Case Studies: How Animated Videos Drove Results for Real Brands
See how brands like Absolut, Nike, and The Times used animation to drive real results. Discover how partnering with an animated video production company can transform your strategy.
In this blog, we look at real-world examples of how businesses used animation to hit specific goals. Each case study highlights what happened when a brand partnered with an animated video production company to bring an idea to life—and what kind of results they saw from the investment.
ABSOLUT – TURNING HATE INTO LOVE
Absolut’s “A Drop of Love” campaign made a bold social statement. The concept was simple but striking: create limited-edition bottles with labels printed using de-inked hate signs. To bring the message to life, Absolut commissioned an animated video that explained the process and purpose behind the initiative.
The animation, created in collaboration with an animated video production company, used elegant CGI visuals to show how hate was literally stripped away and transformed into something inclusive. The result was both emotionally powerful and technically impressive—proving how animation can amplify social messages with lasting impact.
THE TIMES – MAKING POLITICS ACCESSIBLE
Political content can be dry or intimidating, but The Times flipped the script with “Politics. Tamed.” The goal was to help readers navigate complex issues through something more engaging. Their animated video used whimsical characters and symbolic creatures—like lions and unicorns—to represent the chaos and humour of British politics.
The video, developed with the support of an animated video production company, made the news more approachable without diluting its importance. It increased reader engagement and reinforced The Times’ reputation as a source of clear, concise journalism. Animation became a gateway to a more informed audience.
NIKE – SELLING CUSTOMISATION THROUGH MOTION
Nike's “Custom Ebernon” campaign leaned on the power of animation to promote their personalised sneaker line. The video was designed to mirror the creative experience customers have when building their own shoes online. Every detail—from textures to motion—reflected the brand's focus on individuality and innovation.
An animated video production company helped Nike visualise personalisation in an engaging and stylish way. The campaign stood out not only for its aesthetic, but for how it showcased a feature-rich product with clarity and flair. It was a great example of using animation to boost product appeal and inspire action.
PLAYSTATION – BIG BANG
To promote the PlayStation Classic, Sony released an animated video that tapped into nostalgia by revisiting iconic gaming moments. The animation combined retro aesthetics with modern design, evoking memories while showcasing the console's features. This approach bridged generational gaps, appealing to both longtime fans and new players.
The collaboration with an animated video production company resulted in a campaign that celebrated PlayStation's legacy. The video's emotional resonance and stylish execution contributed to a successful product launch, demonstrating the power of animation in brand storytelling.
THE ROLE OF EMOTION IN ANIMATED CONTENT
What makes animation so effective? Emotion. Absolut used it to challenge hate. The Times used humour to build connection. Nike used style to evoke creativity. In each case, animation did more than explain—it made people feel. And that’s what drives behaviour.
A skilled animated video production company knows how to layer emotion into narrative. Whether through timing, visual symbolism, or sound design, they guide the audience through a feeling that leads to action—whether that’s clicking a link or forming a deeper bond with the brand.
STORYTELLING THAT BUILDS TRUST
The Times demonstrated that even serious, data-heavy topics can be made engaging through storytelling. By using animated metaphors instead of dry statistics, they turned political education into entertainment—without compromising the message. This not only increased viewer retention but also built trust in the brand’s ability to communicate clearly.
Animation allows for a controlled narrative arc, where nothing is left to chance. A trusted animated video production company will craft that arc with your audience in mind, ensuring your message is heard—and believed.
VISUAL CONSISTENCY ACROSS CAMPAIGNS
Absolut’s animation was just one part of a much larger campaign—but it stood out as a visual anchor. It tied together print, packaging, and social media with a consistent look and feel. That kind of cohesion builds brand recognition and reinforces campaign themes.
A good animated video production company will match the visual style to your existing assets or help evolve your brand visuals across mediums. The result? A seamless customer experience, from video to product to purchase.
WHY THE PROCESS MATTERS AS MUCH AS THE PRODUCT
Each case study involved a different creative direction, but behind all of them was a smooth, strategic process. From briefing and scripting to feedback and delivery, a structured production flow makes a huge difference—especially when deadlines are tight or feedback is coming from multiple departments.
This is where a reliable animated video production company truly shines. They don’t just deliver a file—they manage the experience, guiding you through decisions, revisions, and approvals without headaches. That’s part of the ROI: peace of mind and a partner who’s got your back.
TURN YOUR NEXT CAMPAIGN INTO A CASE STUDY WORTH SHARING
The brands we’ve covered didn’t create animated videos to follow trends—they did it to solve real communication challenges. And it worked. Whether you need to educate, inspire, or sell, animation gives you a visual language that audiences understand and remember.
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Written by James Bryant Video strategist and co-founder for Venture Videos — a full-service video production agency that specialises in producing creative videos & campaigns that get real results.