GIFs: A Historical Perspective

The Rise of Animated GIFs

GIFs, or Graphics Interchange Format, have become a ubiquitous part of internet culture. From their humble beginnings as a way to add simple animations to websites, GIFs have evolved into a powerful form of visual communication. Today, GIFs are used to express emotions, tell stories, and even create art.

Preserving the Past

As the internet has evolved, so too has the way we use GIFs. In the early days, GIFs were often used for simple animations, such as loading screens or banner ads. However, as internet speeds increased, GIFs became more sophisticated. Artists and designers began to use GIFs to create complex animations, and even short films.

Today, GIFs are an essential part of the internet landscape. They are used in everything from social media posts to online advertising. However, as the internet continues to evolve, it is important to preserve the history of GIFs. That is why organizations like the Internet Archive and GifCities are working to preserve the under construction GIFs of the past.