Types of Animation: A Guide for Product Marketing (2026)
By the Maybe Lab teamThere are five main types of animation — 2D, 3D, motion graphics, stop motion, and traditional (hand-drawn). They differ in how they're made and what they're good for. For product and marketing videos, one type does most of the work. Here's each explained simply, and how to choose.
The five main types of animation
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Motion graphics | Animated type, shapes, UI | Products, SaaS, marketing |
| 2D animation | Flat, illustrated characters/scenes | Brand stories, explainers |
| 3D animation | Modeled, rendered depth | Hardware, games, VFX |
| Stop motion | Photographed frame by frame | Craft, tactile brand feel |
| Traditional | Hand-drawn cel animation | Artistic, character work |
Motion graphics: the one you probably want
For launches, explainers, updates, and ads, motion graphics is almost always the right type — it's fast, on brand, and suits abstract or software products that don't have a physical thing to film or a character to build. The full primer is in what is motion graphics, and the type-led detail in the kinetic typography guide.
When to use the others
- 2D animation — a character-driven brand story or a playful explainer.
- 3D animation — showcasing physical hardware, a device, or spatial products.
- Stop motion — a tactile, handmade feel for a craft or lifestyle brand.
- Traditional — rarely for product marketing; it's slow and artistic.
2D vs 3D: the common question
2D is faster and cheaper and reads as friendly and clean; 3D is costlier and slower but conveys depth, realism, and physical products. Most software marketing never needs 3D — motion graphics (a form of 2D) covers it. Reserve 3D for when the product itself is physical or spatial.
How each gets made now
Traditional and stop motion remain hand-crafted; 3D needs modeling software; but motion graphics has largely gone prompt-first — describe the video and a generator produces designed animation in minutes. That's why it's the practical default for teams shipping video regularly. See how to make an animated video.
Types of animation FAQ
What are the main types of animation?
Motion graphics, 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion, and traditional (hand-drawn) animation. They differ in technique and in what they suit.
What type of animation is best for product videos?
Motion graphics — animated type, shapes, and UI — because it's fast, stays on brand, and suits software and abstract products better than character or 3D styles.
Is motion graphics a type of animation?
Yes. Motion graphics is a branch of animation that animates designed elements (text, shapes, icons, UI) rather than characters or illustrated worlds.
What's the difference between 2D and 3D animation?
2D is flat, faster, and cheaper; 3D adds modeled depth and realism at higher cost and time. Most software marketing is well served by 2D motion graphics.
For product marketing, the type that wins on speed, cost, and brand fit is motion graphics. Describe your video to Maybe Lab and get designed, on-brand animation without touching animation software.
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