As expected, 3D animation continues to be one of the most sought-after types of video today. From animated movies to jaw-dropping ads and immersive games, 3D animation is everywhere—and for good reason.

In fact, the numbers speak for themselves. The global 3D animation market grew from $22.5 billion in 2023 to around $24.89 billion in 2024, showing a growth rate of 10.6%! The numbers are only climbing higher.

So, what's next in 2025? We've listed some of the biggest trends expected to redefine 3D animation video in the coming year. What are they? Let's explore more!

#1. AI-Assisted Animation

3D animation production is highly time-consuming. On average, producing just one minute of high-quality animation can take weeks or months, depending on the complexity and length of the project.

It was never simple. Traditional workflows often involve painstaking manual work, from rigging and keyframing to rendering. However, advanced technology has finally illuminated this industry.

We can expect to use AI-based tools to create 3D animation in the upcoming years. With advanced AI tools, animators can automate repetitive tasks like character rigging, motion capture cleanup, and even lip-syncing.

For example, AI-driven platforms like DeepMotion and Adobe's Sensei are helping streamline animation workflows. Such technology saves countless hours while also helping creators focus more on the artistic and storytelling aspects. 

#2. Real-Time Rendering

Gone are the days of waiting hours—or even days—for rendered scenes to process. Before real-time rendering, animators relied on traditional rendering workflows, where every frame had to be meticulously pre-rendered.

This long rendering process could lead to constant delays, expensive computing resources, and limited room for creative experimentation. It also could take hours just to preview the results, creating a bottleneck in the creative process.

However, groundbreaking tools like Unreal Engine and Unity are expected to transform the lenghty pipeline. These tools have finally enabled real-time rendering where animators can see their work instantly.

It is easier to tweak scenes, adjust lighting, and refine textures on the fly.

This seamless feedback loop significantly speeds up workflows and encourages bold experimentation with visual styles and effects.

#3. Hyper-Realistic Characters

The line between animated characters and reality is blurring fast. Advanced techniques like photogrammetry, motion capture, and next-gen shading models have created characters that look, move, and emote almost like real humans.

What's even more exciting is that hyper-realism will extend beyond blockbuster movies and into smaller-scale projects. This opens the door for indie creators to craft stunningly lifelike characters for games, short films, or even VR experiences.

Hyper-realistic animation will also push boundaries in storytelling. Businesses can also leverage hyper-realistic characters for marketing media like 3D explainer videos to create more immersive and emotionally engaging content.

#4. Virtual Reality (VR) Integration

VR is now incorporated in many ways and has become an integral part of 3D animation experiences. In the past, 3D animation was limited to flat screens, but VR has opened up entirely new dimensions.

VR-powered 3D animation can be used not only for entertainment but also in almost all industries, such as education, training, and healthcare, offering realistic simulations for learning and problem-solving.

Moreover, VR tools like Oculus Medium and Gravity Sketch enable animators to step inside their scenes and sculpt, design, or animate in real-time within a virtual space. A hands-on approach like this speeds up the production process while encouraging animators to become more creative.

#5. Sustainability in 3D Animation Production

Rendering massive 3D scenes can actually impact the environment negatively. So do running high-powered servers and using energy-intensive hardware.

All of these can take a significant toll on the environment due to its carbon footprint. However, many studios and animators have actively embraced sustainable practices to reduce the negative impacts.

One of the attempts to embrace sustainability in the animation industry is by using cloud-based rendering farms. This technology reduces carbon footprint while optimizing energy-efficient hardware for lower power consumption.

In the future, sustainability will become a core focus in animation production as studios will adopt eco-friendly workflows, like real-time rendering (which cuts down on rendering time and energy use), and explore biodegradable or recyclable materials for physical props in hybrid productions.

3D Impact on Industries

3D animation is no longer limited only to movies and immersive games. Even businesses in all fields can use 3D animation to help them communicate with customers. With those five trends above, let's look at some of the most notable areas where 3D animation leaves its mark.

Advertising: Storytelling and Product Visualization

We've seen many brands use 3D animation for their advertisements and marketing content. Airbnb and FedEx provide some cutting-edge examples of 3D usage for this purpose with their short, eye-catching visuals and compelling stories.

In terms of tools, Cinema 4D and Unreal Engine are leading tools that help animators create high-quality visuals faster than ever. In the future, brands will leverage 3D for even more personalized and immersive ads with trends like AI.

Education and Training: Simulations and E-Learning

3D videos are highly ideal for education and training as they present realistic, interactive visuals that are easier for human brains to digest. In e-learning, animated videos simplify complex concepts, making difficult subjects easier to understand.

Meanwhile, for industries like healthcare and aviation, 3D simulations provide hands-on training without real-world risks. Trainees can practice surgical procedures, operate machinery, or explore virtual environments, all within a controlled digital setting.

Entertainment: Animated Films, Series, and VFX

In the entertainment industry, 3D animation has become a star of visual storytelling. Animated films and series, such as from Pixar to smaller animated YouTube channels, have set new benchmarks in storytelling and visual quality.

As real-time rendering and AI-assisted workflows grow, we'll see even faster production and more visually sophisticated films and series in 2025. Whether it's lifelike CG characters or breathtaking fantasy worlds, 3D animation has pushed the boundaries of what audiences can experience.

Takeaway 

In 2025 and beyond, 3D animation will become more exciting and dynamic than ever. Trends like AI-assisted animation, real-time rendering, and hyper-realistic characters will revolutionize workflows, while VR integration offers more immersive new possibilities.

3D will not only limited to the entertainment industry. It will also be heavily incorporated for marketing and educational purposes by companies of all fields. The next chapter of 3D animation is here—are you ready to bring your ideas to life?

Author Bio

Andre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning animation video company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).