While Runway leads video generation with its well-funded platform, animation remains ripe for AI disruption. The global animation market is projected to grow from $433.12B (2023) to $801.78B by 2032 (Precedence Research), with AI animation specifically expected to reach $23.6B by 2032, growing at 39.3% CAGR (Polaris Market Research). There is a lot of promise in the animation sector. Several startups are already transforming animation: Wonder Animation (now part of Autodesk) converts video to 3D scenes; Pixelz AI creates anime from text; DeepMotion specializes in AI motion capture; Colossyan develops business video avatars; D-ID generates talking heads from images; and Synthesia creates multilingual AI presenters.

Now a new contender has entered the arena. On April 22, 2025, Animait launched its AI animation platform featuring an industry first: an official partnership with Animotion Media Group that legally allows fans to create using established IP. The technology enables anyone to generate complete animated episodes through text prompts, combining multiple AI models to produce videos with cohesive storylines and synchronized audio. Where animation once required specialized skills and expensive software, Animait lets fans easily create within established universes or build new ones—democratizing content creation while respecting IP rights.

"We help anyone bring creative ideas to life, regardless of animation skills," says Animait Co-founder Alexander Fonarev, PhD. "Our model ensures IP owners' content is protected while they benefit from AI advancements."

The collaboration with Animotion Media Group (46B+ views globally) allows fans to create within the "Question Club" universe — the first officially licensed IP for AI animation. Animait is now rolling out access to waitlisted users at animait.com, with early features available through Discord.

This partnership is consequential for the animation industry. This is the first instance where an AI animation platform secures an official licensing agreement that allows users to legally create and distribute content using an established intellectual property.

While others formed partnerships to protect and monetize IPs in the realm of Generative AI - like Vermillio - these collaborations focus on safeguarding the artist’s rights and managing the use of their likenesses. In contrast, Animait partnership with Animotion moves into yet uncharted territory by actively encouraging user-generated content within a licensed animation universe - a precedent in AI-driven animation.