Ever since the introduction of GIFs, animated pictures have taken the spotlight. Animated images are typically short clips of moving people or objects cut from longer footage. But what if we told you that you can add motion to a still image with a simple tap?

The TokkingHeads app allows you to turn still images of people's faces into animated avatars by applying prerecorded movement. The person in the picture will then move in accordance with the motion you chose.

How to Animate Still Pictures With TokkingHeads

Ready to start animating? Before continuing, make sure to download the TokkingHeads app on your iPhone.

Download: TokkingHeads (Free, in-app purchases available)

There are four different ways you can animate still images with TokkingHead: GIFs, Live, Voice, and Text. While all of the results will produce an animated avatar, each of these methods has unique differences.

Let's take a closer look at how each feature works.

1. Using the GIFs Feature

The GIFs feature lets you apply an existing GIF, typically of a celebrity, to your picture. The person in the still frame will then assume those movements.

Here's how to apply a GIF to your image:

  1. Open the TokkingHeads app. It'll open the front camera so you can snap a photo of yourself. At the bottom, there is a multitude of celebrity pictures to choose from as well. You can also upload a picture from your photo library by tapping the picture frame icon.
  2. Once your picture loads, you'll see the features window. Select GIFs at the bottom. Here, you can pick from a variety of pre-existing GIFs.
  3. After selecting a GIF, wait for the "AI Magic," to do its thing, and then you'll see the results. From here, you can Save it to your camera roll or export it anywhere you want via the Share button. It'll be exported as a short video.
    TokkingHeads GIFs Selection
    TokkingHeads Export Result

At the top, you'll also have the option to increase the video quality and remove the TokkingHeads watermark. However, both of these options require a subscription.

Related: The Best Apps to Animate Photos on Android and iPhone

2. Using the Live Feature

The Live feature allows you to record a video of yourself, and then apply that movement to a still picture. You can have a lot of fun with this feature, as it can turn your image into a personalized moving avatar.

Here's how to apply the Live feature:

  1. Upload your picture and select Live from the bottom of the features window. It'll open the front camera.
  2. Record a video of yourself by tapping the white circle. It will now animate the picture with the movement that you recorded.
    TokkingHeads Record Live Video
    TokkingHeads Processing Results
  3. After that, view the results and export the video as desired.

Read More: Deepfakes Explained: The AI That's Making Fake Videos Too Convincing

3. Using the Voice Feature

Voice is another fun effect you can play around with. It moves the avatar in accordance with audible speech to make it look like the picture is talking. There are several pre-recorded voiceovers and song snippets to pick from, and you can also record your own.

Here's how to make an avatar with audio:

  1. Upload your image and open it in the Voice window.
  2. Select an audio sample from the list of presets, and tap Make My Video. Watch your avatar move in accordance with the sound.
  3. To make your own audio, tap Record Your Own, and it'll immediately start recording. To stop recording, tap the same icon again.
    TokkingHeads Record Voice
    TokkingHeads Confirm Recorded Voice
  4. It'll then ask if you want to use your own audio, select Yes, and then Make My Video. After that, you can review the results.

4. Using the Text Feature

Similar to the Voice feature, the Text option moves the avatar to sound. However, this a sound that is generated through text. There are a few pre-typed messages to pick from, and you can also type out your own. You can even select the accent in which it's spoken.

To use the Text feature, follow these steps:

  1. Open your uploaded photo in the Text window, and either select a text or type your own. Then, hit Make My Video.
  2. Now, it'll give you several accent options. Tap on them to get a preview of what it would sound like, and then tap Make My Video again once you have your preferred accent selected.
    TokkingHeads Select or Create Text
    TokkingHeads Select Accent

Bring Still Images to Life With TokkingHeads

TokkingHeads is a great way to create unique and personalized animated avatars. You can make your favorite celebrities say the funniest things, or even bring old photos of passed loved ones to life.