Best ways to use storytelling in animated marketing videos

Ever wonder how it is that some animated videos stick with you, where others fall flat?

Sometimes it’s not just about the colours or how slickly your animation can play out. Much of it boils down to the story. How a message is told really changes everything, particularly in animated marketing videos.

Here’s how storytelling can make explainer videos that much more impactful, memorable, and even get your brand to resonate with real people.

Why stories matter in animated videos

People remember stories more than plain facts. That’s just how our brain works. So when a brand explains its service or product through a short story, it’s easier to understand and connect with.

Now think about 2D animation or motion graphics. They’re already eye-catching. Add a meaningful story, and your message becomes something people don’t just watch, they remember it. And that’s the point, right?

Use storytelling to explain, not just show

One of the best things you can do is use storytelling to make things simple. Animated videos are not just for showing features or listing benefits. They can explain a product’s use in a real-world situation. 

For example, showing how a SaaS tool helps a manager in a busy office is better than just showing menus and dashboards. It’s not just about what the product does, it’s about how someone feels when they use it calm, relaxed, in control. That’s what your story should show, and that’s something Creamy Animation Explainers does well through thoughtful and clear storytelling in their animated videos.

Keep your message real and easy to follow

A good animated video doesn’t need a complicated plot. Keep it short, keep it clear. Start with a problem, show a character struggling, and then bring in your product or idea as the solution. That’s it.

Here’s a simple pattern that works well in many explainer videos:

  • A relatable character (like a manager, a student, a parent)
  • A common challenge (like managing time, explaining data, teaching kids)
  • A solution that makes life better (this is where your service or product fits in)

Choose the right animation style for the story

Each story needs the right look. If you’re showing how a tech product works, go with 2D animation or motion graphics, which help explain things step by step. 

If your video is about people, feelings, or causes, cartoon or whiteboard animation feels more friendly. Sometimes, you can even mix styles. Just pick what matches your message, not what looks the most flashy.

Add emotion, but keep it real

Don’t be afraid to bring emotions into the video. Happiness, relief, and hope are feelings people relate to. If your animated video can make someone feel something, that’s a success.

For example, if your story is about helping students learn better, show their stress in the beginning and their smile at the end. If it’s a product video about managing money, show someone worried about bills and then confidently using a financial tool.

But make sure it’s real. Forced emotion or overacting in voice-overs can feel fake. Keep it simple, use real problems and honest moments.

Make your brand part of the story

Your brand isn’t just a logo, it’s how you make people feel. If your brand is simple, keep the video simple. 

If it’s fun and creative, show that through the story, colours, music, and voice. It’s not about flashing your logo all the time. It’s about leaving a good feeling that people connect with your name.

Start with the script, not the animation

This part is often missed. The story isn’t built on animation, it’s built on the script. The script is the heart of your explainer video. If the script doesn’t work, no animation can save it.

Before you think about visuals or voiceovers, sit down and write the story. 

  • Who is the main person? 
  • What is their problem? 
  • How do they fix it? 
  • What changes in their life? 
  • Keep the words simple, clear, and easy to speak.

Keep the timing tight

Most animated marketing videos do best when they are under two minutes. That means your story needs to move fast but still feel natural. Avoid trying to say too much. One message per video is enough.

Use voiceover to match the tone

Once the story and animation are done, the voiceover pulls everything together. Pick a voice that matches the mood. 

If the video is about health, a calm voice works well. If it’s a product for young users, a friendly and lively voice might fit better.

Keep things moving with visuals

Animated marketing videos are strong because of movement. But too much action can also distract. Keep the animation smooth and focused. Each visual should support the story, not compete with it. 

Motion graphics are good for explaining steps and showing how systems work. Character animation helps when you want people to connect with emotions. 

Use both in the right places, and you’ll tell a story that sticks just like how an experienced Explainer Video Company approaches it with balance and clarity.

Conclusion

Animated marketing videos work better when they tell a clear and simple story. Instead of just showing features, focus on real situations people can relate to. A good script, the right animation style, and a natural voice can make your video easier to understand and remember. 

Recent Posts

Douglas S. Pittman Written by: