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  3. Email Builder - Content Blocks

Adding Custom GIFs to Your Email

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

  1. In the Email Builder, drag an Image content block into your email draft
  2. In the properties panel, click Browse
  3. Click Upload and select your GIF file
  4. 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

  1. Go to gifyu.com.
  2. Drag your GIF file into the upload area and click Upload
  3. Right-click the GIF and select Copy image address

Step 3: Insert the GIF into your email

  1. In the Email Builder, drag an Image content block into your email draft
  2. In the properties menu on the right, paste the copied URL into the first Url field
  3. 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.

Apply these optimizations in order of impact:

  1. Reduce pixel dimensions — This is usually the biggest improvement. Aim for 600–800 px wide for full-width sections.
  2. Reduce frame count — Shorten the duration or lower the FPS.
  3. Reduce colors — Drop from 256 to 128 or 64 colors where possible.
  4. Remove transparency — If the GIF doesn't need it, removing it reduces file size.
  5. Limit loops — If the GIF doesn't need to loop forever, set a fixed loop count.

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.

See Also

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