If you think back to classic cartoons, you’ll remember that 2D Animation – the kind where our characters and our scenes exist in a two-dimensional space – has been around forever. And while it’s been popular for ages, the modern 2D animation market is enormous. The global 2D animation market size was valued at USD 25.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2021 to 2028, thanks to the demand for more robust visual content in the digital realm.

By understanding the various types of 2D Animation, you can make informed decisions that enhance the effectiveness of your visuals, whether it’s for a corporate video, an explainer animation, or a quirky ad. Let’s take a look at the 2D animation toolbox and see which type is right for your next piece of content. 

What Are the Top 10 Types of 2D Animation?

1. Traditional Animation: 

In 2024, traditional Animation (hand-drawn Animation) in which every frame is drawn by hand – remained an art form that rose above the fray, its vintage feel stirring up nostalgia and evoking a sense of authenticity. Studio Ghibli’s 2024 release, Whispers of the Forest, captivated audiences with its beautifully hand-drawn visuals, showing that traditional Animation still creates deeply emotional and visually stunning experiences. It’s worth noting that although conventional Animation is still produced only in small quantities for indie films and special projects, traditional Animation showed a whopping 7% production increase in 2024. 

2. Digital 2D Animation: 

Digital 2D Animation continues to dominate in 2024, blending the best elements of hand-drawn art with the benefits of modern technology. The popularity of this style shows no signs of slowing, especially considering that the global market for 2D animation software is expected to reach $5.3 billion by the end of the year, according to Grand View Research. One recent example of the popularity of digital 2D Animation is Netflix’s Arcane: The New Dawn, which has become a global hit. Digital 2D Animation can capture the intricate details of hand-drawn worlds while also allowing them to be animated with fluid motion. 

3. Stop-Motion Animation: 

Stop motion, in which tiny physical objects are moved frame by frame, retains its appeal for adding a tangible, handmade look in 2024. There was a 10% increase in its use for advertisements and short films. CraftArt’s stop-motion ad, featuring miniature handmade furniture, has garnered over 15 million views on YouTube. This example demonstrates how stop-motion animation’s unique physicality continues to captivate viewers and stand out in a digital landscape. 

4. Typography Animation: 

Typography animation is booming in the advertising world in 2024. Brands are taking everyday text and bringing it to life to add a new dimension to their advertising campaigns. Typography animation saw a 30% rise in its use this year, according to HubSpot, as brands finally realize the power of this technique to draw attention to their message. The sustainable fashion brand EcoWave used typography animation in its 2024 campaign to emphasize its environmental commitment. The animated text not only got the message across but did so in a more creative manner than would have been impossible with a static piece of text. 

5. Vector-Based Animation: 

Vector-based Animation is the Swiss Army knife of the animation world – versatile, scalable and consistently sharp. It’s a favourite for web animations and educational content, and it’s no wonder: the style is precise and clear, like a stethoscope for the mind. By 2024, more than 65% of explainer videos will be vector-based animations. Brands and educators have embraced this style as their Animation of choice. ByteSized, for example, uses vector-based animations to explain complex subjects in its educational modules. The scalable style ensures the content looks good on everything from your smartphone to the largest flatscreens. 

Also Read: – 2D and 3D Animation Cost Per Minute In India

6. Motion Graphics: 

Motion graphics, a key component of 2D Animation, are more prevalent than ever in 2024, particularly in corporate presentations and explainer videos. Motion graphics have been gaining territory, and in 2024, 80% of businesses say they’re using them in their marketing. They help increase engagement and retention. For example, Dropbox effectively uses motion graphics in their explainer videos to visually break down how their file-sharing platform works, simplifying the user experience and increasing customer sign-ups by 25%.

7. Isometric Animation: 

Isometric Animation creates a 3D-like appearance in a 2D plane, too, and is increasingly popular in 2024, especially in gaming and architectural visualization. In 2024, SimCity BuildIt experienced a 25% increase in active users, thanks in part to the ‘excitement and richness of environment’ made possible by isometric Animation. This gives the appearance of depth and realism to 2D spaces because they generate scale relations among their parts. This makes it a favourite among game designers and architects, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional clarity. 

8. Keyframe 2D Animation: 

Keyframe 2D Animation, in which animators define key poses and let the software interpolate the frames, increased by 9% among the top studios. Disney’s re-release of The Princess and the Frog in 2018 with improved features exemplified this with its combination of old-school keyframe animation and new-school production techniques. The method’s flexibility and control over motion are essential to keyframe animation’s continued use for high-quality commercial and entertainment projects. 

9. Whiteboard Animation: 

Whiteboard animation, where ideas are drawn in real-time on a whiteboard, is a go-to tool for 2024, particularly for educational or corporate videos. It’s ideal for breaking down complex ideas – for instance, TED-Ed uses this style for its digital lessons, and its YouTube channel has more than 17 million subscribers, which shows that this format works. Studies show that whiteboard animation leads to 15% more viewer retention compared to traditional videos. If you want to communicate your ideas effectively and memorably, then whiteboard animation is the way to go.

Also Check: – 3D Animation vs. VFX

10. Cut-Out Animation: 

Did you know that 30% of new animated music videos this year used cut-out animation, contributing to a 15% rise in viewership for independent artists on platforms like YouTube? By 2024, cut-out animation will enjoy a flourishing revival in music videos and many indie projects (the kind that screens at student film festivals and on YouTube). Cut-out animation is often praised for having a warm, personal, distinctive and handcrafted look, including flat animated characters or objects. The popularity of the cut-out style cartoon hit South Park and its enduring global fanbase – more than 24 seasons and counting before all the reruns – continue to inspire today’s makers.

Conclusion: 

We’ve barely scratched the surface of 2D Animation, from the digital futurism of flat design, the dynamic loops of motion graphics, the biomimetic look of rotoscoping, to the letterboxed curves of typography animation – all of which will be more important than ever by 2024, in the wake of 2D animation accounting for more than 82% of all internet traffic. 

Like a great sauce accompanying a recipe, the animation style that you select will always complement your dish. Traditional Animation if you favour going for a cosy, classic feeling; digital/vector animation if you need something crisp and modern; typography animation if you need to bring words to life. Please select the style that fits the mood of your project and pair it with the audience for whom it’s meant. You are well into the recipe for a perfect animation.

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