Cut-out animation, known as a rather nostalgic and even a bit old-fashioned format, is making its comeback to a wider audience. How so? Since short videos are the most common format right now, these animated videos easily fit the trend. But the true reason is the demand of audiences.
If you need to engage the two most active age groups on the internet, cut out animation production may be one of the most effective tools at your disposal. In this article, we’ll explore why it works so well for Millennials and Gen Z. Keep reading!
Why Cut-Out Animation?
Let’s start with the definition. Cut-out animation literally consists of cutting out different forms with digital graphics. With this method, you create everything needed for animation, from characters to backgrounds.
Basically, it’s a storytelling tool. Thanks to the visual style inherent in cut-out animation, it is perfect for keeping Gen Z and Millennials curious about whatever you have to say or show. Here’s the core of cut-out animation:
- Characters/objects: It is often character-driven animation, but the presence of various objects is also substantial.
- Backgrounds: The setting for the story is just as important, and backgrounds play this role more than well. They can be simple or detailed—it all depends on your goals and the nature of the message.
- Layering: Animators stack different cut-out pieces to introduce depth and give space for a narrative.
- Movements: To make characters produce movements, animators add pivot points. In fact, this isn’t limited to the characters only but applies to many other things.
- Colors: One of the most important parts of this animation method is that colors evoke these particular audiences.
Why is it so Engaging for Millennials and Gen Z?
Gen Z and Millennials were the first generations to interact with media and technology daily. Yes, Gen Z has been ahead since they were born with smartphones. Still, Millennials also consume content quickly and prefer digestible formats—just like Gen Z.
Why is cut-out animation a great way to connect with Gen Z and Millennial audiences? The reason lies in both visual and storytelling potential. 2D characters are “dragged” across very different backgrounds in this animation.
Since Gen Z loves interactive content, cut-out animations can even include more features to keep them engaged. Plus, the typically bright colors and designs match their demand for more authenticity in mediums like video and animation. According to a study, Generation Z is value-driven and wants to see these values in the content they interact with or connect to.
Cut-out animation videos may seem like they are solely about impressing and keeping people hooked, but they are more than that—don’t forget that the medium itself is a message. They also deliver whatever message you have to convey but in a new way.
Finally, let’s not rule out the short attention spans commonly associated with these two generations. Bite-sized animated content fits perfectly with how these audiences consume media. It is also perfect for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, which are the platforms both generations spend most of their time on.
Key Advantages of Cut-out Animation Style
Compared to other styles, cut-out animation is cost-effective, and its production doesn’t take too much time. This means a very simple thing: you can create more content. Since the trends that Gen Z and Millennials follow change very quickly, it’s important to save production time and keep up with the pace of your audience.
Plus, it’s flexible for every format you need—from social media ads to simple stories or reels, this style adapts easily.
What are Real-Life Applications?
Let’s take a look at a more applicable side of this animation. Where can you actually use it? Cut-out animation is versatile, works in different industries, and might be a good fit for different targets:
- Marketing campaigns: Brands use it to create different ads to support or introduce the main selling points.
- Explainer videos: This format is almost perfect for explaining ideas, presenting new products, or even starting startups.
- E-learning content: Such content is growing in popularity and becoming paramount for most companies. Cut-out animations are great for retaining attention and keeping the audience interested.
- Social media content: All the popular platforms are focused on creative content that lasts from a few seconds to a minute. Cut-out animation fits this timeline perfectly.
- Product launches: Why not use cut-out animation to create short teasers for new product launches? This is the perfect way to start buzzing and communicate key features to the target audience.
Why Brands Should Invest in Cut-Out Animation
Consider investing in cut-out animations if your audience is Gen Z, Millennials, or both. Besides the fact that it is appealing to your target audience, you will also get some extra pros, including:
Save money: Animation is known to be rather pricey, but in this case, it’s a budget-friendly solution. You will spend less than on 3D production, for example.
Flexibility: This is an easily adaptable style, which is very useful for further content distribution.
Memorability: The format is quite different from the rest of the animations, so it’s easier to remember.
Fast production: With the demand for content these days, the longer production takes, the worse it reflects on your brand. However, in the case of cut-out animation, the production tends to be quicker than that of other explainer videos.
Conclusion
Both Gen Z and Millennials are the most active audiences, and you can’t expect it to change much. Their consuming preferences dictate the appropriate social media formats and trends. To be honest, it is not always easy to make them interested. They certainly look for authenticity, but they also connect to short, almost fleeting forms of media.
This is why cut-out animation is so fitting as a format: it is short but open to being packed with meaning. Cut-out animation is probably the best modern format that perfectly balances all these features with depth and entertainment.
Photo by Clayton Robbins on Unsplash
