Steve Wilhite created the Graphics Interchange Format, or GIF, while working for Compuserve in 1987.
But an increasing number of companies are starting or investing in mobile GIF creation software.
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But, with the rise of social media and short form content, the GIF has made a resurgence.
Making animated gif files is easy, but it is an editing process, not an Instagram-like instant gratification.
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The humble animated gif, which has been around now for 25 years, is really a pseudo video.
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Fast-forward a few ages, and we encounter the humble GIF image -- something of an internet staple.
Optional camera Lenses include Panorama, Smart Shoot (similar to Scalado Rewind) and Cinemagraph (a clever animated GIF maker).
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To get the GIF to look like what your inner artist imagines takes a bit of work and time.
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By partnering with GIF artists, Uniqlo is creating something unique and memorable that will be associated with the brand.
For artists the animated GIF is a format to experiment with movement in graphic design, photography, painting, drawing, etc.
Arrow said the GIF is a salient, valuable medium that can tap into the market between still photos and video.
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Hundreds of the cute little critters (GIF files for you techies) are programmed to wriggle and wiggle to a catchy tune.
Other tweaks suggested by the report include using the .jpeg image format instead of other file types like .gif and .png.
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On Twitter, "GIF" became a trending topic as some folks pushed back.
Another problem stopping the animated GIF from being made casually by every person with a smartphone is the time that goes into creating one.
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Oddly (or perhaps not so much considering the platform), an animated GIF of Lindsay Lohan has been the most reblogged post from either campaign.
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With a full line-up of meme-tested Social Media tricks ready to go (animated GIF fun galore), MTV.com will be buzzing right along with the show.
While working at CompuServe in the 1980s, Wilhite created the compressed 8-bit GIF (or Graphics Interchange Format) that remains a popular tool for lo-fi viral sharing.
Using Loopcam, I began uploading small GIF videos that have the feel of an old-fashioned flipbook, giving movement and life to the scene on the street.
For brands the GIF is an appealing advertising method due to the eye-catching nature of the format along with its ability to convey a message quickly.
The creator of the Gif graphics format has said that his invention should be pronounced so it starts with a "j" rather than with a hard "g".
To boil all this down to the simple yes or no question I asked in my headline, no, Instagram will not be dethroned by animated GIF apps.
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Arrow said on Instagram there is a one to one split of producers and consumers, but with the GIF there could be many more consumers than producers.
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If these GIFs go viral, Davison and Mr. GIF said it has a bonus beyond just disseminating information in a new way: it can engage younger voters.
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The debate was soon to start, but I was able to grab a few minutes with a man who goes by the name of Mister GIF.
Even though I would consider myself functionally literate when it comes to technology, I had a bit of frustration trying to use one of these animated GIF apps.
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With these moments repurposed into a GIF format, Davison said they have the chance to go viral on the Internet if they hit the right vein of users.
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The GIF is a way to share an experience or to make someone laugh and even to communicate with grandparents because of how accessible the format is, Arrow said.
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For GIF applications that are using the social Instagram model, Arrow said it would be very difficult to get users to switch to sharing content on a different platform.
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