Having a moving profile picture on Facebook is a great way to make your profile stand out. Instead of a static image, a moving profile picture allows a short video or animated gif to play as your profile photo. This creates a more eye-catching and dynamic presence on Facebook.
What are the requirements for a Facebook moving profile picture?
Facebook has specific requirements for moving profile pictures:
- The video or gif must be under 4 seconds long
- The file size must be under 4MB
- Dimensions should be at least 400×400 pixels
- Must be in .gif or .mp4 format
As long as your video or gif meets these requirements, you can upload it and set it as your moving Facebook profile picture.
How to upload a moving profile picture
Uploading a moving profile picture is easy. Here are the steps:
- Create or find a short video or gif that meets Facebook’s requirements listed above
- Go to your profile page and click on your current profile picture
- Click “Update Profile Picture”
- Select the video/gif file from your computer to upload
- Facebook will process the video/gif and convert it automatically
- Click “Use as Profile Picture” to set it as your new moving profile picture
And that’s it! Your moving profile picture will now be visible to anyone who views your Facebook profile.
Tips for an awesome moving profile picture
Here are some tips for making your moving profile picture stand out:
- Use an animated gif for a fully seamless loop
- Include text or images to showcase your personality
- Make it colorful and eye-catching
- Trim it to 1-2 seconds long for quick impact
- Feature yourself or something related to your interests
- Try adding some movement or animation to a photo
- Showcase your current mood or feelings
Get creative and use your moving picture to share something about who you are!
What types of moving pictures work best?
Any animated gif or short video clip can make an effective moving profile picture. Here are some popular options:
- Selfies/Reaction Gifs: Express yourself with a animated selfie or reaction gif.
- Scenes From Pop Culture: Show what you love with an animated gif from a TV show, movie, or game.
- Animals/Pets: Showcase your own pet or use a cute animal gif.
- Art/Illustration: Spotlight an animated drawing, graphic, or artwork.
- Nature: Use stunning animated landscapes, weather, or nature clips.
- Text/Quotes: Share an inspiring or funny quote.
- Cartoon Characters: Bring your childhood favorites to life.
Mix and match to find a moving picture that feels authentic to you.
Where to find moving profile pictures
You can find awesome moving pictures from these sources:
- Giphy: Huge library of animated gifs to browse and download.
- Tenor: Another gif search engine with tons of options.
- GifMaker: Create your own gifs by uploading photos or videos.
- Online Tools: Websites like Picasion, Gifntext, and GifShop have libraries and allow you to add text/art.
- Video Clips: Convert any short video from TikTok, YouTube, or other sites.
- Creative Apps: Make moving pictures using apps like Plotagraph, Motograph, and more.
- Graphics Software: Animate your own images and designs using Photoshop, GIMP, etc.
Search for subjects, emotions, hobbies, or reactions to find a moving picture that represents you well. Get creative with editing tools to make it your own.
How often can you change your moving profile picture?
The good news is you can change your Facebook moving profile picture as often as you like. Unlike your cover photo which has some cooldown restrictions, you can swap out your moving profile picture anytime.
Some ideas for updating frequently:
- Match it to your mood or daily activities
- Tie it to seasons, holidays, or events
- Use it to showcase what you’re currently obsessed with
- Make it timely by referencing pop culture trends
Changing it up keeps your profile dynamic and engaging. But don’t feel obligated to update it if you have a profile picture you love!
Do all devices and browsers support moving pictures?
Most mainstream web browsers and devices support viewing moving profile pictures on Facebook. This includes:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Apple Safari
- Microsoft Edge
- iOS devices (iPhone, iPad)
- Android devices
However, some older browsers have limitations. Internet Explorer does not support gif format. And certain older mobile devices may not properly display mp4 videos in the profile picture.
But the vast majority of users will be able to see it with no issues. Facebook’s wide support makes moving pictures very accessible.
Should you use a gif or mp4 video file?
You can use either file format for your moving Facebook profile photo. Here’s how they compare:
| GIF | MP4 Video |
|---|---|
| Animated image file format | Video file format |
| Seamlessly looped | Will have a clear start/stop |
| Typically smaller file size | Higher quality video, but larger files |
| Supported everywhere except IE | Not supported on some older mobile devices |
| Easier to edit and add text/effects | Original video is unmodified |
For most basic uses, GIFs have wider compatibility. But MP4 can be worth it for higher resolution and quality.
Do moving pictures use more data?
Yes, a moving profile picture will use slightly more data than a standard static image. However, in most cases the increase is negligible:
- Typical file size is under 5MB even for gifs/mp4s several seconds long
- On WiFi connections there is no practical difference in data usage
- On mobile data, the larger file size may impact data caps if viewing frequently
For those with limited data plans, it’s best to keep the file size under 2MB. Overall though, the impact is small enough to not be a major factor for most users.
Can I use a boomerang as my profile picture?
Unfortunately boomerangs made through Instagram or other apps cannot be used directly as a Facebook profile picture. However, there are a couple workarounds:
- Download the boomerang – Sites like ExpoVideo.net allow you to download Instagram boomerangs as standard video files.
- Convert to gif or mp4 – Use a converter tool to transform the video into a gif or mp4 file compatible with Facebook.
- Upload and set it – You can now upload the converted boomerang like any other moving picture.
It takes a couple extra steps, but this makes it possible to recycle your favorite Insta boomerangs on Facebook too.
Do moving pictures use more battery power?
There is negligible battery drain from having an animated profile picture compared to a static image. Any extra power used applies to the original uploading process.
However, actively viewing or sharing profiles with moving pictures does use slightly more battery since the gif/video needs to play. But the battery impact is minor for such short clips.
You may notice somewhat faster battery drain if you’re browsing lots of Facebook profiles with moving pictures. But during normal usage the impact is minimal.
Can I set a moving picture on Facebook mobile app?
Yes, you can set a moving profile picture using both the Facebook mobile app for Android and iOS.
On the Facebook app:
- Go to your profile
- Tap your profile picture
- Tap “Change Picture”
- Select a gif or video from your phone
- Adjust/crop it
- Tap “Done” then “Use” to set it
The process works seamlessly in the mobile apps. And your new awesome moving profile picture will sync across all devices.
Do other social networks allow moving pictures?
A few other social platforms also support moving profile pictures, but Facebook has the widest adoption.
- Twitter – Allows gif avatars up to 5MB in size.
- TikTok – Lets you set video profile pictures up to 4 seconds.
- Snapchat – Can use motion snaps as your mini profile picture.
So Facebook isn’t the only option. But it remains the top social network for fully utilizing moving profile pictures.
Pros of a Facebook moving profile picture
Here are some of the best benefits of using a moving picture instead of a static image:
- Makes your profile stand out visually
- Conveys more personality and emotion
- Allows creativity and customization
- Can tie to interests, hobbies, and pop culture
- Engages people to interact with your profile
- Provides entertainment value
- Modern feature improves your online presence
Overall, a moving picture creates a much more lively and fun profile. It shows off who you are in an eye-catching way.
Cons of a Facebook moving profile picture
There are also a few potential downsides:
- Some people may find it unprofessional
- Can be distracting or annoying if overused
- Not compatible with all browsers/devices
- Slightly larger file uses a bit more data
- People with motion sensitivity may find it uncomfortable
The appropriateness also depends on how you use Facebook. While fine for personal profiles, it may not be right for more formal business pages.
Are moving profile pictures appropriate for businesses?
Using a moving picture for a business, brand, or professional profile requires more caution. Some considerations include:
- Aim for short length (under 2 seconds) and muted color
- Pick something clean and subtle over loud/distracting
- Convey your brand personality – fun, elegant, bold, etc.
- Highlight your logo, products, services, or team
- Tie it to your industry and expertise
- Avoid overused generic gifs and clips
A professional, branded moving picture can work. But be wary of anything too informal or outlandish.
Can I report inappropriate moving profile pictures?
If you see a Facebook profile using a moving picture that violates Facebook’s policies, you can report it:
- Click the three dots beside their name
- Select “Report profile”
- Choose “Profile picture”
- Select the option that best fits the violation
- Add any extra context
- Submit the report to Facebook
This will notify Facebook to review the profile picture and determine if it goes against their content guidelines. Any moving picture deemed inappropriate can be removed.
Conclusion
Setting a moving picture as your Facebook profile photo is an awesome way to upgrade your profile. An animated gif or short video allows you to express your personality in a vivid, eye-catching way. Just be sure any moving picture meets Facebook’s requirements. Have fun choosing a profile picture that brings your profile to life!