A Comprehensive Guide to Using Motion Graphics for Social Media

Motion graphics have become essential to digital media, captivating audiences by transforming content. With the right combination of graphic design, animation, and visual effects, motion graphics revolutionize images from static to stand out. The engaging visuals leave a lasting impression on the audience. Whether you’re a marketer or a content creator, this article will guide you to using motion graphics for social media platforms. 

Table of Contents

• What Is Motion Graphics Design?
• Animation vs Motion Graphics
• Most Effective Ways to Use Motion Graphics 
• Kinds of Motion Graphics 
• Level Up your Motion Graphics for Social Media  

What Is Motion Graphics Design?

Motion graphics are graphics in movement. Motion design involves bringing design knowledge to a new form by adding the elements of time and space, thereby creating movement. Although almost invisible, motion graphics can be a powerful commercial branding and marketing animation tool. 

Motion graphics are highly connected to technological advances. As animated graphics software becomes more powerful and user-friendly, creating motion graphics becomes more accessible. This has also opened more opportunities for companies and designers to offer services to those needing engaging animated content. So, stay tuned as we provide insights into maximizing the benefits of motion graphics for social media creation and marketing. 

Animation vs Motion Graphics

While motion graphics is categorized as a subset of animation, the application has some key differences. 

‍Animation is the art of making still images appear to move. The images can be 2D, 3D, or stop-motion, but animation aims to tell a story. ‍

On the other hand, motion graphics are more focused on bringing graphic design elements to life. They are typically 2D and often involve animated text and other design elements to add visual interest to any content, whether an explainer video, advertisement, or social media post. Motion graphics are an excellent way to add movement to your ads and posts.

Most Effective Ways to Use Motion Graphics 

Believe it or not, audiences’ attention spans are shrinking, and static content no longer cuts it. That’s when motion graphics come in. Here are the most effective ways to use motion graphics across all platforms.

• Tutorials and Explainer Videos. Busy people don’t always have time to stop and read. So, if you’ve got a product or service that requires a little learning, you can create engaging tutorials and explainer videos using eye-catching motion graphics. Use motion graphics to explain the process, draw attention to important instructions, or highlight a “before and after” to help put a narrative into your tutorial. 
• ‍Announcements and Greetings. Motion graphics can improve simple social media posts like brand updates, holiday greetings, and product launches. Use animated text or icons, moving backgrounds, or other visuals to grab your viewer’s attention.

• Promo Videos. A high-quality promo video is a very effective way to promote your brand. Use motion graphics to highlight your best selling points, tell your brand story, and add call-to-action buttons. Plus, make them engaging enough so your viewers and followers will repost, share, and spread the word. ‍

• Brand Values. Consider animating your logo, emblem, and any elements that align with your brand to create a compelling narrative. For example, motion graphics can help enhance your presentation materials, setting your brand apart. ‍

• Animated Social Media Ads. For captivating ads that your target customers can’t resist looking at, we suggest using vivid colors or interesting storytelling elements to help them stand out. In addition, motion graphics can help you highlight the information in your ads, such as brand name, logo, pricing, contact info, etc. 

Kinds of Motion Graphics

To make your social media posts even more engaging, explore these versatile motion graphic styles:

Animated GIFs

‍GIFs (or Graphic Interchange Format) are often used for short, looping animations. They can help you impart a message, reaction, or emotion quickly.

‍Animated Text

‍ Animating your text can be effective in keeping your viewer’s attention and focus on the information you want to convey. ‍You can animate your text in many ways, including :fade-ins and fade-outs”, “popping up letters”, and “rotating texts or icons.”

As a tip, ensure to do your animated text sparingly. Remember, your idea is to make your message engaging and manageable.

Animated Logos

‍Let your logo take center stage! Animations that morph, spin, or showcase any other creative concept you dream up will make a guaranteed impact.‍

Stop Motion

Back in the day, stop motion was a frame-by-frame thing. Luckily, modern video editing software lets you achieve that charming, jerky, stop-motion feel with a few clicks – perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to your ads or tutorials.

Particle Effects

‍Particle Effects in motion graphics use small, individually controlled graphic design elements like dots, lines, or whatever else you like. They are used to create movement and visual effects. You can use them in title sequences, logo animations, transitions, or backgrounds to level up your content. 

‍Data Visualization

‍Share important data in a more interesting manner. You can use motion graphics to improve your graphs and charts or turn your infographic into a more engaging narrative.

Level Up your Motion Graphics for Social Media

Want to elevate your social media presence with motion graphics but need more technical expertise or a dedicated animation team? Here are some options to unlock the potential of this engaging content format.‍

• Hire an in-house design team. This option guarantees that your motion graphic designer works just for your company and understands every element of your brand. However, animation and other skill sets require expertise, so a motion graphics designer’s salary doesn’t come cheap.
• Find a freelancer. You could also find an ideal candidate in the freelance market by posting a motion graphics designer on Upwork or other job sites. But, your results may vary based on the freelancer’s experience. Designers often have portfolios on these job sites, so do your research to ensure their skills can genuinely give you what you need.
• Subscribe to Penji. You can sign up with Penji for all the necessary motion designers and animators. Our talent pool comprises the top 2% of global design talent who have created over 1.25 million designs. Adept in animation and design programs, they are ready to handle your account and make the eye-catching motion graphics you need for social media. 

So, are you ready to breathe new life into your social accounts? Watch the demo video to see how Penji can help you elevate your motion graphics design!