How To Add Gifs to Facebook: A Guide to Creative and Engaging Facebook Posts

The Facebook newsfeed is a visual experience, which makes images and GIFs an ideal way to stand out from the crowd. In fact, research shows that visual content performs better...

The Facebook newsfeed is a visual experience, which makes images and GIFs an ideal way to stand out from the crowd. In fact, research shows that visual content performs better on social media than text-based posts. Whether you’re posting for work or personal reasons, it’s time to ditch the lengthy statuses and stock photo selfies in favor of creative and engaging Facebook posts. There are plenty of ways to spice up your personal profile as well as your brand’s Facebook page. Adding creative and visually appealing GIFs can be just the trick you need to make your next post stand out from the rest. So, if you’re ready to say goodbye to bland posts and say hi to these five easy steps packed with visually engaging ideas, keep reading for everything you need to know about how to add GIFs to Facebook!

What is a GIF?

A GIF (pronounced “JIF”) is a short, looping video that can be used to add a visual element to your Facebook posts. While GIFs are mainly used for comedic effect, they can be leveraged for any post type, from tips to product announcements. GIFs have been a part of the internet since the early ‘90s, and gained popularity in the 2000s as an accessible format for online communities and websites. Users can share GIFs on Facebook in two ways: Using a GIF as a photo on their timeline, or adding it as a sticker to a post. You can select and add GIFs to your posts from your mobile phone’s photo gallery, or from a GIF app like GIPHY, GIF Rocket, or PicktoClick.

Know the differences between GIFs and Videos

While GIFs are often used interchangeably with videos, there are important differences between the two. Videos are 10 times more likely to be shared on Facebook than any other type of post.

However, not all videos are created equally. GIFs, on the other hand, are less than half as likely to be shared as videos. While videos may provide a more immersive experience, they can also be more time-consuming and distracting to watch. Videos are not ideal for every scenario and every post type.

For example, if you’re posting a quick tip or sharing news about your brand, a video post may be excessive. GIFs, on the other hand, allow you to quickly and easily add a visual element, regardless of post length.

How to Add GIFs to Facebook Posts

For starters, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a device that supports GIFs. You’ll also need to be using the Facebook app on your smartphone, as GIFs are not currently supported on the mobile website. To add a GIF to any Facebook post, follow these simple steps: Select the post you want to add a GIF to.

Once you’re in the post editor, click the “Add an Image” button. Next, select the option “Use GIF.”
After clicking “Select Image,” you can select the GIF you want to add to your post from your mobile device’s photo gallery.
Alternatively, you can use an app like GIPHY to find the GIF you want to use. Once you’ve selected the GIF you want to add to your post, you can position and resize the image by clicking and dragging the image border. You can also change the GIF’s timing by clicking the “Timing” button.

How to Find the Right GIF for Your Facebook Post

Now that you know how to add a GIF to your Facebook post, it’s time to find the right image for the job. You’ll want to make sure the GIF you select is relevant to your post. If you simply select a random GIF without considering its relevance, you run the risk of distracting readers and making your post look unprofessional.

When selecting a GIF for your post, think about the following:

Post type – What type of post are you making? Are you posting an image with a product announcement? Are you sharing a blog post that needs some added visual interest? It’s important to consider the type of post you’re making so you can select the most appropriate GIF.
Emphasis – What do you want your readers to take away from your post? Do you want to emphasize a product or service? Do you want to draw attention to a certain aspect of your brand or yourself? There are a variety of different GIFs that can emphasize almost anything.
Audience – Who are you posting for? What are their interests? Are they more likely to appreciate a funny GIF, or do they prefer visual content that’s more on the serious side? Selecting the right GIF for your audience can help maximize engagement and minimize uninterested clicks.

3 Creative Ways to Use GIFs in Facebook Posts

Post types – If you’re looking to add some visual interest to a post that doesn’t necessarily need a GIF, adding a GIF as an overlay can be a great way to break up lengthy posts and keep readers engaged.

Branding – Have you ever noticed that some pages and brands include GIFs in every single post? Don’t be that brand. Instead, try using GIFs as a way to further develop your brand’s voice and personality.

Call to action – Adding a GIF to your CTAs is a great way to stand out from the crowd and make your calls to action more memorable.

2 Easy Ways to Find Free GIFs for Your Posts

There are plenty of ways to find free and high-quality GIFs for your Facebook posts. For starters, you can do a quick Google search for “free GIFs.” Alternatively, you can use a website like PicktoClick to find free, Creative Commons-licensed GIFs that you can use in your posts. Once you’ve selected a few GIFs you like, you can download them to your mobile device’s photo gallery, or add them to your Drafts to easily add them to your upcoming posts. If you want more control over the quality and variety of the GIFs you’re using, you can purchase an account with a GIF library. While paid GIF libraries can get expensive, they’re a great way to add more variety to your posts without having to search for new GIFs every single time you create a new post.

Repurpose Content From Previous Blog Posts

If you’re crunched for time and don’t have time to find the perfect GIF, don’t fret! You can repurpose content from previous blog posts, especially visual blog posts like product reviews, how-to guides, and infographics. Not only is this a great way to reuse content, but it’s also an easy way to add visual interest to your posts with little effort. You can repurpose blog content in a few different ways, including adding a GIF to an existing post – If you have a post that could benefit from a visual element, adding a GIF to the post is a great way to jumpstart engagement. Simply select the GIF you want to add to your post, and resize and reposition the image by clicking and dragging the border.

Conclusion

GIFs are a brilliant way to add a visual element to your posts. Unlike videos, GIFs are quick and easy to add to any post length and type, from product announcements to tips or advice. When selecting a GIF for your post, you’ll want to make sure it’s relevant to the content, audience, and brand. There are a variety of ways to find free GIFs for your Facebook posts, including quick Google searches and paid accounts with GIF libraries. Regardless of how you find your GIFs, they’re a great way to break up lengthy posts and add a visual element to any Facebook post.

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