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May 20, 2025 (Updated April 16, 2026)Eugene Peterson/2 min read

Tips for Creating Effective Animated Infographics

Do you want to make your data more digestible and engaging? Discover the power of animated infographics and learn how to create them with our expert tips and examples!

Animated infographics can be a powerful tool for conveying complex information in a visually appealing and engaging way, allowing for better comprehension and retention. Here are some tips for creating effective animated infographics and samples demonstrating these concepts:

Presentation basics: the time-tested tenets for formal presentations work for animated infographics as well: know your audience, keep it simple (one concept at a time), use simple language (avoid jargon as much as possible), and keep on-screen reading to a minimum.

Screenshot from Strava Year In Sport animated infographic by Giant Ant

Example: Strava // Year In Sport by Giant Ant 

Color and Appearance

Make your point: have your storyboards emphasize your point simply and clearly. Be bold. Charts, icons, and textual data should be large and in charge. Use color to make your point pop.

Screenshot from Oil'd animated infographic by Chris Harmon showing bold data visualization

Example: Oil’d by Chris Harmon

Animation and Motion

Consider using a voice-over or lower thirds to help explain and strengthen concepts: your animation communicates more clearly, and the audience will better retain the information by experiencing it both visually and in a word-based manner.

Screenshot from NTT Data animated infographic by Colin Jackson showing text and visual narration

Example: NTT Data by Colin Jackson > click the Load More button > scroll to NTT Data

Use visual metaphors: a standard for motion design, visual metaphors can help illustrate complex concepts in a more intuitive way. Also, visual metaphors are great for creating clever connections between story elements.

Screenshot from Jack Ryan Season 2 opening titles using visual metaphors

Example: Jack Ryan Season 2 Opening Titles

Timeline Navigation

Divide a process or idea into phases and build the animation one transition at a time: Video is primarily a scanning modality, and this approach guides an audience along a thought process or series of results, which makes the content snackable.

Screenshot from Artolution Timeline animated infographic by Pentagram

Example: Artolution Timeline by Pentagram

The medium is the message: use animation to visually illustrate concepts and ideas that may be difficult to explain in words alone. Animations can help demonstrate processes, show cause-and-effect relationships succinctly, and aid comprehension of complex charts.

Intricate geometric mandala-like design with brightly colored lines, dots, and shapes arranged in concentric circles on a black background, creating a vibrant, circuit-inspired pattern.

Example: Keplertek | AI & Robotics Ecosystem

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