Yes, you can run GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format images with animation) in LinkedIn ads. LinkedIn supports both static image ads and animated GIF ads. Using GIFs in your LinkedIn ads can help grab attention and convey information quickly.
Benefits of Using GIFs in LinkedIn Ads
Here are some of the key benefits of using GIFs in your LinkedIn ad campaigns:
Increased Engagement
GIFs stand out in the LinkedIn feed and can help catch your audience’s attention. The movement of a high-quality GIF attracts the eye. This leads to higher view rates and engagement with your ad.
Demonstrate Motion
GIFs allow you to demonstrate motion and action. This can be useful for showing how a product works or illustrating a complex process quickly. Animated GIFs are processed 60% faster by the brain compared to static images.
Convey Emotion
The animation of a GIF can help convey emotion and tone. You can use GIFs to communicate excitement, humor, or other reactions that can connect with your target audience.
Compact File Size
GIF file sizes are typically small, especially compared to video files. This helps keep your ad load speeds fast while still allowing animation.
Works Across Devices
GIFs work seamlessly across desktop, mobile, tablet, and other devices. The small file size makes them easily shareable across platforms.
Best Practices for LinkedIn Ads GIFs
Follow these best practices when creating and implementing GIFs for your LinkedIn campaigns:
Keep it Short
Long GIFs can take a while to convey information. Stick to quick 3-5 second GIFs to communicate your message clearly.
Use High-Quality GIFs
Invest in high-resolution, crisp GIFs. Low-quality GIFs reflect poorly on your brand and won’t convert well.
Make it Relevant
Your GIF should directly relate to your product, service, or message. Don’t use random GIFs that have no connection to your ad.
Use Limited Text
Let the GIF tell the story. Avoid cluttering your GIF with too much text. A short headline or slogan works best.
Test Different Options
Try out multiple GIF options to see which ones perform best. You may be surprised by the results.
Align with Your Goals
Ensure your GIF supports your campaign goals, like clicks, conversions, or brand awareness. Choose GIFs tailored to your objectives.
Creating GIFs for LinkedIn Ads
You have a few options for creating GIFs to use in your LinkedIn campaigns:
Convert Video Clips
Use free online converters to turn short video clips into GIFs. Trim branded video content into 3-5 second clips that highlight your product or service.
Screen Capture
Use screencasting tools to create engaging screen capture GIFs quickly and easily. These work well for software product demos.
Design from Scratch
Leverage graphic design tools like Photoshop or GIMP to design animated GIFs from scratch. This allows complete creative control.
Hire a Designer
Consider having a graphic designer create high-quality, custom GIFs tailored to your brand and campaign goals. This ensures professional results.
Use GIF Maker Tools
Online GIF maker tools provide templates and easy ways to build GIFs, even without design experience. Some popular options include Giphy.com, Imgflip.com, and GIFMaker.me.
Repurpose Existing GIFs
Search free GIF databases to find relevant, animated GIFs you can repurpose. Ensure any repurposed GIFs align with your brand style.
GIF Specifications for LinkedIn Ads
LinkedIn has the following requirements when uploading GIF files to use in Sponsored Content or Message Ads:
File Types
The GIF must be in .GIF file format. LinkedIn does not support other animation formats like MP4 video.
Dimensions
GIF dimensions should be 1200×627 pixels to display properly across all devices and platforms.
File Size
GIF file size must be 5MB or less. Smaller file sizes ensure fast load times.
Length
Optimal GIF length is 3-5 seconds. You can use GIFs up to 10 seconds, but longer lengths may impact performance.
Frame Rate
Aim for 30 frames per second (FPS) for smooth animation. Higher FPS GIFs (60+) are supported but not required.
Uploading GIFs to LinkedIn Ads
Uploading your GIF creative is easy within the LinkedIn Campaign Manager:
Select GIF File
When creating your Sponsored Content or Message Ad, choose your properly optimized GIF file.
Preview Animation
You can preview how your GIF will animate directly within the ad builder. Ensure it animates smoothly.
Add Supplementary Assets
Supplement your animated GIF with high-quality image and text assets for your ad.
Use Companion Video (Optional)
You can add a companion MP4 video file (under 10MB) to provide an expanded video ad format.
Complete Ad Creation
Finish building your compelling ad using your animated GIF. Then launch your campaign.
Optimizing Performance of LinkedIn Ads GIFs
Follow these tips to optimize the performance of your LinkedIn ads using GIFs:
A/B Test GIFs
Try out different GIF options and place them in A/B split tests. This allows you to directly compare performance.
Test Stop/Start Times
Experiment with different start and stop times in your GIFs to identify the most engaging sequences.
Analyze Engagement Metrics
Closely monitor clickthrough rate, comments, reactions, and other engagement metrics for your GIF ads.
Check Completion Rates
See the percentage of users watching your GIF ads to 100% completion. Higher is better.
Align GIFs to Goals
Make sure your GIFs match your campaign goals, like lead generation or brand awareness.
Refine Based on Results
Double down on high-performing GIFs and eliminate those not producing results.
Keep Testing
Continuously test new GIFs and creatives to keep improving performance over time.
| Metric | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Clickthrough Rate | 0.5%+ |
| Engagement Rate | 3-5% |
| Completion Rate | 70%+ |
GIF Use Cases for LinkedIn Ads
Here are some ideal use cases for leveraging GIFs within your LinkedIn ad campaigns:
Product Demos
Show your product in action via an animated demo GIF.
How-To Instructions
Provide visual step-by-step instructions of using your software or service.
Event Promotion
Create excitement and interest for an upcoming conference, webinar, or event.
Engaging Infographics
Animate key data, stats, or insights into compelling infographic GIFs.
Behind-the-Scenes
Take audiences behind the scenes using glimpses of office culture and team events.
Spotlight Thought Leadership
Animate quotes and advice from executive thought leaders at your company.
Best Practices for LinkedIn Ad GIFs: Summary
To recap, focus on these best practices when implementing GIFs in your LinkedIn ad campaigns:
- Use short 3-5 second GIF lengths
- Invest in high-quality GIF production
- Ensure clear relevance to your brand or campaign
- Limit supplemental text around GIFs
- Test different options and analyze performance
- Optimize GIFs for your specific campaign goals
- A/B test GIF creative and timing
- Follow LinkedIn’s specifications for dimensions, file size, etc.
Conclusion
Adding GIFs to your LinkedIn ad campaigns provides an excellent way to boost engagement, convey information visually, and differentiate your brand. With the right strategy and testing, GIFs can become a valuable asset for your LinkedIn advertising results. Just follow LinkedIn’s specifications and recommended best practices outlined above when implementing GIFs in your next LinkedIn ad campaign.