Can You Post a GIF on Instagram?

By Nick Peers

Images saved from the Web are sometimes in GIF format.
i Comstock Images/Stockbyte/Getty Images

You can post your photos on Instagram directly from your iOS or Android device. However, you don't need to take the photos using the camera on your mobile device. Instagram allows its users to upload photos already saved on their devices. In fact, Instagram supports multiple image formats, including GIF. If you have some interesting GIF images stored on your phone or tablet, post them on Instagram and share them with your friends.

Launch Instagram on your device and log in if necessary, then tap the camera button to take a picture.

Tap the button to the left of the camera button. In iOS, the Camera Roll will open. In Android, tap "Gallery" to open the Gallery. Tap the GIF image you want to post on Instagram.

Crop the picture if necessary and then tap the forward button. Optionally, add effects to the picture and then tap the forward button again.

Add a caption in the Caption box, tag people if necessary and choose the services on which you want to share the image. Tap the check mark to post the GIF image on your Instagram.

Tips

The GIF image is posted when you see the message "Done" instead of "Finishing up." It may take a few seconds to upload the image, depending on its size.

Instagram prefers JPEG and PNG files, but it allows GIF images. You may encounter problems when posting animated GIFs.

Warnings

Information in this article applies to the Instagram 5.0.2 for iOS and Android. Procedures may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.

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