SVG animations are visual effects created using Scalable Vector Graphics, a format that allows for the creation of two-dimensional graphics using XML. These animations can be easily scaled without losing quality, making them ideal for responsive web design. They can be manipulated through CSS or JavaScript, enabling dynamic and interactive visuals. One of the key benefits of SVG animations is their lightweight nature, which helps improve website performance. Unlike traditional image formats, SVG files are text-based, allowing for smaller file sizes and faster loading times. This makes them a popular choice for modern web development and user interface design.