December is traditionally the month of balances and rankings. From the most searched words on search engines, through the most viewed videos, the most listened to songs on YouTube Music or the most used apps all over the world, there are several insights that allow you to include , within a very few and stringent bars, the most significant moments of the year which is now drawing to a close.
But more than simple writings, sometimes the images speak for themselves: a low resolution loop animation is in fact much more effective and incisive than a cold word typed in front of a touch screen. And the new collection of the most downloaded GIFs of 2021 made by Giphy even appears eloquent. According to the popular platform that allows you to collect animated images of users, boredom , tiredness and loneliness were the main emotional reactions of the year we are about to leave behind. But there is also room for healthy fun, laughter and the inevitable goliardia.
So let's see the ranking of the top ten GIFs most used in 2021 , a “treasure” that, put together, generated more than 4.5 billion views, confirming the popularity and appreciation animated images.
Indeed, 2021 has tested the patience of many due to the persistence of the pandemic emergency. Unsurprisingly, the most popular GIF of the year comes from the US version of “ The Office “, the long-time prolific TV series for the creators of hilarious animated videos: this time to gain the limelight is the impassive gaze of the stoic and annoyed Stanley Hudson , who exudes boredom and a mixture of resignation. According to statistics shared by Giphy, this GIF generated 678 million views, far surpassing other popular and evergreen GIFs.
The second place in the special ranking of the most downloaded GIFs of 2021 sees the presence of the timeless cartoon Tom and Jerry and highlights the theme of resignation, evidently a another of the main moods that marked the year now closing. In the short video, the unfortunate and naïve feline drops onto a flamboyant red pillow. Exhausted and resigned , like any person at the height of a particularly hectic and busy day, personal and work.
The culinary talent show “ The Great Britishi Bake Off ” is one of the most watched television programs in the UK. But there is a moment that made him famous all over the world, albeit in the form of a GIF: the astonished and petrified face of one of the competitors. An animation that can certainly have different interpretations, positive or negative.
The mood of resignation finds space again in the ranking of the most downloaded GIFs of 2021 . With 471 million views, the fourth position is dominated by the presence of a very sad Pickachu who lowers his gaze, the perfect animation to tell the mood of those moments raged by sadness and melancholy .
But 2021 didn't just bring sadness and resignation. We also laughed and shared many messages in the name of joy and fun. And this is confirmed by the second part of Giphy's special ranking, dominated by many goliardic GIFs and moments of happiness. Like the hilarious wink of Agnes Harkness , the comic book character played by the American actress Kathryn Hahn.
Christmas, birthday, New Year and who knows what other occasion. The GIFs have always been the favorite tool to celebrate an important moment and in 2021 everyone has conquered the animated image of Peppa Pig dancing underneath the spelling of the words “feliz cumple”. Appreciation expressed by the numbers: the GIF has been used as much as 386 million times.
The animations of Morgan and John Travolta are among the most loved by users, because they effectively express uncertainty. A theme that, in 2021, is well highlighted by the singer The Weeknd , who walks almost lost inside a tunnel during the Super Bowl halftime.
Bridgerton is one of the most viewed TV series of the year (just to stay on the subject of rankings and final figures) and it is not surprising to see the Netflix film too among the most downloaded GIFs of 2021 . With 298 million views, Daphne Bridgerton's “light” laugh occupies the eighth position in Giphy's special ranking.
Lots of joy in the GIF that represents a round chick with a sort of green tutu captured while dancing and moving her arms in the air.
The timeless Baby Yoda closes the ranking of the most downloaded GIFs of 2021 , GIF simply perfect to express excitement. And this is the energy we need to best face 2022 .
