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Some memes use GIFs, short animated files, to enhance their humor or visual appeal. Unlike a video clip, a GIF usually doesn’t have sound but can be incredibly effective in conveying thoughts and emotions. In this extension activity, you will incorporate a GIF into your meme. Start by making a copy of the meme you created previously. Rename this copy to distinguish it from your original work. Next, delete the existing image from your meme to create space for the new GIF. Open a new browser tab and head over to images.google.com to search for the perfect GIF. Look for one that communicates a similar message to your original image but in a different, perhaps more dynamic, way. Remember to use a different keyword from your initial search to give your meme a fresh visual message. Ensure that your search is filtered to show only images you are allowed to reuse and specifically animated files. Once you find a GIF that aptly represents your topic, visit the original source and copy its URL.
After selecting your GIF, add it to your meme using the URL you copied. Adjust the size of the GIF so that it fits well on your canvas. Since the GIF is the latest addition, it will initially appear in front of any other elements, like Word Art, that you’ve previously added. Move the GIF to the back to make your caption visible again. Then, adjust the size of your caption to accommodate the new image, taking care not to obscure any significant part of the GIF. Finally, resize the canvas as needed to ensure it complements your GIF effectively. Using GIFs in your memes can create more dynamic and engaging content, perfect for expressing a wide range of topics, ideas, or jokes. Now it’s your turn: make a copy of your original meme, delete the initial image, search for and select a suitable GIF online, insert this GIF onto your canvas, and resize the objects and background accordingly.