Is an animated or live video better for your org?
Written by NIKI JUHASZ
Have you watched a video this week? Oh yeah? More than one, you say?
That’s what I thought.
Whether you’re watching, selling, teaching or learning, video remains a critical communications tool. As a matter of fact, 92 percent of marketers say video leads to a positive ROI.
And your video options are virtually limitless. That’s why today, we’re breaking down two video types – animated and live action – to help you choose which one is right for your next big campaign! We're sharing their strengths, along with an example for each.
THE PROS: CREATING AN ANIMATED VIDEO
Simply put, animated videos rely on illustrations to tell a story. They often include voiceovers and/or text on the screen, too. In my experience, here are just a few of the pros:
Animated videos give you more flexibility to tell the exact story you want to tell. You get to create an entire storyboard (the script and images you think should go along with the script), and then add the right voiceover, illustrations and effects to make the story come alive. You won’t have to manage the unpredictability of capturing just the right sound bites during a live video!
You can bring complicated concepts to life. Do you have a tricky explanatory chain? Something that most people have a hard time understanding? Animated videos can help your audience visualize a challenging concept and make it simple.
You won’t have to manage stressful approval rounds or media release forms. We believe in a robust approval and consent process during any type of storytelling. Animated videos eliminate many of the privacy and consent concerns that accompany live videos. (For example, student privacy rules such as these.)
These videos don’t require on-location filming, often saving time and money.
Animated videos empower you to show your work’s diversity and breadth, easily. For example, if you serve new parents, you may want to show your team working in healthcare clinics, partnering with medical professionals, collaborating with new parents themselves during home visits, visiting a broad range of communities, partnering with school leaders and more. You want to show that full range of services and stakeholders – but that’s tricky in a live video!
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For example, we recently partnered with the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent to create an animated video. The team wanted to share more about what they do and why serving adolescents is so important. Through an animated video, we were able to “introduce” audiences to Isabella and what she’s experiencing, helping them imagine just why adolescence is so impactful.
And to share more about the Center for the Developing Adolescent, too!
Bonus pro: these are SUPER fun to make. From giving the characters personalities to choosing the right background images, you really feel like you’re creating something brand new that reflects your work.
THE PROS: CREATING A “LIVE” VIDEO
When we say live video, we simply mean one you shoot on location and in person! These often include interviews and b-roll (also known as background footage) to tell a complete story. They may include a voiceover as well.
Live videos have their own set of pros.
Through this type of video, you can easily introduce viewers to important leaders and partners in your organization. For example, seeing the governor speak out in support of your work, or hearing from a passionate superintendent partner can change hearts and minds.
Live videos empower your clients and families you serve to share about their experiences directly. In this way, your audiences can hear straight from those you serve, too. This true authenticity can be key for moving your work forward.
Audiences love a “behind-the-scenes” look. Through live videos, you can show them exactly what your work looks like, taking them into classrooms or food distribution centers.
Live videos can help you commemorate an important event or milestone. For example, let’s say you work with youth athletes who have disabilities. There’s going to be something distinctly special about a live video showing their first swim meet or winning a race that you simply can’t capture in an animated video.
For example, we recently created a video with The Innovation Project, focused on the early learning programs at Edgecombe County Public Schools. Through the video, we were able to introduce audiences to an early learning educator, a parent and the superintendent leading the district – not to mention some of the littlest learners in the district. We offered a behind-the-scenes look at the programs, too.
Bonus pro: at least in our work, you get to hang out with kids and families. And I can promise if you’re interviewing kids, you’ll never know exactly what they’re going to say – and that’s just plain fun.
Soooooo which one will it be? Animated or live? Whichever you choose, know you’re going to have a great time – and you’ll get to show your audiences exactly why your work is so important.
