Accessible Social’s logo, an illustration of a camel face smiling with its tongue hanging out.
Accessible Social

GIF Accessibility

It’s okay to use GIFs in social media content, but they should be chosen carefully. Accessible GIFs should:

  • Stop playing after 5 seconds
  • Offer users a way to pause the animation if it doesn’t stop after 5 seconds
  • Have accurate image descriptions
  • Not contain rapid blinking or flashing
  • Have appropriate contrast between the background and any text

Inaccessible GIFs can negatively impact users with photosensitive epilepsy, ADHD, and anxiety.

Carl the smiling camel face moving back and forth, back and forth.

Additional Resources and Reading

Want to learn a little more about creating accessible images and visuals? Check out the links below!

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