The GIF, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is a lossless format for image files that supports both animated and static images. Here are some reasons that GIFs are a new outlet of expression for writers.
1. They Bring Comedy To An Article
GIFs allow you to make any serious topic funny and eye-grabbing.
2. They Grab Attention
The moving images and color grab the reader's attention so that they keep reading your articles so that they can see how the funny GIF relates to the topic.
3. They Allow Your Article To Be Relatable
Sometimes it is hard seeing an author's perspective on an idea, so including a GIF to focus on a certain topic or idea can help a reader understand the article more. With new understanding it allows the reader to relate better to a topic they might have had a hard time understanding before.
4. GIFs Can Replace Generic Photos
While a picture is worth a thousand words, a GIF is worth more! Having a quick, repeating video is not time-consuming like a video, but is more involved than a motionless photo. It is the best of both worlds.
5. They Lighten Up Serious Topics
Sometimes you want to write about something you are passionate about but will be serious and you are worried about losing your readers along the way with the heavy topic. GIFs allow you to make serious topics seem less threatening to read. For example, if you were writing about a traumatic experience to the dentist, a GIF would let readers feel more comfortable when learning about your bad experience.
6. They Allow Your Article To Seem Longer Than It Really Is
Right now, you might have been reading my article, and it seemed really long. But in reality, it was quite a short article, but with all these fun GIFs that filled up your screen, it allows anyone to increase the length of the piece.