From vivid gradients to liquid glass: Key animation trends for 2026
With motion design constantly evolving, we expect to see a wave of new animation trends and visual techniques in 2026. Unsurprisingly, video content will continue to dominate the internet, with video expected to make up 82% of all internet traffic in 2026. So what’s new and on-trend? From gradients, kinetic text and 3D, to retro styles and liquid glass, we’re taking a look at what’s popular in the world of motion design, and how these trends can be applied to your own animations – so that you don’t just keep up, you stay ahead of the curve.
Vivid Gradients
Beautiful gradients are moving out of the background and into the main featured graphics. Using bold colours or soft, hazy palettes, gradients bring visual interest, diversity and depth to an animation. They truly catch the eye and bring something fresh and striking to the table. Elevating an otherwise flat design, they can instantly level-up a project so it looks and feels high-end without the extra price tag.
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Blending Animation with the Real World (Masking)
Masking is a way of incorporating short snippets of text or bold animated graphics into your footage so that they don’t just sit on top, but become immersed in the space. With the world becoming increasingly obsessed with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), masking can bring that blended, immersive feel to your own videos. It’s a great way to elevate stock footage, impress your viewers and bring a little more life to your visuals.
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3D Graphics
3D animation is on the rise, with 3D environments and realistic icons featuring more and more in online content. Full-scale 3D projects can be time consuming and labour-intensive, but there are other ways to bring a little 3D magic into your 2D work flow. Incorporating simple 3D shapes, creating layered 3D environments or even adding mock 3D design elements into your scenes is a great way to stay on trend without breaking the bank.
Not only does it look impressive, but it can really add the wow-factor to a flagship video.
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Liquid Glass and flowing, organic movements
Kick-started by Apple and their new liquid glass aesthetic, this style mimics the smooth movements of water, combining it with the visual reflections and refractions of glass. Zooming out, the broader trend incorporates other organic textures and sleek flowing movements, giving a gentle nod to nature. Best incorporated in subtle ways through icons and overlays, using this visual style can bring a modern and professional feel to your videos while adding some realistic flair.
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Bold Kinetic Typography
Kinetic typography simply refers to the way text looks and moves within a video. Although animated text is nothing new, recent trends show striking and inventive ways to make text just as captivating as any graphics. Bold quirky fonts, dynamic exaggerated movements and interesting layouts have put text centre-stage, often using intentional motion to enhance meaning. These animations are punchy, fast-paced, and work best with short, snappy messaging.
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Retro Textures
It can’t be denied that the retro aesthetic is back in a big way, and this trend spills over onto the world of motion. We see it most with the use of grainy, papery and vintage film/TV textures in videos. This can simply add a retro, scrapbook or even hand-drawn feel to any animation, but it can also be used to create an atmosphere and give your viewer a visceral experience. You can feel the depth and textural quality of the animation, often eliciting an emotional response and creating connection.
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Whether you’re introducing your organisation’s work, or sharing new insights and research from your field, there are so many exciting ways to use video in 2026. If you’re looking for a way to make video work for you, Senate Media can help you make the most of your messaging.
