Lottie vs SVG vs Video: Which Logo Format to Use
Compare Lottie, SVG, and video formats for logo animations. Learn when to use each format and why Wordmark exports all three so you can choose the right one for every platform.
Every logo animation format has trade-offs. The right choice depends on where the file will live, how long the animation is, whether you need transparency, and how much control you want. Wordmark exports Lottie, SVG, and WebM so you do not have to choose until you ship.
Lottie vs SVG vs Video comparison
| Criteria | Lottie | SVG | Video |
|---|---|---|---|
| File size | Very small (5–50KB) | Very small | Larger (100KB–several MB) |
| Scalable | Yes — vector | Yes — vector | No — fixed resolution |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes | WebM VP9 yes; MP4 usually no |
| Runtime | Needs JS player | Native browser | Native HTML5 video |
| Interactivity | High — play, pause, seek | Moderate — CSS/JS | Low |
| Best for | UI animations, hero logos | Static logos, simple hover | Long demos, social video |
When to use Lottie
Lottie is the best choice for vector-based UI animations. A Lottie wordmark is tiny, resolution-independent, and you can control playback with JavaScript. Use it for hero logos, loading states, onboarding illustrations, and app icons.
When to use SVG
Use SVG when the logo is mostly static and only needs subtle motion. SVG has zero runtime overhead and renders instantly. It is ideal for navbars, footers, favicons, and anywhere you want a crisp logo without adding a JavaScript dependency.
When to use video
Video wins for long, raster-based content. If your animation includes complex gradients, footage, or effects, MP4 or WebM will be smaller and smoother than a Lottie equivalent. For transparent video on the web, use WebM VP9 for Chrome/Firefox/Edge and HEVC MP4 for Safari.
Practical decision tree
- Vector logo + animation: Lottie
- Vector logo + mostly static: SVG
- Long or raster animation: WebM/MP4
- Need transparency on web: Lottie or WebM VP9
- No JavaScript: SVG or video
Why Wordmark exports all three
Different platforms need different formats. Your landing page might want Lottie, your pitch deck might want WebM, and your navbar might want SVG. Wordmark generates all three from the same source so you are not locked into one workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use Lottie or SVG for my logo?
Use Lottie for animated vector logos. Use SVG for static or minimally animated logos.
Does Lottie work without JavaScript?
No. Provide a static SVG fallback for users with JavaScript disabled or reduced motion enabled.
When is video better than Lottie?
Video is better for long, raster-based content like cinematic intros or social clips. For short vector animations, Lottie is usually smaller and more flexible.