GIFs are a fun way to connect with your audience by referring to viral trends or nostalgic moments. And if you don’t know how to share GIFs on Instagram, you’re missing out.
They’re useful for memes, but you can also share custom GIFs that add to your brand’s voice. Moyens I/O’s mascot, Owly, is a dedicated fan of GIFs.
Read on to learn how to share a GIF on Instagram and swipe them into your DMs.
How to post a GIF on Instagram
Technically, Instagram does not support GIF files for Instagram posts. There are two workarounds for this issue:
Option 1: Use a GIF from GIPHY
GIPHY is a one-stop shop for all your GIF needs. It also has a simple tool to convert any GIF to a 15 second .mp4 file. Perfect for posting directly to your Instagram feed.
Option 2: Upload a GIF as a video
You need to convert your GIF to a video to post it on your Instagram feed. You can use a free tool like Adobe Express to convert a GIF to a .mp4 file. You can then upload the video to your feed. Ta-da!
Now, let’s talk about the step-by-step process of posting GIFs to Instagram from your phone or computer.
Android/iOS
To send directly from GIPHY:
1. Download the GIPHY app.
2. Find a GIF you want to send.
3. Click the paper airplane icon at the bottom right of the GIF.
4. Select the Instagram icon.
5. Choose where you want to post on Instagram. You have 4 options: Chats, Stream, Reels or Stories. Tap Feed.
6. This will open your Instagram app. Then you can add text, stickers or other effects to customize the GIF.
7. click Next To add captions, edit the cover, tag people or add a location
8. Then select To share. Your GIF is uploaded to your profile as a reel.
To upload your own GIF:
1. Use a free tool like Adobe Express to convert a GIF to video. You must first sign up for an account.
2. Click on Upload your GIF.
3. Upload your GIF and then download.
4. That’s it! You can now upload the video directly to your Instagram feed.
desktop
To send GIF from GIPHY:
1. Open the GIPHY website and make sure you are logged in. (You must have an account to do this on desktop).
2. Find a GIF you want to send.
3. Click the Share icon to the right of the GIF.
4. Select the Instagram icon.
5. A pop-up window appears asking for your email address. GIPHY will then email you an .mp4 file of the GIF.
6. Check your email! GIPHY has emailed you the .mp4 file.
7. Download the .mp4 file and then upload it as your Instagram post.
To upload your own GIF:
1. Use a free tool like Adobe Express to convert a GIF to video. You must first sign up for an account.
2. Click on Upload your GIF.
3. Upload your GIF and then download.
4. That’s it! You can now upload directly to your Instagram feed.
How to convert a video to GIF for Instagram
You cannot create GIFs directly on Instagram. To convert a video to GIF, you’ll need to use a different app or your phone’s camera roll. For more information you can find our detailed guide on how to make a GIF.
You can use the aforementioned Adobe Express to convert a video to GIF, but you might want to consider GIPHY for easy sharing. People using GIPHY can find your GIFs and use them in their projects or messages. Ultimately, this helps build brand awareness.
Below we will discuss how to convert a video to GIF using GIPHY, but other apps can also create GIFs using video. (More on that later).
Or if you prefer to watch a video on how to convert a video to GIF, watch this:
1. Open the GIPHY app or website and make sure you are logged in. You need an account to create GIFs, so sign up to get started.
2. Click To create in the upper right corner. (On mobile, select “Downloads” and select “Create”).
3. From here you can upload a video or add a video URL link. The video must be under 100 MB and less than 15 seconds. Note that the URL option is only available on desktop.
4. Then you can use the sliders to trim the video.
5. Click Continue Installation. You can further edit your GIF by adding a caption, filters or stickers.
Now you are ready to share your GIF with the world. It’s that easy!
How to post GIF to Instagram Story?
There are three ways to post a GIF on Instagram Story.
Option 1: Upload a GIF
1. Open Instagram Stories.
2. Add a GIF to your Stories by searching and clicking in your phone’s gallery.
3. This will add the GIF to your Instagram Story and you can add text, stickers and other effects before posting.
Option 2: Use the GIF feature within Instagram
1. Upload or take a photo and add it to your Instagram story.
2. Click the sticker icon in the top right menu.
3. Select the “GIF” feature.
4. The menu will show you trending GIFs or you can search for a GIF. Click on it to add it to your story.
5. Add text, images, doodles or effects if you want.
6. Then you can click Next publish!
Option #3: Publish directly from GIPHY
1. Open the GIPHY application.
2. Select the GIF you want to send.
3. Tap the paper airplane icon to share.
4. Select stories To post on Instagram Stories.
6. This will open your Instagram app. Then you can add text, stickers or other effects to customize the GIF.
7. click Next To share your GIF on Instagram Stories.
How to send GIF in Instagram DM?
You can also send GIFs to your closest friends via direct messages on Instagram. Here’s how to do this:
1. Open the chat with the person or group you want to message.
2. Tap the sticker icon next to Message….
3. Select the GIF icon in the lower right corner.
4. You can swipe to find trending GIFs or use the search function to find one.
5. Click the GIF to automatically send it to the chat.
Best Instagram GIF apps
Custom GIFs are a great way to increase your brand awareness and share engaging content to connect with your audience. However, you cannot create GIFs using Instagram. It is necessary to use another app to create GIFs for posting on Instagram.
Here are the most popular apps for creating GIFs for Instagram:
GIPHY
GIPHY has the largest GIF library. It’s perfect to find the exact GIF to convey your message or create your own custom GIFs. It is also the only GIF maker on this list that you can use on your computer.
Cost: Free
Available: GIPHY has an app for Android and iOS. It’s also available on desktop, but there’s no direct posting to Instagram feature.
Best for: Upload a GIF to a library for other people to use.
GIF Maker, GIF Editor
GIF Maker, GIF Editor has over 10 million downloads. It has many features such as adjusting the speed, cropping the GIF and adding or deleting certain frames in the animation.
Cost: If you want a free, but ad-free experience, you can upgrade for $2.99.
Available: Android
Best for: People who need a full-featured GIF editor.
ImgPlay
ImgPlay is a GIF creator using photos, live photos, series photos or videos. You can also crop your GIF, add filters and combine multiple videos into one.
Cost: It’s free, but you’ll have to pay for premium features.
Available: ImgPlay has an app for Android and iOS.
Best for: Those who want to make professional-grade GIFs.
GIF Maker by Momento
Momento can capture your photos, live photos and videos and turn them into GIFs. You can add a creative flair by adding stickers, text and effects.
Cost: It’s free, but you’ll have to pay for premium features.
Available: iOS
Best for: Quickly create fun GIFs to share on social media.
Posting GIFs on Instagram is a winning strategy to make your content more engaging and show your brand’s voice.
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