GIFs now work in ProConnect WhatsApp campaigns

“Can we use GIFs?” is one of the questions we hear most often from customers setting up their first WhatsApp campaign. Until now, the answer has been no. WhatsApp does not support GIF files in business messages, so animated content had to go out as a standard video.

That has now changed.

Moving images that play on their own

WhatsApp marketing templates can now open with a silent autoplay video. It behaves just like a GIF: it plays on its own the moment the message is opened, loops, and stays in the conversation rather than taking over the screen. The offer catches the eye before a word is read.

A standard video is different. The retailer has to tap it, and it then opens full screen. That suits longer content with sound. For a product reveal, a short promotion or an eye-catching opener, an auto-playing loop is often the better fit.

Upload your GIF as it is

When building a template, choose Silent autoplay video (GIF) as the header and pick an MP4 from your media library. WhatsApp needs these loops as MP4 files.

ProConnect now converts GIFs to MP4 automatically, so the GIF you already have can be uploaded as it is.

Possible opportunities

• New product launches, showing the pack from every angle
• Short promotional messages that need to stand out in a busy chat list
• Reusing animated assets already made for social media or email

GIF support is available now for all ProConnect WhatsApp marketing customers.