Ahead of the 30th anniversary of animated images Facebook will include a new feature to respond to posts with GIFs
GIFs, aka animated images, are very much in vogue lately on the Net. Especially on social networks like Twitter and Facebook and on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. Few would say so, but GIFs are 30 years old, and Facebook has decided to celebrate this anniversary.
To celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the birth of GIFs, Facebook has decided to let users use the animated images on Messenger to comment on posts on the social network. From now on, therefore, we will be able to respond to our friend or colleague using a funny image. With a communicative sense that goes beyond the simple reaction or the written comments. For the occasion, Facebook developers have also created new GIFs to use and share. To make some of these animated images have been used famous stars, from the world of cinema and the Net.
The GIFs and Messenger
The GIFs arrived on Messenger in 2015 and since then Facebook has monitored their use. The social stated that these images have literally changed the way many people communicate. Suffice it to say that about 13 billion GIFs were sent in 2016. Practically 25 thousand every minute. In addition, in the last year the number of animated images sent has tripled compared to the past. On New Year's Day alone, more than 400 million GIFs were sent. Precisely for this reason they have now been extended to comments on Facebook. And to insert them just click on the icon of GIFs present under the various posts.
GIF Party
Facebook is also creating a series of side events related to the anniversary of GIFs. Among this a social "party" where it will release new animated images made in collaboration with GIPHY, GIPHY Studios and several stars of the Network: DNCE, Logan Paul, Amanda Cerny, DREEZY, Patrick Starr, Violet Benson, Wuz Good, Brandi Marie and Landon Moss. To find out all the news just use the hashtag #GIFparty. Finally, on the social has started a survey to ask users how to pronounce the word GIF. At the end of the event, the correct pronunciation of the term will be revealed live.