Businesses often struggle with one of the earliest decisions in an explainer video project: Should you use animation or live-action?
On paper, it looks simple. In practice, it’s rarely a straightforward choice.
I’ve seen how split the opinions are. Some marketers prefer animation because it simplifies complex ideas and visualizes concepts that can’t be filmed.
Others insist live-action works better since authentic human expressions create a more direct emotional connection.
Search online, and the confusion gets worse. Some people claim animation feels less professional, while others say talking-head videos are boring and outdated.
So which one is better?
From my experience, there’s no universal winner.
I’ve handled projects where animation made the message clearer and more engaging, and others where live-action delivered stronger authenticity.
It ultimately depends on three things: your subject, your objective, and your audience.
Once you’re clear on that, the right answer becomes obvious.
That’s also how we approach every project at Breadnbeyond, so format comes second, strategy comes first.
Let’s see the differences between animated and live-action videos.
Animated and Live Action Video Examples
To make it easier for you to understand, here’s a sample of our showcase videos for both types.
Animation Video
We created this animated video for PayPal back in 2012, and it remains one of the clearest examples of how the right animation style can simplify a message.
The charming, endearing characters helped break down what could’ve been a technical explanation into something anyone could follow.
I remember how effective it was to pair those visuals with concise on-screen text.
This approach not only clarified each step but also made the content more accessible for viewers who prefer reading cues while watching.
It’s a good reminder that animation shouldn’t just be about looking appealing.
It must also guide your audience through information in the most effortless way possible.
Live Action Video
Of course, live-action explainer videos can be combined with animation, and sometimes even something as simple as text animation can make a big difference.
I’ve seen this approach work especially well when you want the authenticity of real people on screen but still need visual reinforcement to clarify key points.
A good example is the video we created for Codemeet.
We blended live-action footage with clean, purposeful motion graphics to highlight the main messages without overwhelming the viewer.
It’s a flexible format that, when done right, gives you the best of both worlds.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing Your Explainer Video Style?
You shouldn’t choose between animation and live-action based on preference alone.
From my experience, the best results come when you assess the decision strategically.
Several factors, such as your message, audience, and goals, play a crucial role in determining which style will deliver the strongest impact.
So, I’ll share a few essential considerations when choosing your explainer video style.
1. Brand Image or Overall Concept
Start by taking a good look at your website. And ask yourself this question, “Can an animated video make this website better?”
If you have this casual, colorful yet professional-looking website, an animated explainer video is most likely the right option to consider.
However, if your website and branding concept are more human and friendly, you really can’t beat live-action videos.
2. Your Target Audience
No matter your website’s vibe, if your target audience is younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, then an animated video is practically a must.
The endearing, lovely characters can capture younger audiences faster than live-action ones.
On the other hand, if you want to appeal to older generations and professionals, you can go with live-action explainer videos to pique their interest.
3. Your Budgets
Your budget is an important factor in making any decision.
Will your budget cover the cost for a professional real human video or a fancy 90-second animated video?
If you’re insisting on choosing live-action explainer videos, then you should be ready to spend more.
That’s because you have to pay for every process in the pre- and post-production, including fancy cameras and other equipment to make the visuals more captivating.
Meanwhile, if you’re a small business with a shoestring budget, then an animated explainer video might be the best option.
There are many video tools you can use to create your own animated videos.
Not to mention that there are also endless options for companies that offer you the best price for this type of video.
4. Allocated Time and Resources
There’s no escaping this one since both came with a lengthy process.
A well-crafted animated video is going to take some time, as it progresses about 3-5 seconds per day.
For a typical animated explainer video company, the process of creating engaging videos comprises at least eight stages.
Don’t be surprised if it takes weeks or even months to complete.
So, if you need a professional-looking explainer video within a week or two, then you can’t really rely on this type.
As an alternative, you can utilize animated explainer video templates to help you create animated explainer videos in no time.
Live-action videos, on the other hand, can typically be shot within a couple of days.
If you have all the equipment and teams, you can shoot the footage you want much faster.
Also, everything captured in live-action videos is recorded in real time, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments on the spot and saving time on the editing process.
Which One Should You Choose? Animation or Live-Action Videos
Choosing the right explainer video style is more than a creative preference. It shouldn’t be that simple.
Explainer video styles can influence how effectively your message lands, how your audience perceives your brand, and how efficiently you use your production budget.
Both formats can perform exceptionally well, but only when they match your strategic needs.
Most importantly, there’s no absolute winner between animation and live-action.
Animation gives you full creative control and the ability to simplify complex ideas, while live-action brings human presence and authenticity that some brands rely on.
The real key is aligning the format with what you want the video to achieve and what resources you realistically have.
Before you commit to one direction, I always recommend stepping back and asking yourself four critical questions:
1. What’s your brand image and concept?
If your brand leans modern, innovative, or tech-forward, animation often fits naturally. If trust, human connection, or real environments matter more, live-action may be the better choice.
2. Who are you creating the video for?
Your audience’s expectations should guide your format. Younger viewers may respond better to animation; B2B audiences might prefer real people or real product footage.
3. How much budget do you have?
Both styles can scale up or down, but live-action typically involves more logistics, including locations, actors, and crews, while animation requires more production time and specialized skill.
4. How much time and resources have you allocated?
Tight deadlines often favor live-action if you already have everything ready to shoot. Longer timelines allow for more polished, custom animation.
Why must you answer these questions beforehand?
Well, they help you make a far more confident and strategic decision.
One that ensures your explainer video not only looks good but genuinely works for your brand.
Mini FAQs About Explainer Videos and Live-Action Videos
I’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions I get from clients who are unsure whether animation, live-action, or a mix of both is the best fit for their brand. These will help you understand the differences and choose the format that aligns with your goals.
1. Which type of explainer video is more effective?
Effectiveness really depends on your goal. Different styles work better for different purposes. For example, 2D animation is great for simplifying concepts, whiteboard animation excels at step-by-step explanations, motion graphics work well for data-heavy content, and 3D animation is effective for product demos or anything that needs realistic visualization.
Live-action is still an option, but it’s not automatically more effective. The real effectiveness comes from choosing a style that clearly communicates your idea and keeps your audience engaged.
2. Is animation always more affordable than live-action?
Not always. While animation avoids costs like actors, locations, and equipment, high-quality custom animation also requires time and specialized skill. Live-action can be cheaper if you keep production simple, but it can get expensive quickly when the scope grows.
3. How do I know which format fits my brand?
Start by looking at your brand personality and the impression you want to create. If your brand leans modern, creative, or tech-driven, animation often aligns well with it. If trust, warmth, or human interaction is core to your identity, live-action may be the stronger choice.
4. Can I combine animation and live-action in one video?
Absolutely. I’ve worked on several projects where we blended live footage with motion graphics or text animation. This hybrid approach gives you the authenticity of real people while still providing clear visual explanations.
5. Which format works best for tight deadlines?
Live-action is usually faster if you already have access to the people, location, and script you need. Animation takes longer because every scene must be created from scratch. However, simple motion graphics or template-based animation can still be produced quickly with an experienced team.
Get Started With Breadnbeyond Today!
If you choose to go with animated explainer videos, Breadnbeyond can lend you a hand.
We’re an award-winning studio with more than 2,600 animated explainer videos for clients worldwide. You can get a fully custom video—crafted entirely from scratch—for less than $2,000, and we typically complete production in under one month.
And if you already have live-action footage, we can blend it with our animation to create a polished hybrid explainer video.
Explore our video packages and find the animation style that fits your brand best.
Or try our video cost calculator to get an instant estimation of your project budget.
Just click on the banner below to get started.
