The Empire Strikes Back: Return of the GIF

In the early days of the Internet, there was the GIF. Back then, there primarily were two types of Web graphics: GIF and JPG. A lot of time was spent to optimize file sizes, particularly GIFs, because most people were on dial-up Internet connections.

An animated GIF was nothing more than an image (limited to 256 “Web safe” colors) with multiple layers.

Around 2000, the GIF fell out of favor, and to use them was a sure sign that you didn’t know what the hell you were doing.

About two years ago, with nearly the entire planet on fast, broadband Internet connections, the GIF returned. Animated GIFs seem to be the most popular. While reading some content marketing information, I came across this animated GIF, which so far is the funniest one that I’ve encountered.

By the way, the title has nothing to do with Star Wars.

Click on the image below to see the animated version.