Why is my animated GIF not playing in emails?
An animated GIF in your MySignature email signature appears as a static, non-animated image when your message is sent in plain text or opened in an email client that does not support email animations.
Plain-text email format: Sending emails in plain text prevents HTML elements and animated GIFs from rendering. To send an animated GIF, your email client must send messages in HTML format.
Unsupported desktop email clients: Most desktop versions of Microsoft Outlook do not support animations in emails. When an email client does not support animated GIFs, it displays only a flat, static image of the GIF's first frame.
Recipient settings and client versions: Even when an email platform supports animations, your recipient's specific email client version or non-default viewing settings can block the animation from playing.
Which email clients support animated GIFs?
Whether an animated GIF in your MySignature email signature plays depends on the email client your recipient uses to view the message. The table below outlines animated GIF support across common email clients.
Email client type | Animated GIF support | Details and version requirements
|
Web-based email clients (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook Web App) | Supported | Displays animated GIFs normally without issues. |
Mobile email apps (Outlook for mobile, native iPhone and Android mail apps) | Supported in most cases | Typically displays animated GIFs normally. |
Outlook ProPlus (Microsoft 365 / Office 365 desktop) | Supported in newer versions | Supported starting from version 1901 (monthly update channel) and version 1908 (semi-annual update channel). |
Outlook 2003 | Supported | Displays animated GIFs. |
Other desktop versions of Outlook | Not supported | Displays a static image of the GIF's first frame instead of playing the animation. |
Note: This list covers major email clients and is not an exhaustive list of every supported platform.
How should I design an animated GIF for my email signature?
Because unsupported email clients display only the first frame of an animated GIF as a static image, design your MySignature animated logo or banner with the first frame in mind:
Make the first frame complete: Ensure the very first frame of your GIF contains your core branding, logo, or message so your signature still looks complete if the animation does not play.
Avoid hiding essential details in later frames: Do not place critical contact details or essential visual elements exclusively in later animation frames, as recipients using unsupported desktop Outlook versions will not see them.
Verify HTML composing: Confirm your email client is configured to send emails in HTML format rather than plain text.
Need more help?
If you have questions about adding images or GIFs to your MySignature email signature, browse the MySignature Knowledge Base for more articles or contact the MySignature Support Team via live chat or email.