How to post a GIF on Instagram using any device

GIFs can be a fun way for you to connect with your audience. If you don’t know how to post a GIF in Instagram, you are missing out.

These GIFs are great for memes. However, you can also share custom GIFs to enhance your brand’s voice. Owly, Hootsuite’s mascot is a big fan of GIFs.

Continue reading to learn how to post a GIF to Instagram and how to slide them into your DMs.

How to upload a GIF on Instagram

Instagram does not support GIF files in an Instagram post. This problem can be solved by two solutions:

Option #1 – Use a GIF form GIPHY

GIPHY is your one-stop shop to all things GIF. It also features a simple tool that converts any GIF into a.mp4 file in a matter of minutes. It is perfect for posting directly to your Instagram feed.

Option #2 – Upload a GIF to make a video

To post your GIF to Instagram, you will need to convert it to a video. To convert a GIF to a.mp4 file, you can use Adobe Express for free. Then you can upload the video directly to your feed. Ta-da!

Let’s now talk about the steps involved in posting a GIF to Instagram using your phone or computer.

Android/iOS

To post directly to GIPHY:

1. Get the GIPHY app.

2. Find the GIF you wish to post.

3. Click the paper airplane icon at the bottom right of the GIF.

4. Select the Instagram icon.

5. Choose where you want it to be posted on Instagram. There are four options: Stories, Feeds, Reels, Chats, and Feeds. Tap on Feed.

6. This will open your Instagram app. You can then add text, stickers, and other effects to personalize the GIF.

7. To add a caption, edit or tag people or add a location, click on Next.

8. Select Share. Your GIF will be added to your profile as a reel.

Upload your own GIF here

1. Adobe Express is a free tool that converts GIFs into videos. First, sign up for an account.

2. Click on To upload your GIF.

3. Upload your GIF, then select Download.

4. That’s it! You can now upload the video directly onto your Instagram feed.

Desktop

To post GIFs from GIPHY:

1. Go to the GIPHY website. Log in. You will need to create an account in order to log in on the desktop.

2. Find the GIF you wish to post.

3. Click the Share icon to the right of the GIF.

4. Select the Instagram icon.

5. A pop-up will ask for your email address. GIPHY will then email you a.mp4 file with the GIF.

6. Check your email! GIPHY has sent you the.mp4 file.

7. Save the.mp4 file to your computer and upload it to your Instagram post.

Upload your own GIF here

1. Adobe Express is a free tool that converts GIFs into videos. First, sign up for an account.

2. Click on To upload your GIF.

3. Upload your GIF, then select Download.

4. That’s it! You can now upload directly to Instagram.

How to convert a video into an Instagram GIF

Instagram doesn’t allow you to create GIFs. To convert a video to a GIF, you will need to use another app or your phone’s cameras roll. For more information, see our detailed guide on how you can make a GIF.

Adobe Express is a good option to convert a video to a GIF. However, GIPHY allows for easy sharing. GIPHY allows you to find your GIFs so that they can be used in messages or projects. This helps to build brand awareness.

We’ll show you how to convert a video into GIFs with GIPHY. Other apps can also create GIFs from video. (More about that later).

You can also watch this video to learn how to make a GIF from a video.

1. Open the GIPHY website or app and make sure you are logged in. To create GIFs, you will need an account. Sign up today.

2. Click Create at the top right corner. (On mobile, select “Uploads”, and then choose “Create”.

3. You can upload a file or add a URL link to a video from this page. The video must not exceed 100 MB in size and should be no longer than 15 seconds. The URL option is only available for desktop users.

4. Next, use the sliders for trimming the video.

5. Click Continue Upload. You can further edit your GIF by adding captions, filters, and stickers.

Now, you can share your GIF with everyone. It’s that simple!

How to upload a GIF to an Instagram Story

There are three ways to share a GIF on Instagram Stories.

Option #1 – Upload a GIF

1. Open Instagram Stories

2. You can add a GIF to Stories by searching for it on your phone gallery and clicking it.

3. This inserts the GIF in your Instagram Story. You can also add text, stickers, or other effects before you publish.

Option 2: Use the GIF option within Instagram

1. Upload or take a picture and add it to your Instagram Story.

2. Click on the sticker icon at the upper right menu.

3. Select the “GIF feature.”

4. You can either search for a GIF or browse the menu to see trending GIFs. To insert it into your Story, click on it.

5. You can add text, images or doodles to your website.

6. You can then click Next and publish!

Option #3 – Post directly from GIPHY

1. Open the GIPHY App.

2. Choose a GIF that you wish to post.

3. To share, tap the paper airplane icon.

4. Select Stories for Instagram Stories.

6. This will open your Instagram app. You can then add text, stickers, and other effects to personalize the GIF.

7. To share your GIF on Instagram Stories, click on Next

How to send a GIF via Instagram DM

GIFs can be sent to your besties via direct messages on Instagram. Here’s how it works:

1. Chat with the person or group that you wish to message.

2. Tap the sticker icon beside Message…

3. Click the GIF icon at the bottom right corner.

4. Scroll through to see the most popular GIFs, or use the search function.

5. To automatically send the GIF to the chat, click on the GIF.

Top Instagram GIF apps

Custom GIFs can be a great way for your brand to increase awareness and share engaging content with your audience. But you can’t create GIFs using Instagram. To create GIFs for Instagram, you will need to use another app.

These are the top apps for creating GIFs on Instagram:

GIPHY

GIPHY has the largest collection of GIFs. It makes it easy to find the perfect GIF to communicate your message or create your own GIFs. You can also use it as the only GIF maker in this list.

Free:Cost

Available on: Giphy has an iOS and Android app. It’s also available for desktop, but it does not allow direct posting to Instagram.

Best for: Uploading animated graphics to a library for others to use.

GIF Maker, GIF Editor

GIF Maker, GIF editor has been downloaded over 10,000,000 times. You can adjust the speed, crop the GIF, or add or delete frames from the animation.

Cost:Free. However, if you’d like to have an ad-free experience, you can upgrade for $2.99.

Available on: Android

Best for: People who need a GIF editor that has all the features.

ImgPlay

ImgPlay allows you to create GIFs from photos, videos, live photos, and burst photos. You can also trim and add filters to your GIF or merge multiple videos together.

Cost:Free but premium features will cost.

Available on: IMGPlay has an Android and iOS app.

Ideal for: Professional-level GIF makers.

Momento GIF Maker

Momento can convert your photos, videos, and live photos into GIFs. You can give your photos a creative touch by adding stickers, text, or effects.

Cost: Free, but premium features will cost you.

Available on iOS

Best for: Create fun GIFs quickly to share on social media.

GIFs are a great way to increase engagement and showcase your brand’s voice on Instagram.

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