OpenAI added animated GIF output to GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst and Flare on November 4. In the Image API, use output_format: "gif". The guide lists 2–16 frames and 20–2000 milliseconds per frame. Request size also depends on the model’s pixel budget. Check your API access and current pricing before generating.
Describe a loop with a clear starting pose
For a sample loading indicator, ask for three dots with the middle one rising slightly and returning. Keep all three recognizable in the first frame. With eight frames at 150 milliseconds each, one pass takes 1.2 seconds. Save the finished GIF returned by the API.
Play the exact file you will use
Watch two passes in the destination and look for a jump or an extra pause when the last frame returns to the first. Inspect the first frame alone as well. If it is unclear in a static view, prepare a separate still or revise the opening pose before using the GIF.