Use this method to insert a custom animated GIF into your email using an external hosting link. This approach ensures the GIF animates correctly in the Email Builder and for recipients.
Method 1: Direct Upload
- In the Email Builder, drag an Image content block into your email draft
- In the properties panel, click Browse
- Click Upload and select your GIF file
- Click Insert.
Method 2: URL Embed
Use this method if your GIF doesn't animate after a direct upload.
Step 1: Create your GIF
Create your GIF using any third-party tool. If you need a quick option, build one in PowerPoint: go to File → Export → Create Animated GIF, then click Create GIF to save the file.
Step 2: Host your GIF and copy the URL
- Go to gifyu.com.
- Drag your GIF file into the upload area and click Upload
- Right-click the GIF and select Copy image address
Step 3: Insert the GIF into your email
- In the Email Builder, drag an Image content block into your email draft
- In the properties menu on the right, paste the copied URL into the first Url field
- The GIF will appear in your email and animate on supported clients
Best Practices for GIF Load Times
Optimize your GIF file before uploading — resizing in the Email Builder does not reliably reduce its size.
- Optimize the Dimensions
Email widths are typically 600px to 800px. If your GIF is 1200px wide, you are wasting data.
- Resize the GIF to exactly the width it will appear in the email layout
- If it’s a small icon or a sticker, don't export it at full-screen resolution
2. Reduce the Frame Rate
The weight of a GIF comes mostly from the number of frames.
- Standard Video: 24–30 frames per second (fps)
- Email GIF: Try to aim for 10–12 fps
- Removing every second frame can often cut the file size by 50% without losing the feel of the animation
3. Use External Compression Tools
Before uploading to the Beefree file manager, run your GIF through a specialized optimizer. These tools use "lossy" compression to strip out unnecessary color data.
- EzGIF: Great for manual control (cropping, resizing, and frame dropping).
- Squoosh.app: A high-end Google tool for extreme compression.
- Adobe Express: Quick and user-friendly for basic resizing.
4. Shorten the Loop
Does the animation really need to be 10 seconds long? You usually only have 2–3 seconds of a user's attention.
- Trim the duration to the absolute minimum required to convey the message
- Avoid complex gradients; GIFs handle solid colors much more efficiently
Aim to keep GIFs under 1–2 MB. Smaller files are especially important for recipients on VPN or mobile connections.
Email Client Limitations
GIF animation support varies by email client. Be aware of these limitations when using GIFs in your campaigns:
Supported Clients
- Office 365 (with settings enabled)
- Gmail
- Outlook mobile app
Limited Support
- Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 will display only the first frame of the GIF. Recipients must open the email in a browser to see the animation.
Animation Behavior
- Office 365: GIFs loop only 3 times, then pause. A Play button appears on the image—clicking it plays the animation 3 more times.
- Other supported clients: Animation behavior varies by platform.