GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is an image file format supporting both static and animated images. Developed in 1987, GIFs became ubiquitous online due to their ability to display simple animations in a small file size. Animated GIFs loop continuously, making them popular for reactions, memes, and short visual content on social media and messaging platforms. GIFs use a limited colour palette (256 colours maximum), making them unsuitable for photographs but efficient for graphics and animations. The format remains widely used despite newer alternatives because of broad compatibility across platforms. Government social media communications occasionally use GIFs for engaging content, though accessibility considerations require caution—rapidly flashing GIFs can trigger seizures in some individuals, and all visual content should have text alternatives for users with visual impairments. The pronunciation (hard or soft "G") remains perpetually debated.