Youtube Ads with Animation
Let’s be honest, at least once we have felt annoyed by the growing number of ads on Youtube. So as a brand, it is always a top-of-mind question, How do we get people to actually see our ads, not get annoyed by them? The simple answer: animation.
The long answer—we prepared six items to discuss.
But here’s a secret from the get-go: When we say digital animations, it doesn’t have to equal a full-stretch animated video.
1. Bring characters to the table.
Sample: Coca-Cola Polar Bear 1993
A brand character is any brand’s way to connect with its audience in the most human way possible. Just take Coca–Cola’s 1993 polar bears animated commercial for an example. After its debut during the Academy Awards, it has since become one of the most beloved animated characters in marketing history.
Animated characters are effective with Youtube ads because they tend to be in bright and colorful palettes, making them eye-catching and entertaining to the viewers.
2. Animated shorts
Sample: Nespresso on Ice
Very closely related to the first item, animated shorts are also a great way to retain viewer attention, especially when paired with tasteful sound effects (read ASMR or autonomic sensory meridian response)—refer to the clever advert by Nespresso to see what we mean.
Animated shorts are easily digestible, making them a perfect option for advertising material.
3. Simplify complex ideas.
Sample: Introducing Project Sunroof by Google
While on the subject of concept digestibility, animation has the power to leverage visual communication by simplifying what may seem to be complex ideas. A good example would be the Project Sunroof video by Google. It was able to communicate a rather complicated concept in just around 90 seconds—compare that to a long narrative explaining the concept.
4. Animated banners
Sample: 
Photo from HearMeFolks.com
Banners, normally seen on the upper right corner of the screen when in default view, are one of the simplest ad types on YouTube. Because of its placement, the asset can make or break a campaign, but with the right strategy, it can be a very helpful tool in grabbing the audience’s attention.
Using animated text to call attention, even with the limited size, has been a fruitful way to maximize this type of ad type. Check out Walmart’s Fight Hunger campaign. It poses a direct message that’s clear to everyone who sees, a definite objective in every ad campaign.
5. Animated music video
Sample: Oreo Wonderfilled
Songs are catchy, but what even solidifies a brand jingle is an entertaining animation to match. Check out Oreo’s Wonderfilled campaign. What made the campaign successful is its ability to elevate the brand and call for wonder, something that, arguably, cannot be made possible without animation.
6. Animated Stories.
Sample: Lyft: Life Is Better When You Share the Ride
Nobody really enjoys an unfinished story, so viewers tend to watch an entire video of stori10es. Heartwarming, touching, and emotionally affecting stories are top tier in the visual advertisement realm. But sometimes, doing these types of stories lifelike can amass a huge budget, and that’s how digital animators become a huge asset not only in translating the story but also in costing.
Take a look at Lyft’s Life Is Better When You Share the Ride campaign for example. Cutting midway can be a tall order since you’re engrossed by the story, and the wonderfully executed animation has made everything come into life and color.
Bottom line, running ad campaigns online or traditionally can be expensive, especially to smaller companies that are just starting to get their name out there.
However, leaning on animation as a creative tool to cut through the competition can be a potentially successful cost-cutting approach to put more money into ad placements in general, without sacrificing the quality of content and material.
Let’s talk world-class animation at a fraction of the cost at RipeConcepts. Drop a line at connect@ripeconcepts.com. 🍊
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