The 10 Best Examples of Animated Ads to Boost Marketing Acquisition

Animations are like magic tricks for your brand — they take creative ideas that might seem impossible and bring them to life in ways that grab attention and leave lasting impressions. 

But here’s the thing: not all animations work the same magic.

Some creative animations light up your audience’s imagination, driving clicks, shares, and conversations. Others? They land with a thud, barely noticed, leaving you wondering what went wrong.

So, what makes the best animated advertising truly unforgettable? It’s not just creativity for creativity’s sake. It’s about finding that sweet spot where bold ideas meet purpose. It’s about telling a story through video that resonates, maintaining visual design that captivates, and tapping into emotions that make people care.

In this article, we’ll share 10 of the best animated ads we’ve seen and what makes each video stand out to inspire your marketing efforts. 

The top 10 examples of animated ads 

Ready to get inspired? We’ve scoured the internet for the most creative animated ads to inspire your next ad or commercial. 

1. KFC Crossroads commercial 

Industry: Food and beverages 

This commercial’s point is clear: Turkey comes and goes but chicken is here to stay. It’s an excellent metaphor signifying KFC’s dominance in the Tasty Chicken industry. 

What stands out the most in this commercial is the realistic animation, which slightly removes it from an abstract concept to something rooted in reality. We see the chicken marching dominantly across the terrain and we even get curious about its destination. Although the ad doesn’t answer that, it clearly demonstrates that nothing can stand in the chicken’s (and KFC’s) way. The music is also a classic tune and a rather genius choice to pair up with a character on a journey as seemingly epic as this one.

Why we love this ad: 

• It uses heightened suspense to pique the public’s curiosity and retain their attention throughout the ad. You find yourself wondering where the chicken is headed with so much determination. 
• The advertising cleverly incorporates brand elements. While it uses the logo and brand colors sparingly, the main character, the "chicken," takes center stage as a vital symbol of KFC. 
• The ad uses a metaphor where the turkey represents KFC’s competitors, highlighting the company’s longevity and superiority in the fast-food market when it wins in its standoff with its feathered competition. 

2. Coca-Cola "Happiness Factory" ad

Industry: Food and beverages 

The Coca-Cola "Happiness Factory" ad takes viewers on a whimsical journey inside a seemingly magical vending machine — revealing an imaginative, childlike world where creatures work together to deliver every bottle of Coca-Cola.

It starts with a live-action shot (a person putting a coin into a vending machine) and seamlessly transitions into a fully animated fantasy world inside the machine. 

The happy creatures have human-like traits, funny features, and playful personalities, making them easy to connect with and love in their own strange way. Their teamwork and coordinated actions highlight collaboration, subtly reflecting Coca-Cola’s community-focused values.

Why we love this ad: 

• The seamless transition from the real world to the animated world and back is flawlessly executed. Using perspective, lighting, and camera angles, this ad ensures that viewers feel like they are stepping into and out of this magical realm.
• It bridges the gap between fantasy and reality through human and animated characters. 
• The ad showcases exceptional 3D animation, from lifelike textures to smooth, dynamic movements — delivering an unforgettable visual experience. In a way, it truly feels like the beginning of a short film.

3. Duo’s Work Day ad

Industry: E-learning 

Duo’s advertising takes viewers “behind the scenes” into Duo's fictional world, offering a playful yet heartfelt look at what keeps users engaged.

It creatively depicts Duo’s relentless attempts to get a response, presenting these efforts as exaggerated interventions the whacky owl does all by himself. Each method is entertaining and aspirational, from quirky medical-style procedures to app updates, repairs, and even dancing on TikTok. It positions Duo as a tireless advocate for user success, rooting for them to keep going.

What makes this example of advertising truly resonate is its relatability. Anyone who’s worked hard on a project can relate to Duo’s determination, frustration, and ultimate triumph when users complete their lessons. By the end, you’re not just laughing — you’re rooting for Duo, too. It’s a clever, feel-good way to inspire action and loyalty.

Why we love this ad: 

• The excellent visual storytelling makes a strong emotional connection with viewers. At some point, we start routing for Duo as it makes multiple attempts to get one user to complete its lesson. 
• The brand elements are front and center, not just add-ons. For example, the main character is the Duo bird, Duolingo's most recognizable symbol. The ad also prominently features the brand's signature green color, the flame icon that shows a streak on the Duo app, and more. 
• It puts a positive and humorous spin on Duolingo’s reputation for incessant notifications that might come off as annoying. This shows that Duolingo is in tune with its audience’s conversations and overall perception of its brand. 

4. Grubhub Delivery Dance ad

Industry: Food and beverages 

This ad has a cool, catchy vibe that sticks with you. The humor shines through the dance steps, making it highly memorable. However, since humor can be distracting, the ad smartly repeats its core message at the end as a clear takeaway. Additionally, it nails brand element placement, keeping the branding effective and prominent throughout.

Why we love this ad: 

• It uses humor elements like catchy music and fun dances to capture and hold the audience's attention. 
• It doesn’t overwhelm the audience with a complex storyline or presentation. It also uses diverse characters that represent its target market composition. 
• The ad starts and ends with the core message — making it easy for the audience to remember and take action. 

5. Emirates Department of Family Travel ad

Industry: Aviation

If you’ve ever traveled with young kids, you know how stressful it can be: the noise, the distractions, and the endless juggling to keep them entertained. This ad speaks directly to that struggle, presenting an enticing promise: calm, engaging travel where children are thoroughly entertained, and parents can finally enjoy the journey. What parent wouldn’t pay more for that?

The unique animation style is simple and childlike, mirroring the playful, family-friendly tone. They’re also easy to follow with the simple problem-solution setup. Additionally, the combination of on-screen text and clear, calm narration ensures the core message is easy to understand and remember.

It’s a clever and effective way to show parents what’s possible — and why they should, at least according to the ad, choose Emirates for their next trip.

Why we love this ad: 

• It combines third-person narration and visual storytelling to convey its message. 
• It uses a before-and-after plot structure to show how Emirates solves the audience’s pain points directly. 
• The ad features brand elements, including the Emirates Airline color and the signature styling for the air hostesses (the heroes of the ad). 

6. Chipotle’s “Back to the Start” ad

The Chipotle "Back to the Start" ad is a beautifully crafted animated short film about a farmer who transitions from industrial farming to sustainable, ethical practices. It combines heartfelt brand storytelling with impactful visuals and sound effects, aligning perfectly with Chipotle’s mission of serving "Food with Integrity."

The narrative is simple yet profound: a return to the "right way" of doing things — emphasizing themes of responsibility, redemption, and integrity. The ad’s emotional storytelling makes it memorable while reinforcing Chipotle’s message. Can you believe it was Chipotle’s first-ever national TV ad?

Why we love this ad: 

• The characters and sets are simplified yet profoundly expressive. This minimalism ensures the focus remains on the story and message rather than overloading viewers with unnecessary details.
• The use of Willie Nelson’s soulful cover of Coldplay’s "The Scientist" adds emotional depth to the ad. The lyrics and melody complement the farmer’s journey, with it getting more upbeat when we get to the farmer improving his ways again, making it easy to understand without dialogue.
• The transitions between scenes (e.g., the farm growing into a gray industrial complex and returning to a green, warm sustainable space) are visually striking and effectively convey the story's progression.

7. Gong cha Bubble Tea ad

Industry: Food and beverages 

Gong cha Australia’s animated TV ad is such a fun watch. It starts with two schoolgirls, Hannah and Aisha, trudging through a ridiculously hot Aussie summer afternoon. You can almost feel their exhaustion through the screen. Then they spot a Gong cha store, and everything changes — they grab some bubble tea, and suddenly their world is transformed. The animation goes wild, with shiny pants, neon hair, and a burst of energy that mirrors just how refreshing the drinks are.  

Why does it work so well? First off, it’s super relatable — who hasn’t felt completely drained on a hot day and craved something refreshing? The ad nails that feeling and makes you think, “Yeah, I could use bubble tea right now.” Plus, the animation is vibrant and over-the-top in the best way. It takes a simple idea and exaggerates it to make the experience feel larger than life, which sticks with you.  

Why we love this ad: 

• Even though it’s animated, the ad still highlights important product details, like how the teas are made and the different flavors available. 
• It has a family-leaning tone and voice. From the characters to the dialogue — everything comes together to showcase GrubHub as a brand to share with your loved ones, especially friends and family. 
• The music is catchy and light-hearted — making the ad easy to remember. 

8. Cardbury Aliens ad 

Industry: Food and beverages 

The Cadbury “Aliens” ad works so well because it’s simply memorable and fun. You’ve got these small aliens going wild with joy after tasting the chocolate, which taps into that universal feeling of happiness we get from a sweet treat. 

The humor and quirky alien reactions make it entertaining and easy to remember. Plus, it really nails that emotional connection — Cadbury’s all about spreading joy, and this ad delivers that perfectly. Even the dancing animations are smooth and well done.

Why we love this ad:  

• While there’s no narration, the actions are clear enough to convey the ad’s message. 
• It uses upbeat music that matches the ad’s overall feel and vibe. Frankly, the song is pretty repetitive and a bit silly too, so it’s easy for it to get stuck in your head after one watch.
• The product takes up considerable space throughout the ad — making it easy for the public to recognize and remember the brand. In addition, you’ll notice that the product’s purple packaging stands out against the more neutral/beige colors used in the background. 

9. John Lewis “The Bear and the Hare” ad

Industry: Fashion and clothing 

This Christmas ad uses a unique mix of 2D stop-motion animation to tell a touching story about friendship and the holiday spirit. Its emotional resonance and stunning visuals made it a standout seasonal ad, cementing John Lewis’s reputation for memorable campaigns.

The emotional depth of the ad is amplified by Lily Allen’s cover of "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane. The soft, haunting melody complements the narrative beautifully, which makes the brand video even more poignant and memorable. In fact, ads like this are the kind that get shared, because they serve as short, rewatchable standalone films for years to come.

Why we love this ad: 

• The ad combines 2D hand-drawn animation with stop-motion techniques, creating a visually stunning and unique aesthetic. This blend of traditional and modern animation techniques sets it apart from typical CGI-heavy campaigns, giving it a nostalgic feel.
• It tells a heartwarming tale of friendship between a bear and a hare during Christmas. The hare ensures the bear doesn’t miss the joy of the season despite its hibernation. This narrative reinforces themes of love, generosity, and inclusion, which align perfectly with the Christmas spirit and John Lewis’s values.
• It pays close attention to the subtle movements of the characters, like the hare’s twitching ears or the bear’s lumbering walk. These details add a sense of realism and convey the characters’ emotions without the need for dialogue. It feels immersive.

10. 7UP’s Dido Dido commercial 

Industry: Food and Beverage

The commercial’s goal was to reintroduce Fido Dido — the iconic 7Up mascot — to a new generation while keeping the nostalgic appeal for older fans. The commercial reinforced 7-Up’s “cool, carefree” image in a market dominated by more aggressive soda branding.

The animation is simple but stylish. Fido is being relaxed, confident, and totally unbothered. The whole ad screams, "7-Up is for the effortlessly cool." It’s not about being flashy or extreme — it’s about kicking back, taking it easy, and enjoying the moment.

Here are more reasons why this ad made our list: 

• The sketch-like, minimalist animation makes the ad feel playful and unique. This contrasts with the highly polished, 3D-rendered ads of other soda brands, which makes it stand out. 
• Instead of a complex plot, actions, or dialogue, the ad relies on simple, visual storytelling to reinforce the brand’s essence.
• It leans into the nostalgia of the Fido Dido mascot which has been associated with 7UP for a while. 

What is an animated ad? 

An animated ad is a marketing video that uses motion graphics, illustrations, or 2D/3D elements to visually convey a message — such as product advertisement and/or telling a story. 

These marketing videos typically do not feature real-life humans. Instead, they use animated characters and rely on abstract and interactive elements to connect with the audience, convey a clear message, and drive action.

Why do businesses create animated ads? 

There are many reasons why a brand will choose animated ads over live-action commercials featuring real people for their marketing strategy. These include: 

1. Budget 

Simple animated ads often cost less than live-action commercials. You don’t need to worry about expenses like renting locations, hiring equipment, or assembling a large cast and crew. You mostly need some animation software and a capable team, and you’re good to go.

Another advantage is how easy it is to make changes. If you need to tweak something, you can mostly adjust it within the animation software. With live-action, making changes might mean reshooting a scene, which adds to the cost — especially if you want to make a big change far after the actual shoot!

2. Creative flexibility 

In animation, you’re not restricted to what can be filmed in real life. Want a talking dog or a flying car? No problem. You can bring any concept to life, no matter how fantastical or out-of-this-world it might be.

For example, you can show objects floating, characters moving at superhuman speeds, or scenes that seamlessly transform from one idea to another in ways that would be impossible in live action. You’ve seen how some brands on our list use animation to create out-of-the-box ad experiences for their audience! 

3. Time

Animated ads are usually faster to create than high-production, live-action commercial ads because they skip many of the time-consuming steps involved in filming. 

There is no need to scout locations, travel to different sites, or set up all the equipment required for live shoots. Everything happens digitally, which eliminates a lot of in-person hassle.

You also don’t have to worry about coordinating schedules for a cast and crew or dealing with unexpected delays, like bad weather or someone calling in sick. Those unpredictable factors for video production hardly exist with animation, so the process is smoother.

4. Branding 

In animation, you can maintain perfect consistency in the appearance of characters, colors, and overall design. Your brand’s look and feel can remain the same across every video ad, no matter how much new content you’re producing. With live-action, slight changes in lighting, location, or even actor performances can make it harder to maintain that same level of consistency in your content’s design.

How to create an animated ad 

With the stellar video ad examples we’ve featured, you might be wondering: How do I make something like that for my brand? Newsflash: It’s still a lot of work. 

While animated videos often skip a lot of time-consuming processes like scouting for a location and organizing cast and crew, they come with a lot of technicalities. Let’s get into the details. 

1. Pre-production 

This phase focuses on planning and organizing the entire animation process — just like you’d do for a live production. The decisions you make here determine the overall success or failure of your ad, so you need to get things right. 

• Set one goal for your ad or commercial. Here, think about the action you want the audience to take after watching the ad. Do you want them to buy your product, or is the ad for brand awareness? 
• Choose whether to produce the video content in-house or hire external help. For the latter option, you’ll need to source and hire a video agency specializing in animation. 
• Develop the ad concept, script, and storyboard. If you’re collaborating with an external video expert, they’ll handle this process. However, you’ll still be involved in providing feedback and ensuring everything aligns with your vision. 

2. Production 

This is where the creative animation comes to life, and the exact process depends on the type of animation content you’re creating, plus the overall project complexity. However, on a high level, it involves: 

• Building and finalizing all visual elements that will be animated, such as characters, backgrounds, and props.
• Using animation software to create the characters and scenes. This could involve 2D or 3D animation, depending on your style. Examples of animation software include Blender and Adobe Animate. 
• Recording and syncing the voiceover (if needed) with the characters' movements and dialogues. 

3. Post-production 

This step is about polishing the raw footage into a high-quality animation for your marketing channels. It’s pretty much the same process you’ll use when producing a live-action commercial.  

• Review the animation and edit for pacing, timing, and continuity.
• Add sound effects and background music, and finalize the audio mix. Ensure that the sound complements the visuals and enhances the viewer's experience.
• Adjust colors, contrast, and lighting to ensure the animation looks polished.

Once all elements are in place, render the final version of the animation in the appropriate format and resolution for your intended platform (e.g., social media, TV, website).

Start exploring animations with PlayPlay 

As you can see, creating animated ads is a lot of work — especially if you’re new to it and don’t have the budget to hire a video agency or freelancer. 

If you decide to create animated ads yourself, it’s a good idea to start experimenting with animated elements — like transitions and basic motion graphics — in your regular videos. Then, slowly graduate to animated videos as you get more familiar with these elements. 

PlayPlay’s video creation and editing software can help you explore and get used to animated elements. You can add transitions, emojis, and other dynamic elements to your videos to make them engaging and interactive. 

Here’s what one of our customers says about our video creation software: 

I was surprised at how easy PlayPlay is to use. The templates are many and they allow you to put together very professional-looking videos in very little time. I used to make videos professionally using After Effects. However, PlayPlay was refreshing and simple, allowing me to get out an output in a very short time. I'll start using it more often because it's the perfect solution for quick videos!

Want to try things for yourself? Explore PlayPlay’s animated video maker for free for seven days!