GIF vs Video

Last year, during the user testing, I’d ask a question- what user prefers GIF or video content?

Testing in the Spotless labs

This is what I learned, just keep context in mind if you are using one of the other.

GIF

Pros

  • Cheaper to produce
  • Cheaper to test
  • Small file
  • Accessible

Cons

  • User can struggle with a speed of the GIF
  • Animation clear to you, doesn’t mean it’s clear to user, if it’s too realistic, they think they doing the action
  • No stop/play controls

Video

Pros

  • More informative
  • Can be hosted on Youtube, shorter load time
  • Easier to follow
  • Accessible
  • Stop/play controls

Cons

  • Need to press stop and play a lot, if user following steps
  • Expensive to produce and edit
  • Expensive to update

In conclusion, see what’s complimenting rest of the content most. If budget is small, basic GIFs can be done using Photoshop Timeline feature. If product is complicated and a lot of explanation needed- use video.