Jun 18th, 2025
Despite the rise of 3D, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), 2D animation video production remains one of the most powerful storytelling tools. Whether it’s explainer videos, brand promos, or educational content, 2D animation delivers visual clarity, emotional resonance, and cost-effectiveness.
As we head into 2025, this medium is evolving rapidly. Powered by new tools, technologies, and audience expectations, 2D motion graphics and animation continue to adapt. Whether you’re an animation company, creative agency, or business owner, understanding these trends is key to staying relevant.
In this blog, we’ll cover the top 2D animation trends shaping the industry in 2025 and how you can leverage them.
Primary keyword: 2D animation video production
Secondary keyword: AI in animation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every creative industry—and 2D animation is no exception. In 2025, AI tools like Adobe Firefly, RunwayML, and DeepMotion are speeding up workflows. These platforms help animators generate in-betweens, backgrounds, or lip-syncing in seconds, reducing manual effort.
Why it matters:
Saves time on repetitive tasks
Enables focus on creative storytelling
Makes production more accessible to smaller teams
💡 Pro Tip: AI can assist—but not replace—creative direction. Treat AI as a helpful assistant, not a replacement for creativity.
🔗 External Resource: Runway ML – Creative AI Tools
In the age of automation, there’s a growing appreciation for hand-drawn 2D animation. Brands are seeking authenticity and originality, and frame-by-frame animation brings that human touch.
Popular use cases:
Brand storytelling videos
Personalized explainer videos
Children’s educational content
In 2025, expect a rise in hybrid animation: where digital techniques mimic hand-drawn artistry—giving a unique nostalgic appeal.
Primary keyword: animation video for business
Secondary keyword: custom animated video
Even in 2025, businesses rely heavily on 2D animated explainer videos for:
Onboarding
Product launches
Internal training
SaaS walkthroughs
The trend is towards short, value-packed content that gets to the point in 60–90 seconds. These animations are now more interactive and data-driven than ever before.
🔗 Related Guide: HubSpot – Why Explainer Videos Work
As short-form video continues to dominate platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, mobile-optimized 2D motion graphics are crucial.
Features that work best:
9:16 vertical format
Bright colors and bold fonts
Subtitles and sound effects
In 2025, most successful content will be made with social-first storytelling in mind—not repurposed from traditional formats.
Thanks to tools like Figma, Notion, Frame.io, and Toon Boom Cloud, animation production is more global than ever. Distributed teams can now co-create across time zones.
Advantages of remote 2D animation production:
Access to international talent
Faster iteration with cloud-based tools
Better project visibility for clients
🔗 Resource: Toon Boom Harmony Cloud
Primary keyword: animated videos for elearning
Secondary keyword: health and safety training
Animated learning continues to rise, especially in:
School/university curriculum
Corporate training
Healthcare and safety education
In 2025, 2D animation will increasingly feature in microlearning, gamified content, and animated infographics for better knowledge retention.
Example:
Animated HSE training videos or PPE safety animations are engaging alternatives to dull presentations.
🔗 Case Study: eLearning Industry – Animation in Learning
In a noisy digital world, storytelling remains the strongest way to build connection. More brands are investing in narrative-driven 2D animations that:
Evoke empathy
Simplify complex ideas
Stay memorable
Motion design studios are using emotive characters, voiceovers, and cinematic scoring to create strong emotional journeys.
Primary keyword: custom animated video
Generic templates are out. In 2025, businesses are requesting custom-designed characters, mascots, and UI elements that reflect their brand.
Why it’s effective:
Builds visual identity
Makes animations uniquely yours
Resonates with target audiences
You can also repurpose these assets across websites, social media, and marketing campaigns.
While not visible to the audience, faster rendering and animation tools mean quicker delivery. Cloud-based solutions allow teams to render complex scenes without expensive hardware.
Top tools in 2025:
Adobe After Effects (with GPU boost)
Toon Boom Harmony Premium
Blender (for hybrid 2D/3D rendering)
This means shorter delivery timelines and better scalability for agencies.
Primary keyword: real estate animation
2D animation is becoming popular for:
Real estate walkthroughs
Floor plan visualizations
Smart home explainer videos
While 3D rendering is common in architecture, 2D animations simplify processes and communicate key features quickly.
Use case:
Animated site safety inductions for workers or animated neighborhood maps for buyers.
As we’ve seen, 2D animation video production in 2025 is smarter, faster, and more creative than ever. Whether you’re a content creator, business, or marketer, understanding these trends helps you plan better and stay ahead of the competition.
To recap:
AI tools streamline production
Hand-drawn and custom work build brand identity
Mobile-first and remote workflows expand creative possibilities
2D animation remains essential in business, eLearning, and marketing
Q1: Is 2D animation still relevant in 2025?
Absolutely! 2D animation is versatile, cost-effective, and works well for marketing, education, and training.
Q2: What tools are best for 2D animation production in 2025?
Combine industry tools like Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, After Effects, and AI platforms such as RunwayML to enhance your animation workflow.
Q3: Can 2D animation be used in real estate marketing?
Yes. It’s effective for visualizing spaces, floor plans, and onboarding site workers.
Despite the rise of 3D, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), 2D animation video production remains one of the most powerful storytelling tools. Whether it’s explainer videos, brand promos, or educational content, 2D animation delivers visual clarity, emotional resonance, and cost-effectiveness. As we head into 2025, this medium is evolving rapidly. Powered by new […]
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