# Animated Nostalgia Seeking an emotional connection, brands utilize nostalgic cartoons for impact. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 23, 2014, updated Apr 1, 2014 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/animated-nostalgia ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Animated Nostalgia trend? **Animated Nostalgia:** Media saturation has made it more difficult to capture consumers' attention, prompting brands to turn to sentimental imagery to ignite greater emotional responses. As a means to create closer ties with audiences, brands are utilizing nostalgic cartoon references to provide visuals that consumers can instantly identify with, allowing adults to revert back to a more innocent time of their youth and introducing new generations to cyclical interests. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 18, 2012 to Feb 27, 2014 - Published: Mar 23, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Animated Nostalgia trend ### Nostalgic Cartoon References Brands are using nostalgic cartoon references to provide visuals that consumers can instantly identify with, allowing adults to revert back to a more innocent time of their youth and introducing new generations to cyclical interests. ### Creative and Playful Illustrations Advertising agencies are creating campaigns with charming cartoon illustrations that speaks well to both children and adults. ### Branded Merchandise Honoring Popular Cartoons Brand merchandise is getting inspired by popular cartoons, catering to people who want to bring a little bit of their favorite characters into their world. ## What the Animated Nostalgia trend means for industry ### For Advertising The advertising industry can incorporate nostalgic cartoon references and creative illustrations into their campaigns to capture consumers' attention. ### For Consumer Goods Consumer goods companies can create branded merchandise inspired by popular cartoons to attract more customers. ### For Entertainment Entertainment companies can revive classic cartoons and reintroduce them to new generations, creating a sense of nostalgia, but also meeting current consumer standards. ## Trend signals for Animated Nostalgia Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 46%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 51% - Activity: 46% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Animated Nostalgia trend 6 featured examples from Jan 18, 2012 to Feb 27, 2014. - [Iconic Pet Character Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hkaac-animal-adoption-centre): The HKAAC Animal Adoption Centre Campaign Encourages Experiences (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The adoption of innovative and creative approaches in advertising campaigns can help drive pet adoption rates. - [Endearing Elephantine Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tea-trunk-packaging): Tea Trunk Packaging Wins You Over with Its Utterly Adorable Mascot (Category: Marketing) Implication: Brands in the food and beverage industry can leverage cute mascot branding and creative packaging strategies to enhance the appeal of their products and differentiate themselves f… - [Transformative Anime Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sailor-moon-merchandise): Bandai's Sailor Moon Merchandise Honors the Cartoon's 20th Anniversary (Category: Marketing) Implication: Designing and producing character-inspired merchandise for popular animated shows, creating a lucrative market in the entertainment merchandising industry. - [Monstrous Gum Health Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oralb-glide-floss): This Oral-B Glide Floss Campaign Catches Big Foot (Category: Marketing) Implication: Innovative advertising campaigns that make dental care interesting and engaging can drive consumer adoption of products and services. - [Comic-Inspired Brake Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-emergency-brake): This Promotion for Volkswagen City Emergency Brake Uses Comic Violence (Category: Autos) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating innovative safety features and technologies that attract and reassure consumers. - [Insurance-Selling Cartoon Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonics-progressive-commercial): The Latest Progressive Ad Features Sonic the Hedgehog (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for insurance companies to innovate and diversify their marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Functional Indulgence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-indulgence1) (Lifestyle) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)