Last updated: July 27, 2023
Created in 1987, the format animated GIF is a means of image compression. It has two major characteristics:
First, it limits its palette to 256 colors. Second, this format encodes multiple images into a single file. This creates the much-loved animation effect on the web.
Although competed by the video format, the animated GIF has a devoted audience. Unlike video files, Animated GIFs are remarkably easy to handle. In addition, their color limitation makes them particularly light. This makes it easy to quickly create short, often very viral animations.
The technical constraints of the animated GIF intimately link it to early web culture. Love these files to brighten up your online posts? Here is five sites where you can find the craziest animated GIFs.
Giphy
Launched in 2013, Giphy is positioned as the Google of animated GIFs. It is also the first choice for the search for GIFs.
Every day, more than a billion downloads are done from Giphy. Initially designed as a search engine, it quickly incorporated a database of animated GIFs.
Giphy has managed to find a place on the majority of social networks. It is therefore easy to use an animated GIF hosted on Giphy. Just a short link on Twitter, Facebook, Messenger and others.
Tenor
Originally named Riffsy, Tenor was born in 2014. He poses as Giphy's main rival.
Tenor, a search engine Animated GIFs, records 12 billion monthly queries. Like Giphy, Tenor has developed partnerships. These agreements ensure a presence on major messaging and social media platforms.
In addition, Tenor offers the mobile application GIF Keyboard, available on Android et iOS. This makes it easy to embed an animated GIF of Tenor into any mobile app. Google acquired the Tenor site in 2018.
Gfycat
Founded in 2015, Gfycat is a multidimensional hosting platform. It offers animated GIFs, as well as short videos, compatible with the recent HTML5 format.
The site offers an innovative and more complete service thanks to its interface for creating animated GIFs on the cloud. This creation interface is easy to use and allows users to create their own animations.
Gfycat is not limited to a simple hosting site, it has become a real social network around GIFs. Indeed, with an impressive number of 130 million active users per month, Gfycat has been able to retain a large community around the creation and sharing of animated content.
Imgur
Founded in 2009, Imgur is a multi-purpose American site. It offers a wide range of media, including animated GIFs, short videos, images, and memes.
When launched, Imgur is growing in harmony with Reddit. However, in 2016, this agreement broke down when Reddit introduced its own hosting service images.
Despite its strengths, Imgur has some drawbacks. On the one hand, its diversified offer obliges to specify "gif" when searching for Animated GIFs. On the other hand, the GIF thumbnails on the site are not animated.
Also, Imgur largely focuses on the US audience, and only offers an English interface. This can be confusing for non-English speaking users or those looking for more international content.
Created in 2005, Reddit is an American platform. It is defined at the crossroads of community forums and information sharing.
Indeed, Reddit is a space open to all subjects and all cultures. Users share links, prompting reactions often expressed through images, including animated GIFs. In addition, specific directories are dedicated to sharing these.
In its early days, Reddit did not store image content, but worked closely with Imgur. However, in 2016, a major evolution took place: Reddit chose to host its own content, aiming to keep its audience on its platform.