Businesses often ask us for “a video” without knowing which kind will work best. The two main options, motion graphics and live-action video, do different jobs.
Choose motion graphics when
- You are explaining a process, service or idea that has nothing physical to film, such as an app, a financial product or a sign-up journey.
- You need numbers, steps or comparisons to be crystal clear.
- You want a consistent brand look across many short pieces.
- You will need to update it later. Changing a price or a screen in an animation is far easier than reshooting.
Choose live-action video when
- People and trust are the message: testimonials, your team, a founder’s story.
- You have a place or event worth showing, such as a shop, a site or a launch.
- You want raw, behind-the-scenes content for social media.
Combine them
Many of the strongest pieces mix both: real footage with animated titles, callouts and on-screen data. A customer testimonial with key figures animated beside the speaker often outperforms either format alone.
Keep it short
For ads and social posts, aim for 15 to 45 seconds and put your main point in the first three seconds. Explainer videos for a website can run 60 to 90 seconds.
Not sure which suits your message? Tell us what you need to explain and we will recommend a format.