Animation is a powerful storytelling tool in video production. It’s especially effective when creating business videos. It brings abstract ideas to life. It simplifies complex concepts. And it keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

But while animation is incredibly versatile, it’s not always the right fit. Some messages — or audiences — respond better to other formats.

At One Productions, we help businesses decide when animation will make the biggest impact. And when live-action might work better. In this blog, we break down when to use animation in business videos and when to skip it. So you can make the right call for your next campaign.

When Animation Works Best

1. Explaining Complex Products or Services

If your product or service is technical, intangible, or hard to explain, animation can make it clear. Icons. Diagrams. Infographics. Motion graphics. These tools simplify messages that might otherwise feel overwhelming.

Perfect for:

• SaaS platforms
• Fintech services
• Health tech tools
• Scientific or data-driven solutions
  

2. Bringing Abstract Concepts to Life

Need to explain ideas like “cybersecurity,” “innovation,” or “workflow efficiency”? These aren’t things you can film. But animation lets you visualise them clearly. Motion graphics and kinetic typography turn abstract ideas into engaging visuals.

Perfect for:

• Pitch videos
• Brand values explainers
• Vision or mission storytelling
  

3. Delivering Information Quickly and Visually

Animated explainer videos are great for fast communication. They deliver a lot of information in a short time. Animation keeps attention while educating viewers. That makes it ideal for digital marketing, internal comms, or staff training.

Perfect for:

• Website homepage explainers
• Social media ads
• Internal communications and onboarding
  

4. Maintaining Brand Consistency

Animation gives you total visual control. From colour palettes to fonts to tone, everything can match your brand identity. If you’re producing multiple videos, animation ensures they look and feel consistent — every time.

Perfect for:

• Multi-video campaigns
• Franchise or multi-location businesses
• Brand awareness content
  

5. Working Within Limited Resources

Filming on location or hiring actors not an option? Animation is a cost-effective alternative. You don’t need travel, permits, or even a physical set. Animation offers high production value without the logistical headaches.

Perfect for:

• Startups on a tight budget
• Remote teams or global audiences
• Sensitive subject matter

When Animation Might Not Be the Best Fit

1. When Human Connection Is Key

People buy from people.

If your message depends on trust, emotion, or relatability, live-action may be the better choice. Real faces, real body language, real emotion. These create authenticity — something animation can’t always replicate.

Better with live-action:

• Customer testimonials
• Company culture videos
• Recruitment content
• Leadership messages
  

2. When You’re Showcasing a Physical Product or Space

Animation can’t replace the feel of something real. If you want to show quality, texture, or real-world use, live-action footage gives viewers that tangible experience.

Better with live-action:

• Product demos
• Event recaps
• Office or factory tours
• Restaurant and hospitality content
  

3. When You Need to React Quickly

Animation is flexible — but it takes time. It often requires more planning and production than live-action. If you need to respond fast — to a trend, news, or internal update — a quick shoot may be the better route.

Better with live-action:

• Reactive social content
• Press announcements
• On-the-ground event coverage
  

The One Productions Approach to Animation

We offer full in-house animation services. That includes:

• Concept development

• Scripting and storyboarding

• Voiceovers

• Animation production

We work closely with you to decide:

• If animation is the right fit for your goals

• What style suits your brand — flat design, 2D, or 3D

• How to structure the video for clarity and engagement

• How to repurpose it for web, social, internal use, and more

Need something in between?

We also create hybrid videos — mixing live-action with motion graphics. This gives you real-world authenticity plus dynamic visuals to explain key points.

So… Animation or Live-Action?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best format depends on your message, your audience, your goals, and your budget. What matters most? That your video is strategic. Professionally made. And true to your brand.

Animation isn’t just for cartoons or explainer videos. Used well, it’s a powerful business tool — one that drives results.

Need help deciding which format is right for your next video?

At One Productions, we’ll help you find the best approach — whether that’s animation, live-action, or a blend of both. We bring clarity, creativity, and experience to every project — and deliver business videos that work.

Contact Us Today and Start your Project with Us