How to make GIFs from your Android phone

If a picture says 1,000 words, how much does a video say? With motion photos, you get the flexibility of a recording with the same quality as a static image. When activated, motion photos take a series of shots when a photo is taken. You are left with a series of images and a short video. After it’s activated, each photo is accompanied by a low frame rate video that’s perfect for making GIFs of your dog, kid, or anything else.

You can’t share a motion photo outside of Google Photos. The easiest way to share your clip is by creating a GIF. In this guide, we show you how to take a motion photo with yourGoogle Pixelor Samsung Galaxy device and export it as a shareable GIF.

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We include instructions for taking motion photos with a Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy. Regardless of the device you use to take the photo, the export process is the same.

What is a motion photo?

A motion photo, like the Apple iOS live photo tool, captures multiple images and short videos in a single snap. When a motion photo is taken, your phone records a short video of about three seconds (1.5 seconds before the photo is taken and 1.5 seconds after). This doesn’t affect your original photo. Instead of taking one photo, you take about 40 photos within a three-second time period. Google highlights the original photo and a few other potential good shots.

A motion photo takes up two to three times as much storage space. If you’re limited on storage, you might want to think twice before turning on this feature.

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It’s time to up your smartphone photography game

How to take motion photos on Google Pixel

Depending on your camera settings, you might be unable to take motion photos. Motion photos won’t work ifSocial Media Depth,Night Sight,Selfie illumination, or your flash is turned on. Follow these steps to ensure these settings are turned off.

Each time you take a photo, your camera takes a motion photo. This doesn’t impact your photo quality, and you can save the original photo separately.

image of Google photos logo overlaid on an image of blurred trees

How to take motion photos on Samsung Galaxy phones

Unlike the Pixel, Samsung phones capture motion photos even when the flash is turned on. Night mode must remain turned off. You shouldn’t have to change any settings unless night mode is turned on.

How to export a motion photo as a GIF

You can turn your motion photo into a GIF. This action does not replace the motion photo. Instead, it saves the created GIF to your Google Photos app and the Gallery app on a Samsung. You can return to your original capture at any time.

Your GIF is ready to be shared. Motion photos are a fantastic tool for creating quick GIFs. You may want to keep it on at all times. You never know when your subject might move, sneeze, or blink, making it a great way to capture everyday moments.

A white Google Pixel phone with the Google logo in gray and a horizontal metal camera bar.

A final note on GIFs

Motion photos are a great way to capture better photos and create cool GIFs for posting onFacebook,Instagram, WhatsApp, or TikTok. However, many GIFs combine text, voiceover, and animation. If you want to get into advanced GIF creation, such as animated GIFs, you may be better off ditching the mobile device and switching to a more powerful device. Then, you’ll need agreat video editing appor GIF maker to start creating.

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