The Power of Animation in Engaging Clips

Have you ever watched a short video that amazed you?

It probably used animation to make its point quickly and effectively. In today's fast-paced world, where people's attention spans are getting shorter, animation has become a key tool for creating eye-catching clips that make people stop scrolling.

Let's explore how animation is changing the way we make and watch short videos. Whether you create content, work in marketing, or just enjoy watching viral videos, this blog will show you why animation is so important for engaging video clips.

What Are Clips?

Picture of a man sitting in front of a PC and editing dozens of clips from longer videos.

Clips are short parts of longer videos. They're like highlights, showing the best or most interesting parts of a video. For example, a clip might be a funny moment from a podcast or an exciting scene relating to the characters from a TV show.

Now, imagine adding animation to these clips. That's where the real magic happens!

How Animation Makes Video Clips Better

example of a popular animated video clip - The Infographics show.
Source: The Infographics Show YT channel

Have you ever watched a short video that amazed you?

Adding animation to clips is like adding sprinkles to ice cream – it makes everything more fun and interesting.

Let's now find out how animations make video clips better, and to really prove that to you, we will also go over real-life relatable examples for you to truly understand the power that animations hold, and the same applies to clips!

Here's how animation helps:

1. Grabs Attention

Animated clips are visually engaging and have the power to grab attention instantly, especially in a sea of static or live-action content. Whether it’s bright colors, motion graphics, or unique character animations, they capture viewers' curiosity and make them stop scrolling.

Example: A good example of this is the animated intro by Mailchimp. Their quirky, colorful animations help stand out in marketing presentations, immediately catching the viewer’s eye and making them curious to watch the rest of the clip. These types of animations work particularly well on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where short, dynamic visuals are critical for engaging users quickly.

2. Explains Complex Ideas

Animation can break down complicated ideas into digestible, simplified visuals, making it easier for the audience to grasp. Complex processes, technical products, or abstract concepts can be illustrated through animation in a way that is fun and engaging, avoiding the confusion that might come with long texts or traditional videos.

Example: TED-Ed uses animation in their educational videos to explain topics like quantum physics and space exploration. The abstract concepts become easier to understand because animated visuals can show ideas that would be impossible to film live or illustrate clearly in other formats. The movement and symbolic representation make these hard-to-grasp ideas much more relatable.

3. Creates Emotional Connections

Animated characters and scenarios have a unique way of resonating with viewers emotionally. Animation offers flexibility in character design and environments, allowing creators to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to empathy. This emotional appeal fosters stronger connections between the audience and the content.

Example: Pixar’s "Up". The opening scene of "Up" is a masterclass in emotional storytelling through animation, where a largely silent sequence shows the life story of two characters, Ellie and Carl. Despite the lack of dialogue, the animation's subtle movements, expressions, and vivid visuals create an emotional bond with the audience, eliciting feelings of joy, sadness, and nostalgia.

4. Shows Brand Personality

Animation can help brands convey their unique personality, voice, and identity. With endless design possibilities, businesses can create stylized animations that reflect their values, humor, or aesthetics. This helps brands differentiate themselves and stand out in competitive markets.

Example: Duolingo, the language learning app, uses its animated owl mascot, Duo, in many of its promotional videos and reminders. Duo’s humorous, quirky animations reflect the brand's fun and encouraging approach to learning. These animations help Duolingo maintain a consistent brand personality that resonates with its global user base.

5. Works on Different Platforms

One of the major advantages of animation is its versatility across different platforms. Whether it’s a 10-second animation for TikTok, a detailed explainer for YouTube, or a looping GIF for a website, animation can be easily adapted to different formats without losing its impact. Its ability to engage audiences in a short time frame makes it perfect for the fast-paced nature of social media.

Example: Brands like Headspace, the meditation app, use short animated clips on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to show calming techniques. These animations work well in bite-sized formats, making them highly shareable and consumable across various platforms. The simplicity and adaptability of their animated content allow them to effectively engage with users no matter the platform.

Types of Animated Videos

There are many types of animation, each with its own style:

  1. 2D Animation: Brings flat images to life, great for telling stories.
  2. Motion Graphics: Combines graphic design with movement, perfect for showing data or ideas.
  3. Whiteboard Animation: Makes it look like someone is drawing on a whiteboard, good for teaching.
  4. Kinetic Typography: Makes words move across the screen, great for emphasizing important messages.

Ai-generated Animation in Action

Example of a popular animated video clip - Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell.
Source: Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell YT channel

Let's look at a real example of an animated video and clips. Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell is a popular YouTube channel that uses colorful 2D animation to explain complex science topics in short videos. Their clips, often shared on social media, have millions of views and many fans who love learning about topics like black holes or the human immune system!

So definitely don’t sleep on it, give animation a try in your videos and podcasts and experience the impact that they can have. That being said, creating clips is generally a time consuming process because you have to edit the background footage and with animation in the mix, it will be even more difficult to make time for this as creators. Fortunately for you, there’s a solution!

I’m going to tell you about a tool that is so strong that it will automatically create amazing clips from your podcast and videos, so all you have to do is focus on your podcast and the animation genius inside your head. Phew! One less thing to worry about.

Create Videos and Clips with Rizzle!

You might think creating clips is hard, but it's easier than you might expect, thanks to tools like Rizzle and its premium features. This clip creation tool is like having a mini design studio on your computer or phone. Here's why it's so helpful:

  • AI-Powered: Rizzle uses smart technology to find the best live-action parts of your content for clips.
  • Lots of Options: Choose from many templates and styles to match your brand.
  • Easy to Use: You don't need to be a design expert to create great clips with Rizzle.
  • Works for Different Platforms: Make clips that look good on various social media sites.
  • Access to Stock Media: Use high-quality videos and images without worrying about copyright.

The Future of Animated Video Creation

As we look at our social media feeds, it's clear that animation in clips is becoming more and more popular. It's a great way to tell stories, explain ideas, and connect with audiences in new and exciting ways.

Whether you're an experienced content creator or just starting out, it's time to try using animation in your video creation. With tools like Rizzle, you can easily create content that not only catches people's attention but also leaves a lasting impression.

Remember, in the world of short videos, animation isn't just an extra feature – it's a powerful tool for creating content that really stands out. So go ahead, add some animated magic to your next clips, and watch more people engage with your content!

FAQ

Can a podcast be a video?

Yes, podcasts can be videos. Video podcasts combine audio content with visual elements, which can include live footage, graphics, and animations. While the visual aspect enhances the experience, audio remains a key component of video podcasts. Additionally you can use Rizzle to make short videos like clips, highlights, teasers and shorts from your podcasts.

What is a podcast with a video called?

A podcast with video elements is commonly referred to as a "video podcast," "videocast," or "vodcast." It typically includes the standard audio content of a podcast, supplemented with visual elements like animations, graphics, or live recordings of the hosts.

What are animations in videos?

Animations in videos involve the creation of moving images from original artwork or drawings. These images are brought to life in an eye-catching manner using different art styles. Unlike live-action videos, animations do not require live recording of real-world scenes.

Are clips free to use?

Yes, clips can be free to use. For example, some video editing and creation apps allow users to record and edit clips without any cost. These can often be downloaded and used on devices like iPads.

No items found.

Table of Contents

Suggested for you

Interviews, tips, guides, industry best practices, and news.
Clips
6 mins
read

How to Combine Clips Into A Long Video

Pavani Dharanikota
October 21, 2024
Clips
7 mins
read

How can you monetize Clips from YouTube Videos?

Richa Dubey
October 16, 2024