In 2024, the world of 3D animation continues to evolve. In 2023, the 3D animation market was worth about $22.99 billion globally. It’s predicted to keep growing from 2024 to 2032, and by 2032, it could be around $62.80 billion, with an average growth rate of 11.80%.
This growth rate shows the increasing adoption of 3D animation by many industries who want to stay ahead. In this article, we will explore the top 10 3D animation trends that are projected to dominate the industry in 2024.
Counting Down the Top 10 3D Animation Trends for 2024
We’ll start with #10 and work our way to the top, hope you’re as excited as we are!
#10 HIGHER FRAME RATE
One 3D animation trend we can expect in 2024 is higher frame rates.
As technology continues to advance, animators are easily able to create smoother and more realistic movements by increasing the frame rate of their animations.
So instead of the usual 24 frames per second (fps), higher frame rates, such as 30 fps, 60 fps or even 120 fps are now being used. This results in smoother motion and greater detail, providing a more immersive and visually appealing experience for viewers.
The value of this trend is that it allows for more fluid and lifelike character movements, enhancing the overall quality of the animation.
With higher frame rates, animators can push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of animation, creating more captivating and engaging content for audiences to enjoy.
#9 VIRTUAL FASHION SHOWS
In the fashion world, this 3D animation trend keeps getting more popular.
It began in 2020 when the global pandemic forced live shows to stop, and many businesses moved online. As a result, virtual fashion shows started growing, featuring 3D models that displayed new designs.
These shows have grown really popular since then, and happen in a digital space, showing off fabrics and different 3D clothing combinations in detail.
The advantage of virtual fashion shows is that they are changing the fashion industry by blending technology and fashion into exciting and interactive experiences. They allow designers to showcase their designs in a more creative and engaging way, breaking free from the limitations of traditional runway shows.
#8 DIGITAL CLOTHES/MATERIALS
Through the use of advanced 3D animation techniques, animators can now create realistic and visually stunning textures, fabrics, and surfaces. By manipulating light, shadows, and movement, they create the illusion of different materials such as silk, leather, or metal.
This is particularly useful at virtual fashion shows as they enhance the overall visual appeal of the clothes or fabric on display.
But to take it a step further, a few years ago, it would have been impossible to believe anyone would pay for digital clothing. Well in 2024, that’s not the case anymore. And it’s all thanks to the Metaverse.
This new trend lets you pick and buy stylish items online and wear them in the digital world. You can show them off in pictures on Instagram or use augmented reality tech.
Here’s how it works: animators make 3D models of clothes, and you can see how they look on e-commerce websites within the metaverse. When you see one you like, you pay for it and it is owned by your digital body. This all got really serious when famous brands like Gucci, began opening shops within the Metaverse.
#7 VR & AR ANIMATION
Another 3D animation trend to look out for in 2024 is virtual reality and augmented reality.
VR & AR animation mixes the storytelling of regular animation with the interactive fun of virtual reality. It makes for a special and interesting experience. This kind of animation is changing many industries, from games and entertainment to teaching and training.
It lets people be super creative and try new things in animation. As technology gets better, VR and AR animation will be a big part of how 3D animation grows in the future.
#6 MICRO-INTERACTIONS ON SOFTWARE PLATFORMS AND WEBSITES
The 6th 3D animation trend on our list for 2024 are micro-interactions!
Micro-interactions on software platforms and websites have become essential in enhancing user experiences and improving overall functionality.
You’ve probably seen these tiny interactions when you hit the like button on a social media app. What used to be a simple click now often comes with a fancy animation – like sparkles and hearts. It’s that extra touch that rewards your brain and makes it pleasant to use an app or scroll through a website.
So things like button clicks, form submissions, and menu navigation are all examples of micro-interactions. They provide immediate feedback to users, making their interactions with the software or website more engaging and intuitive.
Micro-interactions can include visual effects, sound cues, and haptic feedback, creating a seamless and delightful user experience. They can also serve as subtle prompts, guiding users through complex processes or helping them discover hidden features.
#5 CASUAL SURREALISM
Casual Surrealism is a way of doing things that makes regular stuff seem strange and dreamy. It takes things we know and puts them in weird situations, making us curious. This helps us look at a product or thing in a different way by putting it in a new and unfamiliar setting, where things don’t follow the usual rules of nature or society.
Why does it work? Because when everything is strange, we pay even more attention to things we already know.
Here’s a great example from Apple:
#4 3D LOGO ANIMATION
3D logo animation is the next animation trend on our list.
Companies are constantly looking for innovative ways to stand out and leave a lasting impression on their audience. With 3D logo animation, companies get a unique opportunity to showcase their brand’s identity and personality in an interesting way.
Instead of traditional flat and regular logos, they can now add depth, movement and stunning effects to their logos creating a memorable and immersive experience for their customers.
This technique not only enhances brand recognition but also conveys professionalism and creativity.
#3 REEL BREAKDOWNS
Reel breakdowns come as a surprising animation trend, but with the blossoming of the creator economy, it is not going away anytime soon.
In a reel breakdown, animators provide a detailed analysis of their animation process, breaking down each scene and explaining the techniques and software used.
This allows viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the creative decisions and technical skills involved in creating the animation. Reel breakdowns can include information on character design, rigging, animation principles, lighting, shading, and compositing – the entire 3D animation process.
They provide a behind-the-scenes look at the animation process, giving aspiring animators and industry professionals insights into the artist’s workflow and techniques.
#2 2D & 3D MIXED ANIMATION
Another great 3D animation trend that is here to stay is the combination of 2D and 3D animation within one medium. A great example of this would be the recently released Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse.
By combining the two techniques, animators are able to leverage the strengths of each style to create unique and captivating visuals. This trend allows for greater flexibility in storytelling, as it blends the traditional hand-drawn aesthetic of 2D animation with the realistic depth and dimensionality of 3D animation.
The result? A seamless integration of different animation styles, resulting in a visually appealing and engaging experience for viewers.
We expect this trend to continue to evolve and gain popularity in the coming years as animators explore the creative possibilities of combining 2D and 3D animation techniques.
#1 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATED ANIMATIONS
And at the top of the list of 3D animation trends for 2024 we have Artificial Intelligence!
This should come as no surprise to anyone as AI is the dominant media trend in the world right now. Yet it’s still worth mentioning.
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the world of 3D animation by seamlessly integrating advanced technologies into the animation process.
When AI technology got into animation, it made things better and made it easy for more people to get into animation. Now, animators, filmmakers, and designers can do their work faster and create really good animations with the help of AI tools and generators.
Big tech companies like Google and Adobe have made many AI animation tools and apps. These tools make things that were hard before much easier. Some examples include Google DeepDream and Adobe Sensei.
AI’s integration in 3D animation has opened up new possibilities and streamlined the creative process.
Conclusion
As the animation industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for professionals to stay informed about the latest 3D animation trends, especially AI advancements and leverage them to create captivating and impactful animations.
This way they remain at the forefront of the industry.
