Animation

January 18, 2026

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What is an animated video?

An animation video transforms complex information into clear, visual stories that are quickly understood. Below you will find the definition, the main types of animation, when to use animation, and how the production process works, based on proven best practices.

What is an animation video? Clear explanation, types of animation, and when to use it. Includes workflow and examples. By Animation Agency Eindhoven and Amsterdam.

What exactly does animated video mean?

An animation video is a series of still images that follow in such a way that you see movement. Instead of live action with actors, you work with drawn or digitally created elements. This can be 2D, 3D, or motion graphics, often combined with voice-over, music, and sound design. Thanks to this flexibility, you depict abstract processes, products, or instructions step-by-step. That is why you often see animation as explainer videos, corporate animations, or product demos on websites, social media, and in sales presentations. Would you like an overview of the forms within animation? View the types of animations. Want to know more about the role of voice work? Read all about the voice-over for animation videos.

Main types of animation

  • 2D animation - Flat, graphic style with illustrations and typography. Ideal for explainer videos, process visualizations, and brand stories with a recognizable corporate identity.
  • 3D animation - Realistic depth and material rendering. Perfect for product visualizations, technical animations, and architecture where details and perspective are important.
  • Motion graphics - Moving graphic elements such as icons, shapes, and text. Suitable for short social content, titles, data presentations, and brand bumpers.
  • Stop-motion - Movement frame by frame using real objects or clay. Characterful and tactile, often used for campaigns that stand out with an artisanal look.

Variants such as whiteboard animation and explanimation fall under 2D and motion graphics and are often used for crystal-clear instructions or onboarding.

Undecided between 2D and 3D? Consider the goal, target audience, and budget to determine what fits.

Not sure yet which style best suits your goal and target audience? Determine what works based on complexity, lead time, and brand identity.

Make complex information clear, understandable, and convincing

Why use an animated video?

  • Complex ideas clear - Visualizations make abstract technology, processes, or data understandable in seconds.
  • Brand consistency - You safeguard style, colors, and tone of voice in every frame.
  • Cost-efficient - No sets, actors, or locations. Quickly adaptable for updates or new markets.
  • Cross-border - Easily scale across languages ​​and channels with icons, subtitles, and voiceovers.
  • Platform-first - Align format and length with social, paid, and web for maximum impact.

Curious about the budget and price breakdown? How much does an animation video cost?

Are you unsure about the ideal duration per channel? How long should an animated video be?

What does the production process look like?

  • Briefing - Sharpening the goal, target audience, and core message.
  • Script - Clear storyline with call-to-action and timing.
  • Storyboard - Shot-by-shot visualization of scenes and transitions.
  • Style frames - Sample frames in final style and color scheme.
  • Animatic - Rough timing with voice-over to validate rhythm and length.
  • Animation and audio - Developing movement, sound design, and music.
  • Revisions and delivery - Feedback rounds and exports for web, social, and events.

Do you want to see the entire process step by step? Animation video step-by-step plan: from idea to delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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An animation video is moving imagery composed of successive still frames that are digitally animated and often combined with audio for explanation or storytelling.

Animation includes 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, stop-motion, and variants such as whiteboard animation and explanimation.

Commonly used categories are 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, and stop-motion.

An animated film is a longer production in which the story is told entirely through animated images, ranging from short films to feature films.

For inspiration: view animation video examples.

Do you want to explain your story simply and visually powerfully? Animation Agency in Eindhoven and Amsterdam creates 2D, 3D, and technical animations that make your message land. Contact us for honest advice and custom work.

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