10 Surprising Facts About Animation Every Creative Should Know in 2025

Animation has come a long way since the days of hand-drawn flipbooks and early Disney shorts. In 2025, animation is not only at the core of entertainment but also plays a vital role in education, marketing, training, and even social media engagement. Whether you're a budding animator, a business looking to create a compelling explainer video, or simply curious about the craft, understanding the industry’s lesser-known truths can provide valuable insight into this ever-evolving art form.

Here are 10 surprising fun facts about animation every creative should know—along with how styles like stylized realism and the rise of local studios offering services like animation video maker near me are shaping the future of this medium.

1. Animation Isn’t Just for Kids Anymore

One of the most common misconceptions is that animation is child’s play. In reality, adult animation is booming, with shows like Arcane, Invincible, and Love, Death & Robots gaining critical acclaim. From philosophical narratives to dark satire, animation now tackles themes traditionally reserved for live-action content, proving its versatility and depth.

2. Stylized Realism Is the Hottest Trend in Animation

In 2025, stylized realism is one of the top animation trends. Unlike hyper-realistic CGI or cartoonish exaggeration, stylized realism strikes a balance between artistic expression and believable visuals. It allows animators to maintain human-like movement and emotion while playing creatively with form, texture, and color. This technique is especially popular in animated films, video games, and high-end commercials, where aesthetics and storytelling go hand-in-hand.

A notable example is Pixar’s Soul, which blends stylized realism with emotional resonance. The characters are expressive yet grounded in reality—proving that this style is here to stay.

3. The First Animated Feature Film Was Released in 1917

Among the oldest facts about animation is this little-known gem: the first-ever feature-length animated film, El Apóstol, was released in Argentina in 1917. Made using cut-out animation, this political satire predates Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) by two decades.

This early innovation proves that animation has always been a tool for both entertainment and commentary—even before Hollywood got involved.

4. Animation Is a Global Industry

While Hollywood often takes the spotlight, countries like Japan, South Korea, France, and India are home to thriving animation industries. In fact, many U.S. animated projects outsource segments to international studios. The global nature of animation opens up opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and cultural storytelling that transcends borders.

Searching for an animation video maker near me? You might be surprised to find studios in your own city working on global campaigns, indie films, or even Netflix series.

5. Animators Often Spend Hours on Just a Few Seconds of Footage

Animation is a labor of love. Whether it's 2D, 3D, stop-motion, or motion graphics, even a short 5-second clip can take hours—or days—to complete. Frame-by-frame animation, for example, typically requires 24 frames per second. That’s 1,440 individual drawings for just a minute of content!

This fact highlights the dedication, patience, and precision behind every successful animation project. It’s no wonder businesses are now seeking professional help from tools and services like animation video maker near me to bring their visions to life efficiently and effectively.

6. Whiteboard Animation and Explainer Videos Drive Higher Engagement

One of the lesser-known facts about animation is how effective it is for business communication. Whiteboard animations, explainer videos, and product demos are proven to increase viewer retention, boost conversions, and simplify complex topics.

Businesses now rely heavily on local creatives—searching for terms like animation video maker near me—to produce high-quality, customized content that doesn’t just look good but performs well.

7. Stylized Realism Appeals to Both Artistic and Corporate Clients

Why is stylized realism so popular in 2025? Because it serves a dual purpose. It's visually rich enough for film studios yet clean and polished enough for corporate brands. Animated commercials for healthcare, tech, and education industries now frequently use this style to humanize their content and build emotional connections.

If you’re hiring an animation studio, consider their proficiency in stylized realism. It often indicates a blend of technical skill and artistic sensibility—two qualities essential for compelling storytelling.

8. Animation Tools Are More Accessible Than Ever

You no longer need a Hollywood-sized budget to create quality animation. With tools like Blender, Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, and AI-driven software, creators from all walks of life can experiment and produce professional-grade work. This democratization of animation has led to a surge in independent creators, student filmmakers, and small business marketers entering the space.

Still, when you're aiming for polish, collaborating with an experienced animation video maker near me can save you time and elevate your vision beyond what DIY tools can offer.

9. Animation Is Being Used in Mental Health and Therapy

Yes, you read that right. Animated short films and interactive animations are increasingly used in therapy to help patients express emotions, especially children or those with trauma. This unexpected use-case demonstrates the emotional and psychological power of animated storytelling.

Studios working with non-profits or educational sectors are now producing stylized, empathetic content designed to heal and educate—yet another example of how animation is transcending its traditional boundaries.

10. Local Studios Are Competing with Big Agencies

If you’ve ever typed "animation video maker near me" into a search engine, you’ve likely discovered a growing number of talented local animators and studios. In cities big and small, these professionals offer personalized services with a deep understanding of local audiences and business needs.

Working with a nearby animation team also fosters better communication, faster turnaround, and the ability to collaborate more closely on revisions and ideas—key for projects that require a personal touch or brand alignment.

Final Thoughts

Animation in 2025 is dynamic, expressive, and more accessible than ever. From groundbreaking styles like stylized realism to local creatives offering services under the search animation video maker near me, the industry is evolving in exciting ways.

Whether you're a business leader, educator, or creative visionary, knowing these facts about animation empowers you to make smarter choices, tell better stories, and leverage one of the most powerful visual mediums in the digital age.

Now more than ever, animation isn't just entertainment—it's communication, education, and inspiration wrapped into one dynamic format.