Why the Format of Your Product Video Is a Strategic Choice

You want to showcase your product through video, but you're hesitating between motion design and live-action? You're not alone. Many tech companies face the same question — especially when budgets are tight or timelines are short.

Choosing a video format isn’t just a matter of taste. It’s a strategic decision that affects your message, your impact on your audience, and your video’s return on investment.

So, motion design or live-action? Here’s a guide to help you decide.

Motion Design: Clear, Flexible, and Efficient

Motion design means animated video. Graphics, typography, icons, voiceover — everything is created from scratch. No filming required.

Advantages of motion design:

• Perfect for abstract topics: Need to explain a complex concept, a software interface, or a user journey? Motion design makes everything visual and easy to understand.

• Highly flexible: Want to make an English version, update a price, or add a new feature? No need to reshoot anything.

• Long shelf life: No trendy visuals that quickly go out of style. A good motion design video stays relevant for years.

• No shoot = no logistics: You save time — and that’s often reflected in the budget.

Limitations:

• Less human warmth: Without real faces or interactions, animations can feel distant. But it really depends on the style and tone.

Typical use cases:

• App or platform presentation video

• Onboarding video

• Animated social ads

• Startup pitch video for investors

Live-Action Video: Authentic, Human, Engaging

Live-action is the classic format: camera, lights, microphones, and people on screen — shot on location or in a studio.

Advantages of live-action:

• Builds connection: Seeing a face, hearing a voice, feeling emotions — perfect for humanizing your brand.

• Authenticity: A founder sharing their vision, a client telling their story — the message feels more real.

• Great for social media: Short formats like interviews or behind-the-scenes clips perform well.

Limitations:

• Less flexible: Changing a word or a scene might mean reshooting.

• Depends on production quality: Lighting, sound, staging — if done poorly, it can quickly feel amateur.

Typical use cases:

• Founder or team interviews

• Client testimonials

• Recruitment or employer branding videos

• Event coverage

Comparison Table: Motion Design vs Live-Action Video

Real-World Examples of Strategic Choices

At 1600, we worked with a SaaS platform that wanted to present its team management tool. Their challenge: how to explain the features without overwhelming visitors? We chose motion design — smooth UI animation paired with a clear voiceover. Result: +35% demo requests on their website.

For Taap.it, a deeplinking service that simplifies mobile content sharing, we created a 100% motion design video — dynamic and fast-paced. The goal: explain the solution in under 60 seconds. The video was widely shared on LinkedIn during the launch, generating thousands of qualified views. According to the team, it helped convince several strategic partners early on.

Another example: an energy-sector SME wanted to build trust with B2B prospects. We produced a live-action video with customer interviews and on-site footage. The authenticity made a big difference.

Sometimes, the best solution is a mix. For a product launch, we combined motion design (to explain the offer) with live-action footage (to show the team and real-world use). All in one video — for maximum impact.

Conclusion: Ask the Right Questions

There’s no “right” or “wrong” format — it all depends on your message, audience, and constraints.

• Want to explain a concept clearly? → Motion design

• Want to build trust? → Live-action

• Want both? → Combine formats

Need a neutral perspective on your video project? We can help you find the best approach.

Check out our portfolio or get in touch to discuss.