Proving what’s old is new again, marketers have rediscovered the age-old appeal of flip books to engage digitally distracted audiences with video content that springs to life with the flip-of-a-thumb.

Fueled by an increase in video assets available to marketers from digital campaigns along with growing interest in retro experiences, old-school flip books have come back as interactive print collateral materials and handouts at events and trade shows. “We have found when video content is repurposed for presentation in the format of a flip book, something magical happens. Medium and message combine to create a surprising, memorable user experience” said Jeffrey Kay, President of Flippies, a New York based manufacturer of custom flip books. “In this age of digital ad tech and multi-screen marketing, the simplicity of flip books is not only refreshing but its illusion is more captivating than ever.”

Flippies has cleverly reengineered the vintage flip book concept to play back crystal clear clips of full motion video primarily for businesses who use them as interactive brochures, event handouts and trade show giveaways. “What’s old isn’t only new again, it’s also improved” said Kay. Recent customers include Subaru, Nickelodeon, L’Oreal, AT&T, HBO, Samsung, Goodyear, Starz and Hewlett Packard, among others.

Originally invented in 1882 by Henry Van Hovenbergh of Elizabeth, New Jersey, flip books create the optical illusion of motion when images stacked in sequential stages of movement are flipped. The first flip books consisted of simple drawings stacked in sequential stages of movement with a single staple binding. When the pages were flipped, they would create the optical illusion of motion. Flip books were then popularized in the early 1900’s by the Cracker Jack Company who gave them away as free in-pack prizes. Other marketers soon followed suit, including manufacturers of breakfast cereals, bubble gum, cigarettes, automobiles and snack foods.