Custom Animated GIF FAQ

Do you want to make an animated gif but aren’t sure how to even get started? In this FAQ, we answer the questions you’ve sent in about making animated GIFs, including:

• What are the different ways to make animated GIFs?
• How to make a custom animated GIF?
• How long does it take to make one?
• What do they cost to make?
• …and more!

What are the different ways to make animated GIFs?

 

Online DIY Animation Apps

There’s a handful of online animated video making services you can use to create short animated clips and then convert those video files into animated GIFs. Canva and Powtoon offer vast libraries of pre-existing content (characters, background scenes, objects, text effects, etc) that you can combine together using their online editing platform to create your own animated GIFs.

Professional Animation Software

Custom animated GIFs are created using professional animation programs like Adobe After Effects, Blender, Cinema 4D, and many others. You can learn how to use these programs to make custom animations and export the files as GIFs. However, the learning curve is steep! It’ll take you a while to get a handle on things and understand how to create what you want to create. If you want to make a custom animated GIF but don’t have the time, patience or interest in learning how to make them yourself, you can always hire a freelancer, animation studio or Video Igniter to create them for you.

To learn more about how to create custom GIFs, scroll down to the section titled, “How To Make A Custom Animated GIF?”

Video -> Animated GIF Converter

If you want to create a ‘live action’ animated GIF – that is, a filmed video that is converted into an animated GIF file format, there are several free online tools you can use. GIPHY’s GIF conversion tool enables you to upload a video and quickly convert it into an animated GIF. You can also add motion graphic text animations on top of the video before exporting your GIF.

Animated GIF Example

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animation or GIF for you. Check out our animation portfolio here. Request access to our demo reels and price sheet here. Contact us or to start making your video.

(We’re only showing you one low resolution version of a GIF with a reduced frame rate and a ton of file compression because the full definition GIFs make this page load too slowly. Want to see the full HD GIF and other GIFs we’ve made? Use this form to get in touch with us.)

What do people use animated GIFs for?

Animated Memes

Most animated GIFs we see online are used as comedic or dramatic memetic responses to things people post online. They are better at visually expressing strong emotions compared to simple emojis like:    :)    :(    :/

NFTs

NFTs or “Non-Fungible Tokens” are digital 1 of 1 items – NFTs are a way companies use blockchain technology to create scarcity and rarity for digital items. An NFT can be the official deed to your house, a legal agreement, a video of a popular moment in sports history and even, an animated GIF. Animated NFTs are a way for digital motion design artists to sell their original works in a way that enables the buyer to prove they are the official owner of that art and not simply someone who got a screen recording or ‘right clicked and saved a copy’ of the NFT to their computer. This way, the original piece of motion art can prove it’s authenticity when and if it gets sold again.

Looping Animated Instructions and Diagrams

Some instructions, diagrams and charts are created as animated looping GIFs to help people visualize and understand all the steps in a process.

Promos & Ads

Everything from product launches to coupons and music festival lineup announcements are being produced as animated videos and GIFs to make their message stand out visually.

How to make a custom animated GIF?

Pick a producer for your animation project

Picking the right animation studio or animated video production company to help you create your animated GIF is an important part of the production process. VideoIgniter.com can help you create your custom animated GIF – or you can check out these resources to help you pick an animation production partner:

• 9 Things to Look For When Hiring An Animator.
• How to hire an animator?
• How to outsource an animated video project?
• Pros and Cons of Different Animation Styles
• What goes into production cost of an animated video?
• Learn about the types of online animated video makers.
• What’s the difference between hiring an animation studio, a freelance animator and Video Igniter?
• What is Video Igniter Animation?

Review the pre-production checklist

Even though animated GIF projects are shorter than a normal animated video project, we still recommend you review the pre-production checklist before production begins. This list includes all of the files and notes you should organize for your animation producer before production officially kicks off.

Questionnaire/Kick off Call

After you’ve paid a deposit to begin production, we will send you a questionnaire and or with you to make sure we fully understand the project you want us to create. This is your opportunity to tell us important details like:

• What is the purpose of the animated GIF?
• What do you want to show in your GIF?
• What visual style we should use?
• Who is your target audience?

Draft the concept

Now that we have an understanding of what kind of animated GIF you want us to create, our creative team will develop the concept further. Then, they’ll write up a summary of what they plan to produce and run it by you to ensure we’re on the right track. You can request revisions if necessary.

Storyboard

After the concept is approved, we’ll develop the storyboard for your animation. The storyboard is a document that explains what the illustrators and animators are supposed to create. Each page of the storyboard includes a rough mockup of the scene, a description of the visuals, and directions for the animators to understand what motion design they are supposed to create. If you need to show specific details in your animated GIF, be sure those instructions are included in the storyboard so that the illustrators and animators know exactly what you want them to create.

Illustrations

Now that the storyboard is approved, our team will develop illustrations for your animated GIF. You get an opportunity to review the art and request revisions.

Animation

Once the art is approved, our team can animate your GIF! Give it a review with your team and let us know if you want us to make any final revisions.

How long does it take to make an animated GIF?

Depends on the style, length and amount of detail in your GIF. Some animated GIFs can be made in a few days. Others may take a week or more (usually for 3D animated GIFs).

What does it cost to make a custom animated GIF?

This is a tough question to answer. It depends on how complex your GIF is. It could be under a hundred dollars for something simple or several thousand dollars for an animated GIF with detailed frame-by-frame hand-drawn animation. Click here to get a quote for your animated GIF.

Tips to save money on your GIF’s production cost

• Provide a detailed writeup of what you want the animation team to create.
• Create the storyboard for the GIF you want us to create.
• Consider letting your production team use stock icons to help lower the cost.
• Provide existing brand assets that can be used in the GIF so that all the art doesn’t need to be created from scratch.

How to Create a Seamless Animated GIF Loop

A key part of making a professional-looking animated GIF is ensuring it loops smoothly. If the motion feels abrupt or has a noticeable jump at the end, it can distract viewers and make the GIF less appealing. To create a seamless loop, you should plan the first and last frames carefully so they transition naturally. Cyclical movements, like rotating objects, blinking lights, or gently moving shapes, work well because they return to their original position.

It also helps to avoid harsh cuts or sudden changes in motion that might break the flow of the animation. Testing different playback speeds can make your animated GIF feel more natural and polished. A smooth loop makes viewers more likely to watch the GIF multiple times, which is ideal for social media engagement.

Different Styles of Animated GIFs

There are many styles you can use when designing an animated GIF, and the right choice depends on your audience and goals. Frame-by-frame animation offers a classic, hand-drawn look that feels organic and personal. Motion graphics, on the other hand, use clean shapes, typography, and simple animations that are ideal for businesses and professional presentations.

For a more sophisticated look, you might explore 3D animated GIFs, which add depth and realism but typically require more time and skill to produce. Another popular style is the cinemagraph—a mostly static image with just one or two elements that move. Cinemagraphs are especially eye-catching because they combine photography with subtle animation. Choosing the right style helps your animated GIF communicate your message more effectively and align with your brand’s visual identity.

Optimizing Animated GIFs for Web and Social Media

When you share an animated GIF on your website or social channels, file size and loading speed matter. Large, uncompressed GIFs can slow down your site or take too long to display in a feed. To keep them lightweight, it’s best to limit the duration of your GIF to just a few seconds. Reducing the number of colors or using a more limited color palette can also help decrease file size without sacrificing too much visual quality.

There are several free tools available, like EZGIF or Photoshop’s “Save for Web” feature, that make it easy to compress your GIFs. If you need even better performance, you can export your animation in alternative formats like WebP or MP4, which offer higher quality with smaller file sizes. Optimizing your animated GIFs not only makes them more user-friendly but also helps your content load faster, improving your SEO and user experience.

When to Use an Animated GIF Instead of a Video

Deciding between an animated GIF and a video often comes down to your goals and the platform where you’ll share it. GIFs work best for short, looping animations that don’t require sound, such as reaction memes, quick product highlights, or small attention-grabbing moments for social media. They are easy to share, don’t rely on audio, and load instantly in most messaging apps and social feeds.

Videos are more appropriate when you need to tell a longer story, include voiceovers, or provide detailed explanations. For example, a GIF might be perfect for teasing a new product launch, while a full video would better showcase the product’s features. Understanding when to use an animated GIF helps you choose the right format for your message and audience.

Behind the Scenes of Professional Animated GIF Production

When you work with a professional studio or freelancer to create an animated GIF, the process is structured to ensure quality. It usually begins with a kickoff call or creative brief where you explain your goals, target audience, and visual style preferences. The creative team then develops rough concept sketches to share initial ideas.

Once the concept is approved, a storyboard and style frames are created to give you a clear picture of how the animated GIF will look. After you approve the storyboard, illustrators design the final assets, and animators bring them to life with smooth, looping motion. Finally, the team delivers the finished GIF in an optimized format. Even though a GIF is only a few seconds long, it still goes through several production stages to achieve a polished result.

Advanced Animated GIF Techniques

To make your animated GIFs stand out, you can experiment with more advanced animation techniques. Parallax effects, for example, create a sense of depth by moving background and foreground layers at different speeds. Morphing transitions, where one shape seamlessly transforms into another, can add a dynamic and artistic touch. Kinetic typography—animated text—makes written content more engaging and visually appealing.

Particle effects like sparkles, smoke, or abstract textures can also enhance the look of your GIFs. While these techniques add time to production, they create more visually interesting results that are highly shareable. If you want your animated GIF to grab attention in a crowded feed, investing in advanced techniques can make a big difference.

How Animated GIFs Enhance Marketing Campaigns

Brands are increasingly using animated GIFs in their marketing campaigns because they’re fast, engaging, and easy to share. In email marketing, adding a subtle GIF can increase click-through rates by making your message more eye-catching. On social media, GIFs stand out in busy feeds and communicate messages quickly without the need for sound.

They’re also useful on product pages to demonstrate features or highlight promotions with short, looping animations. By including animated GIFs in your marketing toolkit, you can make your content more dynamic and keep your audience engaged without the time commitment of creating full-length videos.

Learning to Create Your Own Animated GIFs

If you want to make your own animated GIFs, there are plenty of tools and resources available. Online platforms like Canva, GIPHY, and EZGIF make it easy to create simple animations without professional software. If you’re ready to take your skills further, programs like Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, and Blender offer more advanced features for custom designs.

You can also learn through free tutorials on YouTube or structured courses on Skillshare and Udemy. Joining animation communities and forums is another great way to get tips and feedback from other creators. With a little practice, anyone can learn how to design eye-catching animated GIFs for personal or professional use.

The Future of Animated GIFs

The animated GIF has been around for decades, but it continues to evolve with new technology. AI-generated GIFs are becoming more popular, allowing creators to generate animations from simple text prompts. Interactive GIFs, which respond to clicks or hovers, are starting to appear on websites to create more engaging user experiences.

As compression technology improves, we’re also seeing higher-resolution GIFs with better quality at smaller file sizes. These trends show that the animated GIF remains a powerful and adaptable format that will continue to play a big role in digital communication.

Still have questions about animated GIFs?

Do you have a question about animated GIFs that wasn’t addressed in this FAQ? Use this form to send us your question and we’ll follow up with an answer. We’ll also post the question and answer to this page so other people can benefit from the knowledge.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Video Igniter Animation is an online animated video production service that can be used to make custom animated GIFs. By working with our team online, you can get your custom animated video produced faster and for less than hiring a brick and mortar animation studio.

We can help you create any kind of 2D animated video or 3D animation you can imagine. Check out our animated video portfolio!

Watch our explainer video to learn more about how we can help you create an animated video for your business or check out our demo reel below.

 

Looking For An Animated GIF Production Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”

Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

“I am beyond satisfied with my experience with Video Igniter. The first drafts of the work were almost exactly what I had in my head when developing the concept. After that each step along the way was seamless until arriving at a perfect finished product. And all this at a tremendous value. Anyone who has considered creating a marketing video should check out Video Igniter.”

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