ChatGPT can now make animated GIFs, so your logo can finally wave at people, whether they asked or not
By Brett Gavaghan, Founder of Adaptd ·
OpenAI's Images 2.6 update brings GIFs and reusable reference images to ChatGPT, on every subscription tier, and OpenAI says it runs 50% faster.
The short version
- ChatGPT Images 2.6 adds animated GIFs and reusable reference images, and OpenAI says generation is 50% faster.
- It launched on 4 November and is available globally across all ChatGPT subscription tiers.
- Use it for quick social loops and mock-ups, and keep a person checking anything with your brand on it.
The animated GIF has survived MySpace, the office reply-all and every prediction of its death. Now ChatGPT will make you one on request.
What changed in ChatGPT Images?
ChatGPT Images 2.6 is OpenAI's latest image update, and it adds animated GIFs and reusable reference images. You can start a GIF from a prompt, an existing image or a rough sketch, then adjust the speed and edit individual frames.
Reference images let you save a person, pet or character and reuse them without uploading the file again. OpenAI says the update also keeps product and brand details more consistent as you edit. That has been the sore point with AI images: ask for one small change and your product comes back with a different personality.
Who can use it, and what does it cost?
ChatGPT Images 2.6 is available globally across all ChatGPT subscription tiers, on the web and in the apps, so Australian users don't have to wait. OpenAI says image generation is now 50% faster.
Developers get two new models through the API. Flare can produce an image in as little as six seconds at low quality, and Sunburst is the higher-quality option. The API also adds SVG exports, which suit websites and print.
Should your business use it?
Your business should try it for low-stakes visuals, such as a looping product shot for social media, a mock-up for a client or a storyboard before you pay for video.
My advice: save your product or mascot as a reference image first, then make every version from that, so you're not rebuilding your brand from memory each time. Check the result before it goes out, and get permission before you save anyone's face as a reference. You don't need a designer to try it, but keep yours for the work that has to last.
Used well, a GIF says one thing quickly. Used badly, it's a 2004 email signature with a bigger budget.
Wondering what this means for your business?
That's exactly what the discovery call is for.