Posting a GIF on LinkedIn is a great way to grab attention without having to create an entire video. It can boost engagement, but you need to know how to do it right.

Whether you're aiming to make your posts more dynamic, add a touch of humor, or simply stand out in a sea of text, GIFs can be a powerful tool. However, using them effectively requires some know-how, which this guide will provide.

TL:DR; Using GIFs on LinkedIn can make your posts more engaging and memorable, helping you stand out and connect better with your audience.

Is it okay to use GIFs on LinkedIn?

Absolutely! Using GIFs on LinkedIn is perfectly acceptable. Many people hesitate to use them because they either don't know how or fear it might not be professional. But this is your chance to stand out.

Why use GIFs?

As mentioned, GIFs are a great way to differentiate yourself. Here’s why you should consider using them:

Eye-Catching: GIFs are animated, which naturally draws the viewer's attention. In a feed full of text and static images, a moving picture is like a beacon. It captures the eye and makes users pause, even if just for a moment.
Entertaining: They can add a touch of humor to your posts. A well-chosen GIF can make your audience smile or laugh, creating a positive emotional connection. Humor can be a great way to humanize your brand and make your content more relatable.
Relevant: When used appropriately, they can add significant value to your content. For instance, a GIF can succinctly illustrate a point, show a reaction, or provide a visual break in longer text. It can make complex ideas easier to understand and remember.

However, make sure your GIFs are relevant to your post's content. Randomly inserted GIFs can confuse your audience and dilute your message. The key is to ensure that the GIF enhances your message rather than distracts from it.

Where to use GIFs?

In Posts:

GIFs can make your posts more engaging and visually appealing. They can be used to emphasize a point, introduce humor, or break up text-heavy content. For example, if you’re talking about the hectic nature of Monday mornings, a funny GIF depicting the chaos can resonate well with your audience. For more tips on creating engaging and humorous content, check out our article on Funny LinkedIn Posts.

In Comments:

Use them to add a playful touch to your interactions. A well-placed GIF in a comment can help you stand out and make your response memorable. It’s a way to show personality and engage with others in a light-hearted manner.

In Private Messages:

Particularly useful for breaking the ice in prospecting messages. Sending a GIF can make your initial outreach less formal and more approachable. It can help establish rapport and make the conversation feel more personal.

How to find GIFs

To post GIFs, you need to have them first, and this is where many people get stuck. Finding the right GIF can be easy if you know where to look and how to create your own if needed.

The ultimate GIF library

Giphy.com is your go-to source for finding the perfect GIF. It’s a fantastic site filled with a vast array of GIFs for every occasion. Here’s how to use it:

Search: Enter keywords related to the emotion, reaction, or scene you want. Giphy’s search functionality is quite robust, making it easy to find something specific.
Browse categories: If you’re unsure what you’re looking for, browsing through categories can spark ideas. Categories like “Work,” “Funny,” or “Reactions” are good places to start.
Filter results: Use filters to narrow down your search by type (e.g., stickers, reactions) or by file size if needed.

Giphy also allows you to favorite GIFs for quick access later, making it easier to manage your go-to GIFs for regular posting.

Create your own GIFs

Sometimes, you might want a custom GIF that perfectly fits your message or brand. Creating your own GIFs can be a great way to ensure uniqueness and relevance.

Here’s how:

Using Photoshop: If you’re familiar with Photoshop, you can create high-quality GIFs from video clips or a series of images. Photoshop offers detailed control over the animation process, allowing you to fine-tune your GIFs.

Giphy’s creation tool: Giphy also provides an easy-to-use tool for creating GIFs. You can upload video clips or images, add text or stickers, and create a GIF in minutes.

Other online platforms: There are numerous other tools available online, like EZGIF.com or Imgflip, which offer simple interfaces for creating GIFs. These tools often include options for adding effects, captions, and more.

Creating your own GIFs can be especially useful if you want to incorporate specific branding elements or tailor the content to a particular message.

Use a browser extension

For easy access to GIFs, especially in comments, you can download browser extensions like Unicat. This tool gives you a wide selection of GIFs at your fingertips, making it simple to add them to your posts and comments. Here’s how to use it:

Install the extension: Add the extension to your browser from the Chrome Web Store.
Access directly: Once installed, you can access the GIF library directly from your LinkedIn comment or post window.
Search and insert: Use the search function within the extension to find the right GIF, then insert it directly into your post or comment.

This method saves time and makes the process of adding GIFs to your LinkedIn interactions seamless and efficient.

How to create a great LinkedIn post with a GIF

Before you think about adding a GIF to your post, make sure you know how to write a compelling LinkedIn post. Let’s revisit the basics!

To streamline your writing process and make your posts more impactful, consider using AI tools like MagicPost. It's the ideal solution for saving time and enhancing your content effortlessly.

The right post structure

To craft a successful LinkedIn post, follow these key elements:

Hook: Start with a strong hook to grab attention. This could be an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement. The first few lines are crucial in making people stop scrolling.

One Subject = One Post: Focus on a single topic to keep your message clear and concise. Don’t try to cover too many points in one post.

IA Tool: Use MagicPost to generate the right LinkedIn post structure and easily grow your LinkedIn account. No need to spend hours searching for hacks.

Good CTA (Call to Action): End your post with a compelling call to action. Whether it’s asking for opinions, encouraging shares, or inviting people to connect, a good CTA drives engagement.

Good Format: Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and relevant visuals to make your post easy to read and visually appealing. Break up large blocks of text with headers, lists, and, of course, GIFs.

How to insert a GIF

Adding a GIF to your LinkedIn post is straightforward. Here’s how:

Click on the image icon in the post creation area.
Select the GIF you want to upload from your files.
Insert and validate.

GIFs are treated like any other image file (e.g., PNG or JPG) but with the added benefit of animation.

The secret to a perfect LinkedIn post with a GIF

The secret to a perfect LinkedIn post with a GIF lies in balance and relevance. Ensure your GIF complements the content of your post and doesn’t overshadow your main message. Use GIFs to enhance your storytelling, not distract from it. Keep your tone professional yet approachable, and always align your humor with the expectations of your professional audience.