What is a GIF?

GIF stands for Graphical Interchange Format – a file type created in the 1980’s.  Although the first glimpse of GIFs on Instagram was in 2018, it’s actually a pretty retro file type! 

The GIF format means files can support both static and animated stickers (like the one below).  The reason they are so widely available is because their simplicity means they can be used across many applications and operating systems without the need for media playing software.

And although GIFs are handy (and awesome), their simplicity also comes with some limitations.  

limitations of gif files

• Low resolution: The gif file format lends itself to sharp-edged line art like logos.  Any intricate/fine line work tends to pixelate without a solid contrasting background colour to support it. Gifs also don’t allow for high-resolution video, meaning quality can be lost when converting a video clip to a GIF file.
• Limited colour palette: GIFs also have a limited colour palette (256 colours) which means that if your chosen colour isn’t available in the palette, your image will default to the nearest available colour.  This can skew brand colours and impact contrast if there isn’t a huge amount of difference between shades.

Not terrible problems but worth keeping in mind if you’re designing or creating custom GIFs. You’ll need to keep them basic and keep in mind that thefinal product may vary.

And remember their function: they don’t have to be the perfect gif to be impactful!

What can GIFs be used for?

There are so many different gif stickers in circulation there’s literally one for every occasion. GIFs help drive engagement on stories. For example – you have a new product you want to promote, you can create a story featuring your latest post and ask people to click here using a gif sticker.

Instagram stories aren’t the only way you can use these fun graphics.   Other social networks also allow the use of gifs in the content you share.  GIFs actually have many applications outside of your Instagram feed.

These moving graphics and video clips can be used in things like:

• Posts on other social media platforms (including Instagram feed posts)
• Email marketing campaigns
• Video content (think: YouTube videos)
• Website pages e.g. a blog post

Why use GIFs?

Adding a GIF to your Instagram stories is an easy way to convey emotion and meaning without the need for words.  In this way they function much like stickers or emojis. 

Sometimes words just don’t do things justice, or can sound a little blunt.  GIFs add lightheartedness and fun and are the best way to get your message across without having to type it out.

They also add interest, helping with engagement and whether people actually decide to stay on your story for longer.

Pro tip: As a business owner, having your own set of custom GIFs is also a great way to boost brand awareness and emphasise your brand’s personality.  Many business owners create GIFs of themselves pointing, dancing, clapping and more! These quirky little snippets make for fun visual content for your brand.

Where to find Instagram GIFs.

It’s super simple to add GIFs to your Instagram Stories and Reels with most (if not all? – Don’t quote me on that) accounts having the functionality.  Instagram is linked to GIPHY app – the world’s biggest online GIF library. 

GIPHY has a massive database of creators and users who upload their own static and animated GIFS for others to use on the interwebs.  (yes, you could also be uploading your very own GIFs too – more on this later).

step-by-step for adding GIFs to your Instagram stories

Step one:

Film your new story/reel or add your photo from your camera roll as usual, then tap the little face icon (pictured) in the top right corner.

Step Two:

Click the GIF icon to access the collection of gifs.

step three:

Search for your GIF by keyword or username in the search bar.

step four:

Once your GIF is added to the screen you can make it smaller or larger using two fingers to pinch/expand the sticker. 

Move it around and get it into the perfect position and then hit the share button and POST!

How to create your own Instagram GIF

If you’re a personal brand or small business owner there’s a good chance you’ve wondered whether you can upload your own Instagram stories gifs to be available in the search tool.  The good news is, yes!

Even better is that it’s completely FREE to create your own collection of these fun graphics.

There are many YouTube video tutorials that walk you through how to create your own GIFs. With software like Canva and other third-party apps having a GIF export option, the opportunities are endless!

7 tips For Designing Your Own Instagram Gifs

1. use bold lettering

As I mentioned, fine lines don’t lend themselves to the gif format so you’re better off using bold lettering or using a solid background to highlight any fine lines or lettering.

2. keep your colour palette simple

With the teeny colour range (264 colours) available in the gif file format, you need to keep your colour palette simple.

3. stick to opaque elements only

Due to the low resolution file format of gifs, transparency won’t show up in your designs. Stick to opaque elements and colours only.

3. Use a transparent (see-through) background

Making a gif with a transparent background creates the ‘sticker’ effect that Instagram users gravitate towards.

4. Match your brand colours

Although with the limitations of gifs, this can be tricky – try and match or complimentyour brand colours as best as possible to create a cohesive look.

5. Make sure you upload to GIPHY library

In order for your custom GIFs to be searchable on Instagram, you need to upload your graphics to the GIPHY app so they are available in the giphy library. This is the database that Instagram pulls gif stickers from when you search using the tool.

6. Include descriptive back end tags

When you set up your gifs in the GIPHY app – add descriptive tags and describe what your gif is actually about so it has more chance of being seen and used. For example if you make a gif of a thumbs up, including the tags #thumbsup, #thumbs up as well as your brand gives you more chances of your content being discovered.

The best Gifs for your brand to use on instagram stories

When you’re finding or creating gifs to use for your small business videos and stories on Instagram,  choose eye-catching and entertaining designs that are synonymous with your brand.

For example: if you are running a professional, corporate instagram – you probably want to stick to SFW content more than say, an edgy freelancer.

Here are some points to consider when selecting gifs to use in your small business stories.

Gestures

Video gesture gifs and videos are super popular on Instagram stories. Think: a slow clap, thumbs up or face palm. These help engage your audience and convey a sense of your brand vibe.

Trending sayings

Sayings come and go from the zeitgeist like the weather – make the most of a funny trending saying by turning it into a gif for your stories to add some fun to your marketing. No cap.

‘New post’ gifs

When you’re sharing a new post to your stories, a branded gif is the perfect compliment to get your audiences attention and encourage them to hop over to your profile and have a look around.

Call To Action

Sometimes you need to give your user a gentle nudge with the action you want them to take on your stories. Some peeps don’t know that story elements are interactive so a ‘tap here’ gif can seriously boost your conversions.

Want more?

Want your own custom biz GIFs? Contact me for more information and to book in

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