How to Add Animated GIFs to Your Outlook Emails

You can insert animated GIFs into Outlook emails on desktop and web, but the method differs slightly between versions

Outlook supports animated GIFs in email messages, though the process depends on whether you use Outlook on Windows, Mac, or Outlook on the web. The GIF will animate when the recipient opens the email in most email clients, though some older versions or conservative email settings may show only the first frame. Desktop versions let you insert from your computer or online sources, while the web version relies on a built-in image search or pasting from a URL.

The most reliable method is to insert the GIF as an image file rather than embedding it as a background, since embedded backgrounds don't animate in most email clients. Once inserted, the GIF behaves like any other image — you can resize it, move it, and add text around it.

Key Takeaways

On Outlook desktop, go to Insert > Pictures and choose from your computer, online sources, or Bing Image Search to add an animated GIF.
Outlook on the web lets you insert GIFs through the Insert menu, though the search and upload options are more limited than the desktop version.
The GIF will animate in the recipient's email only if their email client supports animated images — older clients or strict security settings may show a static frame instead.
Inserting a GIF as an image is more reliable than using it as a background, since background images rarely animate in email.
File size matters: very large GIFs may slow down email loading or be rejected by some mail servers, so keep animated GIFs under 5 MB when possible.

Adding an animated GIF in Outlook on Windows

Open your email draft and place your cursor where you want the GIF to appear. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon, then select Pictures. A dropdown menu will show three options: This Device, Stock Images, and Online Pictures.

If the GIF is saved on your computer, click This Device, navigate to the folder where the file is stored, select the GIF, and click Insert. If you want to search for a GIF online, click Online Pictures, type a search term (like "celebration" or "thumbs up"), and browse the results. Select the GIF you want and click Insert. The image will appear in your email at the size Outlook chooses, and you can resize it by dragging the corners.

Adding an animated GIF in Outlook on Mac

Click in the body of your email where you want the GIF to go. In the menu bar at the top, click Insert, then select Picture. You'll see options for Picture from File, Picture from Web, and Online Pictures.

For a GIF on your Mac, choose Picture from File, find the file in your folders, and click Insert. To search online, click Online Pictures, type what you're looking for, and select from the results. The GIF will insert at a default size and you can adjust it by clicking and dragging the corner handles.

Adding an animated GIF in Outlook on the web

Open your email draft and click in the message body where you want the GIF. Click the Insert button (usually a paperclip or plus icon, depending on your version), then select Pictures. Outlook on the web offers fewer options than the desktop version — you can upload from your computer or search Bing Image Search.

To upload a GIF from your device, click Upload from your device, select the file, and wait for it to finish uploading. To search online, click Search the web, type your search term, and pick the GIF from the results. The image will appear in your email, and you can resize it by clicking and dragging the edges.

Why some recipients might not see the animation

Email clients vary in how they handle animated GIFs. Gmail, Outlook.com, and Apple Mail all support animated GIFs, so most recipients will see the animation. However, some corporate email systems have security settings that strip animations or block certain image types. Older email clients or very conservative security filters may display only the first frame of the GIF instead of the full animation.

There's no way to know in advance whether a specific recipient's email system will animate the GIF, so it's best to use GIFs as a bonus rather than as essential information. If the GIF contains important content, include text in the email that conveys the same message, so recipients who see only a static image still understand what you're trying to communicate.

File size and performance considerations

Animated GIFs can be large files, especially if they contain many frames or high resolution. Outlook and most mail servers accept GIFs up to 25 MB, but sending very large files can slow down email delivery and frustrate recipients with slow internet connections. A good target is to keep animated GIFs under 5 MB.

If your GIF is too large, you can compress it using free online tools like TinyGIF or Ezgif before inserting it into Outlook. Compressing reduces file size by lowering the number of colors or frames, and the difference is often invisible to the viewer. Test the GIF in a draft email to yourself first — send it and open it to confirm the animation works and the file size is reasonable.

Inserting a GIF as a background versus an image

Outlook lets you set a background image for your email, but animated GIFs do not animate when used as a background. The email client will display only the first frame, making the background appear static. For this reason, always insert animated GIFs as regular images in the body of the email rather than as a background.

If you want a decorative background, use a static image instead. If you want the animation to be visible, insert the GIF as an image in the message body where recipients will see it move. You can position it at the top, bottom, or anywhere else in the email, and add text around it as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an animated GIF from a website URL without downloading it first?

Yes. In Outlook desktop, use the Online Pictures option and paste the direct URL of the GIF. In Outlook on the web, use Search the web to find and insert GIFs without downloading. Both methods pull the image from the web and embed it in your email.

Will the animated GIF still work if I forward the email?

Yes, the GIF remains animated when you forward the email. The animation is part of the image file itself, not dependent on the original sender or email thread, so forwarding preserves it.

What if the GIF doesn't animate when I send it to myself?

Check your email client's settings — some corporate systems or security filters disable animations. Try sending the email to a personal email account (like Gmail or Outlook.com) to test whether the GIF animates there. If it works in a personal account but not at work, your workplace email system is filtering it.

Can I resize an animated GIF without losing the animation?

Yes. Resizing an image in Outlook doesn't affect the animation — it only changes how large the GIF appears on screen. Drag the corner handles to make it bigger or smaller, and the animation will continue to work.

Are there any GIF sources you recommend for Outlook emails?

Giphy, Tenor, and Imgur all host searchable GIF libraries. You can search these sites directly, copy the GIF URL, and paste it into Outlook's Online Pictures field. Alternatively, use Outlook's built-in Bing Image Search, which returns results from across the web.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.