If you are testing video thumbnails or animated GIF fallbacks in Outlook Desktop and they are not playing, the issue is usually related to Outlook or Windows display settings. Follow the steps below to enable animation.
Outlook 365 (Version 2008 and newer)
In newer versions of Outlook 365, GIF playback is controlled by a Windows setting.
Click the Start menu in Windows.
Type Show animations in the search bar.
Open the Show animations in Windows settings.
Make sure the toggle is turned On under "Simplify and personalize Windows."
Once enabled, restart Outlook and test your email again.
Outlook 2016 and Older Versions
If you are using an older version of Outlook, you can enable animated GIFs directly in Outlook settings.
Open Outlook.
Click File in the top menu.
Select Options.
Click Advanced.
Scroll down to the Display section.
Make sure Play animated GIFs is checked.
Click OK and restart Outlook.
If you are using Outlook 2016 or an older version, ensure your software is fully updated, as earlier builds may not support animated GIF playback.
Troubleshooting Tips
If GIFs still do not animate:
Make sure the email is not being viewed in Plain Text format. Animated GIFs require HTML format to display properly.
Restart Outlook after changing any settings.
Confirm that your Windows system animations are enabled.
How to Insert a GIF in Outlook
When composing an email in Outlook Desktop:
Click Insert in the top menu.
Select Pictures and choose your GIF file.
or
Drag and drop the GIF directly into the email body.
Once inserted correctly and with animations enabled, the GIF should animate in supported versions of Outlook Desktop.
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