Some moments can't be captured in a photo
The bride and groom's entrance, the finish line at a sports day, blowing out birthday candles — there are moments where photos just can't convey the movement and atmosphere.
With PicTomo's 6-second animation feature, you can save those moments as short, GIF-like animations in your album.
What is a 6-second animation?
6-second animations are short looping videos you can record directly from the PicTomo album screen.
- Up to 6 seconds of short animation
- No audio — plays silently like a GIF
- Auto-loop playback in both thumbnails and lightbox
- No app needed — record and play in your browser
- WebM format for high quality and small file size
How to use (3 steps)
Step 1: Start animation recording
Tap the + button at the bottom right of the album screen and select "6s Animation" from the menu. The camera will open.
Step 2: Press and hold to record
Press and hold the record button in the center of the screen. A progress ring completes one full circle in 6 seconds. Release your finger or wait for it to auto-stop.
Step 3: Preview & upload
After recording, a preview plays on loop. Check the result, optionally add a comment, and tap "Upload" to add the animation to your album.
Recommended use cases
Weddings & receptions
The entrance, first bite, bouquet toss, flower shower exit — capture moving moments in 6 seconds. An album with both photos and animations creates a more immersive memory. Since all guests can record, you can document the ceremony from both the couple's and guests' perspectives.
Sports days & events
Sprint finishes, relay baton passes, ball toss games, dance performances. 6 seconds is perfect for capturing decisive moments quickly. Replay your child's full-speed run again and again with loop playback — something photos simply can't convey.
Birthday parties
Blowing out candles, expressions changing while opening presents, clapping along to the birthday song — capture the subtle movements and atmosphere that photos can't preserve.
Graduation & coming of age ceremonies
Receiving a diploma, tossing caps in the air, friends walking in ceremonial outfits. Lock the "movement" of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration into 6 seconds.
Children's "firsts"
First steps, first bike ride, first pool jump — capture these growth milestones as 6-second animations, and you'll be able to relive the movement for years to come.
Pet moments
Pets never stay still, making them perfect subjects for 6-second animations. Jumps, tail wags, pouncing on food — the natural movement recorded in a loop is endlessly entertaining.
Travel & scenery
Cherry blossoms scattering, waves on the shore, a Ferris wheel turning, flags waving in the wind, sunset colors shifting — beautifully preserve the movement of nature and travel destinations that photos can't convey.
Food & culinary events
Cheese melting, flipping pancakes, a flambe flaring up. "Delicious-looking" movement pairs perfectly with 6-second loops.
Sports & hobbies
Golf swings, soccer shots, a dance phrase. A practical use case that doubles as form checking.
Why 6 seconds?
6 seconds is the sweet spot for fitting into a photo album. Here are four benefits of keeping it short:
- Zero burden for viewers: No "I'll watch it later." You see everything the moment you open it
- Zero pressure for creators: It's only 6 seconds. If you mess up, just re-record — easy to try
- Doesn't break the album flow: Sits naturally between photos. Doesn't feel out of place like a long video
- Light on data and storage: Just a few hundred KB means instant playback on mobile networks without eating up storage
The "short loop" format that once captivated the world through Vine (a 6-second video platform) and Instagram Boomerang. Constraints breed creativity — the result is impactful footage that captures the pure essence of movement.
Record together with guests
Anyone who knows the album URL can record and post 6-second animations. Collect not just photos but animations from all participants, and you'll create a special album that documents the event from multiple perspectives.
When moments of movement from each participant's unique viewpoint come together — not just the organizer's — the joy of looking back multiplies many times over.
Tips for great recordings
- Keep the camera steady: Hold your phone firmly with both hands to prevent shake
- Film in bright locations: Dark environments increase noise, so record in well-lit areas
- Get close to your subject: With only 6 seconds, focus on what you want to capture
- Keep it short: 3-4 seconds is often enough. Loop playback means shorter feels more dynamic
- Capture movement: Movement that still photos can't convey is what makes animations special
FAQ
Q. Which browsers are supported?
Chrome, Safari (iOS 17+), Firefox, and other browsers supporting the MediaRecorder API.
Q. Is audio recorded?
No, it's video only with no audio. Animations play silently in a loop, like GIFs.
Q. Are animations included in bulk downloads?
Yes. They're included as WebM files in ZIP downloads.
Q. Can I upload externally recorded videos?
Not currently. Only animations recorded with PicTomo's in-app camera are supported.
Summary
PicTomo's 6-second animation feature is a new way to easily capture the movement and atmosphere of events in your album. No app needed, one-tap recording, and auto-loop playback make it simple for anyone.
At your next event, try recording some 6-second animations along with your photos. Your album will be even more fun!