What is Motion Branding?

We’ve all heard how the digital world’s been swallowing up everything around us, from digital billboards to your cats litterbox needing updates. Yet in this crowded landscape, there’s still an unsung hero you might be overlooking—motion branding. Yep, that’s right. We’re talking about adding movement to your brand visuals to make people stop, look, and stare.

Today, we’re going into the nitty gritty of motion branding, what it is, and why it might be the missing ingredient in your brand strategy.

At its core, motion branding is the art of adding movement to your brand’s visual identity. Think animated logos, transitions, or app animations. It’s about taking the familiar elements of your brand—logos, typography, and color schemes—and infusing them with motion to create something that’s not just seen, but felt.

You may wonder how motion graphics differs from motion branding; they are related but distinct concepts. While motion graphics are the general use of animation for storytelling or explanation, motion branding focuses specifically on building a brand’s identity through animation and visual movement.

When done well, motion branding isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a bonified weapon. It gives your brand personality and depth and crams itself into the inner recesses of your viewer’s memory.

Motion branding may feel like a shiny new thingamajig, but there’s much history behind it. Think back to the early days of TV. Remember those iconic animated logos? That’s where it all started. Over time, as technology evolved, motion branding evolved right along with it, spreading from TV to anywhere with a digital display. Yes, even your fridge.

Look around; motion branding is everywhere. You’ll see it in:

• Animated logos in commercials
• Dynamic social media posts that get more shares
• UX animations in apps make users say, “Ooh.”

Despite its widespread use, motion branding isn’t oversaturated; your brand can still stand out by tapping into this creative approach. Even a small animation in the corner of a website or a little bounce in an app button can make a world of difference.

1. Enhanced Brand Recognition Motion is unforgettable. By animating your logo or creating motion-driven brand elements, you make sure people remember you. It’s the difference between a passing glance and a double-take.
2. Improved Engagement Static images? They’re nice but don’t hold a candle to the pull of moving visuals. Motion captures attention in a way static images can’t, drawing in viewers and keeping them hooked a little longer.
3. Stronger Emotional Connection With the right music, motion, and timing, animation can be surprisingly emotional. It’s a way to build a connection with your audience that goes beyond aesthetics, fostering loyalty through personality and story.
4. Consistency Across Platforms Animated brand elements create a consistent experience across your platforms, whether on the social, website, or app. With motion, your brand feels cohesive and recognizable anywhere it appears.
5. Superior Differentiation In a world of static logos and basic animations, a unique motion approach can set your brand apart, signaling that you’re at the cutting edge and not afraid to be bold.

Some big brands are already crushing it with motion branding, making it look easy. Here’s just a few:

• Google: Those doodles aren’t just fun—they make Google memorable and fresh daily.
• Spotify: From “Year in Review” animations to the “Like” button, Spotify’s motion branding creates an engaging user experience.
• Netflix: The animated “N” logo? Now as memorable as any movie studio opening.
• Apple: Every phone reveal or OS interface animation reinforces Apple’s identity.

Each of these brands uses motion to breathe life into their visuals, showing just how powerful this approach can be. If you’re looking for inspiration, these are the folks to watch.

Many brands have some form of motion identity. If your logo animation feels outdated, it might be time for an update. While companies don’t need to refresh their visuals annually like Google, modernizing your overall look is vital. The era of preset flash animations is over; businesses are now hiring motion designers for fresh and dynamic branding.

Heartland approached us to animate their product and service logos, enabling them to morph during app load screens. Through collaborative storyboarding and innovative transitions, we created captivating animations that aligned with their vision, keeping their brand relevant in today’s landscape.

Here’s the big question: Why haven’t you tried motion branding yet? As digital platforms get more saturated, motion branding only becomes more desirable. It’s more than an upgrade; it’s an evolution for any brand looking to stay relevant and memorable in a sea of competition.

And here’s the thing: Motion branding has untapped potential—especially if you’re ready to jump in before it becomes the norm.

So, whether you’re revamping your social media, looking to up your UX game, or planning a digital campaign, consider how motion branding can make your brand pop, connect, and stick in the minds of your audience.

In short? It’s not enough to leave a good impression on your audience. Let’s make it unforgettable.

About Us

Optious is a small but mighty team that’s never short on ideas flowing with limitless creativity! With a down-to-earth presence, and out-of-this-world home-run projects with many happy clients, we promise you will love us. And just imagine, this all starts with a simple “hello.”

Do you need a Motion Graphics video for your company? Hit us up!