Summary
Adding an animated GIF as your Google Account profile picture, which then appears on Gmail, is possible but not officially supported, so results may vary. Several sources mention that you must update the Google Account picture, not a setting within Gmail itself. Google Help states profile images should be at least 96x96 pixels. A common size recommendation from various marketers is a square image of 250x250 pixels, though some suggest 400x400 for better quality before Google resizes it. Some found smaller images around 200x200 work better. Experts also mention keeping animated GIF file sizes under 200KB and animations to 3 seconds or less. Workarounds from community members include trying different browsers, clearing cache, or uploading from a mobile device, and ensuring there is no VPN activated. If you have a Google Workspace account, there may be fewer limitations on animated GIFs.
Key findings
- Official Support: Animated GIFs aren't officially supported by Google for profile pictures, leading to varied success.
- Account vs. Gmail Setting: You must change your Google Account profile picture, not a Gmail-specific setting.
- Minimum Dimensions: Google documentation states that the image should be at least 96x96 pixels.
- Recommended Dimensions: Many suggest using a square image of 250x250 pixels, while some recommend 400x400 or even smaller images like 200x200.
- File Size Limit: Keep GIF file size under 200KB to avoid upload issues.
- BIMI Use Case: Animated GIFs can be used for BIMI logos with a recommended animation duration of 3 seconds or less.
Key considerations
- Browser Issues: Try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser if you encounter upload problems.
- Mobile Upload: Some users have had success uploading from their phone.
- VPN Interference: Disable VPN to avoid upload issues.
- Workspace Account: Google Workspace accounts may have different limitations.
What email marketers say
12 marketer opinions
Adding an animated GIF as your Google Account profile picture, which then appears on Gmail, is possible but not officially supported, so results may vary. The first step is to ensure the gif is no larger than 200kb, and is square in dimensions. Suggested dimensions range from 96x96 pixels to 400x400 pixels; a common recommendation is 250x250 pixels. You need to update your Google Account profile picture, not the Gmail logo directly. Clear your browser cache, try different browsers, or even uploading from your phone may help if you encounter issues. It is possible that animated images are no longer accepted so an image might be preferred.
Key opinions
- GIF Support: Animated GIFs are not officially supported for Google Account profile pictures, leading to inconsistent results.
- Account vs. Gmail: The Google Account profile picture is what's used in Gmail, not a separate Gmail-specific setting.
- File Size: Keeping the GIF file size small (around 200KB or less) is recommended.
- Image Dimensions: Square dimensions are preferred, with recommendations ranging from 96x96px to 400x400px; 250x250px is frequently mentioned.
Key considerations
- Browser Issues: Clearing your browser cache or trying a different browser might resolve upload problems.
- Upload Method: Uploading from a phone instead of a computer might sometimes work.
- VPN Interference: Ensure VPN is disabled as it may cause issues when uploading an image.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Tech Forum says try using a square image, around 200x200 pixels. Also, clear your browser cache before trying to upload again.
23 Jul 2024 - Tech Forum
Marketer view
Email marketer from Pinterest shows a pin that illustrates how to update images via the aboutme.google.com site and recommends square images for best results.
26 Jun 2021 - Pinterest
What the experts say
1 expert opinions
An expert from Spam Resource discussed creating an animated logo for use with BIMI, suggesting the use of animated GIFs and providing detailed steps on how to create the animated GIF. He recommends keeping the animation to 3 seconds or less.
Key opinions
- GIF for BIMI: Animated GIFs can be used for BIMI logos.
- Animation Length: Animation length should be kept to 3 seconds or less.
Key considerations
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource discusses creating an animated logo for use with BIMI, suggesting the use of animated GIFs and providing detailed steps on how to create the animated GIF. He recommends you keep your animation to 3 seconds or less.
6 Apr 2023 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Google's documentation states that profile pictures should be at least 96x96 pixels and can be in JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format. Upload the image to your Google Account profile, not directly to Gmail. Google Workspace Admin Help indicates no limitations on animated GIFs for Workspace accounts. Gravatar also accepts GIFs for use across various websites. The Aboutme Google service provides a way to change your Google Account profile photo.
Key findings
- Minimum Resolution: Profile pictures should be at least 96x96 pixels.
- Acceptable Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, and WEBP formats are acceptable.
- Account Upload: Images must be uploaded to your Google Account, not Gmail directly.
- Workspace Support: Google Workspace accounts may have fewer restrictions on animated GIFs.
Key considerations
- Gravatar Usage: Your Gravatar image may be used across multiple websites, so choose an appropriate image.
- Aboutme Method: Use the Aboutme Google service to easily change your Google Account profile picture.
Technical article
Documentation from Gravatar explains that your Gravatar image is used on many websites. Ensure your image is appropriate for the sites you visit. Upload a JPG, PNG, or GIF.
8 Nov 2023 - Gravatar
Technical article
Documentation from Google Help explains that profile pictures display at 96 x 96 pixels, so upload a photo with at least that resolution. You should use a JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP. You need to upload it to your Google Account profile, not directly to Gmail.
18 Aug 2023 - Google Help
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