Animation has always been a dynamic and evolving art form, shaped by advancements in animation software, changing audience preferences, and new platforms for content distribution. While computer animation and 3D (three-dimensional) techniques dominate feature films and gaming, 2D (two-dimensional) animation has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Once confined to traditional animation methods and television productions, hand-drawn animation has now adapted to mobile apps, streaming services, and social media videos, proving that this diverse medium remains in high demand.
This evolution has been driven by two significant factors: the changing ways audiences consume content and the increasing demand for diverse and engaging storytelling. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have redefined how animation is shared and experienced, favouring short-form, eye-catching visuals that align with fast-scrolling habits. At the same time, streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ have revitalised the industry, creating new opportunities for 2D animation across a range of genres – from nostalgic reboots to boundary-pushing animation.
As 2D animation continues to adapt to these modern platforms, its unique appeal remains stronger than ever. In this article, we will explore why 2D animation persists despite the rise of 3D and how it thrives in today’s digital-first world.
Why 2D Animation Continues to Thrive
Despite technological advancements in computer-generated imagery (CGI) and 3D advancements, 2D animation still captivates audiences and creators. Its appeal extends beyond nostalgia – offering a distinct aesthetic, creative flexibility, and cost-effectiveness that keeps it relevant in an increasingly digital landscape, all in a two-dimensional space. Whether in TV, web content, or films, 2D’s distinctive style and accessibility keep it relevant in today’s media landscape.
Nostalgia: A Timeless Connection to the Past
For many viewers, 2D animation is deeply tied to childhood memories of watching classic animated films and TV series. Shows like Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and Disney’s golden-age animations, these animations have influenced generations of animators and storytellers.
Even with today’s high-tech CGI, classic 2D animation still has a special place in people’s hearts. Shows like DuckTales (Disney+) and The Cuphead Show! (Netflix) prove that audiences love the charm and nostalgia of hand-drawn animation. These reboots have found huge success on streaming platforms, showing that 2D animation isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving in the digital age.
Unique Aesthetic: Artistic Freedom and Stylistic Versatility
Unlike 3D realism, 2D offers artists unparalleled creative freedom, allowing exaggerated expressions, dynamic movement, and unique artistic styles. Animators can use animation techniques that allow them to exaggerate expressions, manipulate movement, and experiment with drawing styles to create visually distinct characters and scenes.
Take SI JIN Bali Steakhouse’s final symphony, for instance. We created a special 2D motion graphics animation as a heartfelt tribute to their incredible team and the supportive community behind them as they closed their doors after four amazing years. Keeping it simple yet meaningful, we used dot animations to reflect their minimalistic philosophy.
2D animation’s ability to seamlessly blend with different artistic influences makes it an attractive choice for both traditional animators and experimental creators.
Cost-Effectiveness: An Accessible Medium for Independent Creators
Compared to 3D animation – which often requires extensive pre-production, more advanced animation software, and post-production rendering – the production pipeline for 2D animation is more cost-effective and accessible. Independent artists, small studios, and even content creators on social media can produce high-quality 2D animations with accessible animation software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and Procreate. This has democratised animation production, allowing more talents to enter the industry without requiring massive budgets or teams. Additionally, the rise of digital tools has streamlined the animation process, making it easier than ever for creators to bring their ideas to life with fewer technical barriers.
As 2D animation continues to evolve, its timeless appeal ensures that it remains a cornerstone of visual storytelling – one that effortlessly bridges the past, present, and future of animation.
Adapting to Social Media Trends
The digital age has reshaped not only how animation is made but also how it is consumed. Social media platforms have transformed the animation landscape, favouring bite-sized, engaging content over long-form storytelling. This shift has propelled 2D animation into new territories, making it more immediate, shareable, and culturally relevant than ever before.
Short-Form Content
The demand for short, snappy, and engaging content has skyrocketed with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Viewers now expect high-impact storytelling in just a few seconds, pushing animators to create visually compelling pieces that grab attention instantly.
Examples include:
- Looping animations – Seamless motion sequences that repeat naturally.
- Micro-narratives – Condensed stories told in seconds rather than minutes.
- Dynamic transitions – Fast-paced scene changes that keep viewers engaged.
At SuperPixel Studio, we experimented with short-form 2D animations for Instagram reels and saw engagement rates double. One perfect example of this trend is SuperPixel’s short 2D animated video about mental health, which effectively utilises the short video format to deliver a unique style and relevant narrative about current issues. The video successfully captures attention and raises awareness about mental health issues, proving how 2D animation can be a powerful tool for addressing meaningful topics in a short, digestible format.
Watch here: SuperPixel’s Mental Health Animation.
Many independent animators have gained widespread recognition through social media, using these formats to showcase their unique styles and storytelling skills.
Animation Memes and GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format)
2D animation plays a significant role in internet memes and GIF culture, allowing quick, expressive, and often humorous visuals to spread rapidly across social media. Animated memes capitalise on reaction-based humour, pop culture references, and looping animations, making them a universal language for online communication.
Notable examples include:
- Cyriak Harris’s surreal looping animations have gone viral on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).
- Hand-drawn reaction GIFs are used across platforms like Discord, Reddit, and Instagram.
- TikTok trends featuring animated remixes of popular video clips.
The ability to create and share animated content instantly has transformed 2D animation into a social media powerhouse, allowing creators to reach millions without the need for traditional distribution channels.
Educational and Explainer Videos
2D animation has also become a key tool for educational and informational content, particularly on platforms like YouTube. Animated explainers break down complex topics in a visually engaging way, making information more digestible for audiences of all ages.
Popular examples include:
- Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, which uses sleek, minimalistic 2D animation to explain scientific and philosophical concepts.
- TED-Ed’s animated lessons, enhance educational storytelling with vibrant motion graphics.
- Financial literacy and tech explainers, simplifying topics like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.
The combination of engaging visuals and effective storytelling makes 2D animation a powerful medium for education, attracting millions of viewers seeking both entertainment and knowledge.
The Impact of Streaming Platforms on 2D Animation
The rise of streaming platforms has been a game-changer for 2D animation, providing new opportunities for diverse storytelling and global reach. Unlike traditional television networks, which often cater to broad demographics and rely on scheduled programming, streaming services have created on-demand, niche-driven, and risk-friendly environments for animated content. This shift has fueled the resurgence of adult animation, encouraged diverse representation, and propelled international 2D animation into the global spotlight.
The Resurgence of Adult Animation
For years, 2D animation was largely associated with children’s programming, with a few exceptions like The Simpsons and South Park. However, the streaming era has redefined animation for adult audiences, embracing complex themes, dark humour, and unconventional storytelling.
Shows like BoJack Horseman (Netflix) and Rick and Morty (Adult Swim, Hulu) have pushed the boundaries of what animated storytelling can achieve. Their success has paved the way for more mature, satirical, and thought-provoking animated series, proving that animation is not just a genre but a medium capable of exploring deep, existential, and socially relevant topics.
The success of these series is reflected in their massive global following. According to Parrot Analytics, Rick and Morty has an audience demand of 33.8 times the average TV show in the United States, placing it among the top-tier of global streaming content.
Streaming platforms have provided:
- Creative Freedom – Less censorship and more opportunities to tackle mature themes.
- Long-Form Storytelling – Unlike traditional episodic cartoons, streaming series often feature continuous narratives that evolve over multiple seasons.
- Diverse Art Styles – Freedom from network constraints has allowed for experimental and stylised animation, moving beyond conventional designs.
Diverse Representation
Streaming services have also led to a shift in diversity and inclusivity within 2D animation. Unlike traditional networks, which often played it safe with familiar tropes, platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ have championed shows that highlight underrepresented voices and perspectives.
Examples of this shift include:
- Steven Universe – A groundbreaking animated series celebrated for its strong emotional storytelling and character depth.
- We Bare Bears – A show that embraces themes of immigration, identity, and acceptance in an accessible, heartfelt manner.
- City of Ghosts (Netflix) – A documentary-style animated series that highlights Los Angeles’ diverse cultural history through a child’s perspective.
With a global audience and fewer broadcasting restrictions, streaming platforms are allowing stories from different cultures, backgrounds, and identities to flourish in 2D animation.
Global Reach of Anime and 2D Animation Across Borders
Anime has seen an unprecedented rise in global popularity, thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu. What was once a niche market is now a mainstream entertainment force, attracting viewers across continents.
Key factors in anime’s global expansion include:
- Simultaneous Worldwide Releases – Platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix offer same-day international streaming for new anime episodes.
- Localised Subtitles and Dubs – High-quality translations have made anime more accessible to non-Japanese-speaking audiences.
- Original Anime Productions by Global Studios – Netflix has invested in original anime-inspired content, such as Castlevania and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, blending Western storytelling with Japanese animation techniques.
Beyond anime, international 2D animation is also thriving. Countries like France, South Korea, and Brazil are producing critically acclaimed animated series and feature films, which are now reaching worldwide audiences through streaming platforms. This globalisation of 2D animation ensures that unique visual styles and storytelling approaches continue to enrich the medium.
Effective Ways to Leverage 2D Animation for Your Brand
At SuperPixel Studio, we specialise in creating 2D animated explainer videos since 2016 that educate, inspire, and inform. Our expertise and firsthand experience help brands, organisations, and institutions simplify complex subjects, promote awareness, and drive impactful conversations through engaging storytelling.
Health Promotion Board (HPB) – Mental Well-being OKAY Tips Campaign
One of our key contributions in this space is helping brands raise awareness about mental health issues. A prime example is our collaboration with Singapore’s HPB on the 2D animated video ‘It’s OKAY to Reach Out’ campaign. Through this project, we discovered how animation can make sensitive topics like mental health more approachable and relatable. This animated short promotes mental health literacy, offering practical tips and encouraging Singaporeans to develop coping strategies while seeking support when needed.
McDonald’s – Family Mental Wellness
Working with McDonald’s Singapore on their Family Mental Wellness campaign provided us with direct insight into how commercial brands can use animation to connect emotionally with their audience. McDonald’s Singapore utilised animated storytelling in their Family Mental Wellness campaign, reinforcing their brand’s commitment to emotional well-being and family support initiatives.
National Healthcare Group (NHG)– Dyslipidaemia Awareness
Beyond mental health, animation is a powerful tool for simplifying complex medical topics. Our collaboration with NHG, a leading healthcare institution in Singapore, allowed us to explore visual storytelling in the medical field.
In our 2D animated short on Dyslipidaemia, we transformed a technical subject into an engaging and accessible visual story. Through vivid colours, charming characters, and a clear narrative, the video educates audiences on the risks of Dyslipidaemia and preventive measures, balancing scientific accuracy with creative storytelling.
As animation continues to shape modern communication, our mission at SuperPixel Studio is to help brands and organisations deliver meaningful, visually engaging narratives that educate and inspire. With the right animation style, storytelling techniques, and creative approach, even the most complex topics can be transformed into engaging, memorable experiences for diverse audiences.
With digital tools streamlining production and social media driving new content trends, 2D animation continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. As it adapts to modern consumption habits, it remains a powerful and versatile storytelling medium, thriving in the fast-moving digital landscape.
Conclusion
2D animation has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from its handcrafted cel animation roots to a highly adaptable, cutting-edge medium. Despite the dominance of 3D animation in blockbuster films, 2D animation continues to thrive, proving its timeless artistic and storytelling value.
Its ability to reinvent itself – whether through social media trends, streaming platforms, hybrid animation techniques, or new technologies – ensures that 2D animation will remain a vital and influential art form.
Looking ahead, the future of 2D animation is limitless – as long as there are stories to tell and artists willing to bring them to life, 2D animation will continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you’re looking to create short-form viral content, educational explainer videos, or brand storytelling, 2D animation remains a powerful tool for connection and engagement.
Ready to bring your story to life with stunning 2D animation? At SuperPixel Studio, we’ve been crafting impactful 2D animations since 2016, working with brands like Petco Love, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, and CapitaLand to bring engaging stories to life. Our expertise spans marketing, education, and social awareness campaigns, ensuring that animation is not just visually appealing but also strategically effective.
Explore our portfolio to see our work in action at SuperPixel Portfolio, and if you’re ready to bring your vision to life, let’s collaborate! Contact us today to get started.
Also Read: 6 Outstanding 2D Animation Services and 7 Essential Tips to Bring Your Next Project to Life
