How to Make Animated GIF Emojis
Start with a short clip you have permission to use. Make one clear loop, then check the exported file rather than assuming its dimensions guarantee an upload.
Miles Crawford
What You Are Making
An animated GIF emoji is a small loop that still needs to pass the destination's checks. Slack says square images under 128 KB work best and GIFs can include up to 50 frames. Teams recommends square images under 256 KB. Discord requires files smaller than 256 KB. Our starting suggestion is 128 x 128 with one short action; two seconds or small dimensions alone do not guarantee a small enough file.
From Video Clip to Emoji
- Get a short clip: a screen recording, a video you have rights to, or an existing GIF.
- Open it in the Teamsmoji maker and choose a short segment. Keep a copy of the source.
- Trim to one readable action. Preview where the loop ends and starts.
- Crop to a square, choose 128 x 128, and export as GIF.
- Check the exported bytes and frames in the size checker. If needed, shorten the segment, reduce frame rate, or reduce colors, then compare the new loop.
Upload It
Slack desktop: open the emoji picker, choose Add Emoji, upload, name, and save. Teams: Emoji, GIFs and Stickers, then Emoji, Your org's emoji, and Add emoji. Discord: Server Settings, Emoji, then Upload Emoji. Controls depend on your role and organization. Check available animated slots in Discord rather than assuming a static slot or a subscription covers the upload. The upload guides explain the permission checks.
What Makes a Good Animated Emoji
One clear motion, a loop that resets cleanly, and a subject that reads at thumbnail size. If you cannot tell what it is at 32 pixels, it will not land in chat. Compare the loop on both light and dark backgrounds to catch an unwanted matte.
Sources and limits
Checked October 28, 2026: Slack, Teams, and Discord. Design settings here are starting suggestions. We have not tested an upload in your accounts.