How to Add GIF to Video

A GIF in a video at the right moment can quickly and efficiently convey the emotion you need. Are you wondering how to add a GIF to your video to make the reference everyone will recognize at once?

How to Add GIF to Video

GIFs are short, looping animations without sound that capture quick reactions or moments, making them perfect for sharing on social media, in messages, and even in your presentation about the XIX century. Including a GIF in your video content can make it more lively.

So, how to put a GIF in a video? Our editing tool is right up your alley! Using it, you can easily add GIFs to images or movies and do much more. On top of that, you don't have to download and install anything, only an Internet connection is needed!

Why add animated GIFs to videos

Adding a GIF to a video means overlaying a GIF image onto your video clip, similar to how you put a sticker or decorative element on paper.

This technique is widely used by social media creators, marketers, and casual users to add humour, emphasis, or some reaction to a specific moment in a video. A single GIF can convey the range of emotions we would explain in words for several minutes. Additionally, unlike static images, animated GIFs loop continuously, catching everyone's attention and making the video more engaging.

Standalone GIFs are supported on many social media and messaging apps, and many video editing tools also include free libraries with GIFs. Additionally, you can even create your own GIFs s from any recordings or images. So, adding GIFs to videos has never been easier.

How to embed your own GIF into video online

Clideo is an online multimedia editing platform designed to make video creation simple, fast, and accessible to everyone. With Clideo's Video Editor, this process is pretty straightforward and requires only an Internet connection and a web browser. Follow these steps to add GIFs to your videos:

Add video and GIF files

Open Clideo's Video Editor in any browser you like and click "Get started".

Editor to add GIF to video

Import your media files, including GIFs, photos, and videos. Make sure your GIFs have transparent backgrounds if you don't want them to obscure the video. Clideo integrates with cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox, so you can upload files from your device, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

Upload files to add GIF to video

Make a video with GIFs

All the files you added will appear in the preview area and timeline. Place the GIF on the top line of the timeline to overlay it on your video. If the GIF is shorter than the video, drag the handle to make the required duration.

Place GIF over video

By the way, if you do not have a GIF of your own, you can find one in the "Elements" tab. Enter the keyword in the search bar to find the animated image that you need.

GIF library

Edit your GIF

You can edit the GIF by clicking it in the preview or timeline. And if you want to make a GIF bigger or smaller, simply drag its corners in the preview screen to set the right size. You can also rotate, crop it, or change the speed.

Edit video with GIF

Edit your video

You can also change the aspect ratio of your video in the "Canvas" tab to create social media videos for Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts. It is also possible to add music, texts, or other elements, like stickers, emojis, or shapes, if needed.

Add text to video with GIF

When you finish editing, click "Export" and select your preferred export option (Clideo lets you save files in SD, HD, FHD, or 4K quality; note that the higher the setting, the larger the file size).

Export video with GIF

Download the video

Watch the video again to make sure everything looks fine, then click "Download" to save the file to your device, or click the arrow to save it to your cloud storage. If you want to make changes, click "Edit" to return to the editor.

Save video with GIF

Our Help Center has information about all current Video Editor features. Don't hesitate to refer to it when needed.

Where to find animated GIF files

When looking for GIFs to add to your videos, you have two main routes: creating your own or browsing a ready-made library.

If you want something custom, you can create GIFs from videos by selecting a portion of the video you want to convert. This is handy when you want something unique that matches your content exactly.

For a vast selection of ready-made GIFs, GIPHY and Tenor are the two go-to resources.

GIPHY is available as both a website and mobile app, letting you search by keyword, browse trending animations, and download or share with just a few clicks — and if you're already using Clideo as your video editor, GIPHY is built right in, so you can search and add GIFs without ever leaving the platform.

Tenor, owned by Google, offers an equally massive library and is seamlessly integrated into Android keyboards and many popular apps, making it especially convenient for mobile users. Both platforms also include their own GIF creation tools, so they work as a one-stop shop whether you're looking for something specific or starting from scratch.

Tips for adding GIFs to video

Adding GIFs to your videos can be a fun way to enhance your content. Here are some practical tips to get the best results:

  • Use GIFs with transparent backgrounds to avoid blocking important video content.
  • Keep the GIF size appropriate; too large can distract, too small might be missed.
  • Position GIFs strategically on the frame to complement the video without overwhelming it.
  • Consider the theme and tone of your video when selecting GIFs to maintain coherence.
  • Add captions or text alongside GIFs if you want to clarify their meaning or add context.
  • Preview your video on different devices to ensure the GIF displays correctly and doesn't affect playback.

Remember, the goal is to add some fun to your video, not to turn it into a GIF party. Use GIFs wisely, and your viewers will thank you with likes and shares.

Frequently asked questions
Can I add sound to a video with a GIF overlay?

GIFs themselves do not contain sound, but when you add them as overlays to your video, the original video's audio remains. You can also add or edit audio files separately in video editors.

How do I resize the GIF on my video?

Most video editors, including Clideo, let you resize GIFs by dragging the corners of the GIF image in the preview window to fit your desired dimensions.

Can I add multiple GIFs to one video?

Yes, you can add several GIFs by placing them on separate tracks in the timeline or arranging them sequentially on the same track.

Are GIFs compatible with all social media platforms?

Most social media platforms support videos with GIF overlays. However, GIFs alone may have limitations on some platforms, so converting GIFs to video format is often recommended for best compatibility.

Do I need to download software to add GIFs to videos?

No, many online tools like Clideo allow you to add GIFs to videos directly in your browser without downloading any software.

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Conclusion
Animated GIFs in your videos are ideal for showing emotions, humor, and reactions. Online tools like Clideo make it simple to do this without installing anything. Just open the website in the latest browser, and you're good to go.