Think global, animate local: how culturally tailored animation expands reach by 45%

If you think about what’s really popular these days, one big thing stands out: making things personal. It’s all about tailoring stuff to fit you perfectly, whether it’s the shows recommended to you on Netflix or the ads you see on social media.

Instead of everyone getting the same thing, everything is made just for you. This trend shows how everything is becoming more about what you like and need as an individual. Or – as a group of people, if we are talking about a community, for example.

Want to be on the same page with the audience? Personalize. Customize. In this article, we will take a look at how you can personalize animation to simply be better to your audience. Keep reading to learn more!

What Does it Mean to Culturally Tailor Content?

When we say “culture”, we don’t necessary mean national culture. Today, people unite on different basis, and each community – more or less global – have their own cultural signs, language, and the specifics. If you know them and refer to them, you can tweak your animation to be closer to them.

According to this paper, here are some markers of a culture you can keep in mind:

“The evidence of cultural existence lies in everyday practices of people from every corner of the world. The language people speak, faith put on to religions, gambling in Las Vegas and eating dierent food are only minor examples of cultural reection.

People are not born knowing what to do with their lives. They learn through messages communicated to them which bear the stamp of culture.”

Let’s dive deeper into what localization means in this context:

Beyond Subtitles

Localization goes far beyond simply translating dialogue. It’s about understanding the cultural context. Colors might hold different meanings, jokes might need to be adapted, and even character designs might need tweaking. For instance, a thumbs-up gesture might be considered rude in some cultures.

Modern Subcultures & Microcultures

Animation isn’t just for kids anymore. Gaming communities, anime fandoms, K-Pop enthusiasts – these are all subcultures with their own unique languages, references, and in-jokes. Research the specific subculture you’re targeting to weave elements that will make them feel seen and understood.

Age is Just a Number

Don’t underestimate the power of generational preferences. Baby Boomers might connect with classic animation styles, while Gen Z might respond better to fast-paced, meme-heavy content. Tailor the animation style, humor, and references to resonate with the age group you’re targeting.

The Power of 45%

Studies have shown that culturally tailored animation can increase audience engagement by a 45%. Viewers feel a stronger connection to the story when they see their own cultural references reflected. This emotional connection translates to better brand recall, increased sales, and a wider fanbase.

How to Custom Your Animation for a Specific Audience

Personalization to a specific audience should be based on their background. In other word, you just try to speak these people’s language. Let’s take a look at what it takes:

Research is King

Immerse yourself in the cultural landscape of your target audience. Research their customs, folklore, humor, and even taboos. Especially, if it is a culturally new audience for you. Keep in mind, we are talking modern subcultures or micro cultures as well.

Characters

Consider how character appearance reflects cultural norms. Clothing styles, hairstyles, and even body language can hold cultural significance. Choose names that are familiar and easy to pronounce for your target audience. Gestures, greetings, and expressions of emotions can differ across cultures.

Research appropriate behaviors to avoid unintentional offense. Sometimes the line is so thin! Important: There’s a fine line between representation and caricature. Use diverse character designs, but avoid falling into stereotypical portrayals of accents, personalities, or abilities. 

Storytelling

It is always cool to make an allusion to something your audience know well. Consider adding references people would understand easily. Choose them wisely, though. Can you layer a joke with a universal meaning on top of a cultural reference, creating a richer experience for those who get both layers?

Visuals & Music

Certain colors and symbols hold specific meanings in different cultures. Research these to avoid misinterpretations. Depict settings that reflect the cultural environment. Research traditional architecture, clothing styles, and landscapes for authenticity.

Music can evoke powerful emotions and cultural connections. Explore traditional instruments and musical styles, but consider how they can be integrated into your animation without feeling jarring. 

Repurpose Videos

Repurposing content is generally a good idea. Not only it is ecological, but also helps you yo use videos once again. You can post it for different audience, after making a proper customization.

Keep in mind that animation comes in various forms. They exist not only as commercial videos.They could be corporate videos, video games and also fully animated lms and television series. Animation may also appear as moving text, drawings and computer generated images. Overall, be mindful of avoiding stereotypes and clichés.

Benefits of Cultural Tailoring

The benefits of cultural tailoring extend far beyond just increasing viewership. Here are some additional advantages:

• Deeper audience connection: When viewers see themselves reflected in the animation, they feel a stronger emotional connection to the story and characters.
• Enhanced brand image: Studios that demonstrate cultural sensitivity gain respect and trust from international audiences.
• Increased marketability: Culturally tailored animation opens doors to new markets and revenue streams.

The more genuine your effort to understand and represent a culture, the more your audience will appreciate it. Don’t be afraid to collaborate with cultural consultants or native speakers to ensure authenticity.

Conclusion

As the world becomes more interconnected, the ability to create culturally tailored animation will be key to success. Studios that embrace this approach can create content that resonates with a global audience, expanding their reach and impact significantly. On the other hand, if business want to expand, there is no way they skip customization.

If you need a consultation on that – and a high-quality video that can penetrate carting GEO, we can help you with all the materials and deliver a perfect video that meets your goals. Contact us!