With interest in visuals on the rise, there are more opportunities than ever to create a unique video. Today, there are many software options available and companies that specialize in creating motion graphic video, which presents an incredible opportunity for businesses to speak to their audience.
But what is exactly is a motion graphic video? A motion graphic video is simply the industry term for one type of animation or animated video. However, its primary component is text. It is essentially a video comprised of animated graphic design.
A lot of people still get confused between motion graphics and full animation. Don’t worry because we will tackle the differences between the two.
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Motion Graphic Videos vs. Animation
If you’re into producing videos, one thing you must be curious about is the difference between motion graphics and animation. Graphic videos fall under animation, the latter an umbrella term used to describe the entire field of moving imagery.
Motion graphics is the union of animation and graphic design, bringing images and other elements to life. In motion graphics, static images can move using animation but often without a specific narrative.
When simple images and logos become too dull for you and your audience, motion graphics give it extra visual flair. Good examples of this are a graph that rises or a spinning logo. Setting letters, shapes, and images in motion – that’s what motion graphic videos are all about.
Besides motion graphics, other types of animation include cartoons, anime, CGI, and claymation. For different kinds of animation, they use cinematic effects and storytelling strategies to create a story to provide the desired message.
Which Is Better?
So, if the purpose of a video is to explain information, motion graphics would be an effective choice of media. But if its purpose is to depict a human character going on an emotional journey, animation may be more appropriate to use. Now, which visual format should you use in boosting your branding and marketing efforts?
You can choose static images and infographics, which are cheaper options. However, motion graphics can help you illustrate complex ideas much better. When ideas are hard to explain in words or even images, videos can be a better option.
Moreover, this visual style appeals to a lot of viewers, from children to adults. Motion graphics are ideal for mature topics when cartoon animation seems childish. It is much more engaging, not to mention less expensive compared to CGI and other animation types.
Many reasons make motion graphics the best style in sending a message visually. A graphic video can help boost your video marketing strategy, making it ideal for brands. This benefit is one of many that a graphic video can provide your brand.
Reasons Why Motion a Graphic Video Are Great for Brands
A good content strategy involves various forms of content, including high-quality articles, e-books, emails, and infographics. But graphic videos are much more enjoyable and shareable. More and more people prefer this format, prompting media platforms to support them as well.
But what makes it so unique? As it uses motion graphics, this type of video has many advantages, particularly in telling a brand story. From high visual power to incredible flexibility, a graphic video offers many incredible benefits.
1. It Captivates Emotions
A motion graphic is not only effective at grabbing your attention, but it also stimulates an emotional response. With this technique, you have the tools to create videos that can tell emotional stories. You can do that in a motion graphic video through voiceover, music, and visuals.
All you need to do is choose the right elements to tell your brand story. Compared to live-action videos that depend on unreliable factors (actors, sets, etc.), you can create a video that captivates emotions with just a storyboard.
2. It Distills Easy-to-Digest Information
Humans are visual creatures, and the way we process information through our eyes is almost instantaneous. So it is no wonder that most people understand a concept a lot easier when they can see it. Most of your audience is probably like that as well. So making a video is a good investment for branding.
Video marketing is mainly visual storytelling. Using motion graphics, you can further improve the delivery of information in a way that is easy to comprehend. For that reason, a graphic video will be handy for tutorials, processes, and abstract concepts.
3. It is a Passive Learning Experience
People right now spend so much time watching videos online, especially on social media. It is not surprising since videos have always been entertaining.
And you probably find it easier to remember things that you saw in a video. You didn’t have to do anything. You didn’t have to memorize what you saw consciously, but you still remember it. Motion graphics allow users to explore data or learn something without exerting much mental energy. All they need to do is sit back and watch.
4. It Can Be Used in Many Ways
Now that plenty of media platforms support video. So you can use your motion graphic in many different places. It means your marketing campaign can experience an extended lifespan.
There are so many ways you can use your graphic video- you simply need to be creative. You can add them when you send out emails, post on your website, or stream on YouTube. You can create videos tailored to specific groups. It is a versatile communication tool you can use in just about any situation.
5. It Can Make an Impact in a Short Amount of Time
Unlike typical videos, a graphic video is short. Often only 30 seconds to 3 minutes long, it delivers a brief but concise message. If you are short on time, motions graphic ensure you can still make an impact. Even just a 10-second video is enough to increase your brand awareness.
It is all due to the perfect use of audio and visuals. Motion graphics utilize all of a human’s ability to process information. Thanks to that, a graphic video can easily explain a complex process in a few seconds. If you find text and audio not very effective at handling your content, a graphic video might be what you need.
Types of Motion Graphic Videos
Graphic videos come in various types. Learning about these different types can help you choose what will work best for telling your story.
1. Explainer Videos
An explainer video is one of the most common types of videos. Many people today tend to be quite lazy. You can’t expect them to read an entire paragraph explaining what your products or services are.
So this is where an explainer video comes in handy. It can break down complex situations or processes into easy-to-digest chunks. Using motion graphics simplifies your message in a video package with an emotional and engaging narrative.
2. Brand Videos
Brands use animated designs not only for online for advertisements but in presenting new products and the company’s culture. Branding is no longer just posters, logos, and marketing messages.
The majority of customers today consume information through videos. It is undeniable that videos are valuable, as they allow your customers to more intimately experience your brand. And in the current digital landscape, using motion graphics is the most suitable way to appeal to your consumers.
3. Presentations
Motion graphics are also useful in making presentations. Through this video style, you can add motion to images and text, adding flair to a possibly otherwise uninteresting demonstration. You can make your presentation more engaging by animating graphs and concepts.
Others also create animated designs such as gifs whenever needed. In a way, gifs are also a form of motion graphics as they apply similar principles. By using graphic videos when presenting ideas, you can supplement learning effectively.
4. Infographics
Infographics with animated elements such as graphs can also be extremely valuable. By animating certain parts of an infographic, you can emphasize crucial information. It can aid readers to know which information to read first, not to mention it helps in remembering key points.
Also, interactive infographics that use animations make reading much more engaging.
5. Movie Clips or Titles
Movies and TV shows also use motion graphics in clips and titles. Often, displaying titles use animated graphics, video transitions, and other effects. These engage the audience and get them in the right mood without giving too much about the story.
Famous movies that use motion graphics in clips and titles include the Marvel films. Fans enjoy them not only for the animated titles and elements but the subtle clues included in them.
It can be challenging to distinguish between graphic videos and animation. But if you pay attention to their elements, you can figure out the imagery style used. Now the burning question is, “when should you use motion graphics?”
When to Use Motion Graphics and Animation
People love watching videos, that’s a given. No matter the technique you use, adding videos to your marketing campaign will surely boost traffic, engagement, and conversions. Videos will undoubtedly win you some customers, but you don’t want to use just any sort of video.
Whether to use motion graphics or animation depends on your brand and business goals. If you are wondering when to use either technique, below are some ideas. Motion graphic videos are best to use when you:
- Outline or emphasize facts
- Illustrate a point
- Don’t require any storytelling
- Have to break down complex service/products
- Need to present products/services in a memorable way
Motion graphics is primarily a visual aid. If you need to present something challenging to understand, you can use this technique. Your hard-to-digest ideas will be easier to consume through visuals with animated designs and elements.
On the other hand, other types of animation are ideal if you have a story to tell. Other types of animation are better suited when you need to connect with your viewers emotionally. Animation is better at establishing a deeper connection between you and your audience.
Connecting People with Graphic Videos
Whether you use motion graphics or other types of animation, there is some overlap. But whichever technique you use, the fact is videos connect people. Graphic videos make your content more engaging and entertaining.
Are you interested in learning motion graphics and animation? That could be a great career choice. Use motion graphics to add a bit of life to your videos and presentations. It is a fantastic and affordable way to get your point across by way of video.
