Instagram Stories have become an integral and popular part of the platform. Thanks to the temporary form of the feature, people are more free about what they post on it. Funny memes and videos that wouldn’t look great in your profile feed are fair game for stories, and these include GIFs.
Adding GIFs to your stories injects a dose of humor or emotion into your posts, making them more interactive and engaging for your viewers. They give your viewers a glimpse at the person behind the account.
In this guide, we’ll talk about the two methods of incorporating GIFs into your Instagram stories. This will empower you to express yourself more dynamically.
Method 1: Using the Built-in GIF Sticker Feature
Instagram offers a user-friendly built-in feature for adding GIFs to your stories. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to use it:
- Capture or Upload Your Story Content: Start by capturing a photo or video for your story. You can also select an existing image or video from your camera roll.
- Access the Sticker Tray: Once you have your content, tap on the sticker icon at the top of your screen. This opens the sticker tray, offering a variety of interactive elements you can add to your story.
- Search for the Perfect GIF: Locate the search bar within the sticker tray. Here, you can type in keywords that describe the GIF you’re looking for (e.g., “happy dance,” “birthday celebration,” “success”).
- Explore Trending GIFs: The sticker tray also displays a selection of trending GIFs. Check out the options and see if anything catches your eye.
- Pick Your GIF: Once you’ve found the perfect GIF, tap on it to select it. The GIF will appear on your story screen as a sticker.
- Resize and Position Your GIF: You can resize the GIF by pinching or spreading your fingers on the screen. Drag and drop it to position it anywhere on your story content.
- Customize and Share: Feel free to add text, additional stickers, or drawings to further personalize your story. Once you’re happy with the final look, tap the “Next” button, then select your audience to share your story with your followers or Close Friends.
Method 2: Uploading Gifs From Your Camera Roll
With this method, you can upload a GIF directly from your camera roll. It is more complex than the previous one, but you can post the GIF as a stand-alone story, and not just as part of another. Here’s how to do it:
- Find and Save Your GIF: Locate a GIF you want to use on Instagram using a web browser or another app. Ensure the GIF is saved to your device’s camera roll in a format supported by Instagram. You can use a GIF to MP4 converter website or app to do it.
- Select the Saved GIF in Your Story: Locate the GIF you saved earlier in your camera roll and tap on it to select it. It will become the base content of your story.
- Edit and Customize, Then Share: You can edit the GIF like any regular story post. Once you’re satisfied, share with your followers.
With a little creativity and these helpful tips, you can transform your stories into captivating experiences for your viewers. So, unleash your imagination, download some GIFs, and let your stories come alive.
