TECH - WHAT IS A GIF

A GIF (Graphical Interchange Format) is an image format invented in 1987 by Steve Wilhite, a US software writer who was looking for a way to animate images in the smallest file size. In short, GIFs are a series of images or soundless video that will loop continuously and doesn't require anyone to press play.

 The acronym GIF stands for "Graphics Interchange Format." A GIF is a short, animated picture, without sound.

They are displayed in succession with varying frame rates to create short low-file-size animations. GIFs, by default, end on the last frame, though they are now more commonly seen looping. GIFs are popular on blogs, social media, and instant messaging applications, often used as emotive reactions.

Combined with the emotional shorthand and cultural references they carry, GIFs

  allow users to simultaneously express their mood, sense of humor, and identity in a low-effort way like no other digital medium can. The efficiency of its expressiveness is the ultimate power of GIFs and the key to its enduring popularity.

 In its simplest form, a GIF (pronounced “gif” or “jiff”) is just an image file. Like the JPEG or PNG file formats, the GIF format can be used to make still images.  CompuServe published the GIF format in 1987, and it was last updated in 1989.

 Gif, and . png. 90% of the time these files are absolutely safe but sometimes they can be dangerous. Certain black hat hacking groups how found ways that they can sneak data and scripts inside of an image format.

 GIFs  are an image format which have become popular through their use in sharing short repeating animations.  Furthermore, it remains that there is no legal way to license use of GIFs for the purposes of commercial use.

 

How do you get GIFs?

For Android Nougat: Tap the Smiley button, then tap the GIF button. You'll get an option for stickers or GIFs to browse. Or, to find a specific GIF, tap the search button. Enter in the text you desire, then swipe to find a GIF.

 

How do to  create a GIF?

Giphy App for iOS and Android

 
To start, open the app and tap on the plus sign on the bottom. You can record a video from scratch or use an existing one from your phone. Next, you'll see a live preview of your GIF that you can trim and add text, effects or stickers to. When you're done, tap the purple arrow.

 How to  add GIFs to my texts?

 

1. Open Messages and compose a new message or open an existing one.
2. Tap the 'A' (Apps) icon to the left of the text field.
3. If #images don't pop up first, tap the icon with four bubbles in the bottom left corner.
4. Tap on #images to browse, search and choose a GIF.
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How do you create and upload a GIF?

On the GIPHY app:

1. Download the GIPHY app and use the + to access our GIFMaker.
2. Hold down the O to capture a GIF. 
3. You will have the option to decorate if you choose. 
4. You can Add Tags to your GIFs, separated by commas (no # needed). 
5. Tap Upload to GIPHY!

 
How to make a GIF from a YouTube video

1. Go to GIPHY.com and click Create.
2. Add the web address of the video you'd like to make into a GIF.
3. Optional step: decorate your GIF. 
4. Optional step: add hashtags to your GIF. 
5. Upload your GIF to GIPHY.
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7. Making GIFs is easy! Follow this guide to using our simple tools.
   
   Use Upload to add your GIFs and creations to GIPHY so that you can share your GIFs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, text message, email, and more.
   

   Use GIF Maker to take it one step further and create, edit, and add captions to animated GIFs from video files and YouTube links. Just like uploading GIFs, you'll need to be signed into your GIPHY account to create GIFs.

8. Choose Video to add a video from your files, choose Add Any URL to enter a YouTube or video URL or drag and drop a video file into the GIFMaker screen to get started. Videos must be under 100MB and under 15 seconds long.
9. Use the sliders to select Start Time on the video and the Duration of your GIF.
10. You will have the option to decorate if you choose. Enter your caption in the Caption field. You can then reposition your caption, edit the text, or remove the caption. Use the tabs next to the caption editor to explore effects, stickers, and other fun decorators for your GIF! This step is optional.
11. You can Add Tags to your GIFs, separated by commas (no # needed), and add a Source URL to give credit to the original source. You can also change your GIF from Public to Private. Private GIFs cannot be seen by anyone but you when you are logged in and can't be shared. This step is optional but highly encouraged.
12. Hit the Create GIF button to finish. You will be redirected to the GIF page when it is complete.
13. You can share your GIF slideshow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Reddit, text message, email, and everywhere.
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