With GIFs being increasingly popular, it was only a matter of time before big names from social media focused their attention on the catchy dynamic files. Tumblr did so and released a tool allowing mobile users to create GIFs straight on their devices.
GIF Maker enables owners of iPhones and iPads to make GIFs out of the burst photos or videos that they captured. The updated Tumblr app allows you to do that in a couple of simple steps.
First off, you open a new photo post, then you select a video or a photo burst on your device. Save it and enjoy the newly created GIF. Or better yet, post it on your blog or social media prepare for feedback, likes and shares. Was that not super-easy?
Additionally, you can work your film director skills with GIF Maker. You can crop, trim, or zoom the final file until you get exactly the amount of fun and visual aesthetic you desire. Playing with the speed of the animation also helps and the app makes sure you can accelerate or slow-motion it to your liking. Looping might be a good idea if you recorded your dog chasing its tail.
For a salt of inspiration, check out the "#made with tumblr" search and see what other original GIF content people created. A feature of the GIF Maker works with downloaded images as well, increasing the creative ability of users by a longshot.
Tumblr gives a few pointers on how to create the "extremely handsome GIFs":
- Use photo bursts, as they work similarly to sports' photos and can capture great action scenes
- Don't make your GIFs too long. Here, as in with design, less is more
- Rebounding the composition is key to proper smoothness
- A touch of extra speed further consolidates smoothness, so set the speed to 1.5X instead of 1.0X
- For cinematic effect, create a GIF out of a slow-motion video then increase its playing speed in the GIF maker
- Photosets are your friends, especially if you are a selfie enthusiast
The only drawback of GIF Maker so far is that it's limited to iOS, but Tumblr promised that Android support is due in "just a little bit."
