Animation Characters in Advertising: How Brands Use Mascots to Build Trust & Boost Recall

Why Animation Characters Work So Well in Advertising

Animated characters do something most ads struggle with—they make people feel.

A well-designed character can:

• Humanize your brand
• Make your message more memorable
• Add humor, charm, and personality
• Build long-term brand recognition
• Appeal to both children and adults
• Express emotions that live-action actors can’t

Animated characters simplify storytelling, make ads fun to watch, and keep your brand top of mind.

What Is an Animation Character for Branding?

An animation character (or brand mascot) is a designed persona, cartoon, anthropomorphic, stylized, or symbolic that represents your company’s identity and values.

It may appear in:

• Commercials
• Social media content
• Packaging
• Websites
• Brand campaigns
• Motion graphic explainers

A strong character becomes the face of the brand, instantly recognizable even without a logo.

Famous Animation Characters in Advertising

🐯 1. Tony the Tiger – Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes

One of the most iconic mascots in advertising history. His positive attitude and memorable catchphrase (“They’re grrreat!”) helped build decades of brand loyalty.

💵 2. GEICO Gecko – GEICO Insurance

A simple, friendly gecko became one of the world’s most memorable advertising mascots. His humor and personality turned a boring industry into something relatable.

🧼 3. Mr. Clean – Procter & Gamble

The muscular, shiny-headed character has represented cleanliness and strength for over 65 years—proving the lasting power of a strong mascot.

🍫 4. M&M's Characters – Mars Inc.

Each M&M character has its own personality, voice, and attitude. Their interactions keep the brand fresh and endlessly entertaining.

❤️ 5. Aflac Duck – Aflac Insurance

This funny, quacking duck transformed Aflac into a household name and doubled brand recognition within a year of launch.

🐰 6. Duracell Bunny / Energizer Bunny

The energetic pink bunny represents reliability and power, creating instant visual association with long-lasting batteries.

🍛 7. Gojek’s “Gogoro” Animated Characters (Southeast Asia)

These fun characters appear in app animations, social media, and ads—humanizing a digital platform that serves millions.

Takeaway:

Animated characters can drive emotional connection, strengthen brand identity, and boost ad memorability across cultures and age groups.

Why Brands Use Character Animation Today

✔ Works on every platform (TV, social, apps, packaging)

✔ Builds brand loyalty through consistent personality

✔ Makes boring industries entertaining

✔ Adds humor and emotional storytelling

✔ Highly shareable in short-form content

✔ Cost-effective—no reshoots, no actors, no scheduling issues

Characters are especially powerful in the TikTok & Instagram era because short, expressive animations grab attention instantly.

How to Create an Effective Brand Animation Character

1. Define the Brand Personality

Is the brand bold, friendly, playful, premium, or wise? Your character should mirror that feeling.

2. Design a Distinct Visual Style

Shapes, colors, and proportions must be unique and recognizable.

3. Give It a Story or Purpose

Characters need a role—helper, guide, hero, coach, or narrator.

4. Develop Expressions & Movements

The more expressive, the more memorable.

5. Prepare for Multi-Platform Use

Characters should work on:

• Social videos
• Packaging
• App UI
• Ads
• Merch
• Stickers/GIFs

6. Keep It Consistent

A character becomes iconic through repetition, not complexity.

Where Animation Characters Are Used in Marketing

• TV commercials
• Product explainers
• Social media storytelling
• Campaign ads
• Websites & landing pages
• Games or AR filters
• Brand events
• Mascots for packaging

A good character follows customers everywhere your brand goes.

Want Your Own Brand Mascot or Animated Character?

Whether you want something fun, premium, cute, or futuristic, a well-crafted character can define your brand for YEARS.

🎯 Get a free consultation with Elliemotion team:

FAQs

1. Why are animated characters so effective in advertising?

Because they are memorable, emotionally engaging, and help simplify brand messages.

2. Can small businesses also use brand mascots?

Absolutely. Many SMEs use characters to stand out on social media and packaging.

3. What styles can animated characters use?

2D, 3D, motion graphics, anime style, minimalist icons, mascots, and more.

4. How long does character creation take?

Typically 1–4 weeks depending on design complexity and animation needs.

5. Can the same character be used across all platforms?

Yes—great mascots are designed for multi-platform use, from videos to GIFs to print.