Video & Animation Trends from 2024 and What’s Next for 2025
Chris Chart
Monday, March 17, 2025
2024 was a pivotal year for video content, animation, and marketing strategy.
From AI-driven production to the continued rise of short-form content, brands and creatives alike have had to adapt at lightning speed. So, what were the standout trends, and how will they evolve in 2025? Let’s break it down.
1. AI-Generated Content Gets Smarter (and More Human)
2024 saw AI-generated video content move from a novelty to a viable production tool. Tools like Runway, Pika Labs, and Sora have revolutionised workflows, making high-quality animation and VFX more accessible. However, audiences are becoming more discerning, and the ‘AI look’ is starting to wear thin.
2025 Prediction: Expect a blend of AI and human creativity, with brands prioritising authenticity over pure automation. AI-assisted editing and animation will remain key, but human touch will be essential for storytelling and emotional impact.
2. Short-Form Video Continues to Dominate
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts ruled 2024, and their influence isn’t fading anytime soon. Attention spans are shorter than ever, making snappy, engaging content king.
2025 Prediction: More brands will optimise content for ultra-short formats (sub-10 seconds), integrating motion graphics and animation to maximise retention. We may also see interactive short-form content becoming mainstream.
3. 3D & Motion Design Goes Beyond Just Looking Cool
The demand for high-quality 3D motion design skyrocketed in 2024, with brands using it for product launches, explainer videos, and immersive storytelling. However, overuse of generic 3D assets has led to a saturation of visually similar content.
2025 Prediction: Unique, bespoke 3D animation and stylised motion graphics will take centre stage, with brands looking for distinct visual identities rather than cookie-cutter renders.
4. Live Action + Animation Hybrid Content
We’ve seen a rise in mixed-media content where live action seamlessly integrates with 2D or 3D animation. Brands have used this technique to enhance storytelling and make otherwise mundane subjects more engaging.
2025 Prediction: Expect this trend to continue, particularly in corporate and B2B marketing. Dynamic text, illustrated overlays, and animated environments will be key tools in making live-action content more engaging and digestible.
5. Vertical Video for Everything
With mobile-first consumption at an all-time high, 2024 cemented vertical video as the default format for most platforms. No longer an afterthought, vertical content is now being prioritised in production.
2025 Prediction: More cinematic approaches to vertical video. Expect higher production values, better composition techniques, and even vertical-first ad campaigns with narrative depth.
6. Video SEO & Strategy Become Non-Negotiable
With Google pushing video results higher in search rankings, brands have had to rethink their SEO strategy. 2024 saw an increase in keyword-rich video descriptions, subtitles, and metadata optimisation.
2025 Prediction: AI-driven SEO tools will help automate optimisation, but brands will need to double down on value-driven content to keep viewers engaged. Expect more data-driven video strategies with a focus on audience retention metrics.
7. The Rise of Interactive & Shoppable Video
E-commerce and video marketing have officially merged, with interactive and shoppable videos making it easier for audiences to buy directly from content. Brands like Amazon and Shopify have leaned into this heavily.
2025 Prediction: More brands will experiment with clickable video overlays, interactive storytelling, and AR-driven shopping experiences.
Wrapping Up: How to Stay Ahead
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that video and animation are evolving at breakneck speed. For businesses and creatives, staying ahead means:
Experimenting with AI tools while maintaining a human creative edge.
Investing in high-quality motion design to stand out.
Optimising content for ultra-short and vertical formats.
Integrating interactive elements to drive engagement.
Leveraging SEO and analytics to refine strategy.
2025 will be all about adaptability, creativity, and making content that resonates. If you need help staying ahead of the curve, let’s chat.
From AI-driven production to the continued rise of short-form content, brands and creatives alike have had to adapt at lightning speed. So, what were the standout trends, and how will they evolve in 2025? Let’s break it down.
1. AI-Generated Content Gets Smarter (and More Human)
2024 saw AI-generated video content move from a novelty to a viable production tool. Tools like Runway, Pika Labs, and Sora have revolutionised workflows, making high-quality animation and VFX more accessible. However, audiences are becoming more discerning, and the ‘AI look’ is starting to wear thin.
2025 Prediction: Expect a blend of AI and human creativity, with brands prioritising authenticity over pure automation. AI-assisted editing and animation will remain key, but human touch will be essential for storytelling and emotional impact.
2. Short-Form Video Continues to Dominate
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts ruled 2024, and their influence isn’t fading anytime soon. Attention spans are shorter than ever, making snappy, engaging content king.
2025 Prediction: More brands will optimise content for ultra-short formats (sub-10 seconds), integrating motion graphics and animation to maximise retention. We may also see interactive short-form content becoming mainstream.
3. 3D & Motion Design Goes Beyond Just Looking Cool
The demand for high-quality 3D motion design skyrocketed in 2024, with brands using it for product launches, explainer videos, and immersive storytelling. However, overuse of generic 3D assets has led to a saturation of visually similar content.
2025 Prediction: Unique, bespoke 3D animation and stylised motion graphics will take centre stage, with brands looking for distinct visual identities rather than cookie-cutter renders.
4. Live Action + Animation Hybrid Content
We’ve seen a rise in mixed-media content where live action seamlessly integrates with 2D or 3D animation. Brands have used this technique to enhance storytelling and make otherwise mundane subjects more engaging.
2025 Prediction: Expect this trend to continue, particularly in corporate and B2B marketing. Dynamic text, illustrated overlays, and animated environments will be key tools in making live-action content more engaging and digestible.
5. Vertical Video for Everything
With mobile-first consumption at an all-time high, 2024 cemented vertical video as the default format for most platforms. No longer an afterthought, vertical content is now being prioritised in production.
2025 Prediction: More cinematic approaches to vertical video. Expect higher production values, better composition techniques, and even vertical-first ad campaigns with narrative depth.
6. Video SEO & Strategy Become Non-Negotiable
With Google pushing video results higher in search rankings, brands have had to rethink their SEO strategy. 2024 saw an increase in keyword-rich video descriptions, subtitles, and metadata optimisation.
2025 Prediction: AI-driven SEO tools will help automate optimisation, but brands will need to double down on value-driven content to keep viewers engaged. Expect more data-driven video strategies with a focus on audience retention metrics.
7. The Rise of Interactive & Shoppable Video
E-commerce and video marketing have officially merged, with interactive and shoppable videos making it easier for audiences to buy directly from content. Brands like Amazon and Shopify have leaned into this heavily.
2025 Prediction: More brands will experiment with clickable video overlays, interactive storytelling, and AR-driven shopping experiences.
Wrapping Up: How to Stay Ahead
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that video and animation are evolving at breakneck speed. For businesses and creatives, staying ahead means:
Experimenting with AI tools while maintaining a human creative edge.
Investing in high-quality motion design to stand out.
Optimising content for ultra-short and vertical formats.
Integrating interactive elements to drive engagement.
Leveraging SEO and analytics to refine strategy.
2025 will be all about adaptability, creativity, and making content that resonates. If you need help staying ahead of the curve, let’s chat.
From AI-driven production to the continued rise of short-form content, brands and creatives alike have had to adapt at lightning speed. So, what were the standout trends, and how will they evolve in 2025? Let’s break it down.
1. AI-Generated Content Gets Smarter (and More Human)
2024 saw AI-generated video content move from a novelty to a viable production tool. Tools like Runway, Pika Labs, and Sora have revolutionised workflows, making high-quality animation and VFX more accessible. However, audiences are becoming more discerning, and the ‘AI look’ is starting to wear thin.
2025 Prediction: Expect a blend of AI and human creativity, with brands prioritising authenticity over pure automation. AI-assisted editing and animation will remain key, but human touch will be essential for storytelling and emotional impact.
2. Short-Form Video Continues to Dominate
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts ruled 2024, and their influence isn’t fading anytime soon. Attention spans are shorter than ever, making snappy, engaging content king.
2025 Prediction: More brands will optimise content for ultra-short formats (sub-10 seconds), integrating motion graphics and animation to maximise retention. We may also see interactive short-form content becoming mainstream.
3. 3D & Motion Design Goes Beyond Just Looking Cool
The demand for high-quality 3D motion design skyrocketed in 2024, with brands using it for product launches, explainer videos, and immersive storytelling. However, overuse of generic 3D assets has led to a saturation of visually similar content.
2025 Prediction: Unique, bespoke 3D animation and stylised motion graphics will take centre stage, with brands looking for distinct visual identities rather than cookie-cutter renders.
4. Live Action + Animation Hybrid Content
We’ve seen a rise in mixed-media content where live action seamlessly integrates with 2D or 3D animation. Brands have used this technique to enhance storytelling and make otherwise mundane subjects more engaging.
2025 Prediction: Expect this trend to continue, particularly in corporate and B2B marketing. Dynamic text, illustrated overlays, and animated environments will be key tools in making live-action content more engaging and digestible.
5. Vertical Video for Everything
With mobile-first consumption at an all-time high, 2024 cemented vertical video as the default format for most platforms. No longer an afterthought, vertical content is now being prioritised in production.
2025 Prediction: More cinematic approaches to vertical video. Expect higher production values, better composition techniques, and even vertical-first ad campaigns with narrative depth.
6. Video SEO & Strategy Become Non-Negotiable
With Google pushing video results higher in search rankings, brands have had to rethink their SEO strategy. 2024 saw an increase in keyword-rich video descriptions, subtitles, and metadata optimisation.
2025 Prediction: AI-driven SEO tools will help automate optimisation, but brands will need to double down on value-driven content to keep viewers engaged. Expect more data-driven video strategies with a focus on audience retention metrics.
7. The Rise of Interactive & Shoppable Video
E-commerce and video marketing have officially merged, with interactive and shoppable videos making it easier for audiences to buy directly from content. Brands like Amazon and Shopify have leaned into this heavily.
2025 Prediction: More brands will experiment with clickable video overlays, interactive storytelling, and AR-driven shopping experiences.
Wrapping Up: How to Stay Ahead
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that video and animation are evolving at breakneck speed. For businesses and creatives, staying ahead means:
Experimenting with AI tools while maintaining a human creative edge.
Investing in high-quality motion design to stand out.
Optimising content for ultra-short and vertical formats.
Integrating interactive elements to drive engagement.
Leveraging SEO and analytics to refine strategy.
2025 will be all about adaptability, creativity, and making content that resonates. If you need help staying ahead of the curve, let’s chat.
From AI-driven production to the continued rise of short-form content, brands and creatives alike have had to adapt at lightning speed. So, what were the standout trends, and how will they evolve in 2025? Let’s break it down.
1. AI-Generated Content Gets Smarter (and More Human)
2024 saw AI-generated video content move from a novelty to a viable production tool. Tools like Runway, Pika Labs, and Sora have revolutionised workflows, making high-quality animation and VFX more accessible. However, audiences are becoming more discerning, and the ‘AI look’ is starting to wear thin.
2025 Prediction: Expect a blend of AI and human creativity, with brands prioritising authenticity over pure automation. AI-assisted editing and animation will remain key, but human touch will be essential for storytelling and emotional impact.
2. Short-Form Video Continues to Dominate
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts ruled 2024, and their influence isn’t fading anytime soon. Attention spans are shorter than ever, making snappy, engaging content king.
2025 Prediction: More brands will optimise content for ultra-short formats (sub-10 seconds), integrating motion graphics and animation to maximise retention. We may also see interactive short-form content becoming mainstream.
3. 3D & Motion Design Goes Beyond Just Looking Cool
The demand for high-quality 3D motion design skyrocketed in 2024, with brands using it for product launches, explainer videos, and immersive storytelling. However, overuse of generic 3D assets has led to a saturation of visually similar content.
2025 Prediction: Unique, bespoke 3D animation and stylised motion graphics will take centre stage, with brands looking for distinct visual identities rather than cookie-cutter renders.
4. Live Action + Animation Hybrid Content
We’ve seen a rise in mixed-media content where live action seamlessly integrates with 2D or 3D animation. Brands have used this technique to enhance storytelling and make otherwise mundane subjects more engaging.
2025 Prediction: Expect this trend to continue, particularly in corporate and B2B marketing. Dynamic text, illustrated overlays, and animated environments will be key tools in making live-action content more engaging and digestible.
5. Vertical Video for Everything
With mobile-first consumption at an all-time high, 2024 cemented vertical video as the default format for most platforms. No longer an afterthought, vertical content is now being prioritised in production.
2025 Prediction: More cinematic approaches to vertical video. Expect higher production values, better composition techniques, and even vertical-first ad campaigns with narrative depth.
6. Video SEO & Strategy Become Non-Negotiable
With Google pushing video results higher in search rankings, brands have had to rethink their SEO strategy. 2024 saw an increase in keyword-rich video descriptions, subtitles, and metadata optimisation.
2025 Prediction: AI-driven SEO tools will help automate optimisation, but brands will need to double down on value-driven content to keep viewers engaged. Expect more data-driven video strategies with a focus on audience retention metrics.
7. The Rise of Interactive & Shoppable Video
E-commerce and video marketing have officially merged, with interactive and shoppable videos making it easier for audiences to buy directly from content. Brands like Amazon and Shopify have leaned into this heavily.
2025 Prediction: More brands will experiment with clickable video overlays, interactive storytelling, and AR-driven shopping experiences.
Wrapping Up: How to Stay Ahead
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that video and animation are evolving at breakneck speed. For businesses and creatives, staying ahead means:
Experimenting with AI tools while maintaining a human creative edge.
Investing in high-quality motion design to stand out.
Optimising content for ultra-short and vertical formats.
Integrating interactive elements to drive engagement.
Leveraging SEO and analytics to refine strategy.
2025 will be all about adaptability, creativity, and making content that resonates. If you need help staying ahead of the curve, let’s chat.
