How to Use Animation for Explainer Videos and Commercials
If you’re developing an explainer video or planning a commercial for your business, animation is one of the most powerful tools you can use. It delivers clarity, emotion and attention grabbing visuals that help your message cut through the noise. Whether you want to simplify a complex idea, introduce a product or build brand recognition, animation gives you a level of creative flexibility that live action cannot always match.
For decades, Hatch Studios has been producing high quality animated explainer videos and commercial content for global brands. Their team blends storytelling, illustration and motion design to create visuals that feel polished and memorable. With animation becoming more essential for modern marketing, businesses of all sizes are turning to studios like Hatch to help bring ideas to life.
In this guide, we will explore how animation enhances explainer videos and commercials, what styles work best, and how to use animation in a way that strengthens your brand.
Why Animation Works So Well for Explainer Videos
Explainer videos are supposed to be simple. Their purpose is to take an idea and present it in a clear and engaging way. Animation is ideal for this because it eliminates the limitations of real world filming and lets you illustrate anything you want.
Here are the main advantages.
1. Animation simplifies complicated topics
Anytime you need to explain a process, system, concept or product feature, animation helps viewers follow along visually. Instead of showing real footage of something confusing, you can simplify the entire scene with clear graphics, icons or characters.
This is why businesses across tech, finance, healthcare and education rely on animated explainer video services. A well structured animation can turn complexity into something instantly understandable.
Hatch Studios specializes in explainer video production.
2. It keeps viewers engaged
People enjoy watching animation. It is dynamic, colorful and easy to follow. When viewers are entertained, they stay longer and absorb more information. This is critical for any explainer video.
Animated explainer videos also give you full control over pacing, timing and tone. You can create something fun and playful or something clean and professional. The flexibility is endless.
3. Animation removes production limitations
With animation, you don’t need:
- Actors
- Locations
- Props
- Cameras
- Lighting setups
This means no reshoots, no scheduling conflicts and no restrictions on what you can show. You can create anything your script calls for.
This is why many explainer video companies prefer animation. It is more manageable, consistent and visually dependable.
4. It works well across all industries
Industries with technical or abstract ideas benefit the most from explainer video animation. For example:
- Medical device companies
- Financial institutions
- Software developers
- Engineering firms
- Manufacturing companies
But even lifestyle or consumer brands get great results using animated explainer videos for product introductions or brand storytelling.
Hatch Studios has worked across many animation industries.
Using Animation for Commercials
Commercials need to grab attention in seconds. Whether it is on TV, YouTube, social media or streaming platforms, animated commercials stand out because they feel fresh and visually distinct.
Here are the main reasons animation works so well for commercial advertising.
1. Animation stops the scroll
In a world full of ads, animation stands out because it does not look like typical live action content. Bright colors, bold shapes and smooth motion instantly catch the audience’s eye.
Commercials created with animation often see higher engagement because viewers naturally lean into the visuals.
2. It builds brand recognition
Animation allows you to build a recognizable visual system. You can create:
- Character mascots
- Iconic color palettes
- Unique illustration styles
- Distinct motion styles
Hatch Studios offers numerous animation styles.
This consistency helps your commercials become more memorable. It is the same reason major global brands use recurring animated characters or motion design themes.
3. It gives commercial ads unlimited creative freedom
Animation lets you go beyond the real world. You can:
- Zoom into a product
- Travel through a digital interface
- Create surreal worlds
- Build dynamic transitions
- Illustrate emotions visually
This freedom makes commercials more fun, more dynamic and more effective at storytelling.
If you want product focused content, Hatch provides 3D product video production.
4. Animation is more cost effective than live action for many concepts
Live action commercials require:
- A crew
- Actors
- Studio rentals
- Equipment
- Multiple filming days
Animation avoids these expenses, and updates can be made without re shooting anything.
Businesses often find animation to be the most cost effective option for long term commercial use.
Types of Animation Used for Explainer Videos and Commercials
Animation comes in many styles. You can choose one depending on your brand’s identity and message.
Let’s explore the most common styles.
1. 2D animation
This is one of the most widely used formats for explainer videos. It is clean, simple and easy to customize. 2D animation is perfect for:
- Character driven stories
- Flat style motion graphics
- Educational explainers
- App and software walkthroughs
Learn more about Hatch Studios’ 2D animation production capabilities.
2. 3D animation
3D animation adds depth, realism and visual impact. It is ideal for commercials and product visualizations.
Popular uses include:
- 3D product demos
- Commercial ads
- Packaging showcases
- Realistic environments
Hatch Studios offers full 3D capabilities. Check out the 3D animation production page.
3. Motion graphics
Motion graphics use typography, icons and graphic elements to explain information clearly. This style is perfect for corporate communication, app explainers, infographics and commercial overlays.
Explore their motion graphics work at their motion graphics production page.
4. Mixed media and hybrid animation
Some videos combine live action with animation for a unique look. This works well when you want real human presence along with animated enhancements.
Hatch Studios also handles visual effects here.
What Makes a Great Animated Explainer Video
Not all explainer videos are created equal. To make your video truly effective, there are a few essential elements to get right.
1. A clear script
The script is the foundation. It must be:
- Concise
- Purposeful
- Easy to follow
- Focused on one idea
Long scripts reduce viewer retention. The best explainer videos typically fall between 45 and 90 seconds.
2. Strong visual storytelling
Every frame should reinforce the message. Animation should not just look good but also help clarify the content.
Hatch Studios’ decades of experience ensures tight storytelling.
3. Consistent brand identity
Your animation should use the same:
- Colors
- Typography
- Style
- Tone
This builds brand trust and recognition across platforms.
4. Professional production quality
Clean animation, smooth transitions, polished timing and strong design elevate your video from average to exceptional.
You can explore examples here.
How to Use Animation in Commercials Effectively
Commercials need speed, clarity and emotional impact. Here are the elements that matter most.
1. Open with a strong visual hook
Animated commercials should grab attention immediately. The first two seconds determine whether the viewer stays or scrolls.
2. Keep your core message simple
Commercials usually deliver a single idea. Whether promoting a product, service or brand story, animation should reinforce one core message.
3. Focus on benefits, not features
People respond to emotional value. Use animation to demonstrate results and outcomes rather than simply listing specs.
4. Use memorable characters or icons
Characters, symbols or distinct visual elements help your audience remember your brand long after the ad is over.
Why Work With a Studio Like Hatch
Animation quality varies widely. Working with an experienced studio ensures your project looks polished and communicates your message effectively.
Hatch Studios stands out for several reasons.
1. Decades of animation and commercial experience
They have been producing high quality animated content for many years across a huge range of industries.
2. A polished and reliable production workflow
Their process keeps production smooth from start to finish.
3. Custom creative solutions for every brand
Whether you want 2D, 3D or motion graphics, Hatch adapts to your brand’s personality and message.
Check out a complete list of Hatch Studios’ animation services.
4. Expertise in both explainers and commercials
Few studios specialize in both. Hatch does and their portfolio proves it.
Bringing Your Explainer or Commercial to Life
If you’re ready to create a powerful explainer video or commercial, you can reach Hatch Studios here.
Their team can help you clarify your message, choose the right animation style and create visuals that stand out across all marketing platforms.