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\u2019re posting for work or personal reasons, it\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019re 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!<\/p>\n
A GIF (pronounced \u201cJIF\u201d) 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 \u201890s, 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\u2019s photo gallery, or from a GIF app like GIPHY, GIF Rocket, or PicktoClick.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For example, if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
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For starters, you\u2019ll want to make sure you\u2019re using a device that supports GIFs. You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n
Now that you know how to add a GIF to your Facebook post, it\u2019s time to find the right image for the job. You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n
When selecting a GIF for your post, think about the following:<\/p>\n
Post types – If you\u2019re looking to add some visual interest to a post that doesn\u2019t necessarily need a GIF, adding a GIF as an overlay can be a great way to break up lengthy posts and keep readers engaged.<\/p>\n
Branding – Have you ever noticed that some pages and brands include GIFs in every single post? Don\u2019t be that brand. Instead, try using GIFs as a way to further develop your brand\u2019s voice and personality.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cfree GIFs.\u201d Alternatively, you can use a website like PicktoClick to find free, Creative Commons-licensed GIFs that you can use in your posts. Once you\u2019ve selected a few GIFs you like, you can download them to your mobile device\u2019s 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\u2019re using, you can purchase an account with a GIF library. While paid GIF libraries can get expensive, they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re crunched for time and don\u2019t have time to find the perfect GIF, don\u2019t 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019ll want to make sure it\u2019s 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\u2019re a great way to break up lengthy posts and add a visual element to any Facebook post.<\/p>\n