Humanising Brands with 2D Explainer Videos

Injecting Personality into Brand Messaging

In an increasingly digital world, connecting with your audience on a human level is more critical than ever. Brands are no longer just logos or slogans; they are entities with personalities, values, and stories. One powerful way to bring this human element to life is through the use of characters in 2D explainer videos. These animated characters can encapsulate your brand’s essence, making it relatable and memorable. As an animation studio, we understand the transformative impact these characters can have on brand perception and engagement.

The Importance of Humanising Brands

Humanising a brand means giving it a personality, a voice, and an identity that resonates with your audience. It’s about creating a connection that goes beyond the transactional, fostering loyalty and trust. In a market saturated with choices, consumers gravitate towards brands that feel personal and authentic. This is where characters in 2D explainer videos shine, offering a way to embody your brand’s values and message in a way that’s both engaging and memorable.

Why 2D Explainer Videos?

2D explainer videos are a popular choice for brands looking to communicate complex ideas in a simple, engaging format. The appeal lies in their versatility, affordability, and the ability to break down information into digestible chunks. When you introduce characters into these videos, you add a layer of relatability. Characters can guide the viewer through the narrative, making the content more accessible and engaging.

Example of an Explainer Video

The Power of Characters in 2D Explainer Videos

Characters in 2D explainer videos serve as the bridge between your brand and your audience. They can represent your customers, your employees, or even the values your brand stands for. These characters become the face of your message, making abstract concepts more concrete and relatable. By giving your brand a ‘face,’ you make it easier for your audience to connect with you on a personal level.

Creating Relatable Characters

The success of using characters in 2D explainer videos hinges on their relatability. Characters should reflect the diversity of your audience and embody traits that your viewers can identify with. Whether it’s through their appearance, voice, or the way they interact with the world around them, these characters should feel like real people. This is key to forging a deeper connection with your audience.

Storytelling with Characters

Storytelling is a powerful tool in marketing, and characters play a crucial role in bringing stories to life. In a 2D explainer video, characters can navigate the viewer through a narrative, making the information more engaging and easier to remember. They can demonstrate product use, personify brand values, or simply entertain, all while subtly embedding your brand’s message in the viewer’s mind.

Examples of Brands Using Characters Effectively

Several well-known brands have successfully humanised themselves through the use of characters in their 2D explainer videos. For instance, think of how companies like Headspace use animated characters to simplify the explanation of their products. These characters are not just cute additions; they are integral to how the brand communicates with its audience.

Designing Characters that Align with Your Brand

When designing characters for 2D explainer videos, it’s essential to ensure they align with your brand’s identity. The character design should reflect your brand’s colours, style, and tone. For example, a tech company might opt for sleek, modern characters, while a children’s brand might choose bright, playful designs. The goal is to create characters that feel like a natural extension of your brand.

Incorporating Brand Values into Characters

Characters in 2D explainer videos should not only look the part but also embody your brand’s values. Whether it’s through their actions, dialogue, or even their backstory, these characters should communicate what your brand stands for. This creates a cohesive and consistent brand narrative that resonates with your audience.

Enhancing Engagement with Animated Characters

Animated characters in 2D explainer videos are not just for show; they actively enhance engagement. Viewers are more likely to watch a video to the end if it features relatable, entertaining characters. These characters can evoke emotions, prompt viewers to take action, and even create a lasting impression that encourages brand loyalty.

The Emotional Connection: Why It Matters

The emotional connection that characters in 2D explainer videos foster is one of their greatest strengths. People respond to emotions, and by using characters that evoke empathy, humour, or even nostalgia, you can create a powerful bond with your audience. This emotional connection is often the difference between a forgettable video and one that leaves a lasting impact.

The Role of Voiceover in Character Animation

Voiceover is a critical element in bringing animated characters to life. The right voice can add depth to a character, making them more relatable and engaging. It’s important to choose a voice that aligns with your brand’s tone and the character’s personality. Whether it’s a warm, friendly voice or a more professional tone, the voiceover should enhance the character’s role in your 2D explainer video.

Scriptwriting for Character-Driven 2D Explainer Videos

A well-written script is the backbone of any successful 2D explainer video. When your video is character-driven, the script should focus on natural dialogue, clear messaging, and engaging storytelling. The script should not only communicate the key points of your message but also showcase the character’s personality and role within the story.

Integrating Characters Seamlessly into the Narrative

Characters in 2D explainer videos should feel like an integral part of the story, not just an add-on. Their actions and dialogue should drive the narrative forward, helping to illustrate your brand’s message in a way that’s both clear and engaging. The seamless integration of characters into the narrative is what makes the video feel cohesive and professional.

Measuring the Impact of Characters in 2D Explainer Videos

It’s important to measure the impact of your 2D explainer videos to understand how effectively your characters are resonating with your audience. Metrics such as viewer engagement, watch time, and social shares can provide insights into how well your characters are connecting with viewers. This data can inform future character design and narrative decisions.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While characters can significantly enhance your 2D explainer videos, there are common pitfalls to avoid. Overcomplicating character design, mismatching the character with the brand identity, or neglecting the script can all undermine the effectiveness of your video. It’s essential to keep the character design simple yet meaningful, align it with your brand, and ensure the script is strong.

The Future of Characters in 2D Explainer Videos

As technology evolves, so does the potential for characters in 2D explainer videos. With advancements in animation and AI, characters are becoming more dynamic and interactive, offering new ways to engage audiences. The future of 2D explainer videos will likely see even more personalised and responsive characters, further humanising brands.

Conclusion: Humanising Your Brand with 2D Explainer Videos

Incorporating characters into your 2D explainer videos is a powerful way to humanise your brand and connect with your audience. By designing relatable characters, telling compelling stories, and aligning these elements with your brand’s identity, you can create videos that not only inform but also engage and inspire. As an animation studio, we are here to help you bring your brand to life through the magic of character-driven 2D explainer videos.

FAQs

What are the benefits of using characters in 2D explainer videos?

Characters can make your brand more relatable, simplify complex ideas, and enhance viewer engagement.

How do I choose the right character design for my brand?

The character design should reflect your brand’s identity, including its colours, style, and tone. It should also resonate with your target audience.

Can characters in 2D explainer videos help in increasing brand loyalty?

Yes, by creating an emotional connection with viewers, characters can foster brand loyalty and make your brand more memorable.

What role does voiceover play in character-driven explainer videos?

Voiceover adds depth to characters, making them more relatable and enhancing their role in conveying your brand’s message.

How can I measure the success of my character-driven explainer video?

Metrics such as viewer engagement, watch time, and social shares can help measure the success of your video and its impact on your audience.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when using characters in explainer videos?

Avoid overcomplicating the design, mismatching the character with your brand identity, and neglecting a strong script.