A motion graphic is an animation that contains text as a major component. One can say it’s an animated graphic design. Motion graphics are animated pieces of digital footage used to create an illusion of motion. They can be combined with audio for media platform uses.

Motion graphics hold the viewer’s interest, which can be one of the great ways that grab attention and help you promote YouTube videos. The popularity of motion graphics has grown exponentially.

Content creators use them to create memorable logo intros or brand their channels. They can also be used to create ads, explainer videos, title sequences for TV shows, and share information. If you are thinking of trying out motion graphics for your YouTube channel, here are some of the popular uses of motion graphics by YouTube content creators.

Uses of Motion Graphics on YouTube

1. Branding

Do you want to make your YouTube channel fresh and apart from other similar content creators? Successful channels are recognizable by their branding. Animated logos and notifications are major indicators that your YouTube brand is great. Even when your content doesn’t include your face or feature a guest, the audience will still be able to associate with your channel. The Broadcast channel La Effe is one example of how motion graphics can be used in branding.

2. Introduction & Outros

You will likely see an animated intro when you watch your favorite channel. It could be a one-second screen or a five-second montage from a TV show. Intros are one part where motion graphics have been acknowledged and, to some extent, expected in YouTube content creation.

As a YouTuber, knowing that the first few seconds will make or break your video is imperative. A motion graphic will provide a branding that will evoke visual interest from the word go. On YouTube, this usually means a brand logo or a unique UI element. An example is the game introduction by Orbia which uses motion graphics in previews or video demos to introduce the game.

3. Transitioning Dynamics

For longer YouTube videos with multiple topics, visual cues are used to line up with topic changes. Particularly in vlogs, you will often see content that will set a trend that the rest of YouTube eventually picks up.

Motion graphics enable YouTubers to create interesting transitions that hold the viewer’s attention even when the topic changes. Additionally, if you can use your visual brand in the transitions, you will be ticking right two goals simultaneously. This way, you will get to remind the viewer of the channel they are watching, impress them with motion graphics, and give them a chance to subscribe.

4. Story Telling

Motion graphics can be used to create music or content videos. In a music video, the illustrations tell a story that complements the song. A perfect example is the beautiful world music video by Blaster Jaxx & DBSTF feat. Ryder was visually created to show how humans are building their ideal world, destroying another part of the planet.

5. Creating Awareness

Awareness videos can combine motion graphics with a background track and a voice sharing a powerful message. You don’t even have to use fancy colors or designs when doing it. The simplest techniques can be used to tell a story directly, keeping the story’s integrity intact. Craft a moving, powerful narrative and use animations to support it—for instance, the awareness video by USAID of empowering women and girls.

Conclusion

Motion graphics are used to add life and fun to a video presentation. You can hire a graphic designer to make them for you or find online tools which you can use to build some for yourself. Either way, they are a great way to promote your online content and get your points across.