Steam lets you add custom animated artwork to your game library through a built-in feature called Animated Artwork, but the process requires creating or finding the right file format first
Steam's Animated Artwork feature displays moving images on your game tiles instead of static cover art. The animated file plays in a loop whenever you browse your library or hover over the game. To use it, you need an MP4 video file that meets Steam's technical requirements, then upload it through your game's properties menu in the Steam client.
This is different from straightforward changing your game's cover art — animated artwork is a separate layer that plays on top of or instead of your regular artwork depending on your Steam settings. The feature works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, though the animation only displays if your Steam client is set to show it.
Key Takeaways
- Animated artwork must be an MP4 video file no larger than 10 MB, with a resolution of 600 × 900 pixels, and a duration between 0.5 and 30 seconds.
- You can create animated artwork yourself using video editing software, read it from community sites like SteamGridDB, or commission an artist to make it.
- The file uploads through your game's properties menu in the Steam client under the "Artwork" tab, not through the Steam website.
- Once uploaded, animated artwork displays in your library only if you have the setting enabled in your Steam client preferences.
- Steam stores your custom artwork locally on your computer, so it will not sync to other devices or accounts unless you re-upload it.
Technical requirements for your video file
Steam accepts MP4 video files only for animated artwork. The file must be smaller than 10 MB, which is tight enough that you cannot straightforward export a high-bitrate video from your editing software. A typical 5-second animation at 600 × 900 resolution should be between 2 and 5 MB if compressed correctly.
The video must be exactly 600 pixels wide and 900 pixels tall — this is the standard game tile size on Steam. If your video is a different size, Steam will reject it or display it incorrectly. The animation can run between 0.5 seconds and 30 seconds long, though most people keep theirs between 3 and 10 seconds so the loop does not feel repetitive.
Your video should have a frame rate of 24, 30, or 60 frames per second. Higher frame rates create smoother motion but also increase file size, so 30 fps is usually the best balance. The video does not need audio — Steam strips it out anyway — so you can save file space by exporting without a sound track.
Where to find or create animated artwork
SteamGridDB is the largest community library for custom Steam artwork, including animated files. You can search for your game by title, read artwork made by other users, and upload your own creations. The site is free and does not require a Steam account, though you will need one to use the artwork in Steam itself.
If you want to create your own animated artwork, you can use free video editing software like DaVinci Resolve (Windows, macOS, Linux) or Shotcut (Windows, macOS, Linux). Both let you import images, add effects, and export as MP4. Paid options like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro work too, but the free tools are sufficient for straightforward animations.
You can also commission an artist to create custom animated artwork for you. Artists on platforms like Fiverr or ArtStation often take these requests, though prices vary widely. If you go this route, make sure the artist knows your file must be exactly 600 × 900 pixels and under 10 MB.
How to upload animated artwork to a game
Open the Steam client and go to your library. Right-click on the game you want to add artwork to and select Properties. In the Properties window, click the Artwork tab on the left side.
You will see a section labeled Animated Artwork with a button that says Select File or Browse (the exact wording depends on your Steam version). Click it and navigate to your MP4 file on your computer. Select the file and click Open. Steam will upload it when ready — you do not need to click a separate save button.
If Steam rejects your file, it will show an error message. The most common reasons are file size over 10 MB, wrong resolution, or wrong file format. Check that your video is exactly 600 × 900 pixels and under 10 MB, then try again. If the file is too large, re-export it with lower bitrate settings in your video editor.
Displaying animated artwork in your library
Once you upload animated artwork, it does not automatically display in your library. You need to enable it in your Steam settings. Open Steam, click Steam in the top menu, then select Settings. Go to the Library tab and look for an option labeled Animated Artwork or Enable Animated Artwork. Toggle it on.
After you enable the setting, your animated artwork will play whenever you hover over the game tile in your library or view the game's details page. The animation loops continuously while you are looking at it, then stops when you move to a different game.
If you have multiple custom artwork files for the same game (a static cover image plus animated artwork), Steam will display both depending on your view. The animated version plays when you hover, and the static version shows when you are not interacting with the tile. You can switch between them or use both at the same time.
Syncing artwork across devices and accounts
Custom artwork you upload to Steam stays on your computer only — it does not sync to the Steam cloud or transfer to other devices. If you log into Steam on a different computer, you will not see your animated artwork unless you upload the file again on that device.
This also means your artwork does not transfer if you reinstall Windows or macOS, or if you reset your Steam client. If you want to keep your files, save backups of your MP4 videos in a folder outside of Steam. That way you can re-upload them quickly if you need to.
If you share your Steam library with another user on the same computer through Steam's Family Library feature, they will see your custom artwork because it is stored locally. However, if they log into their own Steam account on a different computer, they will not see it.
Troubleshooting common problems
If your animated artwork does not appear after uploading, first check that you have enabled it in your Steam settings under Library. The setting is off by default, so many people upload the file and then wonder why it is not showing.
If the animation plays but looks stretched or distorted, your video resolution is probably wrong. Steam requires exactly 600 × 900 pixels — not 600 × 901 or 599 × 900. Re-export your video at the correct size and re-upload it.
If Steam says your file is too large, you need to reduce the bitrate. In your video editor, export with a bitrate between 500 and 1000 kbps instead of the default. This will shrink the file without making the animation look noticeably worse at 600 × 900 resolution.
If the animation stutters or plays unevenly, your frame rate might be inconsistent. Make sure your video is 24, 30, or 60 fps throughout — not a mix of different rates. Some video editors default to variable frame rate, which Steam does not handle well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a GIF or PNG file instead of MP4?
No. Steam only accepts MP4 video files for animated artwork. If you have a GIF or PNG, you need to convert it to MP4 first. You can use free online converters or import the file into a video editor and export it as MP4.
Will my animated artwork show up if my friends visit my profile?
No. Custom artwork is local to your computer and your Steam client only. Other people see the official artwork that Valve provides for the game, not your custom files. Your animated artwork is visible only to you in your own library.
What happens if I delete the original MP4 file from my computer?
Steam stores a copy of your animated artwork in its local files, so deleting the original does not remove it from your library. However, if you reinstall Steam or your operating system, you will lose the artwork unless you have a backup of the MP4 file.
Can I use copyrighted images or music in my animated artwork?
Technically yes, because the artwork stays on your computer and is not shared publicly. However, if you plan to upload your artwork to SteamGridDB or share it online, you should only use images and music you have the right to use or that are in the public domain.
Does animated artwork affect my game's performance or Steam's performance?
No. The animation only plays in your library when you are browsing, not while you are playing the game. It uses minimal CPU and memory, so it will not slow down your system or the Steam client.