Yes, you can include GIFs in your Facebook posts. Facebook supports sharing animated GIFs in posts, comments, messages, and other places across the platform. GIFs can be a fun way to express yourself or react to friends.
When you include a GIF from Giphy or other sources in a Facebook post, the animation will automatically play right in the post. People viewing your post will see the moving GIF without having to click anything.
There are a few different ways to add GIFs to Facebook posts and comments. You can use the built-in GIF button, paste a GIF URL, or upload your own animated GIF files. We’ll go over the steps for each method in this guide.
Ways to Add a GIF on Facebook
Here are the main options for posting GIFs on Facebook:
Use the GIF Button
Facebook has an integrated GIF button that allows you to browse trending GIFs from Giphy and quickly share them. To use it:
- Go to make a new post or write a comment
- Click the GIF button (it looks like a square with a moving image icon)
- Browse GIFs and select the one you want
- The GIF will be added to your post or comment
The GIF button makes sharing GIFs fast and easy without having to visit another site. You can browse different GIF categories like Reactions, Entertainment, and Sports and see previews of the GIFs before choosing one to insert.
Paste a GIF URL
You can also add a GIF by pasting the GIF URL directly into your post:
- Find and open the GIF you want from a site like Giphy or Tenor
- Copy the URL for the GIF from your browser’s address bar
- Paste the URL into your Facebook post or comment
- The GIF animation will appear automatically
Pasting a URL gives you more flexibility to search for specific GIFs across libraries. Make sure you copy the direct GIF URL rather than just the page URL in order for it to work.
Upload a GIF File
If you have a GIF file saved on your computer or phone, you can upload it to Facebook:
- Click Photo/Video when creating a new post
- Select the GIF file from your device
- Upload the GIF like any other photo
- The animated GIF will now display in your post
Uploading your own GIF lets you share unique animations that aren’t available in GIF databases. Just make sure the file size stays under the limit.
Facebook GIF File Size and Length Limit
Facebook does limit the maximum file size and length for GIFs:
- Max File Size: 100MB
- Max Length: 3 seconds
Any GIF longer than 3 seconds will be automatically truncated when posted. Similarly, GIF files larger than 100MB will fail to upload.
Most GIFs shared online are well under these limits, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re making your own. Facebook Engineering has stated that they may adjust these limits in the future as well.
Where Can GIFs Appear in Facebook?
In most cases, GIFs can be shared to Facebook in the same places where photos and videos can be posted. Here are some of the main Facebook locations where you can add a GIF:
- Timeline Posts
- Stories
- Photo Albums
- Marketplace Listings
- Facebook Events
- Group Posts and Comments
- Regular Comments
- Messenger Chats
The exceptions are Facebook ads, where animated GIFs are not allowed, and Instagram, which is owned by Facebook but does not support GIFs.
Overall though, you can seamlessly integrate GIFs almost anywhere you’re posting text, photos, or videos on Facebook.
Do GIFs Automatically Play on Facebook?
Yes, one of the best things about sharing GIFs on Facebook is that they automatically play as looping video right in the news feed.
Viewers don’t have to click a button to start the GIF or follow a link. The animation will play automatically on loop both on desktop and in the mobile apps as people scroll through posts.
This creates more engaging and eye-catching content than a still image. The motion naturally grabs attention and conveys more information and emotion.
Are GIFs Better than Images for Engagement?
Studies have found that posts with GIFs can receive more likes and shares compared to static images. Viewers are more compelled to interact with a short animation than a flat photo.
For example, animations with text overlays can convey messages humorously. Simple reaction GIFs let people interact playfully. Unique or funny GIFs are inherently designed to be shared.
Consider using GIFs when you want to:
- Highlight an exciting announcement
- Respond to friends’ posts in a lively way
- Entertain followers with amusingvisuals
- Animate informational graphics or tutorials
Facebook’s plan is likely to increase video content across the platform. GIFs align with that strategy by offering easy video creation and sharing.
Should I Use GIFs or Video for Engagement?
Good question! While GIFs do perform well, short video clips tend to drive even better results in terms of engagement and reach on Facebook.
Here’s a comparison between GIFs and short videos:
| GIFs | Short Videos |
|---|---|
| – Up to 3 seconds long | – Up to 60 seconds long |
| – Looping animation | – Play once with audio |
| – No sound | – Can have sound |
| – Lightweight format | – Higher resolution quality |
| – Easier to make | – More professional production |
So if you have the resources, creating authentic short videos can help your brand stand out on Facebook. But GIFs remain a quick, fun way to make dynamic posts with minimal effort.
Optimal GIF Size for Facebook
For the best results, aim to keep your GIFs around or under 2MB in file size. Here are the ideal dimensions when creating GIFs for Facebook:
- Width: 500 pixels
- Height: 281 pixels
- Keep text and key visuals inside 435 x 246 pixels
This ensures the GIF will display properly across desktop, mobile, and different News Feed layouts. Most GIFs from online libraries will be optimized for web already. But if making your own, following these sizing guidelines will help them look crisper.
5 Tips for Adding GIFs on Facebook
Here are some expert tips for seamlessly incorporating GIFs into your Facebook presence:
- Use GIFs sparingly – Sprinkle them in occasionally between text and photo posts.
- Keep them short – Pick GIFs that are 1-2 seconds long for the greatest impact.
- Make them large – Maximize the GIF size for attention while keeping it under 2MB.
- Match the tone – Choose fun, positive GIFs that suit your brand persona.
- Experiment – Test different GIFs and see which ones resonate best with your audience.
With some strategic practice, you can master the art of sharing compelling GIFs that entertain and engage your Facebook community.
Conclusion
Posting GIFs on Facebook can be a fun, lively way to connect with friends and followers. The built-in support for animated GIFs makes it easy to find and share expressive animations right in posts, comments, and messages.
While they may not drive results quite as well as video, GIFs require much less work to produce. Their ability to instantly convey emotions and messages through endlessly looping clips keeps viewers engaged.
Follow the tips in this guide for optimal GIF sizing, placement, and length in your Facebook content. With the right strategy, GIFs give your posts personality and bring your page to life.