One of the most asked questions to the Playable team is about Video vs GIF. So here is the breakdown of a few facts that can answer those questions:
1. GIFs are only 256 colors, everything else is in millions of colors!
Globally we are already watching videos on devices capable of 4k/8K resolution, connected to high-speed 5G & WiFi networks. So no surprise that a 356-color GIF in high definition reminds us of a VHS video. ;P
2. Playable optimizes the video to the individual in real-time.
Animated GIFs are a ‘one-size-fits-all” solution, unable to utilize the capabilities of today's technology to play a higher quality video wherever possible.
Playable's unique & patented platform optimizes the video or live streams to the individual in real-time, as the email is opened.
We optimize each viewer's video format, frame rate, and resolution depending on the device, email client, and network connection to ensure every viewer enjoys quick loading times and the best viewing experience possible.
3. A few email clients only use GIFs... the rest are HD formats!
The majority of viewers watch HD videos by email. Here is a list of email clients and their supported video formats:
Apple Mail: MP4, H.264, HEVC
Apple iPhone Mail (iOS12+): MP4, H.264, HEVC
Apple iPhone Mail (iOS11 & earlier): PNG
Apple iPad Mail: MP4, H.264, HEVC
Google Android: WEBP
Gmail: GIF
Outlook for Mac: MP4, H.264
Outlook.com: GIF
Outlook.com: WEBP
Outlook 2007-2016 for Windows: Static Image (<2% of consumer campaigns)
Samsung Mail: WEBP
Yahoo! Mail: GIF
Yahoo! Mail (Chrome): WEBP
4. Videos can appear anywhere a GIF does.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Video Email can only play on a few email clients. THIS IS WRONG. As shown in the list above.
Video Email will appear everywhere a GIF is supported. Playable uses video GIFs to ensure our GIFs outperform animated GIFs by at least 20%.
5. Compression works better for HD video than GIFs
Playable's compression technology delivers HD videos with an average file size of 1.5Mb, and new technology like HEVC continues to see that fall.
A GIF with the same video content can be 8 to 10 times the file size with a noticeable difference in the final quality.
6. No payload, or data charges, until the video email is opened
Playable's HD Video is delivered to an email only when opened, rather than being added to the initial payload like a GIF or other attachments.
If the email is not opened, no data is used or charged to the user.
Video Email is about the quality of content, both within the video and how it is consumed. Playable does all the hard lifting to ensure every person gets the best engagement possible.
More information:
View more articles in the Playable Knowledge Base