Midjourney AI art has been taking the art enthusiasts by storm, providing stunning AI-generated photos that rival professional art. But as the need for animated images and short-form media increases, the only question users have right now- Can Midjourney create GIFs?
If you’re asking the same questions, the following guide will provide all the information you need about the things Midjourney can do and cannot perform, how to create GIFs with its images, and the most efficient tools to create motion graphics or animation.
What is Midjourney?
Midjourney is an advanced AI image-generating tool that transforms text-based prompts into extremely detailed artistic images. This AI is popular among marketers, designers, and artists for creating original digital artwork, conceptual art, concept art, and illustrations using artificial intelligence.
Can Midjourney Create GIFs Directly?
The quick answer is – No, Midjourney can’t directly create GIFs (as of 2025).
Midjourney can be described as an AI platform for image generation that specializes in still photos. When you type in a request for text, Midjourney creates an image with high resolution with formats like JPG and PNG. It does not currently support animation, video, or GIF creation in its platform.
But that does not mean that you cannot create animating content using your Midjourney designs — you only need other tools or platforms to help bring your AI artwork to life.
How to Create GIFs in Midjourney: Step-by-Step Tutorial
The process of making GIFs within Midjourney involves making the GIF within Midjourney and then creating the video in the first place, after exporting or making it convertible. This video provides a comprehensive overview using both the Web application as well as that of the Discord interfaces.
Step 1: Prepare Your Starting Image
- Create or upload an image: Start by creating an image using Midjourney by using a text prompt (e.g., “/imagine a futuristic cityscape at dusk”). Upscale your favorite variation for better quality.
- What’s the difference: This video (and the following GIF) makes use of this image for the first frame, so select an image that has the potential for motion, such as characters, landscapes, and abstract designs.
Step 2: Generate the Video
On the Web App (midjourney.com):
- Log in, and then click the Imagine or Create tab.
- Choose your preferred photo from the gallery, or add your own.
- Select to click the “Animate Image” button. The options include:
- Automatic: Generates the YouTube in a way that is automatic.
- Loop It creates an uninterrupted loop by matching the ending frame to the beginning.
- Manually Animate: Edit the prompt to have greater control.
- Adjust settings:
- Motion Amount: The lowest setting for effects that are subtle (e.g., gentle waves), and High for more dramatic motions (e.g., floating objects).
- Final Frame: Choose a new image to use for videos that do not loop.
- Volume Size of Batch: Limit to four to control GPU use (lower helps to save time).
- Send the job. Videos last between two and 26 minutes based on the resolution (SD or HD) and the plan tier.
- When you are ready, preview it on the video.
On Discord:
- Utilize “/imagine” to generate an image. You can then scale it up using the U1-U4 buttons.
- Select “Animate (Low Motion)” or “Animate (High Motion)” beneath the image.
- Include the “–video” parameter for custom images (e.g., “image_url prompt –video”).
- To loops, you can add “–loop”; for custom ends, you can use “–end image_url”.
Step 3: Export as GIF
- Web Application: Right-click the video on the Create or Organize tab and choose “Download as GIF.” This creates the animated .gif file, ready to use.
- Discord: Download the MP4 and then convert it to:
- Utilize online tools such as EZGIF.com to upload the MP4, alter loop settings, and then export it as a GIF.
- To do advanced editing, import the file into Photoshop to open the MP4, and export as a GIF with settings optimized for the file’s size.
Step 4: Extend and Refine (Optional)
- You can extend videos to 21 seconds with the “Extend” button (auto or manual prompt editing).
- Try out parameters such as “–raw” for precise control or “–motion high” for more action.
Best Tips for Creating Midjourney GIFs
If you are planning to create GIFs out of an AI artwork, you should follow these steps:
- Create Consistent Imagery: Use the same seed and aspect ratio to create similar images to ensure that the animation appears smooth.
- Stay Simple: Short GIFs with loops are best if you concentrate on one thing or motion.
- Use Tools that support AI Animation: Tools such as Kaiber or Pika work well together with AI art.
- Reduce File Size: GIFs are huge, so it is important to reduce them before sharing online.
Alternatives to Midjourney for Animated GIFs
If your main goal is animation, here are some AI tools better suited for GIF or video creation:
| Tool | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Runway ML | Text-to-video, image animation | Cinematic storytelling |
| Pika Labs | AI video generator | Motion design from stills |
| Kaiber AI | Image-to-animation | Artistic loops and music videos |
| Animoto | Video editing & GIF creation | Marketing and social content |
These tools enhance Midjourney by giving movement and storytelling to your images.
Future Possibility: Will Midjourney Support GIFs or Animation?
As AI models improve, it’s likely that the next version of Midjourney might contain Motion generation as well as GIF export capabilities. This team has already expressed an interest in expanding its creative capabilities, as well as the growth of the popularity of AI technology, and video animation may be the next new frontier.
At present, combining Midjourney and the third-party animation tool is the best option.
My Experience Using Midjourney for GIF Creation
As an avid Midjourney fan, I’ve played extensively with the process of turning static artwork into motion. Although Midjourney does not itself make GIFs, I’ve found the process of making use of Kaiber AI or Runway ML gives amazing results.
Here’s my usual routine:
- Create a detailed Midjourney image (using Cinematic Lighting).
- Incorporate it in Kaiber AI.
- Add subtle motion like zoom-in or particle effects.
- Export as MP4 and then convert it into a GIF with EZGIF.
The result is an attractive and professional-looking animated loop ideal for sharing on social media or on websites.
Limitations of Midjourney GIF Creation
While Midjourney’s capabilities are impressive, its GIF/video capabilities have some limitations:
- Duration: Videos max out at 21 seconds.
- No Frame Control: You can’t edit individual frames.
- Resource-intensive: Video generation takes longer, and HD requires a premium plan.
- Compatible: Only certain parameters work. Images with complex images could not work.
- Guidelines for Content: Beware of explicit or harmful content in order to avoid problems with your account.
- Export: GIFs are exported directly via the internet; Discord needs manual transformation.
To make advanced edits, mix MidJourney and Runway to create a more complex edit. You can also combine Midjourney with Runway as well as Adobe After Effects.
My Thoughts
Although Midjourney does not directly support GIFs or animation creation, it is one of the top tools for creating top-quality AI images. Through other platforms such as Kaiber, Runway, or Canva, it is possible to transform static images into attractive animated GIFs or short AI-generated videos.
In the future, as AI continues to improve, we could be seeing Midjourney make a move into animation. In the meantime, combining its visuals with motion tools is a great creative combination.
FAQs About Midjourney and GIFs
1. Can Midjourney create animated GIFs?
The Midjourney app currently produces static images. You will require additional tools in order to make GIFs and animations.
2. Can I use images from Midjourney to create GIFs?
Yes, you are able to convert Midjourney images to GIFs for commercial or personal use (depending upon your plans).
3. What tools work most effectively in converting Midjourney artwork into GIFs?
Make use of an EZGIF, Canva, Kaiber AI, and Runway ML to create smooth and unique animations.
4. Will Midjourney ever include animation capabilities?
Perhaps in future versions. AI animation is growing in popularity, and it is possible that integration will come later.
5. Can I create short AI videos using Midjourney images?
Yes! You can use your Midjourney photos on the Runway, Pika, and Kaiber to create short AI movies or animated films.