AniSmall
AniSmall for iOS
Convert and compress videos/audios.
OPEN

Wondershare UniConverter

Exclusive GIF Converter for You

  • Edit GIFs by presetting the duration, frame rate, resolution, and adding text.
  • Directly download files from video-sharing sites, including YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, etc.
  • Convert between over 1000+ formats like M4V, MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, and more.
  • Burn media files to DVD/Blu-ray with 30+ free static menu templates.
  • All-in-one tool: video editor, screen recorder, and more.

What is GIF- Full Information about GIF

by Kayla Morrison • 2024-09-29 10:27:45 • Proven solutions

You are probably wondering what is GIF? Well, GIFs have become so popular recently. They are mainly used to convey messages on social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and more. However, understandings what is a GIF image allows you to know how you can get the best out of animated images. They might look similar to videos but are different in many ways. So after reading this article, you should comfortably answer what a GIF file is and how to use it.

Part 1. What is GIF Short For

A GIF is an acronym for Graphics Interchange Format that was manufactured by CompuServe in 1987. Unlike the static JPG or PNG, GIFs are motion pictures. Although an animated GIF might appear the same as a video, it doesn’t have sound and holds numerous images at once. Today, GIFs have become a massive part of internet culture as you will find them on almost any social media channel.

Part 2. What is the Best GIF Online Converter

Creating a GIF is a quick and fun endeavor, with the following free and exciting GIF maker tools:

2. GIFGIFS

GIFGIFS is another excellent tool that makes GIFs from images and videos. It features a speedy conversion and doesn’t require skills or expertise to use. Additionally, GIFGIFS is entirely free to use and offers different GIF editing tools, including resizer, GIF optimizer, cropper, GIF reverser, and much more.

Pros:

  • It provides a robust GIF library.
  • Great GIF editing tools.
  • Simple UI.

Cons:

  • It has limited format support.

 What is the Best GIF Online Converter-GIFGIFS

3. MakeaGIF

MakeaGIF is an excellent online tool that lets you create a GIF from video and image formats. It can add files from your local storage, Facebook, YouTube, or even webcam. It also offers some excellent customization options for image rearranging, adding text, and more. Further, it comes with a GIF library as well.

Pros:

  • It has a simple UI and free to use.
  • Robust GIF library.
  • Unlimited conversion limits.

Cons:

  • It has limited customization features.
  • Its output contains watermarks for free accounts.

 What is the Best GIF Online Converter-MakeaGIF

4 GIPHY

GIPHY is undoubtedly one of the best online GIF maker tools. To begin with, it has plenty of high-quality GIFs for one to download. Also, GIPHY lets users create custom animated GIFS from local images, GIFs, or videos. You can also import from URLs such as YouTube or Vimeo. Moreover, the site offers lots of editing options like adding captions, freehand drawing, filters, and more.

Pros:

  • Large GIF collection.
  • Import from local storage and URL links.
  • Completely free and add free.

Cons:

  • It requires registration to use.
  • Not for beginners.

 What is the Best GIF Online Converter-GIPHY

5. GIFMaker

This is another excellent online tool that supports numerous image formats, including GIF, PNG, JPG, and more. It is simple to navigate and manipulate and generates a live-preview before you can create your GIF. Also, it can change your GIF speed, canvas size, and loop times.

Pros:

  • It has lossless, high-quality outputs.
  • Useful editing tools.
  • Upload up to 300 image files.

Cons:

  • It supports only images to GIF.
  • Not beginner-friendly.

 What is the Best GIF Online Converter-GIFMaker

6. EZGIF

EZGIF is another perfect online GIF creator. It is entirely free to use and offers ideal editing tools for optimizing your GIFS. You can create GIFs from image formats like PNG, GIF, APNG, WebP, etc. Additionally, it supports video formats such as AVI, FLV, 3GP, MP4, MPEG, and more. Another thing, there are multiple GIF editing tools for customizing effects, size, flipping, cropping, and more. EZGIF also allows numerous conversions.

Pros:

  • Extensive optimization tools.
  • It supports popular video and image formats.
  • It has clear UI and free to use.
  • No watermarks.

Cons:

  • Numerous ads.
  • No cloud storage.

 What is the Best GIF Online Converter-EZGIF

Part 3. All in one GIF Converter on Windows/Mac

Although the online options are free, they feature serious drawbacks. In that case, you can use Wondershare UniConverter. It is an efficient offline GIF maker that works smoothly on both Mac and Windows. With this desktop tool, you will create a high-quality animated GIF from any video or photo format. To make your GIF more professional, it allows you to preset a resolution, frame rate, duration, and even add captions.

box

Wondershare UniConverter - The Ultimate GIF Maker

  • Create high-quality GIF files directly from JPEG, BMP, PNG, JPG, MP4, MOV, M4V, and other file formats.
  • It can convert all standard video formats to GIF easily and quickly.
  • Download videos from popular sites like YouTube, Dailymotion, Vevo, etc.
  • It has a 30X faster conversion speed than any conventional converters.
  • Edit, enhance & personalize your videos file.
  • Download/record videos from YouTube and other 10,000 video sharing sites.
  • Versatile toolbox combines video metadata, GIF maker, video compressor, and screen recorder.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7, macOS 11 Big Sur, 10.15, 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6.

Steps to Make GIF with Wondershare UniConverter :

Step 1 Launch GIF Maker.

After installing Wondershare GIF Creator, run it and then navigate to the Toolbox tab and choose the GIF Maker option.

open wondershare gif maker

Step 2 Upload Image or Video to Make GIF.

On the new GIF Maker window, select the Video to GIF option to add a video file. To upload images, select the Photos to GIF. Now click the add files to import local files.

add image file to wondershare uniconverter

Step 3 Customize GIF preferences.

Once image or video is uploaded successfully, now go ahead and set the preferences. For video, set the GIF duration. Also, set the output size and frame rate for both video and image files.

adjust image file

Step 4 Make your GIF.

Lastly, click on the Create GIF to start converting your images or video to an animated GIF. A new GIF file will automatically open after the conversion process.

convert file to gif by uniconverter

Part 4. How to Effectively Use GIF on Social Media

The following is a detailed summary of how to use GIFs on social media:

How to Post GIF on Social Media
You can make your own GIFs by using the top online tools mentioned above, or by downloading from popular online GIF libraries like GIPHY and MakeaGIF. On Pinterest, Facebook Messanger, and Twitter, you can directly upload your GIF from any device.
When you Should Use GIF
  • To advertise Products.
  • Provide visual instructions.
  • Communicate a particular message to your audience.
  • Share content and boost engagement.
What’s the value of using a GIF?
  • Easy to consume and understand.
  • Attractive and Effective.
  • Cheaper than images.
  • Mobile-friendly.
  • Supported by numerous social media platforms, including Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, and more.
Facts about GIFs
  • GIF can contain up to 256 colors.
  • Famous because of the small file size.
  • Supports transparency.
  • Support small animations.
  • GIFs are easy to share.
Do’s and Don’t for Using GIFs on Social Media
  • Do make your GIFs relatable.
  • Research GIFS to know how to use them appropriately.
  • Know your audience.
  • Keep your GIFs interesting.
  • Don’t overdo GIFs.
  • Avoid reusing GIFs.

GIFs are fun for both business and social purposes. When you decide to use GIFs, make sure to use strategies that best suit your needs to capture your audience and convey the intended message effectively. And don’t forget to install the Wondershare GIF Maker on your desktop to make professional GIFs at any time.

Kayla Morrison

Kayla Morrison

staff Editor

Resource > GIF > What is GIF- Full Information about GIF