How to Make Images Move: Ultimate 8 Ways to Animate Images

Bringing static images to life is now easier than ever. With AI tools, anyone can make image move in just a few clicks. Whether you're making social media posts, short videos, or presentations, animated images make your content more engaging. In this guide, we'll share 8 popular tools suitable for various scenarios, showing you how to make images move with easy steps.

Adobe AE is the top choice for users who want dynamic graphic effects. It provides powerful timeline editing, keyframe animation control, and many plug-ins to create precise and diverse animations on images. You just need to set the details in the image and add motion points where you want. The AI ​​plug-in will automatically handle the rest. This lets every part of a static image move exactly as you designed.

How to Make Images Move Using Adobe AE

Step 1: Open After Effects and create a new composition. Then, import the picture you want to edit.

Step 2: Drag the picture into the timeline and adjust its properties. Use keyframes to animate the image by moving, rotating, scaling, and more over time.

Step 3: You can also add lens flare effects, dynamic text, particles, and other elements to make the visuals more impressive.

Step 4: Finally, export your work in MP4, MOV, or other formats. These are suitable for publishing on various platforms.

Canva is an online graphic design tool, perfect for beginners. It offers many built-in animation templates. Using its animation feature, you can turn static images into video clips with slideshow effects. This lets your still images move by playing frames one after another.

How to Animate a Picture Using Canva

Step 1: Log in to the Canva website or app, and choose the "Animation Presentation" or "Social Media Video" template.

Step 2: Upload your static images and place them on the canvas.

Step 3: Apply the "Image Animation" function, like floating, zooming, or popping in, and set how long the animation lasts.

Step 4: Add text, background music, or other decorations.

Step 5: Export your work as an MP4 or GIF, then share it on social media or use it for display.

DreamVid is an AI-powered app that makes pictures move. It turns static images into smooth, lifelike videos, and can also read text descriptions and apply video templates to make characters sing, kiss, hug, or dance. Even better, DreamVid can automatically extend the video based on your prompts, making scenes more complete and transitions more natural.

How to Make Moving Images Using DreamVid

Step 1: Download and open DreamVid. Choose your favorite video effect and click on Apply.

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Tips

DreamVid also have Web version, you can use it online without download app.

Step 2: Upload a photo and enter the animation effect you want.

Step 3: The AI will analyze the image and apply the selected dynamic effect.

Step 4: Export the video with one click and share it directly on platforms like TikTok or YouTube.

ImgPlay is a professional GIF animation generator that can quickly turn static images, photo bursts, or video clips into moving images. You can also add text, stickers, filters, and animation effects to make your GIFs more fun and lively.

How to Make Images Move Using Imgplay

Step 1: Download and open the ImgPlay app. Tap the arrow at the top and choose the GIF format.

Step 2: Import the static photos you want to animate. Select up to 50 frames to create motion.

Step 3: Adjust the frame rate and add text, watermarks, or filters as needed.

Step 4: Preview your GIF, then save it and share it directly to platforms like WeChat or Instagram.

Kapwing is an easy-to-use online video editor, perfect for quick edits in your browser. You can add a timeline, add animation, zoom, and motion effects to turn still images into dynamic visuals. It also lets you set the video duration, so each image can play like a short video.

How to Animate a Still Picture Using Kapwing

Step 1: Open the Kapwing official website and click "Start Editing".

Step 2: Upload your images to the timeline and set how long each one will appear.

Step 3: Add animations like slide-in, fade-out, or zoom, and adjust when they play. You can also add background music or subtitles.

Step 4: When you're done, export the animated image as an MP4 or GIF.

As a smart image animation tool, Motionleap can make static elements in images move using path control. Specifically, it lets you easily add dynamic effects by using anchor points and area recognition. You can make clouds float, water ripple, and clothing move as if blown by the wind.

How to Animated a Picture Using Motionleap

Step 1: Download and open the Motionleap app, and upload the static photo you want to animate.

Step 2: Tap "Animation" in the editing tools and use "Path" to draw arrows showing the motion direction.

Step 3: Tap "Anchor Point" and place points around the part you want to animate.

Step 4: Tap the Export icon in the top right to save your animated image. You can share it on social media or use it in design projects.

DreamVid

If you want to make the characters in the picture sing or dance, you can try DreamVid. It can not only solve your how to make images move problem with one click.

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Movepic is an app designed for adding dynamic effects to images. It has a wealth of built-in dynamic effects materials and templates, like flames, halos, meteors, and water waves. With features like path animation, dynamic stickers, and special effect templates, you can animate parts of your photo to make it come alive with vivid visual effects.

How to Making Moving Images Using Movepic

Step 1: Install Movepic on your phone and open the app. Load an image, then choose "Animate" or other editing tools.

Step 2: Pick an animation type: path animation, decorative animation, or template animation. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Drag the path arrow to set the direction and speed of the movement. You can also add dynamic stickers, background music, and animated subtitles.

Step 4: Tap the play button to preview your animation. When satisfied, tap the export button to save the animated photo to your phone.

Online Converter is a web tool for creating animations from multiple pictures. It also lets you do basic tasks like format conversion and speed adjustment. The main advantage is its high level of customization. You can set the frame rate, size, playback order, and choose if the background is transparent. With just one click, it can turn still images into lively animations.

How to Animate a Still Picture Using Online Converter

Step 1: Visit the Online Converter website and choose the "Image to GIF" tool.

Step 2: Upload your image sequence and set the frame rate, size, and loop options.

Step 3: Click "Convert" to create the GIF automatically.

Step 4: Download and save the GIF to your computer. You can use it for web animations or presentations.

With the right tools and methods, you have learned how to make images move. From professional software like Adobe After Effects to one-click tools like DreamVid, these options deliver impressive results. Whether you're creating short videos or social media content, they can help you bring your images to life. If you want to make your pictures move, give it a try and start your creative journey today!

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Article by

Heather Marston

Heather Marston is passionate about AI technology. She dedicates herself to writing technical articles on AI, covering new AI products, and sharing her firsthand experience with AI tools in a more engaging and informative way.