The advertising real estate is competitive these days, considering the number of businesses globally vying for the top spaces. Many companies want to grab their audience’s attention before their competitors, and it’s done through various means. One way is creating visual and animated assets to maximize impressions across multiple channels. One of these assets is a GIF, which can be used on display and banner ads. If you want to try using advertising GIFs for your campaigns, check out our guide here!

How to Make Advertising GIFs

There are two main approaches to making advertising GIFs.

One approach is to convert a video into a GIF. This option is ideal once your video has been edited. Once you convert a video into a GIF, you can publish the GIF ad faster. You can use video editing software with GIF conversion capabilities. This allows you to seamlessly turn your video into a GIF without leaving the software or using another one. 

However, some graphic design software, like Canva or Adobe Express, also allows video-to-GIF conversions. That said, these apps have limits on video size.

Another way to create GIFs is by combining still images, video screenshots, or illustrations into one GIF. This lets you do things manually. One advantage is that you can explore multiple animations to see which would work. This process takes time as compared to the video conversion method. Still, choosing this option is great when you want to do things yourself.

A subset of this method is using a still image with an animated element. For example, you already have a graphic design ad, but you want to move icons or text only. That’s also possible with graphic design software applications, too. This is probably easier than the previous approach. However, it’s also time-consuming.

What are the benefits of using GIF ads?

  • It catches the user’s attention or the website visitor
  • It’s more dynamic and engaging
  • Businesses can create multiple variations and let them play across various platforms

Examples of Advertising GIFs

1. Mashable and SpiceWorld IT Conference

screenshot of mashable and spice world ads

Online publications or blogs like Mashable have display or banner ads like actual newspapers or magazines. Mashable has a banner ad to let users follow them on their social media pages. Meanwhile, you’ll also see an ad for an event in Mashable.

The Mashable GIF is a combination of multiple edited images. Meanwhile, the SpiceWorld Conference focuses on some elements to animate.

These two examples won’t disrupt the reader but will intrigue them into knowing what else Mashable can do and what SpiceWorld is all about.

2. Canva

screenshot of buzzfeed and canva gifs

Here’s an advertising GIF from Canva. The graphic design software created an original advertising GIF to show the project management process through a Whiteboard. This shows that Canva lets your team collaborate without leaving the graphic design software app. It’s an effective way to show teams that Canva is more than just a design app.

3. Trading Pro

screenshot of trading pro ad

Here’s a GIF ad from Trading Pro. Their ad uses three to four images combined into one GIF. Its advantage against other finance or trading ads is the motif. The company uses purple and pink, and it’s noticeable as one user scrolls down to read an article.

4. Viral Nation

screenshot of viral nation ad

Check out this simple ad design from AdAge and Viral Nation. In three layers, Viral Nation cements itself as a leader. Plus, the ad oozes luxury based on the fonts and colors. This is one good example of using a text-only GIF ad.

5. WFF

screenshot of WFF ad

With so many ads in one place, WFF wants to make itself known through color and persuasion. The yellow ad seems uplifting, encouraging you to click and discover your “brilliance.” If it doesn’t catch your eye the first time, it loops with two to three more images. 

6. Moe’s Grill

screenshot of moe's grill ad

Here’s one of two restaurant franchise ads. The Moe’s Grill ad persuades website visitors to consider franchising. One of the best things about this ad is that they added proof to the ad. It will help potential franchisors decide whether or not Moe’s Grill is the right fit for their investment.

7. Sambazon

screenshot of sambazon ad

Here’s the second franchise ad on this list: Sambazon. It is also eye-catching because of its colors. It uses a purple motif that will grab someone’s attention. Additionally, the ad loops twice because it uses two images. The copy convinces potential franchisors to franchise a legitimate and reputable restaurant.

8. Intuit Quickbooks

screenshot of intuit quickbooks ad

Check out this GIF ad from Intuit Quickbooks. It loops two to three images simultaneously and convinces users to use its software without sounding sales-y. One notable element in its ad is the color. Green is the brand’s color and will be easily recognized across various platforms.

9. Hello Mag

screenshot of hello mag ad

Our final ad comes from Hello Mag. The GIF uses only two frames. The copy changes, and one of the frames has a call to action. Having a call to action will definitely make visitors consider clicking on the ad to see how the magazine can benefit them. Plus, the ad also includes an expert, which makes the magazine trustworthy in terms of beauty advice.

Which Ad Platforms Allow GIFs

  • Meta – Meta considers GIFs as video ads
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter (now, X) – Applicable only to Trend Takeover ads
  • Google – Applicable for thumbnails and companion banners only
  • Microsoft – GIFs are allowed but won’t be animated
  • Amazon – Applicable to specific ad types only:
    • Amazon DSP mobile app – not recommended as mobile banners
    • Amazon video ads
    • Billboard below the fold – static GIF only
    • Daily Deals Stripe Site – static GIF only
    • eCommerce display creatives
    • Kindle with Special Offers
    • Standard Media
    • Twitch Super Leaderboard
    • Medium Rectangle
    • Stream Display Ads

Let Penji Create Advertising GIFs

As previously mentioned, creating 2D animated ads can be tedious and time-consuming. This could take some time from running your business or working on other tasks that need your attention. You can take that burden off you and outsource your work to a reliable graphic design service like Penji!

Penji can help you with your marketing campaigns and create visually stunning assets to impress your target audience. In addition to 2D animated ads, you can trust Penji for other marketing assets, branding visuals, and designs to help your business grow.

Make Penji your design partner and experience why 25,000 businesses and brands trust us. View a video demo and see the difference!