Animated images, or GIFs are widely shared via social networks and messengers to animate conversations. In this article, you will learn how to create your own GIFs that you can share across your networks.

What is a GIF

A GIF, or Graphics Interchange Format is a digital image format used to animate short clips that run on a loop. The GIF owes its popularity primarily to Tumblr, where users dedicate entire blogs to the posting of these animated images. There are several ways to create your own GIFs.

The biggest source of GIFs is GIPHY. You can find any GIF you want there and even create your own. If you are looking for a special GIF, you can also use Reddit or search for them in Google Images.

Using Images: Make a GIF, GIF Maker, Gickr, GIMP, and Filmora

If you'd like to create a GIF using your own images, you can use free online software tools such as Make a GIF, GIF Maker or Gickr. You just need to upload two or more of your photos, choose the speed, crop it (if needed) and add a title.

There is also GIF software available which you can download and use as much as you want. Try user-friendly GIMP or Filmora9 and start creating your GIFs.

Note: When using this software, try choosing images of the same size so that the animation appears uniform. Don’t forget to save your image using the .GIF extension.

Using Video

It is also possible to create an animated GIF using a video. Here are two ways to do so.

Using Your Videos: Bloggif, EZGIF, Photoscape, and SSuite Soft GIF Animator

Bloggif and EZGIF are two websites which provide easy tools for creating video GIFs. You just need to upload your video or paste a link to it for EZGIF, then define the beginning and end of your sequence, set your size, color, and loop options, name your file and download it back to your computer.

Note: Bloggif allows users to import videos with a maximum size of 30 MB.

You can also download free software to create more GIFs from videos. Try Photoscape or SSuite Soft GIF Animator. They are free and easy to use.

Note: SSuite Soft GIF only works on Windows computer systems.

Using YouTube Videos: Veed

If you want to create a GIF from a YouTube video, you should know that it is possible to do so without having to download the video first: this is what Veed does. This is an online service, so there is no need to install any software. You only have to copy the URL address and then you will be able to trim and customize your favorite part of the video. The service is free service, which allows you to produce 10 small GIFs (with a watermark), or a subscription service for users who intend to create multiple GIFs. If you are eco-conscious, it is important to note that Veed’s servers run on 100% renewable energy!

Using Your Smartphone: GIF Maker & ImgPlay

There is also a slew of smartphone apps that can help you create your animated GIFs, including GIF Maker for iOS and GIF Maker for Android. Download the app, upload your photos and videos, and create multiple GIFs.

Another mobile app that will help you create your own GIFs is ImgPlay. The app is quite flexible and will allow you to choose between videos to GIFs and photos to GIFs. What is great is that you can also choose from live photos and different camera modes.

GIF © @barkpost – GIPHYom