Last updated on 20th February 2024
In a world where words sometimes fall short, GIFs step in to add that extra spark to our conversations.
But with so many GIF maker apps out there, which ones should you choose?
Fear not! We’ve taken a test drive of the top 12 apps for both iPhone and Android users, which all claim to make it easier than ever to create and share your favourite moments in motion.
What is a GIF creator app?
GIF creator apps are apps that let users collect or upload videos or images to make GIFs from scratch. Most of these tools let users add special effects like emojis, images, text, filters, and backgrounds for extra customisation. They also come with the ability to export files, and some of them integrate directly with social media channels to facilitate seamless posting.
What are the best GIF maker apps?
Our top list of GIF maker apps looks like this…
2. Ezgif
3. Piskel
4. ImgPlay – Gif Maker
5. Tumblr
6. GIF Toaster
7. GIF Maker
8. Video to GIF
9. Gifstory
10. GIF Maker – GIF Editor
11. GIF Studio
12. GifBuz GIF Maker & Editor
Let’ s dig into what makes each of them special…
GIF maker apps for both iPhone and Android
1. Gif Me! Camera
Gif Me! Camera is an easy-to-use GIF creator app made with usability in mind. This app was designed with a simple and intuitive interface, which makes GIF-making quick and easy. In many ways, it’s a lot like the other apps on this list. You can add filters, special effects, and other fun elements before exporting your GIFs to social media.
The most impressive part of Gif Me! Camera is its massive collection of features. You can make GIFs from scratch, edit existing GIFs, convert videos into GIFs, and even convert images into GIFs. While a few users report buggy experiences, mainly unexpected crashes during the exporting process, this app is well engineered and well designed. Gif Me! Camera is available for Android and iPhone for $1.99.
GIF maker apps for iPhone:
2. Ezgif
Ezgif is an animated gif maker that’s a little different to others in the list – it’s a web-based tool with no download required, that you can also use on your mobile browser, making it a good bet for both Android and iPhone.
Considering it’s a free tool – with no requirement to even sign up for an account – it’s pretty robust. You can create your own GIFs by uploading a series of images from your phone storage, or turn a video file into a GIF.
Regardless of which option you choose, once you have your ‘first draft’ of the GIF you can use Ezgif to resize, rotate, cup, optimise, plus adding text and effects.
A really good all-rounder that requires minimal effort to get up and running.
3. Piskel
Piskel puts a unique spin on GIF making by focusing specifically on pixel-based GIFs. This app lets you create pixel art and turn it into a GIF for a unique, retro video game-style feel. With Piskel, you can make sprites and avatars pixel by pixel, or piece together characters with existing parts from their library. Then turn your design into a moving GIF and export it to social media, or save the file to your phone. The app is easy to use and puts a fun twist on GIFs with this retro art form. It’s available for iPhone and Android for free with the option to buy additional in-app features, filters, and effects.
4. ImgPlay – GIF Maker
ImgPlay – GIF Maker was designed with fun and practicality in mind. Select from multiple canvas sizes depending on where you’re posting it (use a 1:1 canvas for Instagram, but use a 2:1 canvas for Twitter) to get started, and then select from a huge collection of design elements. ImgPlay – GIF Maker has an extensive collection of static stickers, animated stickers, filters and more. You can also sketch on top of a GIF using their pen drawing feature to get super custom designs.
What we like the most about this app is that it’s 2-in-1 functionality – you can also use ImgPlay – GIF Maker to make the second-best thing on the internet: memes. The only thing we don’t like about this app is unless you pay to upgrade, each GIF automatically comes with a watermark in the bottom-right corner. ImgPlay – GIF Maker is available on iPhone and Android; both versions are free and come with the option to purchase additional features in the app or pay to remove the watermark.
5. Tumblr
If you’ve heard of GIFs, you’re probably familiar with Tumblr. Tumblr is a microblogging and social platform that took off in 2007 and is still going strong. The app has a built-in GIF maker feature, letting users create and customise GIFs. While not as robust as some of the other apps on our list that were created specifically for GIF making, Tumblr does allow you to create them, add stickers, overlay text, and more. This feature is free on Tumblr’s app on both iPhone and Android devices.
6. GIF Toaster
GIF Toaster lets you convert almost anything into a GIF. Videos, photos, bursts, timelapses, panoramas – if you can name it, you can make it a GIF with this app. Their editing features are pretty standard, but GIF Toaster also comes with a photo collage creation feature, which adds a little differentiation to the app. GIF Toaster is available for iPhone and Android; both versions are free with the option to upgrade to a Pro package to access additional features for $1.99. However, Android users beware. Many Androiders report technical issues with quality, functionality, and ease of use.
GIF maker apps for iPhone
7. GIF Maker
Brain Craft Apps’ GIF Maker is an iPhone GIF creation app that allows users to turn photos, videos, and live content into GIFs in an instant. Upload your existing content or record content in the app, and then add funny memes, filters, and captions. Customise it even more by choosing the speed of your GIF loop, and then share your creation to social media or save it to your phone. This app is easy to use, straightforward, and comes with all the standard features. However, unlike some of the other apps on our list, those features come at a price. GIF Maker is available in the App Store for free for 30 days, and then costs $9.99 per month.
8. Video to GIF
Video to GIF is an app available for use on iPhone only. Its most unique feature is the ability to upload a video directly from YouTube to turn video content into a GIF. While easy to use, this app’s features are somewhat limited. The biggest piece of feedback users have is the limitations around text overlays; they report frustration with limited colours and layout options. While Video to GIF offers extra features for purchase within the app, the foundational features get the job done and don’t require a watermark. We recommend this app for people who want to take advantage of its unique and seamless integration with YouTube.
9. Gifstory
The messaging of Gifstory is all about transforming everyday lively moments into shareable GIFs.
The app makes it easy to convert existing photos and videos into GIFs, which can then be edited and clipped with 14 preinstalled filters – and the option to download more effects from the store.
Additionally, Gifstory has a built-in gallery that stores all the GIFs you’ve created for easy reference if you want to revisit your memories in future.
While the app is free to download, there are in-app purchases available. Overall, Gifstory is a convenient and enjoyable app with a useful feature set, but if you’re looking for longer GIF captures, you might want to look elsewhere.
GIF maker apps for Android
10. GIF Maker – GIF Editor
Cut, crop, edit, speed up, slow down – it’s all possible on GIF Maker – GIF Editor. This app comes with all the functionality you’d expect, and while it nails the basics, it doesn’t provide any outstanding features that make it jump out on this list. In addition, many users are reporting errors with the most recent version, so be sure to have a back-up plan if you experiment with this app. GIF Maker – GIF Editor is available for download via Google Play. The free app comes with in-app advertisements, and users can pay $2.99 for the ad-free version.
11. GIF Studio
GIF Studio’s tagline is “More than a GIF Player,” and they’re right. You can do all the basics like control timing, add filters, and crop and edit GIFs. But GIF Studio has some unique features too. Users can merge multiple GIFs into one animation, reduce file sizes while preserving quality, and create a collage, adding an entire new dimension to this medium. The app’s easy-to-use interface was designed to make editing easy and hide the technical intricacies going on in the background – and it does. GIF Studio is available for Android on the Google Play store. The free app comes with ads, but users can upgrade to an ad-free version for $0.99.
12. GifBuz GIF Maker & Editor
GifBuz GIF Maker & Editor is a user-friendly app that allows you to create dynamic images and emojis with ease. The app is designed to be fun and simple to use, and it comes with a variety of features that make it easy to create amazing GIFs and images.
With GIF Maker, you can quickly generate animation effects, funny GIFs, and dynamic creativities, which can be easily shared with your friends on social media. One of the best things about this app is that it offers customisation options, allowing you to create your own GIFs and stickers using its editing tools, or by uploading your own images and videos.
Overall, GIF Maker is a versatile and enjoyable app that offers a range of tools for creating and sharing dynamic images and GIFs.
Wrapping up
Is your mind spinning with visions of creating and sharing awe-inspiring GIFs? If so, remember that you don’t have to make them from scratch. If you have existing videos you want to turn into GIFs, you can use a simple video-to-GIF converter. If you’re ready to GIF it a try, check out our Top 12 Video to GIF Converters post, where we review the most popular converter apps out there so you can find the one that’s right for you.
And don’t forget we can totally help with video production for social media!
