How to Add A GIF to Google Slides Presentations?

GIFs add a visual aid to convey information in your presentations. These short animations can save time by expressing your point in a visually efficient way. Learn the clever way to add GIFs to Google Slides that captivate your audience's attention.

How to Add A GIF to Google Slides Presentations?
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Last Modified :  March 18, 2024

Adding GIFs is one of the easiest ways to keep the audience engaged while presenting. They can also help you define concepts, if used cleverly. Many professionals add GIFs to Google Slides to reduce the number of slides in their presentations. 

Understanding how to add GIFs to Google Slides requires certain steps of how short video content works. In this article, we’ll explain different methods of how to insert a GIF into Google Slides presentations and how a GIF can enhance your presentations.

What is GIF?

A GIF, or Graphics Interchange Format, is a short video that allows for creating short video animations. GIFs differ from other image file types, such as JPEG and PNG. They can contain multiple animation frames. For example, you can create basic animations, such as a character waving or a rotating globe. 

What is GIF
What is GIF

Working Professionals add GIFs to Google Slides to make the information understandable and relatable to their audience. This helps them emphasize important sections of the information without distracting the audience. Learning to use GIFs can be valuable, whether you want to add flair to your presentations or make them more engaging.

ALSO READ: How to add a video to Google Slides?

Benefits Of Inserting GIF Into Google Slides

Inserting GIF into Google Slides can enhance your presentations in various ways. Some of the benefits offered are:

  • Relatable content: Relatable GIF content typically keeps audiences more connected to your content and interested. 
  • Enhanced information: Some topics require short visual aids to help the audience understand your words without expanding. 
  • Storytelling: GIFs can help convey complex ideas or concepts, tell a story or illustrate a process than static images. 
  • Professionalism: Ensure that the selected GIF aligns with the tone and content of your presentation.

Note: Remember to use GIFs judiciously and ensure they enhance rather than distract from your message. It’s essential to consider your audience and the context of your presentation when you add GIFs to Google Slides.

How to Insert a GIF into Google Slides?

Adding a GIF to Google Slides presentations can be a fun and creative way to level up your message when used in the proper context. To insert a GIF into a Google Slides presentation, follow these methods:

  1. Using Computer
  2. Using URL
  3. Using Web search

How to Add a GIF to Google Slides Using Your Computer?

Adding GIF to Google Slides from your computer is a simple process. Here’s how you add a GIF to Google Slides from your computer:

  1. Start by opening your Google Slides presentation.
  2. In the toolbar, navigate to the left corner and click “Insert” > “Image” > “Upload from Computer”.
  3. Choose the GIF you want to embed and press the “Open” option.
  4. If necessary, adjust the GIF to fit the style and arrangement of your slide.
How to Add a GIF to Google Slides Using Your Computer
How to Add a GIF to Google Slides Using Your Computer

How to Add Animated GIFs to Google Slides Using URL?

Google Slides allows you to insert GIFs directly from the internet into your presentations. Using a URL to insert a GIF is another easier way to add a GIF in Google Slides. Here are the steps for adding a GIF to Google Slides presentations using a URL:

  1. Navigate to the slide where you wish to embed the GIF in Google Slides.
  2. Select “Image” from the dropdown menu after clicking the “Insert” option in the top menu.
  3. Click the “By URL” tab in the “Insert Image” window.
  4. Now, enter the GIF URL you want to insert.
  5. Click “Insert Image” to add the desired GIF to your slide.
  6. The GIF will be inserted into your slide as an image. 

TIP: You can resize or move the GIF as needed using the handles around the edges of the image.

How to Add Animated GIFs to Google Slides Using URL
How to Add Animated GIFs to Google Slides Using URL

ALSO READ: How to add a border in Google Slides?

In addition to inserting GIFs from your computer, or using a URL, you can add a GIF to your Google Slides presentations using the built-in web search feature. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to the slide you wish to add a GIF in Google Slides.
  2. Go to the “Insert” option and select “Image” from the dropdown menu.
  3. In the “Insert Image” window, click the “Search the web” tab.
  4. In the “Search” field, enter the type of GIF you seek. For example, you might search for ‘cat GIF’ or ‘funny GIF.’
  5. Google will provide a list of GIFs corresponding to your search term. You may review the results and choose the GIF you wish to insert.
  6. Once you’ve identified the GIF you want to use, pick it and insert it into your presentation by clicking “Insert”.
  7. The GIF will be directly inserted into your  Google Slides presentation.

Whether you insert a GIF from your computer, a URL, or a web search, the process is quick and easy. And with the built-in editing tools, you can customize your GIFs to fit your specific needs.

How to Add GIFs to Google Slides Using Web Search
How to Add GIFs to Google Slides Using Web Search

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Displaying animated GIFs within a Google Slide is easy. To ensure that the animation appears in the right place, you must use your creativity to arrange and design the slide creatively. Therefore, the following are some ideas for presenting using an animated GIF:

  • Enhance boring slides
  • Check the animation speed
  • Explain a process
  • Add Context
  • Enhance with Format Options
  • Optimize for Size 
  • Break for Humor

Overusing GIFs or misusing them can be distracting and take away from the overall effectiveness of your presentation. Always ensure that your GIFs align with the presentation content. Also, ensure you don’t add too many effects to your GIFs, as they may crash or look unprofessional. 

EXPLORE: Tips to create professional-looking presentations

Conclusion

GIFs are a visual aid for your presentations and shouldn’t overshadow the core message. Animated GIFs might be essential for some presentations while jarring for others. For instance, you can have a lot of creative flexibility in a presentation for school but not for a business presentation.

With some practice, you’ll add GIFs to your Google Slides presentations like a pro in no time! If you want to save time while creating presentations, consider using Google Slides templates to build stunning presentations. Download now!

FAQ's

  1. How do I insert a GIF into Google Slides?

    To insert a GIF into Google Slides, you must follow these steps:

    • Open your presentation and navigate to the slide where you want to add the GIF.
    • Click “Insert” > “Image” 
    • Here, you will find different ways to insert GIFs in Google Slides, like uploading from a computer, searching across the web, inserting directly using the GIF URL, etc.

  2. Will the GIFs play automatically in the presentation?

    Yes, when you present your Google Slides, the inserted GIFs will play automatically. However, remember that the animation might not work in editing mode. To preview the GIF’s animation, click the “Present” button at the top-right corner of the screen to enter presentation mode. Ensure your GIFs are hosted on a reliable platform for seamless playback during your presentation.

  3. Why won't my GIF work in Google Slides?

    If a GIF doesn’t work in Google Slides, verify that the link you copied and pasted is valid. You may also try deleting and downloading the file to your computer again to ensure it isn’t corrupted.

  4. Are there any size limitations for GIFs in Google Slides?

    Google Slides has a file size limit for individual presentations, but there isn’t a specific size limitation for GIFs. However, keeping the size reasonable is advisable to ensure smooth loading and playback. Large GIFs may affect the performance of your presentation, especially when sharing or presenting online.

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