How to Post GIFs on Instagram: 2 Ways (2025 Guide)

Instagram is a powerful platform for sharing photos and videos, but did you know you can also post GIFs? While Instagram doesn’t support direct GIF uploads, there are simple workarounds to share your favorite animations. In this guide, we’ll show you how to post GIFs on Instagram using tools like Wondershare Filmora and GIPHY. Let’s get started!

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2 Simple Methods to Upload GIFs to Instagram

Method 1: Convert Your GIF to Video Using Filmora

It is great that Instagram allows all of its users to post videos that are up to fifteen seconds. This can be regarded as an alternative for an animated GIF file.

You can post this video successfully by choosing a Start time and an end time so that you can cut down the video clip to the required 15 seconds.

Here we recommend Wondershare Filmora, which is an extremely great editing tool for videos. It allows you to convert your GIF images to videos instantly, with no hassle, or if you want to change your videos back to GIF images.

How to convert GIF to video with Wondershare Filmora

• Step 1: Open the Filmora software
• Step 2: Edit Your GIF
• Step 3: Export the video
• Step 4: Upload to Instagram

Step 1: Open the Filmora Software

Wondershare Filmora application should be opened on your computer after downloading it. Then, you upload the gif file that you choose into the Filmora program.

Step 2: Edit Your GIF

You can then edit the gif by adding text, music, and different colors.

Step 3: Export the video

The next step is to select Create Video and select MP4 as your format. Or you can save it directly to your mobile device. Then, Wondershare Filmora will turn your animated GIF image into a video.

Step 4: Upload to Instagram

Lastly, open up the Instagram app, choose the desired video from your image gallery, edit, add a written description and upload it to your profile for the world to see.

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Method 2: Share GIFs to Instagram Using Giphy

Giphy is a popular GIF collection and community site, it also allows you to search your favorite GIFs and then post them to social networks like Facebook, Twitter, as well as Instagram. It will convert and save the gif as a 15-second MP4 video into your camera roll for you to open it in an Instagram post directly.

One of Giphy's shortage is that it's too slow, if you want to trim a video quickly and free, you can choose Filmora's free video trimmer, which allows you to trim a video online without registration, and is totally free.

Here is how to post GIFs on Instagram using Giphy:

• Step 1: Download and Set Up GIPHY
• Step 2: Find or Create a GIF
• Step 3: Share to Instagram

Step 1: Download and Set Up GIPHY

Once you've downloaded the application, it will ask for your authority to access your camera on your smartphone before you are able to start your first GIF-like video.

Step 2: Find or Create a GIF

Open the app and search for the GIF you want to post, you can also create a GIF by yourself.

Step 3: Share to Instagram

Choose a purple box with an Instagram symbol in the Sharing options, then Giphy will try to open your Instagram app. Go and open your Instagram app, and post the video file you just generated with Giphy.

You have the option to crop your clip, use filters to put different effects, and place your small image before adding text below it to describe your GIF video to the world. After you post your video, it will play and automatically show your mini video from beginning to finish in your follower's news feeds. 

It will have a label showing that it is a Boomerang video. Your followers can click on the app and download it as well for themselves.

Bonus Tip: Turn Your Ideas into Instagram-Ready Short Videos

While uploading existing GIFs is a great way to express yourself on Instagram, sometimes you may want to create original, short, animated content that conveys a specific idea or message.

This is where Filmora’s new AI Idea to Video feature can be helpful. Instead of starting from scratch or manually editing clips, you can simply enter a short text prompt or a basic story idea. Filmora’s AI will then:

• Automatically generate a storyboard with visual scenes and dialogue
• Maintain consistent characters, whether you upload your own or let the AI create them
• Let you control aspects like aspect ratio, duration, and visual style (e.g., anime, cyberpunk, Disney-style)
• Add natural-sounding AI voiceovers with accurate lip sync

Once the script and scenes are ready, the tool generates original footage (not stock-based), allowing you to quickly produce GIF-like animated videos tailored to platforms like Instagram.

This can be especially useful for creators who want to:

• Share a brief story or idea visually
• Present content in a more engaging way than a static GIF
• Save time while still keeping creative control

Conclusion

Sharing GIFs on Instagram may not be as straightforward as posting regular photos or videos, but it’s definitely possible with the right method. Whether you choose to convert your GIF into a video or use a platform like GIPHY, each approach allows you to express yourself in fun, animated ways that stand out in the feed.

For those who want to go a step further and create personalized, animated content from scratch, tools like Filmora’s AI Idea to Video can help bring your ideas to life—turning simple text prompts into complete short videos, perfect for Instagram sharing.

No matter which method you choose, with a bit of creativity and the right tools, your GIF-style content can shine on any social platform.

Frequently Asked Questions about Uploading GIFs to Instagram

1. Can I upload GIFs to Instagram?

Adding GIFs directly to your Instagram feed is an option you have at your disposal, but the platform is going to treat an entire GIF as a single frame and you’ll end up posting a still image instead of a GIF.

However, there is a quick workaround for this issue, as you can simply convert a GIF file into a video file format Instagram supports and upload your GIF as a video.

Installing the GIPHY app on your Smartphone is another option you have because the app allows its users to share GIFs from their collection directly to Instagram.

2. How to find the best GIFs on Instagram?

Currently, Instagram doesn’t have a collection of GIFs you can add to your feed, but it does offer a rich selection of GIFs that can be added to Instagram stories. Once you upload the content you want to include in your story, you should tap on the Sticker icon and choose the GIF option.

You can then start browsing through Instagram’s collection of GIF stickers, so you just have to tap on the option you like and proceed to adjust its size and position on the screen.

3. How do I post a GIF on Instagram without losing quality?

Convert your GIF to a high-quality MP4 video using Wondershare Filmora, then upload it to Instagram.

4. Can I use GIPHY to post GIFs on Instagram Stories?

Yes, GIPHY allows you to share GIFs directly to Instagram Stories. Simply search for a GIF in the app, tap the Instagram icon, and post it to your story.

5. What is the best tool to convert GIFs to Instagram videos?

Wondershare Filmora is a great option for converting GIFs to videos with advanced editing features. For quick sharing, GIPHY is a convenient alternative.