Facebook Has Added a Graphics Interchange Format Button to Comments
Mary Van Puymbroeck — June 15, 2017 — Pop Culture
References: mybroadband.co.za & engadget
In a recent update, Facebook has added a Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) button to its comment section.
For a long time, Facebook was resistant to allowing the dissemination of viral GIFs on its website. GIFs weren't initially supported on the platform at all but over time, became compatible with Messenger and the comments section, as long as they were shared using a GIF service like Giphy or Imgur. Now, the social media service has created an update that supports the Graphics Interchange Format.
Moving forward, there will be a GIF button in the comments section alongside the emoji extension. The button will work to link the user to a search feature and a collection of trending GIFs powered by Giphy and Tenor.
For Millennial and Gen Z cultures, the GIF is a common communication tool. Facebook's newly inclusive attitude toward the Graphics Interchange Format means tech savvy youth will feel more inclined to communicate on Facebook.
For a long time, Facebook was resistant to allowing the dissemination of viral GIFs on its website. GIFs weren't initially supported on the platform at all but over time, became compatible with Messenger and the comments section, as long as they were shared using a GIF service like Giphy or Imgur. Now, the social media service has created an update that supports the Graphics Interchange Format.
Moving forward, there will be a GIF button in the comments section alongside the emoji extension. The button will work to link the user to a search feature and a collection of trending GIFs powered by Giphy and Tenor.
For Millennial and Gen Z cultures, the GIF is a common communication tool. Facebook's newly inclusive attitude toward the Graphics Interchange Format means tech savvy youth will feel more inclined to communicate on Facebook.
Trend Themes
1. Increased GIF Usage - The addition of a GIF button will likely result in increased use of GIFs in Facebook comments, presenting opportunities for businesses to incorporate GIFs into their social media marketing strategies.
2. Integration of Third-party Services - Facebook's integration of Giphy and Tenor's trending GIF collections presents an opportunity for other third-party services to partner with social media platforms and add value to their user experiences.
3. Inclusive Attitude Toward Multimedia Communication - Facebook's shift toward allowing GIFs on its platform validates multimedia communication as a legitimate form of expression, paving the way for other forms of multimedia to be incorporated into social media platforms.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - The addition of a GIF button in Facebook comments directs attention to the potential of enhancing user experiences and interactions on social media platforms.
2. Digital Marketing - The increased use of GIFs in comments presents an opportunity for businesses to add a new type of multimedia to their marketing campaigns, with the potential to increase engagement and reach among younger, tech-savvy audiences.
3. Tech Services - Facebook's integration of third-party GIF services like Giphy and Tenor can inspire tech companies to partner with social media platforms and offer similar services to add value to user experiences and further monetize their multimedia offerings.
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