Ever heard of these mesmerizing hybrid creatures called cinemagraphs? You may have caught a glimpse of them before.
But hold your horses; we’re not talking about mythical dragons here (sorry, Game of Thrones fans). We’re talking about cinematography!
Cinemagraphs blend still images and subtle motion that creates an unforgettable effect. They have the power to grab attention, leaving viewers in awe instantly.
The best part? When it comes to your online portfolio, they are a showstopper. They have this uncanny ability to intrigue your readers and entice them to explore your pages for longer.
So, if you’re seeking to captivate your website visitors and offer your clients that special touch others don’t have, it’s high time you start with cinemagraphs.
What is a cinemagraph?
Cinemagraph is Harry Potter-like moving images that capture your attention with their subtle motion that plays in an endless loop while the rest of the picture remains perfectly still.
The beauty of cinemagraphs lies in their ability to surprise and delight viewers. At first glance, they appear as ordinary stock photos, but as if, by magic, they come to life with a hint of motion.
This element of surprise makes them a favorite choice for advertisers who want to attract their audience and hold their attention.
You might be thinking, “Aren’t cinemagraphs just animated GIFs?” Well, not quite. While both contain loops, there’s a big difference between them. Animated GIFs are low-quality file formats that have existed since the early 80s.
Cinemagraphs, on the other hand, are a medium in their own right, just like photography and video. You can save a cinemagraph as a GIF, but better options are available.
The highest quality cinemagraphs start with 4K, or even 6K video footage is the way to go. The rich detail and clarity captured in these high-resolution videos lay the foundation for stunning cinemagraphs.
Exporting them as video files is highly recommended to preserve exceptional quality and ensure your cinemagraphs look absolutely fantastic.
Several file formats are available for exporting cinemagraphs, but two commonly used ones are H.264 and the new high-efficiency video codec, H.265. These formats maintain the cinemagraph’s integrity, delivering outstanding visual fidelity and reducing file size without compromising quality.
Why should web designers use cinemagraphs?
Here are four compelling reasons to incorporate cinemagraphs into your web design:
Create visual interest
Cinemagraphs have the power to add a captivating visual element to your website, instantly capturing the viewer’s attention. Their dynamic nature grabs the eye and keeps visitors engaged as they explore your pages.
With cinemagraphs, you can enhance the overall visual appeal and create an immersive browsing experience.
Convey a sense of movement
Want to breathe life into your website? Cinemagraphs are the answer! They introduce a subtle sense of movement that can bring a static website to life.
It might be a gentle sway of leaves or a flickering candle flame. Cinemagraphs add that touch of motion that creates a memorable and immersive user experience.
Communicate key messages creatively
Cinemagraphs offer a creative way to showcase your products or services. When you incorporate cinemagraphs that align with your brand’s identity, you can convey key messages and capture the essence of what you’re offering.
No impact on website performance
Good news! Cinemagraphs won’t slow down your website. Since they are a few-second looped videos, they won’t negatively affect your website’s performance or load times.
You can enjoy the visual benefits without compromising the user experience.
How to use them on your website?
Here are some friendly and imaginative ways to incorporate them:
Enhance your online portfolio
Make your portfolio shine by adding cinemagraphs alongside your still images. This combination will make your work stand out and create an eye-catching visual experience.
With tools like Wix’s Pro Gallery for photographers, you can effortlessly integrate cinemagraphs, videos, and GIFs into your gallery, ensuring top-quality images that captivate your audience.
Make a statement with a cinemagraph video background
Want to make a powerful first impression on your homepage? Consider using a cinemagraph as a mesmerizing video background.
Luckily, you’ll find a fantastic collection of cinemagraphs designed explicitly for this purpose in the Wix Editor. The best part? They’re free for you to use and add that magic touch to your website.
Break the cliché on your about me page
Ready to remove the box and add some flair to your About Me page? Create a unique cinemagraph that showcases your personality.
It’s a sleek and innovative way to break the cliché of a simple photo of yourself behind a camera. Let your creativity soar and leave a lasting impression on your visitors.
The Bottom Line
Cinemagraphs seize attention, engage visitors, and leave a lasting impression. With their subtle motion and artistic allure, cinemagraphs create an impact beyond mere aesthetics.
It’s time to make your mark with the mesmerizing world of cinemagraphs!