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# ChatGPT can now make animated GIFs from a prompt or your photo
- URL: https://www.skimwire.com/chatgpt-images-2-6-animated-gifs/
- Published: 2026-11-05T13:48:43.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-05T13:48:43.000Z
- Description: OpenAI's Images 2.6 adds GIFs you can speed up or edit frame by frame, plus 50% faster image generation for every ChatGPT tier.
- Author: Jeremy Moon
- Tags: AI

## The skim

- OpenAI's new Images 2.6 update lets ChatGPT make animated GIFs from a text prompt or a photo you upload, and you can change the speed and edit individual frames before you share.
- OpenAI says image generation is now 50% faster and is available today in ChatGPT and Codex on every subscription tier, on desktop, mobile and the web. The GIF feature itself is rolling out gradually.
- Developers get two new API models, GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst, plus markup and SVG export.

## What happened

OpenAI announced [Images 2.6](https://openai.com/index/introducing-images-2-6/?ref=skimwire.com) on Nov. 4\. The headline feature for regular ChatGPT users is animation: describe a short clip, or upload a photo, and ChatGPT returns a looping GIF instead of a still image. [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1026474/openai-chatgpt-animated-gifs-images-2-6?ref=skimwire.com) reports that you can adjust the playback speed, tweak individual frames and then share the result.

OpenAI says the whole image system got quicker, with generation about 50% faster than before. It also improved how ChatGPT uses reference images, so it's better at keeping a person, pet or product consistent when you ask for changes. OpenAI says the update is available globally in ChatGPT and Codex across all subscription tiers, on desktop, mobile and web. [heise](https://www.heise.de/news/ChatGPT-Images-2-6-GIFs-SVG-Grafiken-und-mehr-Tempo-11512838.html?ref=skimwire.com) notes that the GIF option is reaching accounts gradually, so it may not show up for you right away. heise also reports that you can't upload an existing GIF and edit it. The feature only makes new ones.

For developers, OpenAI added two API models. GPT-Image-2.6 Flare is the fast option and can return a low-quality image in as little as six seconds, according to OpenAI. GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst is the higher-quality model. The API also gets markup and SVG export and a new complexity setting.

## Why it matters

GIFs are how a lot of people actually talk online, in group chats, Slack and social replies. Making a custom reaction GIF used to mean a separate app or a video editor. Now it's one prompt in an app many people already use every day.

The scale is already huge. OpenAI says ChatGPT users now make about 4 billion images a week, and The Verge notes that's up from 3 billion in September. Animated output is likely to push that number higher, and it raises the bar for rival AI image tools.

The usual caveats apply. AI images of real people can mislead, and a convincing GIF spreads fast. If you make one of a friend, ask first.

## How to try it

- **Update the ChatGPT app** on your phone, or open ChatGPT on the web.
- **Ask for an animation directly.** Try something like "Make a looping GIF of my dog wearing sunglasses" and attach a photo.
- **Don't see it yet?** The GIF feature is rolling out in stages, so check back over the next few days.

*Sources:* [*OpenAI*](https://openai.com/index/introducing-images-2-6/?ref=skimwire.com)*,* [*The Verge*](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1026474/openai-chatgpt-animated-gifs-images-2-6?ref=skimwire.com)*,* [*heise*](https://www.heise.de/news/ChatGPT-Images-2-6-GIFs-SVG-Grafiken-und-mehr-Tempo-11512838.html?ref=skimwire.com)*.*