GIF

## Requirements **Required for creating GIFs:** - `ffmpeg` — video to GIF conversion **Optional:** - `gifsicle` — post-optimization (reduces size 30-50%) - `GIPHY_API_KEY` — for Giphy search API - `TENOR_API_KEY` — for Tenor search API ## Where to Find GIFs | Site | Best for | API | |------|----------|-----| | **Giphy** | General, trending | Yes (key required) | | **Tenor** | Messaging apps | Yes (key required) | | **Imgur** | Viral/community | Yes | | **Reddit r/gifs** | Niche, unique | No | ## Creating GIFs with FFmpeg **Always use palettegen (without it, colors look washed out):** ```bash ffmpeg -ss 0 -t 5 -i input.mp4 \ -filter_complex "fps=10,scale=480:-1:flags=lanczos,split[a][b];[a]palettegen[p];[b][p]paletteuse" \ output.gif ``` | Setting | Value | Why | |---------|-------|-----| | fps | 8-12 | Higher = much larger file | | scale | 320-480 | 1080p GIFs are massive | | lanczos | Always | Best scaling quality | ## Post-Optimization If `gifsicle` is available: ```bash gifsicle -O3 --lossy=80 --colors 128 input.gif -o output.gif ``` Reduces size 30-50% with minimal quality loss. ## Video Alternative For web, use video instead of large GIFs (80-90% smaller): ```html <video autoplay muted loop playsinline> <source src="animation.webm" type="video/webm"> <source src="animation.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> ``` ## Accessibility - **WCAG 2.2.2:** Loops >5s need pause control - **prefers-reduced-motion:** Show static image instead - **Alt text:** Describe the action ("Cat jumping off table") - **Three flashes:** Nothing >3 flashes/second (seizure risk) ## Common Mistakes - No `palettegen` in FFmpeg — colors look terrible - FPS >15 — file size explodes for no visual benefit - No lazy loading on web — blocks page load - Using huge GIF where video would work — 10x larger ## API Quick Reference **Giphy search:** ```bash curl "https://api.giphy.com/v1/gifs/search?api_key=$GIPHY_API_KEY&q=thumbs+up&limit=10" ``` **Tenor search:** ```bash curl "https://tenor.googleapis.com/v2/search?key=$TENOR_API_KEY&q=thumbs+up&limit=10" ```