GIFs can instantly make an email more engaging. They add movement, warmth, and personality that static images simply can’t match. When used well, a GIF can draw attention to your message, reinforce your tone, or add a touch of humor that helps it land. Whether you’re celebrating a team win, sending a friendly thank-you, or adding life to a newsletter, a simple animation can turn an ordinary message into something that feels personal and memorable.
Knowing how to insert a GIF into an email is about understanding how different email platforms display them, how to keep file sizes manageable, and how to make sure they play smoothly for every recipient. By mastering these details, you can use GIFs to strengthen connection, boost engagement, and communicate with clarity across Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and Apple Mail.
How to put a GIF in a Gmail email
Gmail makes it simple to add a GIF, whether you’ve created one yourself or saved one from a library like GIPHY. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Gmail and click Compose.
- Place your cursor where you want the GIF to appear.
- Click the Insert photo icon (a small landscape image).
- Choose Upload to insert a saved GIF, or Web address (URL) to embed one from the internet.
- Wait for the preview to load, then click Insert.
You can resize the GIF by clicking and dragging its corners, just like an image.
Gmail supports animated GIF playback, but the recipient’s email client also needs to support it. Always send yourself a test email first to confirm that it displays correctly across devices.
If you use Gmail for business, consider creating branded GIFs for recurring messages like event reminders or thank-you notes. According to Campaign Monitor, adding an animated GIF to an email can increase both click-through rates and conversion rates, which makes it worth the effort.
How to put a GIF in an Outlook email
Outlook users have two options: desktop or web. Both support animated GIFs, though performance can vary depending on your version.
For Outlook on Desktop
- Open New Email.
- Click inside the message body where you want the GIF to appear.
- Go to Insert → Pictures → This Device (or Online Pictures).
- Select your GIF and click Insert.
- Adjust its size by dragging the image corners.
For Outlook on the Web
- Log in at Outlook.com.
- Click New Message.
- Select the Insert Pictures Inline icon (the small photo symbol).
- Choose your GIF and insert it into the message body.
Outlook supports animated GIFs on the web and in Microsoft 365 (Office 365) desktop versions. Older versions, such as Outlook 2016, may display only the first frame as a static image.
For email marketing, Outlook’s newer versions fully support animation. This makes GIFs a great way to highlight CTAs or emphasize limited-time offers without using video, which isn’t always supported in inboxes.
How to put a GIF in an Apple Mail email
Apple Mail is one of the most GIF-friendly email platforms. Most animations play seamlessly, both on desktop and iPhone. Here’s how to add one:
- Open Apple Mail and click New Message.
- Place your cursor in the message body.
- Drag your GIF file directly into the email, or go to Edit → Attach Files and select the file.
- Resize if needed by dragging the image edges.
- Send yourself a test to confirm playback.
Apple Mail’s built-in rendering engine handles most GIF formats, so you can expect smooth animation across devices. Just keep in mind that large GIFs can slow down loading times on mobile. Compressing your file to under 5MB ensures faster performance.
How to put a GIF in a Yahoo Mail email
Yahoo Mail makes it easier than any other major provider to add GIFs thanks to its built-in search tool.
- Open Yahoo Mail and click Compose.
- Select the GIF icon (the smiley face) in the toolbar.
- Search for a keyword like “thank you” or “celebration.”
- Click your chosen GIF to insert it.
- Write your message and send or preview to confirm animation playback.
If you have your own GIFs, you can also drag them into the message or use the Attach File button.
Yahoo Mail automatically optimizes GIFs for email delivery, so they typically load faster than when embedded from third-party sources.
When to use GIFs in emails
GIFs work best when they serve a purpose, not just decoration. Use them to:
- Draw attention to a key message or call to action
- Add warmth to a thank-you or celebratory message
- Show a product feature or quick tutorial
- Replace short videos in newsletters or campaigns
- Humanize your brand tone
A study by Litmus found that 58% of brands now use GIFs in their email marketing. Done well, they help improve engagement without overwhelming the reader.
Still, context matters. For professional or client-facing emails, subtle looping animations work better than fast-moving or humorous GIFs. The goal is to enhance your message, not distract from it.
Related read: How to attach a photo to an email
Troubleshooting email GIF issues
Even with the right steps, GIFs can sometimes appear static or fail to load. Here are the most common reasons and how to fix them:
- File too large: Try to keep GIFs under 5MB for smooth playback. Compress using EZGIF or similar tools.
- Unsupported email client: Some older Outlook versions don’t animate GIFs. Upgrade to Microsoft 365 or Outlook.com.
- Incorrect file type: Make sure your file ends in
.gif, not.webpor.mp4. - Poor internet connection: Slow or unstable connections can cause GIFs to display as still images.
- Embedded incorrectly: Always insert the GIF directly into the email body, not as an attachment.
Accessibility and best practices for sending emails with GIFs
If you’re sending emails to clients or colleagues with different accessibility needs, clear design and restrained motion go a long way toward making your message more inclusive. Here’s how to keep them user-friendly:
- Keep loops short: Aim for under 5 seconds. Continuous loops can be distracting.
- Avoid flashing images: Anything that flashes more than three times per second can trigger seizures in photosensitive individuals, according to the W3C accessibility guidelines.
- Use high contrast wisely: Ensure text remains legible against moving backgrounds.
- Add alt text: Describe what’s happening in the GIF for screen readers.
- Test across devices: Always send test emails to check animation speed, size, and clarity.
How to create your own GIFs for emails
Creating your own GIFs gives you more control over tone and branding. You can turn short video clips, product demos, or screen recordings into looping animations.
Tools like Canva, GIPHY Create, and EZGIF make the process quick:
- Upload your image or video.
- Trim to a few seconds.
- Adjust speed, text, or filters.
- Export as
.gif.
For professional emails, use subtle motion. For example, a gentle wave of a company logo or a short product demonstration. Animated signatures are also gaining popularity, though they should remain small and brand-appropriate.
How to optimize GIFs for email
GIFs can be surprisingly large, and large files slow down loading times, whereas faster loading GIFs can improve email deliverability and engagement. Here’s how to keep them efficient:
- Limit dimensions: 600px width is ideal for most email layouts.
- Use fewer frames: Shorter GIFs with lower frame rates (10–15 FPS) reduce file size.
- Simplify colors: Fewer colors equal smaller files.
- Use online compressors: Tools like TinyGIF or EZGIF can cut file size by up to 60% without losing quality.
- Host externally: When possible, embed GIFs from a reliable content delivery network (CDN) for faster delivery.
A well-placed GIF can transform an email from functional to memorable. Whether you’re showing appreciation, injecting humor, or drawing attention to a message, GIFs help your emails feel more human, and more effective.
But adding visuals, managing replies, and organizing follow-ups can still take time. That’s where Fyxer comes in. Fyxer keeps your inbox organized, drafts replies in your tone, and helps you focus on what matters most: sending messages that connect.
GIFs in emails FAQs
Can I copy and paste a GIF directly into an email?
Yes, in most webmail clients. Drag or paste your GIF where you’d insert an image, then check playback with a test email. Some email platforms automatically resize or compress the file, so previewing it helps ensure it looks sharp and loops smoothly. For best results, save the GIF locally before pasting to avoid broken links or quality loss.
Do GIFs work on all devices?
Most do, but some older desktop clients only display static images. Always test across devices before sending to a large group. Mobile devices and modern web browsers tend to handle GIFs well, so your recipients are likely to see them as intended. If you’re creating a campaign, check compatibility reports in your email platform’s analytics.
What’s the best file size for email GIFs?
Keep them under 5MB. Anything larger risks slow load times or partial playback. Smaller files ensure your emails load quickly, even on mobile networks. Compressing the GIF or shortening the animation helps maintain quality without sacrificing performance.
Can I make my own GIFs?
Absolutely. Use design tools like Canva or GIPHY. Keep the animation short and subtle for professional use. You can also create branded GIFs from product demos, quick tutorials, or short video clips to make your emails feel polished and consistent.
Can I use GIFs in my email signature?
Yes, but use caution. Keep the animation minimal, like a looping logo or soft fade. Large or flashy GIFs can look unprofessional or slow delivery. A simple, branded animation can make your signature feel dynamic while still maintaining a clean, polished look.