The Graphics Interchange Format, or GIF, was first developed by computer scientist working at CompuServe back in 1987. And while it has swelled or dipped, the debate over how to pronounce the acronym for those minute looping animations became a thing once the GIF really took off.

What does GIF mean in social media?

GIF, which stands for graphic interchange format, is a file which supports static and animated images. They can be snippets of a movie or show or something that you make yourself. They are soundless videos that usually loop and last for a few seconds.

What does GIF mean on your phone?

Animated GIFs are moving images that play in a short loop, and are a great way to react to an incoming message or on social media. On Android, there are a handful of ways to send GIFs using either the stock keyboard and messaging app, or any number of third-party apps including GIPHY.

You should use a GIF when…
You want to create web animation. GIF images hold all of the animation frames and timing information in one single file. You need transparency. GIF images have an “alpha channel” that can be transparent, so you can place your image on any colored background.You need a small file.