7 Animation Trends You Must Know In 2025 [With Examples]

Animation has become an integral part of modern digital communication, especially in marketing and educational contexts. As an explainer video production agency, understanding current animation trends is crucial to creating engaging content that resonates with viewers. The world of animation is constantly evolving, and 2025 brings exciting new trends that can enhance storytelling, improve viewer engagement, and boost brand awareness. This blog will explore the top seven animation trends of 2025, their significance, and how leading brands leverage these techniques to create impactful content.

1. Isometric Design

Overview of Isometric Design

Isometric design is a visual representation that employs a fixed perspective to create a three-dimensional effect on a two-dimensional plane. This style utilizes parallel projection, which allows designers to depict complex scenes without the distortion of traditional perspective drawing. In isometric design, the axes are equally spaced, creating a unique and cohesive look that is both engaging and informative.

The Impact of Isometric Design in Animation

The significance of isometric design in animation lies in its ability to present complex ideas clearly and visually. This style is particularly useful for explainer videos, where the goal is to break down intricate concepts into digestible, easily understandable visuals. Isometric animations can illustrate processes, environments, and systems in a way that feels immersive yet straightforward.

Examples of Isometric Design in Animation

1. Dropbox: Dropbox uses an isometric design in its onboarding videos to guide users through its interface. By creating a virtual workspace with isometric graphics, they effectively illustrate features like file sharing and collaboration. This approach not only makes the content visually appealing but also helps users visualize the platform’s functionality.
2. Slack: Slack’s promotional videos often employ isometric design to depict teamwork and collaboration. By showing different teams in a virtual workspace, they highlight how their platform facilitates communication in a visually engaging manner. The use of isometric graphics makes the scenes feel dynamic while maintaining clarity.
3. Trello: Trello utilizes isometric design in its tutorials to explain project management visually. The animations demonstrate how tasks flow through boards and lists, making it easier for new users to grasp the platform’s functionalities. This approach not only captivates the audience but also helps in retaining information effectively.

Why Isometric Design Will Prevail in 2025

As businesses continue to seek ways to simplify complex ideas for their audiences, isometric design will remain popular. Its unique blend of depth and clarity allows for an engaging viewer experience. In 2025, expect to see more brands utilizing isometric design to create informative and visually appealing content that stands out in a crowded digital space.

2. AI-Powered Visuals

Understanding AI-Powered Visuals

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in various industries, and animation is no exception. AI-powered visuals refer to animations generated or enhanced by artificial intelligence tools and technologies. These advancements enable creators to produce high-quality visuals more efficiently, allowing for personalized content tailored to specific audience preferences.

The Importance of AI in Animation

AI can analyze viewer behaviour, preferences, and engagement metrics, allowing brands to create targeted content that resonates with their audience. This personalization leads to higher engagement rates and a more profound connection with viewers. Furthermore, AI streamlines the production process, automating repetitive tasks and enabling animators to focus on creativity and storytelling.

Examples of AI-Powered Visuals in Animation

1. Adobe Sensei: Adobe’s AI technology, Sensei, enhances various creative tools by automating tasks such as character rigging, lip-syncing, and motion tracking. By using AI to analyze video content, animators can significantly reduce production time while maintaining high quality. This technology allows creators to focus on developing compelling narratives rather than getting bogged down in technical details.
2. Runway ML: Runway ML is a platform that allows creators to leverage AI for real-time video editing and animation. It provides tools for generating animations based on textual descriptions, allowing for quick prototyping and iteration. Brands can create dynamic content that adapts to audience feedback, enhancing the overall engagement of their campaigns.
3. DeepArt: This platform uses AI to transform images and videos into stylized animations. By applying different artistic styles to content, brands can create unique visual experiences that stand out on social media and other digital platforms. This capability enables marketers to experiment with aesthetics and create visually stunning content that captures the audience’s attention.

The Future of AI-Powered Visuals

In 2025, AI-powered visuals will likely become even more prevalent as technology continues to advance. Brands will increasingly turn to AI to streamline their animation processes and create personalized content that resonates with diverse audiences. As consumers demand more tailored experiences, leveraging AI in animation will be a key differentiator for brands looking to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

3. Kinetic Typography

What is Kinetic Typography?

Kinetic typography is the art of animating text to convey ideas or emotions dynamically. This trend transforms traditional text into engaging animations that capture attention and enhance storytelling. Kinetic typography often involves movement, rhythm, and visual effects, making it an effective tool for emphasizing key messages in video content.

The Impact of Kinetic Typography on Viewer Engagement

Kinetic typography enhances viewer engagement by creating a visual rhythm that aligns with the narrative. This technique can highlight important points, reinforce messages, and make information more digestible. In explainer videos, kinetic typography can simplify complex ideas and enhance retention, making it easier for viewers to understand and remember the content.

Examples of Kinetic Typography in Animation

1. TED-Ed: TED-Ed’s educational videos often use kinetic typography to emphasize critical points and concepts. By animating the text in sync with the narration, they create a dynamic learning experience that keeps viewers engaged and helps them retain information more effectively.
2. Google: Year in Search: Google’s annual “Year in Search” videos utilize kinetic typography to present trends and statistics engagingly. The animated text complements the visuals, creating a cohesive storytelling experience that effectively conveys data and insights.
3. Airbnb: Airbnb’s promotional videos often feature kinetic typography to showcase testimonials and highlights from users. By animating the text, they create an emotional connection with viewers, making the content relatable and memorable.

The Future of Kinetic Typography

As digital communication continues to evolve, kinetic typography will remain a powerful tool for brands looking to enhance their storytelling. In 2025, expect to see more brands leveraging kinetic typography to create visually engaging content that captivates audiences and effectively communicates key messages.

4. Hyper-Realistic Animation

Understanding Hyper-Realistic Animation

Hyper-realistic animation aims to create visuals that closely mimic reality. This trend is gaining popularity due to advancements in rendering technology and animation software, allowing for extraordinary detail and realism. Hyper-realistic animations evoke emotions and create a sense of immersion, making them particularly effective for storytelling.

The Significance of Hyper-Realistic Animation in Marketing

Hyper-realistic animation is especially impactful in industries such as gaming, advertising, and film, where visual fidelity can enhance user experience. By creating lifelike representations, brands can draw viewers into their narratives, fostering a deeper emotional connection. This level of realism can also elevate the perceived value of a product or service, influencing consumer behaviour.

Examples of Hyper-Realistic Animation

1. Pixar: Pixar is renowned for its stunning animations, consistently pushing the boundaries of hyper-realism. In films like “Finding Dory,” the studio meticulously crafts underwater environments, showcasing the intricacies of light and water. This attention to detail not only captivates audiences but also immerses them in the story.
2. Video Games: Titles like “The Last of Us Part II” and “Cyberpunk 2077” utilize hyper-realistic animation to create emotionally charged narratives. The lifelike characters and environments enhance the gaming experience, drawing players into immersive worlds that feel authentic and relatable.
3. Nike: In its advertising campaigns, Nike often employs hyper-realistic animation to showcase its products. By creating lifelike representations of athletes in action, the brand effectively communicates performance and quality, appealing to consumers seeking high-performance gear.

The Future of Hyper-Realistic Animation

As technology continues to advance, hyper-realistic animation will likely become even more sophisticated. In 2025, expect to see brands increasingly adopting this style to create immersive experiences that resonate with viewers. As consumers become more discerning, hyper-realistic animations will help brands convey quality and authenticity, ultimately influencing purchasing decisions.

5. Conversational Storytelling

What is Conversational Storytelling?

Conversational storytelling is a narrative technique that combines animation with a personal and relatable storytelling style. This approach often features a friendly character or narrator guiding viewers through the content, fostering a sense of connection and engagement. By making the viewer feel like they are part of a conversation, brands can enhance viewer retention and create memorable experiences.

The Importance of Conversational Storytelling

Conversational storytelling is particularly effective for explainer videos, as it simplifies complex ideas and makes them more relatable. By using a conversational tone, brands can break down barriers and foster a sense of trust with their audience. This approach encourages viewers to engage with the content actively, leading to higher retention rates and increased brand loyalty.

Examples of Conversational Storytelling in Animation

1. Headspace: The meditation app utilizes conversational storytelling in its animated guides, making mindfulness practices feel accessible and friendly. By using a relatable character who speaks directly to the viewer, Headspace creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages users to explore meditation.
2. Mailchimp: Mailchimp’s marketing campaigns often feature animated characters that guide users through email marketing concepts in a conversational tone. This approach humanizes the brand and makes complex topics more approachable, enhancing user engagement.
3. Duolingo: The language-learning platform uses conversational storytelling to engage learners. The animated owl character provides friendly guidance and encouragement throughout the learning process, making language acquisition feel like a collaborative journey.

The Future of Conversational Storytelling

As brands continue to seek authentic connections with their audiences, conversational storytelling will remain a powerful tool. In 2025, expect to see more brands adopting this approach to create relatable content that resonates with viewers. By fostering a sense of connection and trust, conversational storytelling can enhance brand loyalty and drive engagement.

6. Micro-Interactions in Animation

Understanding Micro-Interactions

Micro-interactions refer to small, subtle animations that enhance the user experience by providing feedback, guiding actions, or adding a layer of delight to the interaction. These animations often occur during tasks such as clicking buttons, submitting forms, or navigating through content. Micro-interactions are designed to be unobtrusive, yet they play a significant role in shaping user experiences.

The Importance of Micro-Interactions

Micro-interactions can significantly improve user experience by making interactions feel more intuitive and engaging. They provide visual cues that help users navigate content, enhancing usability and reducing frustration. By adding a layer of delight to interactions, brands can create a more enjoyable user experience, leading to increased engagement and satisfaction.

Examples of Micro-Interactions in Animation

1. Spotify: The Spotify app employs micro-interactions to provide feedback when users interact with playlists and songs. For instance, when a user saves a song, a subtle animation appears, confirming the action. These small touches enhance the overall experience and make users feel more connected to the platform.
2. Facebook: Facebook uses micro-interactions in various ways, such as when users react to posts. The animation that occurs when a user clicks the “Like” button creates a satisfying visual feedback loop, making the action feel rewarding and reinforcing user engagement.
3. Slack: Slack utilizes micro-interactions to enhance communication between team members. For example, when users send a message, a subtle animation indicates that the message has been sent successfully. These small cues improve the overall user experience, making interactions feel smooth and seamless.

The Future of Micro-Interactions

In 2025, micro-interactions will continue to play a vital role in user experience design. As brands strive to create intuitive and engaging interfaces, incorporating micro-interactions will be essential. By enhancing usability and providing delightful experiences, brands can foster deeper connections with their audiences.

7. Liquid Animation

What is Liquid Animation?

Liquid animation involves fluid, organic motion that mimics the movement of liquids. This trend creates a sense of fluidity and dynamism, making visuals feel alive and engaging. Liquid animations often feature smooth transitions and transformations, capturing the viewer’s attention and evoking emotions.

The Impact of Liquid Animation

Liquid animations can evoke a sense of whimsy and creativity, making them ideal for brands looking to stand out and create memorable experiences. This style adds a layer of artistic expression to content, enhancing storytelling and viewer engagement. By using liquid animations, brands can convey emotions and themes in a visually striking way.

Examples of Liquid Animation in Action

1. Dopamine Labs: Dopamine Labs employs liquid animations in their app promotional materials to convey a sense of fun and creativity. The fluid motion of the visuals captures attention and communicates the app’s playful nature, encouraging user engagement.
2. Dropbox: In their branding efforts, Dropbox has incorporated liquid animations to illustrate the adaptability and fluidity of their services. The animations create a sense of movement and ease, reinforcing the brand’s messaging and enhancing user experience.
3. Lego: The Lego Group utilizes liquid animation in its promotional videos, showcasing how Lego pieces can come together to form dynamic creations. The fluid transitions between scenes evoke creativity and imagination, encouraging viewers to engage with the product.

The Future of Liquid Animation

As brands seek to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace, liquid animation will likely continue to gain popularity in 2025. Its ability to evoke emotions and create visually striking content will make it a valuable tool for storytelling. Brands that embrace liquid animation will be able to create memorable experiences that resonate with their audiences.

Why Are Animations Impactful in Engaging Viewers and Boosting Awareness?

Animations have become a vital tool for brands looking to connect with their audience in a visually compelling way. Here are four reasons why animations are so effective:

1. Affordability

Compared to traditional video production, animations can be more cost-effective. They require fewer resources, and once a character or scene is designed, it can be reused in various contexts. This allows brands to create high-quality content without breaking the bank. Additionally, animation can be produced quickly, enabling brands to respond to market trends and demands more efficiently.

2. Versatility

Animations can be adapted for various platforms and formats, from social media to websites. This versatility ensures that brands can reach their audience wherever they are, increasing the likelihood of engagement. Animated content can be used for marketing campaigns, educational materials, and social media posts, making it a valuable asset for any brand.

3. Brand Awareness

Animated content is memorable and easily shareable, helping brands to enhance their visibility. When animations are used consistently across campaigns, they can significantly boost brand recognition and recall. By creating distinctive and engaging animations, brands can create a lasting impression on their audience.

4. Creative Freedom

Animation allows for limitless creativity. Brands can visualize concepts that may be difficult to represent in live action, offering unique storytelling opportunities. This creative freedom can help brands differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. By experimenting with styles, techniques, and narratives, brands can create distinctive content that captures the audience’s attention.

5 Creative Examples of Brands Leveraging Animation Trends

1. Headspace

Headspace effectively uses animation to communicate complex mindfulness concepts in a relatable manner. Their animated videos are engaging and visually appealing, making meditation accessible to a broad audience. By leveraging conversational storytelling and kinetic typography, Headspace creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages users to explore meditation practices.

2. Google: Google Drive

Google Drive’s promotional animations utilize isometric design and kinetic typography to clearly explain its features. The visuals are not only informative but also entertaining, ensuring that users retain the information. By using a combination of animation trends, Google effectively communicates the platform’s benefits and encourages user engagement.

3. Apple

Apple often uses hyper-realistic animation in its product launches, creating excitement around new devices. Their promotional videos showcase products in stunning detail, enhancing user desire and brand loyalty. By employing liquid animation to demonstrate product features, Apple creates a sense of fluidity and elegance that resonates with its audience.

4. Dropbox

Dropbox employs liquid animations in its branding to convey the fluidity and ease of its services. The company’s animations effectively illustrate how users can seamlessly interact with their platform. By utilizing isometric design and micro-interactions, Dropbox creates an engaging experience that enhances user understanding.

5. Microsoft

Microsoft leverages conversational storytelling in its explainer videos, creating a friendly and approachable brand image. Their animations simplify complex concepts, making them accessible to users of all backgrounds. By using kinetic typography and AI-powered visuals, Microsoft effectively communicates its message while keeping viewers engaged.