How to Upload GIFs to Instagram (2025)

James Orublig / Updated 8 August 2025 4:02 pm / 3 minute

Summary by Editor:

Instagram doesn’t allow direct GIF uploads to the feed; GIFs must be converted to video.
Method 1 (Giphy App): Download Giphy → allow camera access → find/create GIF → tap Instagram share → converts to MP4 → post on Instagram.
Method 2 (GIF-to-Video Conversion): Use Filmora → import GIF → edit if needed → export as MP4 → upload to Instagram.
Instagram Stories can display your own GIFs if uploaded to Giphy and approved.
GIFs can be sent in Instagram DMs via the sticker/GIF section.
Instagram video guidelines: 50–150 MB size, MP4 format, max 30 fps.
Live Photos aren’t supported; must be turned into boomerangs to post.

Instagram allows users to share photos and videos instantly, but uploading GIFs isn’t as straightforward as on Facebook or Twitter. If you want to add GIFs to your posts or stories, here are two simple methods to do it.

Method 1: Using the Giphy App to Upload GIFs to Instagram

Giphy provides a vast collection of GIFs and lets you easily share them on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It converts GIFs into 15-second MP4 videos, which you can save to your camera roll and upload directly to Instagram.

Giphy can be slow, so if you need a faster option, consider using a different video trimming tool. Here’s how to upload a GIF using Giphy:

Download the Giphy app and allow camera access.
Search for a GIF or create one from scratch.
Tap the Instagram share button to convert it into a video.
Open Instagram and post the saved video.

Method 2: Convert GIF to Video

Instagram allows users to post 15-second videos, making GIF-to-video conversion a simple workaround. Here’s how to do it using Filmora:

Download and install Filmora on your PC or Mac.
Open the app and select “Full Mode.”
Import your GIF and edit it if needed (add text, music, adjust brightness, etc.).
Export as MP4 to convert it into a video.
Upload the video to Instagram from your gallery.

This method ensures smooth GIF sharing on Instagram.

To Conclude Uploading GIFs to Instagram

Now you know how to post GIFs on Instagram. If you have other thoughts on how you can upload a GIF to Instagram, leave us a comment and let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions About

1. What’s the maximum length for a GIF on Instagram Stories?

Instagram doesn’t actually play GIFs as true GIF files — it converts them into short looping videos. In Stories, these loops can be up to 15 seconds long per slide. If your animation is longer, you’ll need to split it into multiple parts.

2. Can I tag people in a GIF on Instagram feed?

Yes — but only if you upload it as a video (MP4). After converting your GIF, you can tag accounts just like you would on any regular post. You can’t tag people inside GIF stickers from Giphy or Tenor.

3. Has Instagram changed GIF support in 2025?

Yes. In 2025, Instagram expanded its direct GIF integration. You can now add GIFs directly from Giphy/Tenor into comments, DMs, and even some feed posts without manual conversion. Feed uploads still require video format if you want to post your own custom GIF.

4. How to upload GIFs from a computer to Instagram?

Instagram’s desktop version now supports video uploads — so just convert your GIF to MP4, log into Instagram.com, and upload it like any other video. You can also use Creator Studio or Meta Business Suite for scheduling.

5. Which GIF formats work on Instagram?

Technically, Instagram doesn’t accept the .gif file format for uploads. You’ll need to use MP4 (H.264 codec) or MOV for posting animations. The in-app GIFs you see are actually pulled from Giphy/Tenor as short video loops.

James Orublig
Posts: 128

Hi, my name is James but my friend calls me JamesTheNews since I always have the latest news about social media. Follow my blogs to learn every bit of trickery there is to social media.

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2 Comments on How to Upload GIFs to Instagram (2025)

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Kyle Gill

I prefer to upload gif to Instagram over uploading videos. The looping feature is what makes it so special.

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kingston

Giphy app has no sharing options.

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