# Curated GIF GIF's are used as the basis for campaigns and creative endeavors. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Aug 1, 2019 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/curated-gif ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Curated GIF trend? **Curated GIF:** Trends - The popularity of GIFs on various communication platforms has resulted in brands adopting the animated imagery in their own ways–whether it's for the purpose of creative expression and entertainment, or as a marketing tool. ## The consumer insight behind the Curated GIF trend Millennials & Gen Zers have a preference for GIFs, in large part due to consistent social media use. As a dynamic form of communication, animation lets young consumers express thoughts and emotions more cohesively than words or emojis. This desire for emotive enhancement is motivated by the generation’s desire to be open, mindful, and inclusive as a community than its predecessors. Inviting additional manifestation of emotion to on-screen communication allows them to be more relatable. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 26 to Aug 24, 2018 - Published: Aug 1, 2019 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Curated GIF trend ### Emoticons to animated images Younger generations are moving away from expressiveness through words and emoticons to animated content as a more cohesive form of communication. ### Short-form storytelling Short, punchy and visually stunning videos and GIFs are gaining traction in the content marketing space. ### GIF storytelling and curation GIFs are fast becoming a compelling new medium for modern-day storytelling and curation. ## What the Curated GIF trend means for industry ### For Advertising and Marketing The use of GIFs as part of advertising campaigns or marketing communications can provide new creative opportunities for brands to connect with younger audiences. ### For Social Media As social media platforms continue to evolve, the trend towards shorter storytelling using animated content such as GIFs is gaining traction and providing new ways of engaging users. ### For Entertainment The emergence of GIF-based storytelling and curation is opening up new opportunities for entertainment companies to connect with audiences through short-form content that is easily shareable and accessible. ## Workshop question Conceptualize a GIF-based campaign for your brand. ## Trend signals for Curated GIF Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 57%, activity 47%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 57% - Activity: 47% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Curated GIF trend 4 featured examples from Feb 26 to Aug 24, 2018. - [Haute Couture GIFs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/couture-gifs): Prada Launched Instagram GIFS for the Fall/Winter 2018 Season (Category: Marketing) Implication: The fashion industry can capitalize on the trend of using GIFs and stickers to enhance social media content and engage with customers in a unique and visually appealing way. - [Story-Driven GIF Homepages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giphy-homepage): The New Giphy Homepage Presents Stories of Modern Day Events (Category: Tech) Implication: The trend of GIF-based stories presents disruptive innovation opportunities for social media platforms to enhance user engagement and expand content formats. - [GIF-Centric Film Festivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giphy-film-festival): The GIPHY Film Festival Explores Stories Told in Just 18 Seconds (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The entertainment industry could incorporate short-form storytelling into existing and future productions to keep up with evolving audience preferences. - [Short-Form Soda Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/refrescosas): 7UP's #RefresCosas Shares Fun and Entertaining Clips on Social Media (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for beverage companies to use creative social media campaigns to connect with customers and drive brand awareness. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)