Animated vs. live action videos: Which one is right for your message?

Videos have become commonplace in all aspects of our lives and, with the ever-expanding role of social media, have become an essential part of successful marketing campaigns. Choosing to create a video for your association or business is not something that should be taken lightly, because regardless of the cost, it is still an investment. With the numerous options available – animated (whiteboard) or live action video – do you know which one is right to communicate your message?

Let’s take a look at the benefits of both types of videos.

Animated whiteboard videos are an effective way to grab your audience’s attention. They are simple and can be written and designed to communicate information in a fun, unique way. These videos are economical to produce, and because they are animated, do not require much time or cost to update or change. Messages that fit well with whiteboards include those that share large amounts of technical content or are explaining a difficult concept. For example, whiteboard videos are great for helping the viewer understand a process. Animation can bring these concepts to life.

In contrast, live action (often called “talking head”) videos deliver high-quality content to your audience with the added benefit of a personal connection. People like to do business with people they know, like and trust and the combination of these visuals, to include company representatives and sound, evoke emotion that can be much more effective than text alone. These videos are perfect vehicles when you want to showcase a product or piece of equipment and want the viewer to see exactly what it looks like, rather than simply having a drawing or sketch of it.

No matter what visual format your video takes, the secret to success still comes back to carefully defining your target audience and key messages before you develop the script. Don’t skip this important step of outlining what it is that you are truly trying to communicate. You should be able to answer, after viewing the video, its intended purpose.

Need help determining the best video type for your next message? Trust the team at AOE. We can help with everything from brainstorming ideas through project completion. Contact us Today!