How to Add Animated GIFs in WordPress (The RIGHT Way)

By Naveed Ahmed | Reviewed by Syed Balkhi | October 18, 2024 | Reader Disclosure

As a WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of animated GIFs in capturing attention and enhancing user engagement on websites. They add a touch of fun and personality, making your content more dynamic and memorable. However, adding GIFs to WordPress can be tricky, often leading to static images instead of the desired animated ones. That’s why I’m here to guide you through the process of adding animated GIFs to your WordPress website the right way.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind GIF issues in WordPress, unravel the best practices for adding them, and unveil helpful tips for optimizing your GIFs for optimal performance. Let’s dive in!

Why Are WordPress GIFs Not Working Properly?

The most common reason why animated GIFs appear as static images in WordPress is due to how WordPress handles image resizing. Let me explain:

WordPress automatically creates multiple versions of your images in different sizes to improve website loading speed and adapt to various screen sizes. It does this using the “Media Library,” where it generates thumbnails, medium sizes, large sizes, and the full-size original. However, when it comes to GIFs, WordPress often only saves the first frame of the animation for these generated sizes.

Imagine a GIF as a series of individual images played rapidly in sequence to create the illusion of movement. When WordPress processes the GIF, it sometimes only retains the initial image, thus rendering the subsequent frames and the animation itself invisible.

Properly Adding Animated GIFs in WordPress

Now, let’s get down to the practical steps of adding animated GIFs to WordPress without losing their animation magic:

1. Edit or Create a New Post or Page: Begin by opening the WordPress editor for a new or existing post or page where you want to add your GIF.
2. Add an Image Block: Within the Gutenberg editor, click the ” + ” button and select the “Image” block to add an image.
3. Upload Your Animated GIF: In the Image block, click the “Upload” button and choose your GIF file from your computer. Alternatively, you can select the “Media Library” button to choose an already uploaded GIF from your media library. Avoid using the “Insert from URL” button, as it won’t upload the GIF to your website, potentially leading to issues.
4. Select “Full Size”: Once your GIF is uploaded, look for the “Image size” setting in the block editor. Ensure you select “Full Size” for the GIF display. This setting instructs WordPress to use the original, uncompressed GIF file, preserving its full animation.
5. Publish or Update: Save your changes by publishing or updating your post or page, and voila, your GIF should be animating beautifully!

Bonus Tips for Using Animated GIFs in WordPress

Let’s now delve into some extra tips for using animated GIFs effectively on your WordPress website.

1. Optimize Your GIFs: Remember that GIFs often have larger file sizes than static images. This is because they essentially contain multiple images combined. Large GIFs can negatively impact your website’s speed and performance. Before uploading, optimize your GIFs for web use using tools like Giphy, EZGif, or online GIF optimizers. This process reduces file size without sacrificing visual quality, ensuring a smooth user experience.
2. Use GIFs Sparingly: While GIFs add excitement, excessive use can make your pages feel cluttered and slow. Employ GIFs strategically to emphasize key points, add humor, or guide user interaction. A few well-placed GIFs can go a long way in engaging your audience.
3. Consider GIF Plugins: WordPress plugins can streamline the process of finding and adding GIFs. Some popular options include:
• GIF Master: Integrates seamlessly with Giphy, allowing you to search its vast database directly from your WordPress dashboard and insert GIFs effortlessly.
• EmbedPress: Allows embedding GIFs from Gfycat, another popular source for animated images, simplifying the process of adding those GIFs to your content.

Conclusion

Adding animated GIFs to WordPress can significantly boost your website’s visual appeal and engagement, but it requires a bit of finesse to avoid animation loss. By following these steps and tips, you can confidently incorporate GIFs into your content, ensuring they play smoothly and delight your visitors. Remember to optimize your GIFs, use them judiciously, and explore relevant plugins for a seamless experience.

FAQs

How can I make sure my animated GIFs are playing correctly in WordPress?

Always choose the “Full Size” option in the Image block settings when inserting a GIF. This ensures that WordPress uses the original, uncompressed GIF file, preserving the entire animation sequence.

Will adding GIFs slow down my website?

Yes, GIFs can potentially affect your website’s speed if they’re not optimized. Large GIF files can take longer to load. To minimize this, optimize your GIFs before uploading to reduce their file size while maintaining visual quality. Additionally, use GIFs sparingly, avoiding an excessive number of them on a single page.

Are there any plugins specifically for GIFs in WordPress?

Yes, several plugins simplify the process of finding and adding GIFs to your WordPress website. GIF Master and EmbedPress are two popular options that integrate with Giphy and Gfycat, respectively. These plugins allow you to search for GIFs directly from your WordPress dashboard and embed them easily.

Can I add GIFs to my comments section?

Whether you can add GIFs to your comments section depends on the comment plugin you’re using. Some comment plugins offer functionality to include GIFs, while others might not. It’s best to check your comment plugin’s documentation to determine its capabilities.

What are some good resources for finding high-quality GIFs?

Giphy and Gfycat are excellent platforms for finding a wide range of animated GIFs. They offer search functionality, allowing you to find GIFs related to your content or theme. Additionally, consider using GIF search engines and websites dedicated to animated GIFs.

Should I upload GIFs to my WordPress media library or embed them from external sources?

While embedding GIFs from external sources might seem convenient, uploading them to your WordPress media library offers greater control and ensures they’re always available, even if the external source becomes unavailable. Additionally, uploading GIFs allows you to optimize them before adding them to your website.

How can I prevent image optimization plugins from ruining my GIFs?

Image optimization plugins are designed to compress and resize images for faster loading times. However, these plugins can sometimes interfere with the animation of GIFs. To avoid this, configure your image optimization plugin to exclude GIFs from its optimization process. Many plugins have options to exclude specific file types.

What are some creative ways to use GIFs in WordPress?

GIFs can be used for various purposes beyond simple visual embellishment. Here are some creative ideas:

• Highlight key points: Use GIFs to emphasize important information or instructions within your content.
• Create a sense of humor: A well-timed GIF can bring a chuckle to your readers and make your content more enjoyable.
• Show a product in action: For e-commerce websites, showcase products in use with animated GIFs to make them more appealing.
• Guide user interaction: Use GIFs to illustrate how to use a particular feature or navigate your website.
• Add a personal touch: GIFs can reflect your brand’s personality and make your content more relatable.

Can I create my own GIFs for my WordPress website?

Absolutely! Many free and paid tools and online services are available to help you create your own animated GIFs. Some popular options include Giphy’s GIF Maker, EZGif, and Adobe Photoshop. These tools allow you to combine images, videos, or even create animations from scratch.

Where can I find more information about using GIFs in WordPress?

WPBeginner’s extensive library of articles covers numerous aspects of WordPress, including working with GIFs. You can explore their website for more detailed guides and tutorials on using animated GIFs effectively in your WordPress content.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.