It’s clear that all industries evolve and innovate over time, but design is different; it’s constantly changing. Trends shift, social media networks emerge, and software programs are upgraded at a rapid pace. Keeping up with these changes can be challenging, especially if you don’t put in the effort to stay updated and connected on a daily basis.
Whether you’re working in advertising, architecture, product visualization, or entertainment, understanding the latest trends can give your creative studio a competitive edge. Here are four major trends currently defining the 3D animation landscape in 2025:
1. AI-Assisted Animation Workflows
Artificial intelligence is gradually making its way into the design industry. While it’s still controversial to rely on AI for the full creative process, and it certainly can’t replace human imagination, it’s proving to be a powerful tool for many technical tasks. From speeding up workflows to sparking new ideas, AI can support designers rather than replace them. Here are the top AI tools for 3D animation:
- Cascadeur – Still a go-to tool for AI-assisted posing, auto-physics, and natural keyframe animation.
- DeepMotion – Enhanced AI motion capture from mobile video, now more accurate and widely used.
- Kinetix – Popular among content creators for turning TikTok-style videos into 3D animations, no code needed.
- Runway ML Gen-3 – Used to generate motion reference videos and stylized movements from text prompts.
- Move AI – Leading multi-camera AI motion capture tool for indie game and film studios.
We also use Freepik for inspiration when working on projects. First, we create mockups with AI to explore different design options. We then present a few variations to the client, and once they choose their preferred concept, we bring it to life in 3D using Blender. This approach was successfully applied in our project with Philips (read more about our collaboration with Philips here).
2. Interactive 3D on the Web
Interactive 3D experiences on the web have come a long way in 2025, thanks to advancements in technologies like WebGL, WebXR, and Three.js. These innovations are transforming how brands and businesses engage with their audience online.
For example, WebXR has made it easier than ever to integrate VR and AR directly into websites, providing immersive experiences that don’t require additional apps or devices.
Brands are now using interactive 3D to let users explore products with full 360° views, customize them in real time with AI-driven options, and even shop collaboratively in 3D environments. These experiences are faster, more detailed, and accessible across all devices, no extra apps needed. Scroll-triggered 3D storytelling is also on the rise, turning websites into immersive narratives that keep users engaged. (Read more in our blog post on AR here)
3. Greener Workflows
As sustainability becomes a priority across industries, the world of 3D animation is no exception. In 2025, eco-conscious production pipelines are no longer niche, they’re quickly becoming the new normal. Studios are actively reducing their carbon footprint by embracing smarter, greener workflows that not only benefit the environment but also improve efficiency
A major shift in 2025 is the adoption of cloud render farms powered by renewable energy, significantly reducing emissions compared to traditional in-house rendering. Artists optimize 3D scenes and models to speed up rendering and lower energy use without compromising quality. AI automation streamlines tasks like asset cleanup, lighting, and animation loops, cutting unnecessary resource consumption.
Another key strategy is reusing textures, models, and effects across projects, which saves time, reduces costs, and minimizes waste. This modular workflow accelerates production and promotes sustainability.
4. Stylized and Artistic 3D Animation
In 2025, the animation industry is witnessing a clear shift away from striving for hyper-realism toward embracing more stylized, artistic, and expressive 3D visuals. This trend is heavily influenced by indie games, animated films, and the fresh aesthetics popularized on social media platforms. Rather than trying to perfectly mimic reality, studios are focusing on unique textures, non-photorealistic rendering (NPR), and hand-drawn effects recreated in 3D environments.
A striking example of this hybrid approach is the critically acclaimed series Arcane, which masterfully blends 2D and 3D animation styles. The show combines rich, painterly textures and expressive 2D-inspired character animation with the depth and dynamism of 3D environments. This fusion allows storytellers to deliver emotionally powerful narratives while maintaining a distinct, memorable visual identity.
Conclusion
The world of 3D animation is evolving faster than ever, driven by new technologies, changing audience preferences, and a growing awareness of sustainability.
From AI-powered workflows that streamline production, to immersive and interactive experiences on the web, and a shift toward more artistic, stylized visuals, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for animators and creators alike. By embracing these trends, studios and designers can not only stay ahead of the curve but also craft more engaging, meaningful, and responsible content that resonates with modern audiences.
Make sure to contact us in case you’re interested to hear more details about what we can do for you. Feel free to browse the site for more interesting articles and examples of our work, but also information on our services!
