How to Add Text to GIFs on Desktop & Mobile Devices [3 Ways]

“I have a GIF animation, and I want to add a caption over it. How can I do that?”

“Which app do people use to add an overlay of text on a GIF?”

If you are asking these questions, you are in the right place. Adding text to a GIF is a great way to make it more fun, engaging, or informative. But not all tools make the process easy.

Do not worry! This guide will show you the best tools to add text to GIFs on different devices. Plus, we will give you step-by-step instructions on how to do it quickly and easily.

Part 1: Why Add Text to GIF

Adding text to a GIF makes it more fun and valuable. It helps share messages, add context, or make content more engaging. Whether for memes, tutorials, or social media, text can improve your GIFs in many ways.

Here is why adding text to GIFs is a great idea:

• Make Messages Clear - Adding text helps people understand the meaning of your GIF.

• Enhance Humor - Funny captions make GIFs more entertaining and engaging.

• Boost Social Media Content - Text makes GIFs stand out and catch attention.

• Improve Tutorials - Adding labels or instructions makes educational GIFs easier to follow.

• Customize for Events - You can add dates, greetings, or special messages for different occasions.

• Brand Your Content - Watermarking your GIF with text helps promote your work.

• Make GIFs More Accessible - Text helps those who may not hear the audio in a video-based GIF.

Part 2: How to Add Text to GIF on Windows/Mac

1. AVAide Video Converter

You have more control if you add text to GIF using a computer program. You can type, edit, and adjust everything with ease. It also makes your GIF look more polished and professional. Instead of using a small screen, a computer lets you see every detail.

AVAide Video Converter is an excellent tool for adding text to GIFs. It works on both Windows and Mac and has no watermark. You can add text in one click and customize it however you like. Change the font, size, color, and position to match your style. You can also edit your GIF by rotating, cropping, or applying effects and filters.

But AVAide Video Converter does more than that. Since it is mainly a media converter, you can also turn GIFs into MP4 videos. It is helpful if you want to share your GIF as a video on social media.

Learn how to add text to GIF using AVAide Video Converter below:

Step 1Go to the official AVAide Video Converter website. Download and install the right version for your desktop. After installation, launch the software.

Step 2You are directed to the Converter tab. Here, click the (+) button to open your file folder. Please select the GIF you want to add text, then load it into the program.

Step 3Once your GIF is uploaded, look for the Wand button next to it. Click it to open the editing window. Then, go to the Watermark tab. By default, No Watermark is selected. Change this by choosing the Text option.

A text bar will appear below; type in the text you want on your GIF. After that, adjust the text position by dragging it on the frame. You can also modify the size, font style, alignment, and color.

Step 4When happy with the text, click OK to apply the changes. It will bring you back to the main converter window. Finally, click Convert All to save your edited GIF. Now, your GIF is ready with your custom text!

Part 3: How to Add Text to GIF on Android/iPhone

If you prefer using your phone or do not have access to a computer, do not worry. Some apps let you add text to GIFs quickly and easily. Check out the best tools below and see how to edit your GIFs in just a few taps!

1. GIF Studio

GIF Studio is a handy app to add text to GIFs on Android. It lets you adjust timing, apply filters, and crop with ease. You can merge many GIFs into one and use it to reduce file size without losing quality since it is also known as a GIF resizer.

Moreover, with GIF Studio, you can create GIFs from videos, images, or screen recordings. The only downside is that it has ads, but the tools are still great for making professional-looking GIFs.

Step 1Go to the Google Play Store, look for GIF Studio, and install it. Once installed, open the app.

Step 2Tap Album and pick the video you want. It will open inside the app. Now, tap Edit to begin.

Step 3Look for the Text option at the bottom. Tap it. Then, press the (+) button to add words to your GIF. You can change the font and style below to match your preference.

Step 4When you are happy with the text, tap Enter on the top right. It saves your changes. You can also tap Network to share your GIF on social media if you want.

2. GIF Maker

To add text to GIF using an app on iPhone, you can rely on GIF Maker. It can turn your photos and videos into GIFs, add text, and apply filters. The app also lets you change GIF speed, remove backgrounds, and add stickers or emojis.

With its AI-powered tools, you can generate GIFs from text or swap faces in animations. Once your GIF is ready, you can save it or share it on social media. While GIF Maker has free features, some advanced tools require a paid subscription after a 3-day trial.

Step 1Search for GIF Maker in the App Store. Put it on your iPhone. Open the app after it has been installed.

Step 2You will see various editing options on the main screen. To get started, tap GIF Editor.

Step 3Open the editor and import your GIF. After that, type your words by tapping the Text option. The font, color, spacing, and shadow can all be changed. You can also add stickers for additional effects if you'd like.

Step 4When you are done, tap Next and hit Save to store your GIF with text on your iPhone. You can send it directly to WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and other apps if you want to share it.

By Jane Pineda on Jun 09, 2025