If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a moving picture must be worth… a hell of a lot more. Adding an element of motion inside typically static emails is not only more engaging for subscribers, but also allows email marketers to get creative with their content offering. Here are some examples of animated GIFs in emails that are either clever, entertaining or just plain old pretty (or all of the above):

Peter Alexander: You’ll never believe who Peter’s having Breakfast with (Standout Subject Line)
Peter Alexander: You’ll never believe who Peter’s having Breakfast with (Standout Subject Line)
Animated GIFs, Fashion, Subject Lines
Sender: Peter Alexander
Sent on: January 22, 2014
Subject Line: You’ll never believe who Peter’s having Breakfast with?

Kate Spade Saturday: Let’s talk about this incredible trench (Standout Subject Line)
Kate Spade Saturday: Let’s talk about this incredible trench (Standout Subject Line)
Animated GIFs, Fashion, Subject Lines
Sender: Kate Spade Saturday
Sent on: January 17, 2014
Subject Line: Let’s talk about this incredible trench…
American Apparel Gmail “Move Me” Campaign
Animated GIFs, Gmail "Move Me" Campaigns
Sender: American Apparel
Sent on: September 23, 2013
Subject Line: Hey Gmail Users – Let’s Be Primary …
Kate Spade: Something Old, Something New (Standout Email)
Animated GIFs, Standout Emails
Sender: Kate Spade
Sent on: September 3, 2013
Subject Line: something old, something new…
Why it’s a standout email:
The …
Brooks Brothers: How to Tie a Tie (Standout Email)
Animated GIFs, Fashion, Standout Emails
Sender: Brooks Brothers
Sent on: August 28, 2013
Subject Line: How to Tie a Tie
Why it’s a …
UGG Australia: Rocker-Chic Studs (Newsletter featuring Animated GIF)
Animated GIFs, Shoes
This UGG Australia newsletter sent on August 27, 2013 with the subject line “Moto-inspired …
Tory Burch: The Perfect Pair (Newsletter featuring Animated GIF)
Animated GIFs
Why show just one set of a matching handbag and wallet when you can …
Threadless: It’s a Threadventure! (Newsletter featuring Animated GIF)
Animated GIFs
If you’re familiar with the Threadless brand, you’d know that it’s kind of quirky …
Sportsgirl: Back to Basics (Newsletter featuring Animated GIF)
Animated GIFs
In this newsletter sent on September 27, 2013 with the subject line “Back to …
Smiggle: ‘Wheely’ Fun (Newsletter featuring Animated GIF)
Animated GIFs
This Smiggle newsletter sent on October 1, 2013 with the subject line “‘wheely’ fun …