GIF it up! Get more out of your Corporate Messages with Animated Images
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
GIF your corporate messages up! The wait is over, now you can finally make your corporate content more fun! The new Netpresenter’s Message Server 15 supports GIFs to enrich your corporate content. Now, you might think: “Great feature Netpresenter, but how can my organization benefit from these animated images?” Well, you’re about to find out.
And the winner is…
But, first things first. Before we enlighten you with all the benefits of this jolly new feature, we first like to share a bit of history with you. GIF is invented in 1987 by Steve Wilhite, an engineer at CompuServe. He even won a Lifetime Achievement Webby for it. GIF stands for graphics interchange format, a file format which supports both static and animated images. They‘re quick, soundless, short videos which keep on playing in a loop. The feature got worldwide fame when MySpace (no you’re not old if you remember this) introduced the use of GIFs in messages. Especially the dancing banana was spot on.
Greatest GIFt of all
Moving images are increasingly making moves, literally and figuratively. Of course, they’re nice and fun to add to your social media posts or WhatsApp messages. But, they can actually also be of value to your company. Here are 6 reasons why you should add GIF to your corporate messages:
- Reinforcement
An image reinforces the story you want to tell. An animated image does that even more. Therefore, your public immediately knows the feeling you want to express. - Stand out
Of course, you can add a picture to your article, message or social media post, but an animated one, stands out more. Also, Google and social media algorithms love videos. Therefore, if you use them, you will receive more views and get ranked higher, if you give them a proper description of course. - Visualize data
With a GIF you can visualize data with ease. You can, for example, show how your company is performing, how your employees are performing and who is performing best in an infographic. Add some extra fun elements, by making the winner ‘champ of the month’ by displaying a trophy GIF with his name on it. Etc, etc.
- Promotion
GIFs are a fun way to promote a product or a service of your company. - Sharing is caring
We all know the expression: “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Well start using them! With GIFs you can easily tell how you feel without saying a word. - Small presentation
GIFs are basically multiple pictures placed after one another. This gives you the opportunity to tell a small story. Try something different for a change!
So, are your messages a little bit stiff? Start enriching them with a GIF! Find out more about it in our Summer Release Notes. Any questions or in need of support? Contact us or request for a free demo.
What are best practices for creating or selecting GIFs for corporate use?
This are the best practices:
Keep animations short and looped smoothly,
Use company branding where possible,
Ensure content is contextually appropriate and inclusive,
Test for readability on various screen sizes,
Avoid overwhelming visuals that could distract or confuse.
These guidelines help organizations maintain a balance between creativity and clarity.
Are there risks of using GIFs in professional settings?
While GIFs can enhance communication, the article cautions against overuse or misuse. GIFs should remain relevant, brand-appropriate, and not distract from the message itself. It’s important to ensure accessibility, keep animations subtle, and align visuals with corporate tone and goals. Used thoughtfully, GIFs boost engagement without compromising professionalism.
In what types of internal messages can GIFs be most effectively used?
GIFs can be used across a wide variety of corporate messages, including:
Urgent alerts or announcements, to emphasize importance,
Celebrations or milestones, to add festivity and energy,
Instructions or quick tips, using looping animations to demonstrate steps,
Reminders, such as safety tips or deadlines,
Recognition, like spotlighting achievements or welcoming new employees.
This versatility makes GIFs a valuable addition to virtually any internal campaign.
Why should we use animated GIFs in corporate communication?
Animated GIFs are a simple yet powerful tool to capture attention and enhance message retention. As the article explains, GIFs add movement and visual appeal, which naturally draw the eye—especially on digital signage, screensavers, and desktop alerts. They help messages stand out in a crowded information landscape and make corporate communication more engaging and dynamic.
