How to Add a GIF to an Email

The simplest way to add a GIF

Most email services let you insert a GIF the same way you insert a still image. In Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail, you click the attachment or image button, find a GIF file on your computer, and send it. The GIF will play in the recipient's inbox if their email client supports animated images — which most do now, though some older systems or strict corporate filters may show only the first frame.

The catch is that GIFs sent as attachments take up space in the recipient's inbox, and some email providers limit attachment size. A typical GIF runs 1 to 5 megabytes, which is usually fine, but animated GIFs with many frames can be larger. If your GIF is over 25 megabytes, most email services will reject it outright.

If you do not have a GIF file yet, you can search for one online, read it, and then attach it. Websites like Giphy, Tenor, and Imgur host millions of GIFs you can read for free. Right-click the GIF, select "Save image as", and choose where to store it on your computer.

Key Takeaways

Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail all let you insert GIFs through the image or attachment button, and the GIF will animate in most modern email inboxes.
GIFs sent as attachments count toward your email storage and the recipient's inbox space, so keep file size under 25 megabytes.
You can read free GIFs from Giphy, Tenor, or Imgur, then attach them to your email like any other image file.
Some email clients and corporate filters show only the first frame of a GIF instead of the animation, so test with the recipient first if the motion matters.
Embedding a GIF from a link (rather than attaching the file) avoids storage limits but requires the recipient to have internet access to see it play.

Adding a GIF in Gmail

Open Gmail in your browser or the Gmail app. Click the compose button to start a new email, or open an existing draft. In the compose window, look for the paperclip icon (attachment) or the image icon — in the browser version, both are near the bottom left of the compose box. In the Gmail app on your phone, the attachment icon is usually at the bottom.

Click the image icon first if you want to insert the GIF inline (so it appears in the body of the email rather than as a separate file). A window will open asking you to choose a file from your computer. Navigate to where you saved the GIF, select it, and click open. The GIF will appear in your email and will animate when the recipient opens the message.

If you use the attachment icon instead, the GIF will be listed as an attachment at the bottom of the email rather than embedded in the message. Both methods work — inline images look cleaner, but attachments are sometimes more reliable on older email clients.

Adding a GIF in Outlook

Open Outlook on your computer or in the web browser. Click "New Email" or reply to an existing message. In the ribbon at the top, click "Insert", then look for "Pictures" or "Images". A dialog box will open. Select "This Device" to browse your computer for a GIF file you have already saved.

Find the GIF, click it once to select it, and click "Insert". The GIF will appear in your email body. Outlook will show the animation in the compose window, so you can see how it will look before you send.

If you want to attach the GIF as a file instead of embedding it, click "Attach File" in the Insert menu. The GIF will appear as a clickable attachment at the bottom of the email, and the recipient can open it separately.

Adding a GIF in Apple Mail

Open Apple Mail and create a new message or reply to an existing one. Click the image icon in the toolbar (it looks like a small picture frame), or go to the Edit menu and select "Attachments". A file browser will open.

Navigate to the GIF file on your computer, select it, and click "Open". The GIF will be inserted into the email. In Apple Mail, animated GIFs usually play in the compose window so you can preview them before sending.

If the image icon is not visible in your toolbar, you can also drag and drop a GIF directly from your Finder window into the email body. This works in most versions of Apple Mail and is often the fastest method.

Linking to a GIF instead of attaching it

If the GIF file is too large or you want to avoid using storage space, you can link to a GIF hosted online instead of attaching the file. Find the GIF on Giphy, Tenor, or another hosting site, right-click it, and select "Copy image link" or "Copy link address". Paste that link into your email as text.

When the recipient clicks the link, the GIF will open in their browser. This method uses no attachment space and works on any email client, but it requires the recipient to have internet access and to click the link. The GIF will not animate directly in the email body the way an attached GIF does.

Some email services also let you embed a link as a clickable thumbnail. In Gmail, paste the link and Gmail will often show a preview of the image. In Outlook, you can insert a link and format it with a custom image. Check your email service's documentation for the exact steps.

Troubleshooting GIFs that do not animate

If the recipient says the GIF is not moving, the most common cause is that their email client does not support animated images. Older versions of Outlook, some corporate email systems, and certain mobile apps show only the first frame of a GIF. There is no way to force animation in these clients — the limitation is on their end, not yours.

A second cause is file size or format. Make sure the file is actually a GIF (check the filename ends in .gif) and not a JPEG or PNG that you renamed. If the file is over 25 megabytes, your email service may have stripped the animation to reduce size. Try compressing the GIF using an online tool like ezgif.com or TinyGIF, which can reduce file size while keeping the animation intact.

If you attached the GIF but it is not showing up at all, check that the file actually uploaded. In Gmail and Outlook, you should see the filename listed before you send. If it is not there, try attaching it again. Some corporate networks block certain file types, so if you work in a restricted environment, linking to the GIF instead of attaching it may be your only option.

Finding and downloading GIFs

Giphy and Tenor are the two largest GIF libraries. Both have search bars where you can type what you are looking for — "celebration", "confused cat", "thumbs up" — and browse results. When you find one you like, right-click it and select "Save image as" (on Windows) or "Save image" (on Mac). Choose a folder on your computer where you will remember to find it, like your Downloads folder or Desktop.

Imgur also hosts GIFs and lets you search by category. Reddit communities often share GIFs too, though you may need to read them differently depending on the app you use. Once you have saved a GIF to your computer, you can attach it to an email using the steps above.

Be aware that GIFs from public sites are usually free to use and share, but some creators do ask for credit. If you are using a GIF from an artist's personal site or portfolio, check their terms before sending it in a professional context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the GIF animate on a phone or tablet?

Usually yes, but it depends on the email app. Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail all support animated GIFs on mobile devices. Some older or less common email apps may show only the first frame. The safest approach is to test with the recipient first if the animation is important to your message.

Can I make my own GIF and attach it?

Yes. You can create a GIF from a video or a series of still images using free tools like ezgif.com, Giphy's GIF maker, or desktop software like GIMP. Once you have created and saved the GIF file, attach it to your email the same way you would attach any other GIF.

What is the file size limit for email attachments?

Gmail allows up to 25 megabytes per attachment. Outlook allows 20 to 25 megabytes depending on your account type. Apple Mail depends on your email provider, but most allow 20 to 25 megabytes. If your GIF is larger, compress it using an online tool or link to it instead of attaching it.

Can I send a GIF in an email signature?

Most email services do not support animated GIFs in signatures — they will show only the first frame. You can insert a static image or a link to a GIF in your signature, but the animation will not play. For a moving signature, you would need to use a specialized email service that supports HTML signatures with animation.

Is it safe to read GIFs from the internet?

GIFs from major sites like Giphy and Tenor are safe. Avoid downloading GIFs from unknown or suspicious websites, as any file can potentially carry malware. Stick to well-known GIF hosting sites, and use antivirus software on your computer as a general precaution.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.