Baskadia

Animation in advertising has transcended the realm of mere cartoons, evolving into a powerful tool for brands to capture hearts, minds, and market share. These animated videos not only entertain but also leave a lasting impression, effectively conveying the brand's message and prompting action.

Here are the 5 best video ads that have left an undeniable mark on the American audience:

1. M&M's - "Singing Christmas Trees" (1997) - Stop-Motion Animation:

This heartwarming classic features the animated M&M's on a quest to find the perfect Christmas tree. The ad's charm lies in its stop-motion animation style, where individual frames are captured meticulously to create the illusion of movement. The catchy jingle and relatable message of spreading holiday cheer resonated with viewers of all ages, solidifying the ad's place in pop culture history.

2. John Lewis - "The Man on the Moon" (2015) - 2D Animation:

This tearjerker of an ad tells the story of a lonely old man who builds a rocket to reach the moon and reunite with his late wife. The ad's emotional core, combined with the beautiful hand-drawn 2D animation style, struck a chord with audiences. The ad transcended its commercial purpose, becoming a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and companionship.

3. Apple - "Think Different" (1997) - Montage with Live-Action & Animation:

This iconic ad features a montage of historical figures who dared to be different, accompanied by a powerful narration by the late Steve Jobs. While not solely animated, the impactful use of black and white historical footage interspersed with vibrant animated portraits creates a visually striking narrative. The ad's lasting legacy lies in its celebration of innovation and individuality, perfectly aligning with Apple's brand image.

4. Snickers - "You're Not You When You're Hungry" (2010) - Live-Action with Animated Overlay:

This comedic gem takes a unique approach. The ad features actor Betty White playing a muscular football player, showcasing the drastic personality shift caused by hunger. The humor stems from the contrast between White's real-life persona and the animated, aggressive version. This ad highlights the effectiveness of blending live-action with subtle animation to create a memorable and humorous impact.

5. Colgate - "The Magic of a Smile" (2011) - Claymation:

This heartwarming ad uses claymation to depict the ripple effect of a child's smile. As the smile spreads through a community, it uplifts the spirits of everyone it touches. The ad's charm lies in its simple yet profound message about the power of positivity and the ability of a smile to brighten the world.

These iconic ads showcase the diverse applications of animation in advertising. From the meticulous detail of stop-motion to the fluidity of 2D animation and the strategic use of animation within live-action footage, these creative choices leave a lasting impression.

Types of Animation Used in Ads:

• Stop-Motion Animation: This technique involves physically manipulating objects frame-by-frame to create the illusion of movement. (e.g., M&M's "Singing Christmas Trees")
  

• 2D Animation: This traditional form of animation involves creating individual drawings for each frame, resulting in fluid movement. (e.g., John Lewis - "The Man on the Moon")
  

• 3D Animation: This computer-generated animation technique creates realistic or stylized objects and environments in a virtual space. (not included in the listed ads, but prevalent in modern animation)
  

• Live-Action with Animation Overlay: This approach combines real-life footage with animated elements, creating a unique visual blend. (e.g., Snickers - "You're Not You When You're Hungry")
  

  
  

By understanding the power of animation and its various forms, brands can craft captivating narratives that resonate with their target audience and leave a lasting impact in the ever-competitive advertising landscape.