The Birth of GIFs

The GIF format was created by a team of developers at the online service provider CompuServe in 1987. Steve Wilhite, a member of the team, is often recognized as the ‘father of the GIF.’ They designed this format to achieve color image display on their platforms without incurring hefty patent licensing fees.

The Pronunciation Debate

One of the most amusing aspects surrounding GIFs is the ongoing debate about the correct pronunciation. While many people pronounce it with a hard ‘g’ (like in ‘gift’), Steve Wilhite insists that it should be pronounced with a soft ‘g’ (like in ‘giraffe’). The debate has become a piece of internet folklore.

GIFs are Everywhere

GIFs have permeated nearly all forms of digital communication. They’re frequently used in text messages, emails, and social media posts. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp have integrated GIF libraries, allowing users to search for and share GIFs seamlessly.

Small File Size

One of the reasons why GIFs became so popular is their relatively small file size. In the early days of the internet, bandwidth was a significant concern, and the compression algorithm used by GIFs allowed for the creation of smaller files, which were quicker and easier to share.

Limitation of Colors

In its original form, the GIF format was limited to displaying 256 colors. While this was a significant advancement at the time of its creation, it’s quite limited compared to modern image formats like JPEG or PNG, which can display millions of colors.

The Rise of Animated GIFs

Although the original intention behind the creation of GIFs was not for animation, the format’s ability to support multiple frames led to the advent of animated GIFs. These have become hugely popular for sharing short, looping clips, often used to express reactions on social media.

GIFs and Copyright Issues

One area of contention with GIFs is the question of copyright. Because many GIFs are created from copyrighted material, such as movies or TV shows, they can potentially infringe upon these rights. However, this is a gray area, and many argue that creating GIFs falls under fair use.

GIFs as an Art Form

While GIFs are typically associated with humor or reactions, they have also been used as a form of digital art. Artists have exploited the format’s capabilities to create impressive looping animations and pixel art.

The Impact of Tumblr

The blogging platform Tumblr played a significant role in the resurgence and popularization of GIFs. The site’s format, which allows easy sharing and reposting of images, contributed to the widespread use of GIFs, particularly among younger internet users.

World’s Most “Liked” GIF

According to GIPHY, one of the most extensive GIF databases, the most “liked” GIF is “Love Gnome” by Anna Hrachovec. This GIF, which features a knitted gnome making a heart shape with its hands, has been viewed over a billion times.

Gif vs. Jif: The Peanut Butter Truce

In 2020, to settle the debate on GIF pronunciation, the GIPHY team partnered with Jif peanut butter to release a special edition jar. The label read: “If you’ve ever called a GIF a ‘Jif,’ we forgive you” on one side, and “Gif, Jif, We Can All Get Along” on the other.

Final Word

GIFs have evolved from a simple image format into a significant cultural phenomenon, encapsulating emotions and ideas that words often can’t capture. So next time you send a GIF, remember you’re partaking in a piece of internet history, one that has transformed digital communication and continues to shape it in ways we could never have imagined.