The Complete Guideline about Making Animated GIFs on Tumblr [2025 Instruction]
Last Updated on September 20, 2025 by Peter Wood
Can you make GIFs on Tumblr directly? Previously, Tumblr does not have a built-in feature to make animated GIFs. Because of the latest update, you can convert videos into animated GIFs, but there are still some limitations you should know for uploading the files. Just learn more from the complete guide and create animated GIFs for Tumblr accordingly.
Part 1: The Requirements for Animated GIFs on Tumblr
Tumblr is known for its support of animated GIFs and has become a hub for sharing and creating them. Whether you need to make an animated GIF or simply upload an animated GIF on Tumblr, here are some basic requirements you should know.
GIF File Size for Tumblr
The maximum file size for an animated GIF on Tumblr should be less than 10MB. Large animated GIFs may not upload properly or may take too long to load for your audience. Even if the files are uploaded successfully, the GIFs should be compressed.
GIF Duration for Tumblr
Tumblr only supports animated GIFs with a maximum duration of 2 minutes or 120 seconds with a maximum of 50 frames. When you need to upload some high-quality GIFs, the total duration of an animated GIF on Tumblr of up to 100 seconds should be preferred.
Image Size for Tumblr GIF
The recommended image size for an animated GIF on Tumblr is 540px by 540px. Animated GIFs need to be saved as a GIF file type. Of course, you have to make sure that the GIF is clear and not pixelated, even when it is viewed on a larger screen.
Part 2: How to Make Animated GIFs on Tumblr
When you choose to make an animated GIF on Tumblr, unfortunately, Tumblr doesn't have a tool for making GIFs on the site. You can only make custom animated GIFs on Tumblr's app. Tumblr's app does offer some options for creating GIFs using photo bursts and videos, and the suitable media will have a GIF label on the right corner of the visual.
Step 1: Open the Tumblr app on your phone and make sure you have already updated the app to the latest version. After that, you can log in to the account and tap the Compose button with a pencil icon. Please authorize Tumblr to access your media files beforehand.
Step 2: Tap the Red Photo icon in the pop-up dialog box to select the desired files suitable for making GIF animation. Click the GIF button to filter out media files that are suitable for production. Select the desired file to enter the editing page of the GIF animation.
Step 3: Select a segment of no more than 3 seconds in the video to make a GIF animation. If you have more content to display, you can set the playback speed to 0.5x to 4x. Click the Rebound button to make the animated GIF play back and forth.
Step 4: After completing the basic editing, click the Next button to enter the GIF animation modification. In the retouching stage of GIF animation, you can add stickers, text, etc. to GIF animation. These operations can make your GIF animation for Tumblr more interesting.
Step 5: Publish the GIF animation. After animation editing is complete, click the Next button to enter the GIF animation publishing page. On the publishing page of the GIF animation, add a title and tag, click the Post button, and the finished GIF animation can be published on Tumblr.
Part 3: The Best Alternative to Make GIFs for Tumblr
If it is difficult to make GIFs for Tumblr with the built-in feature or need to polish the animated GIFs, WidsMob GIF is a versatile GIF editor to make animated GIFs for Tumblr from photos, videos, and animated files. It enables you to save animated GIFs with a maximum resolution of 320 pixels and a frame rate of 50FPS. Moreover, you can also cut out the desired part, adjust video HSL settings, choose presets for social media sites, add stickers/logos, and set up frame rate/loop count/GIF quality/sequence.
1. Support photos, videos, GIFs, APNG, WebP, AVIF, and more file formats.
2. Adjust the file sizes of images or videos before making GIFs for Tumblr.
3. Tweak the number of frames, the frame rate, the file quality, and others.
4. Add the desired text files and stickers with multiple advanced parameters.
Step 1: Download and install WidsMob GIF. Click the Video to GIF button to select a video file you want to convert. Once you have uploaded the animated GIF, you can preview the video and use the selection boxes to cut the desired part according to the requirements of Tumblr.
Step 2: When you need to reduce the animated GIF size for Tumblr, you can simply go to the GIF Size menu. Check the Scale Proportionally option and make sure the file size is under 540px. Moreover, you can choose the preset from the Fit into menu.
Step 3: To create a high-quality GIF for Tumblr, you can adjust the frame rate of the GIF animation under the GIF Settings menu. Moreover, you can adjust the slider for GIF quality, add the loop count, and apply the reverse sequence before clicking the Export GIF button.
Part 4: FAQs about How to Make GIFs on Tumblr
Conclusion
There are many restrictions on the release of GIF animations on Tumblr, it is only possible to make GIF animations on Tumblr’s app. But WidsMob GIF is a powerful and flexible tool for creating animated GIFs that meet your specific needs in terms of duration, file type, image size, and file size. When you need to make a high-quality GIF for Tumblr, you can free download the GIF editor and have a try.