OpenAI has expanded the creative toolkit of its flagship chatbot, ChatGPT, by adding native support for animated GIF generation. The new capability arrives as part of the Images 2.6 model release and lets users produce a GIF directly from a text prompt or an uploaded image, then fine‑tune playback speed, edit individual frames, and share the final animation.
How the GIF creation works
Prior to the update, ChatGPT could not generate a GIF in a single step. The rollout demonstrates the change with an example prompt: “can you make a gif of a cat dancing?” The model responds with a fully animated GIF and a user interface that offers two key controls. First, users can modify the animation speed, accelerating or slowing the motion to suit their needs. Second, the interface provides a frame‑by‑frame view, allowing precise edits to any individual frame before the GIF is finalized. The feature also works with images supplied by the user, meaning a static photo can be transformed into a moving sequence through the same prompt‑driven workflow.
Impact on overall image generation
Images 2.6 does more than add GIF support; it also accelerates the speed of image generation across ChatGPT. OpenAI reports that the combined output of ChatGPT and its API now exceeds four billion images per week, up from three billion per week as reported in September. The increase reflects both higher usage of existing image capabilities and the added appeal of animated content.
Availability and API extensions
The Images 2.6 update is being rolled out to all ChatGPT and Codex users on web, desktop, and mobile platforms. In parallel, OpenAI is launching two new API models—GPT‑Image‑2.6 Flare and Sunburst—designed to deliver faster, higher‑quality image generation for developers integrating visual AI into their applications. These API extensions inherit the same GIF‑creation features, allowing third‑party services to offer animated content directly from OpenAI’s backend.
With the ability to generate, edit, and share animated GIFs directly inside the chat interface, OpenAI positions ChatGPT as a more versatile creative assistant for both casual users and professionals seeking quick visual assets. The feature aligns with the broader trend of AI‑driven media creation, where text‑to‑image and now text‑to‑animation tools lower the barrier to producing engaging visual content.
OpenAI has not disclosed pricing changes related to the new functionality, but the company’s emphasis on broader API availability suggests that developers will be able to incorporate GIF generation into existing workflows without significant additional overhead. As the technology matures, the company may expand the range of supported formats and editing options, further blurring the line between AI‑assisted design and traditional graphics software.
Norman Pearlstine is the Executive Editor and Co-Founder at News Raise. With over two decades of experience across financial journalism, corporate governance, and market analysis, Norman leads the editorial direction and ensures strict adherence to journalistic accuracy and ethics.
