How do I publish a GIF on LinkedIn?

What is a GIF?

A GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a type of image file that supports short animated clips. GIFs typically contain low resolution, compressed graphics and sprites to create simple, looping animations or short video clips. The GIF format was introduced in 1987 and quickly gained popularity in the early days of the internet for sharing graphics and animations.

Some key features of GIF files:

• GIFs use lossless compression, meaning no data is lost during compression.
• They support up to 256 colors per frame.
• GIFs can include multiple images or frames to create an animated clip.
• The color limitations lead to small file sizes relative to video formats.
• Most GIFs include transparency for blending the animation onto different backgrounds.

Today, GIFs remain a popular way to share short, soundless clips, animations, and reactions. They are commonly used on social media, in messaging apps, email, and web publishing.

Why Share GIFs on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is primarily used for professional networking, so GIFs may not seem like an obvious fit. However, when used judiciously, GIFs can help add some visual interest and humor to your LinkedIn posts. Here are some potential benefits:

• GIFs can help convey emotion and tone that is hard to get across in text.
• They can visualize concepts in a more engaging, memorable way.
• GIFs can grab attention amidst a sea of text-heavy posts.
• When relevant and amusing, they can humanize your brand.
• Aptly chosen GIFs align with viral content people want to share.

Of course, GIFs should be used sparingly and appropriately on a professional platform like LinkedIn. The key is choosing business-friendly GIFs that add value to your content rather than distracting noise.

How to Add a GIF to Your LinkedIn Post

Adding a GIF to your LinkedIn posts, articles, or messages is easy. Here are the steps:

1. When creating a new post, article, or message in LinkedIn, click the “Add an image or video” icon (it looks like a landscape picture).
2. This will open your computer’s file explorer. Navigate to the folder containing your GIF.
3. Select the GIF file and click Open to add it to your LinkedIn content.
4. Position the GIF in your post or article where you want it to appear.
5. Preview how it will look within your content.
6. When ready, click “Post” or “Send” to publish the content with the embedded GIF.

And that’s it! The GIF will now be live and visible to your connections on LinkedIn.

Where to Find GIFs to Use

You can find a huge selection of GIFs to use on LinkedIn and other social platforms from these sources:

• GIF websites: Popular sites like Giphy and Tenor have millions of free GIFs to search and download. Look for GIFs tagged as “professional” or “business” for suitable options.
• LinkedIn’s GIF library: LinkedIn has its own library of licensed GIFs built into the composer. Look for the GIF icon while creating a post or message.
• Other social networks: If you see a great GIF used on Twitter, Facebook, etc, you can often download it and re-upload to use on LinkedIn.
• Make your own: If you can’t find the perfect GIF, sites like Kapwing let you make your own using video clips, images, text, and effects.

When selecting a GIF, aim for short clips (under 5 seconds) with small file sizes optimized for web and social media. Also double check that any text or images in the GIF are relevant and professional for LinkedIn.

Tips for Using GIFs on LinkedIn

To make the most of GIFs on LinkedIn, keep these tips in mind:

• Use sparingly – A single, well-placed GIF can be more effective than several in a single post.
• Keep them short – Look for GIFs under 3 seconds so they don’t slow down your post.
• Make them relevant – The GIF should relate directly to the point you are making.
• Time them carefully – Use GIFs to visualize data, punctuate important points, or lighten the mood.
• Match the tone – Ensure the vibe of the GIF aligns with your brand voice and message.
• Use high quality – Avoid pixelated, blurry, or distorted GIFs.
• Optimize file size – Keep GIF file sizes below 5MB whenever possible.
• Provide alt text – Add a text description of the GIF for accessibility.
• Don’t force it – It’s fine to forego a GIF if you can’t find one that truly enhances your content.

Ideal Types of GIFs for LinkedIn

While any relevant, professional GIF can work, some categories tend to be particularly effective:

• Data visualizations: Bring stats and trends to life.
• Infographics: Animate key points from an infographic.
• Industry illustrations: Show concepts specific to your industry.
• Pop culture: Use recognizable moments that resonate.
• Reactions: Express emotions like excitement and surprise.
• Science and technology: Demonstrate innovations in motion.
• Nature and travel: Capture eye-catching scenes.
• Video clips: Repurpose highlights from your own videos.
• Brand mascots: Bring your branded characters to life.

Always double check that the context, text, and imagery in a GIF are professional and appropriate for your LinkedIn profile and network. When in doubt, avoid using it.

Conclusion

GIFs can be a fun, visual enhancement to your LinkedIn content, when used purposefully and sparingly. Stick to short, professional, high-quality GIFs that illustrate or react to key points within your posts and articles.

Aim to use GIFs at strategic moments to boost engagement and lighten the tone, without going overboard or distracting from your central message. With a relevant and professional GIF library on hand, you can harness these popular animations to make your LinkedIn content pop.

Summary of key points:

• GIFs are a popular web format for short, looping animations.
• Used thoughtfully, they can make LinkedIn posts more engaging.
• Upload and embed GIFs right from LinkedIn’s composer tools.
• Find relevant GIFs on dedicated websites, social networks, and LinkedIn.
• Optimize GIFs for brevity, file size, quality, and professionalism.
• Use sparingly to punctuate important moments in your posts.