5 Best Photo Animation Apps for iPhone & Android [2024]

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then an animated photo speaks volumes. Whether you want to replay a memorable moment or relive a hilarious scene, an animated image can place you in the middle of the action.

Add motion and filter effects to any still image to bring life to your snaps. You don’t need years of photo editing or video effects experience to animate old photos with a quality photo animation app. 

However, finding the best photo animator app for Android and iPhone isn’t easy. With thousands of apps to choose from, you could spend hours discovering a practical, ad-free option that suits your needs.

We created this guide to help you find the five best apps to animate images on the go. Each of these apps has countless fun features that allow you to easily create and share animated images.

• 5 Best Photo Animation Apps
1. PhotoDirector
2. Werble
3. ImgPlay
4. Motionleap
5. Movepic
• Try the App to Animate Pictures on iPhone and Android
• How To Animate Photos with PhotoDirector

5 Best Photo Animation Apps

1. PhotoDirector

Platforms: Android, iOS

Simply put, PhotoDirector blows the competition away with its wide variety of features and templates to animate photos. With 900,000+ starred ratings at an average score of 4.5 on the Play Store, this app is one of the top reviewed on our list. 

If you love getting creative with your images, then PhotoDirector has the template for you. Loaded with over 1000 animated effects templates, you can experiment with elements, overlays, and lively wrap-around photo effects. But where PhotoDirector really shines is with its range of animated light tools, including bokeh, light rays, and sparkle effects.

Want to inject some energy into your old snaps? Animate old photos with the mesmerizing dispersion effect and bring your pictures to life.

Animating still images couldn't be easier, with the app's AI-powered module guiding you through each step. Simply draw your movement paths, pin or freeze the areas you would like to remain in place, and save. Better still, you can export your animated images as an MP4 or GIF without a watermark, even when using the app's free version.

Once you're finished editing, there is no need to switch between apps. You can share to Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms directly within the PhotoDirector app.

Reasons to Recommend:

• Includes 1000+ animated effect templates
• Features a simple, user-friendly dashboard
• Includes dozens of categories for animated decorations, stickers, and overlays
• Offers AI-powered technology for easy object removal and sky replacement

2. Werble

Platforms: iOS

Werble’s quirky visual effects and simplified dashboard make it suitable for casual social media users. The animated photo effects definitely won’t result in professional-quality photos. Still, the app can add a unique touch to your fun images thanks to various effects packets and animated overlays.

Despite this photo animation app’s user-friendly layout, it falls short when compared to PhotoDirector. For example, you can only access the app’s best animation tools and remove the watermark with the premium version.

3. ImgPlay

Platforms: Android, iOS

ImgPlay allows beginners to create unique animated photos without a steep learning curve. The app features a variety of simplified tools and a customizable editing interface.

However, the app falls short when comparing it to a high-quality, all-around editor like PhotoDirector. First, ImgPlay limits clip duration to one minute. Secondly, you must purchase a premium subscription to access many of its tools and effects.

4. Motionleap

Motionleap features several animation tools to help you animate photos and turn them into short videos. Choose your animation paths by drawing the movement on the screen and fine-tune the animation with speed controls. While some of the top features are behind a paywall, you can at least download your videos without a watermark with the free version.

That said, going through the steps of creating an animated image in Motionleap requires a significant amount of time. And the app doesn’t include guided modules like PhotoDirector. As a result, novice users may experience a considerable learning curve.

5. Movepic

Movepic simplifies the animation process with preset overlays and templates. Unlike other apps, Movepic makes it easy to apply basic edits to photos before animating. You can even choose from themed filters to suit your images.

Despite these creative features, Movepic’s capabilities pale in comparison to PhotoDirector. Also, Movepic only supports movie files instead of social media-friendly GIFs.

Try the App to Animate Pictures on iPhone and Android

Animated photos add a pop of excitement and intrigue to your social media posts. Stand out from the crowd by capturing the fun of special events like birthdays, family gatherings, and vacations with photos that move.

You no longer need to be an expert to attempt photo animation. The technique previously required advanced editing tools, hours of tutorials, and tedious trial and error. Photo editing is now easier than ever with user-friendly apps like PhotoDirector. Use this short tutorial where you can learn how to animate photos in minutes.

To start creating, download PhotoDirector for iPhone and Android today.

How To Animate Photos with PhotoDirector

Animating your photos with PhotoDirector couldn’t be easier.

If you’re ready to get started, here’s how to do it:

Animation Effect

1. On the app home screen and tap “Live.”

2. Choose your favorite photo from your library or Stock images.
3. Tap “Animation.”

4. Draw motion arrows on areas that you want to animate.
5. Finally, add anchors to areas that you want to remain motionless.

Dispersion

1. On the app home screen and tap “Live.”
2. Choose your favorite photo from your library or Stock images.
3. Tap “Dispersion.”

4. Use the brush tool to draw on areas you want to disperse.

5. And tap “Shape” to choose a shape style.

Animated Stickers

1. On the app home screen and tap “Live.”
2. Choose your favorite photo from your library or Stock images.
3. Tap “Elements.”

4. Select a sticker from a vast range of categories.

5. Then drag the bar to adjust the animation speed.