these heartfelt stories to life with warm, human-like figures, lively visuals, and a fitting soundtrack.
The top-notch voiceover ties it all together, capturing the warmth and heroism of these incredible hosts.
We all know how tough those early dawn shifts can be and how challenging it is to catch a ride.
Uber took that fear and literally made a video about it.
Smart move!
The video features a guy waking up early in the morning and adds a fun twist with a cat interacting with him.
The cat’s frustrated expressions seem to say, "When is this guy going to wake up? He’ll be late. It’s hard to handle a human."
Adding to the humor, the hurried music makes the scene even more hilarious.
The video’s storyline is straightforward but effectively highlights the brand’s value.
It shows that whether it's day or night, Ubers are always ready for you.
There’s nothing complicated to distract you—just a simple, effective video.
And that cat? It’s a brilliant touch.
I can’t get those expressions out of my mind!
So, is 2D animation still magical?
Absolutely!
Brands are using 2D animation in exciting and creative ways, showing that this style can be both extraordinary and versatile.
There’s still tons of potential here, and it could be a perfect fit for your b2b branding too.
The future of 2D animation looks really promising. With advances in AR, VR, and the boom in digital content, there are plenty of new opportunities on the horizon.
Despite a few challenges, the ongoing popularity of 2D animation suggests it will stay a vital and innovative medium for years to come.
You can dive into this style yourself using the tips from this blog, or you can leave it to professional agencies who provide 2d animation services.
Either way, don’t miss out on using the charm of 2D animation in your marketing content.