What Is 2D Animation? Definition, Styles and B2B Use Cases

Updated April 2026 · 5 min read
2D animation flat design characters for explainer video production
Definition

2D Animation

2D animation is a visual production technique that creates movement using flat, two-dimensional characters, shapes, and environments. Characters and objects move within a plane rather than through three-dimensional space, using frame-by-frame illustration, vector graphics, or motion design tools to achieve the appearance of motion.

2D animation is the most widely used format for B2B explainer videos because it balances visual quality, production speed, and cost efficiency. It can make abstract product concepts, software workflows, and business processes visible in a way that live-action video cannot, without the extended timelines and higher budgets associated with 3D animation.

At a Glance
  • Also Known As
    Flat animation, motion design, frame-by-frame animation, vector animation
  • Typical Length
    60 to 90 seconds for explainer videos; up to 3 minutes for onboarding
  • Production Time
    4 to 8 weeks for a 60-second video
  • Cost Range
    $3,500 to $15,000 for a professional 60-second video
  • Best For
    Explainer videos, SaaS product demos, e-learning, social ads
  • Common Tools
    After Effects, Animate, Lottie, Rive, Illustrator
Business Impact

Why 2D animation dominates B2B video production

2D animation became the default format for B2B explainer videos for a straightforward reason: it can make abstract concepts visual at a cost and speed that matches most marketing budgets. A cloud platform, an AI workflow, a financial process , none of these have physical form, so live-action video cannot show them directly. A 2D animation video can.

68%
of consumers say they would prefer to learn about a product through a short video over any other content format (Statista, 2024). 2D animated explainer videos are the most commonly produced format for this purpose across B2B technology companies. (Statista)

Three reasons B2B companies choose 2D animation:

  • Speed to market: A 60-second 2D animated explainer can be produced in 4 to 6 weeks. Equivalent 3D production typically takes 8 to 14 weeks.
  • Visual flexibility: 2D illustration is not constrained by physical reality. Interfaces, data flows, and intangible concepts can be visualized with clarity that live-action cannot match.
  • Budget predictability: 2D animation costs are scoped accurately at brief stage, with fewer unexpected overruns than complex 3D or live-action productions.
Key Takeaway

For most B2B companies producing their first or fifth explainer video, 2D animation is the right starting point. It delivers professional quality, scales to most budgets, and can be updated or repurposed as the product evolves without a complete rebuild.

Animation Styles

Six 2D animation styles for B2B video production

Style selection determines visual tone, audience fit, and production cost. These six styles cover the full spectrum of 2D animation used in B2B video production.

  • Motion Graphics

    Text, shapes, and icons animated to present data, process flows, and key messages. No characters. Clean, corporate aesthetic. Most budget-efficient 2D style for B2B content.

  • Character Animation

    Illustrated characters performing actions within a scene. Adds personality and relatability. Suited for brand-driven or consumer-facing B2B content where tone is a differentiator.

  • Infographic Animation

    Static infographics brought to life with animated charts, graphs, and callouts. Used for annual reports, data presentations, and investor content that needs visual momentum.

  • Whiteboard Animation

    Simulated hand-drawn artwork progressively revealed on a white background. Strong for educational content and step-by-step process explanations in training and onboarding contexts.

  • Cutout Animation

    Flat illustrated elements that move with limited joints, similar to paper cutout puppets. Popular for social media content and high-volume e-learning production where speed matters.

  • Kinetic Typography

    Text-driven animation where words themselves become the visual. Used for quote videos, social clips, and content where the script is the primary visual element and speed of production matters.

Planning a 2D animation video?

We produce 2D animated explainer videos for SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and enterprise technology companies. From motion graphics to character animation, matched to your audience and budget.

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Comparison

2D animation vs. 3D animation: how to choose

2D and 3D animation are not interchangeable formats. The right choice depends on what you need to show and at what cost. 2D works with flat, illustrated environments and characters. 3D models objects in three dimensions, allowing camera movement around physical products, mechanical assemblies, and spatial environments.

For most B2B explainer videos covering SaaS platforms, financial services, HR software, and AI products, 2D animation covers the visual requirements at a fraction of the 3D production cost. The exception is when the product has physical form: industrial equipment, medical devices, hardware products, and architectural visualizations consistently benefit from 3D’s spatial realism. Professional explainer video production teams evaluate this distinction at brief stage to match format to objective.

  • 2D animation: faster, more cost-efficient, better for abstract concepts, software interfaces, and process visualization.
  • 3D animation: higher cost, longer production, better for physical products, spatial environments, and mechanical demonstrations.

The Bottom Line

2D animation is the most widely used video production format for B2B explainer videos because it makes abstract concepts visual, matches most marketing budgets, and can be produced in 4 to 8 weeks. It covers everything from motion graphics and infographic animation to character-driven storytelling, with style selection driven by audience, sector, and visual tone. For SaaS, fintech, AI, and enterprise technology companies, a professionally produced 2D animation video is one of the most efficient assets for converting website visitors, supporting sales teams, and reducing onboarding friction. MyPromoVideos specializes in 2D animation for B2B technology companies.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about 2D animation

Straightforward answers to the most common questions from marketing teams, product managers, and buyers evaluating 2D animation for the first time.

What is 2D animation?

2D animation creates movement using flat, two-dimensional artwork where characters and objects move within a plane. It is the most common format for business explainer videos because it can be produced faster and at lower cost than 3D animation while still achieving high visual quality and effective brand storytelling.

How much does a 2D animation video cost?

A professionally produced 60-second 2D animated explainer video typically costs between $3,500 and $12,000, depending on visual complexity, character count, and animation style. Motion graphics with no characters cost less; frame-by-frame character animation at television quality costs more.

How long does 2D animation take to produce?

A 60 to 90-second 2D animated video typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from brief to final delivery. The timeline includes scripting (1-2 weeks), storyboard (1 week), visual style design (1 week), animation (2-3 weeks), and voiceover and audio integration (1 week). Timelines extend when there are multiple revision rounds or stakeholder approval cycles.

What is the difference between 2D and 3D animation?

2D animation works within a flat plane, using illustrated characters and environments. 3D animation creates depth using computer-modeled objects that can be viewed from any camera angle. 2D is generally faster and less expensive to produce; 3D is better for visualizing physical products, mechanical processes, or environments that require spatial realism.

What types of businesses use 2D animation?

SaaS companies use 2D animation for product explainers and onboarding videos. Fintech and healthcare companies use it to simplify regulatory-adjacent messaging. E-commerce brands use it for social video ads. Education and training platforms rely on 2D animation for scalable e-learning content. Any business with a complex product or abstract service benefits from 2D animation’s ability to visualize the invisible.

Work With Us

Bring your product story to life with 2D animation

We produce 2D animated explainer videos for SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and enterprise technology companies , from motion graphics to full character animation.

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