At Hatch Studios, one of the most frequent questions we receive from clients is, “When should we use animation instead of live-action video?” It’s a fair question both mediums have their strengths, but they serve different needs. For the purpose of this discussion, we define “video” as traditional live-action footage content that’s shot with physical cameras, using real locations, actors, lighting setups, and equipment. While live-action can deliver realism and authenticity, it also comes with a number of constraints that animation can overcome. Below, we’ll explore key differences and advantages that explain why animation is often the smarter choice, especially for marketing and product-focused content.