Those short, looping video clips known as GIFs (pronounced “jif”) have taken the internet by storm.
People use them in messages or comments, and even brands are starting to use them on social media for advertising purposes. Sharing GIFs has turned into its own communication medium.
GIF is an acronym for graphic interchange format and they were first developed about three decades ago.
Are you wondering where to find GIFs and how you can make some of your own. We’ve compiled our nine favorite GIF websites in this article.
Keep reading below to learn how to use GIFs, ways to make new ones for yourself, and our list of the best places to find them.
Tips for Using GIF Websites
Are you a business looking to make a bigger impact on potential customers? Or do you enjoy sharing pop culture references with your friends? Then you need to start using GIFs.
These file formats have grown popular because one funny or interesting clip conveys more information than a lengthy written response. And they’re now available to easily share in most social media apps.
You can start using GIFS by:
- Finding a GIF search function in places like Twitter or Facebook Messenger
- Copy and paste the link of a GIF from free GIF websites like GIPHY or Tenor
- Use the Google Keyboard for Apple or Android products
Now, what if you want to make your own GIF? No problem!
The traditional way of making a GIF is by using Photoshop, but you probably don’t have that program unless you’re a graphic designer.
Otherwise, use a website that helps you convert a short video clip or a string of pictures into a GIF. Many of our favorite sites listed below will allow you to do this.
There are other applications you can download through the App Store or Google Play that will do it for you as well.
Don’t forget that you have the ability to convert GIF to MP4 if you need it for a presentation or it doesn’t open on a certain kind of device. You can also convert a GIF to a JPG, or vice-versa.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our nine favorite GIF websites.
1. GIPHY: The Best GIF Website
Have you ever heard of GIPHY? It’s the largest and most visited GIPHY website. This site was acquired by Facebook in 2020 for $400 million and is the basis for all of the GIFs you use on Facebook or Messenger.
GIPHY is also an easy and effective GIF maker website.
2. Borrow a Tumblr GIF
In the early days, GIFs were very popular on the microblogging site Tumblr. Users frequently embedded GIFS to share with friends and now the platform supports GIFs from a variety of other pages (many of them listed here).
One warning: it was easy to encounter NSFW content (including GIFs) on Tumblr but a few years ago they tightened their community standards.
3. Visit Imgflip
You can use the Imgflip service to search for a particular GIF or meme. Or you can start either one from scratch. Imgflip also keeps track of how much content each of its users creates. A leaderboard shows users with the most points.
4. Check Out Gfycat
Gfycat was created for GIFs. More specifically, the developers started this GIF website to improve the quality of GIFs. We’ve all seen GIFs that appear low quality or won’t open on certain sites. Their files run faster, clearer, and open on more platforms.
5. Explore Imgur
Imgur has a closer relationship with Reddit, which we’ll describe below. You can access Imgur without Reddit. Visitors to the site can find the most viral GIFs or hottest memes based on engagement.
Like other services, Imgur users can earn points for posting and be listed as the highest overall user.
6. Finding GIFS on Reddit
While Reddit was originally designed for sharing and commenting on articles, it became a popular spot to share GIFs. Reddit offers communities for all interests: gaming, life tips, news, sports, television shows, and more.
Visitors can easily right-click and save GIFs or memes. But, many of these GIFs are in a Reddit video format rather than a traditional GIF. You can always convert them later.
7. Search Reaction GIFs
Reaction GIFs is a great place to go if you want to react to a post or comment, but can’t think of the exact words. Instead, you can find the perfect GIF to capture what you’re trying to say.
Visitors can search by how they’re feeling (angry, excited, or sad) and how they want to answer (yes, undecided, and no).
8. The Categories of GIFbin
Besides having a reputation for having hilarious GIFs, GIFbin has dozens of categories to search within. From accidents and cats to slow-motion and tricks, you can browse different categories based on how frequently they’re used.
GIFbin also has a “random” button where you can get any popular GIF to use in a message. The results are funny and surprising.
9. Find the Perfect GIF on Tenor
Tenor is the main competitor of GIPHY. The Tenor GIF Keyboard is available on both Apple and Android platforms. With this service, you can search for the perfect GIF or create your own.
Everything syncs to your GIF Keyboard so you can use GIFs or stickers anywhere. Like GIPHY, it can also be used with Facebook programs such as Messenger or WhatsApp. Tenor has millions of GIFs in its library and it regularly adds new ones to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
Create Your Own GIFs
After reading this article you should have an idea of what GIF websites offer the sort of content you’re looking for. And if you love GIFs as much as we do, you should contribute to this new art form by creating your own!
Looking for more information about how to convert file formats or manage some of the latest software? Offdrive is a site full of how-to articles that can help you out.
Read our blog to learn more about never having trouble opening a file again.