For troubleshooting purposes: I've tried saving the GIF about two-dozen different ways, including saving different file sizes, dimensions, colors, frames, etc. Each time it made things worse, or improved some things while making others worse. Additionally, this isn't a new issue, or one exclusive to this specific project. I've had this issue, as well as other documented issues with GIFs that I've submitted. However, usually I can find a workaround and swap out the GIF files to fix it - not this time...
Ultimately, I cut the number of frames down to a quarter, broke the GIF up into separate images in Photoshop (Exporting Layers to Files) and then loaded each one as a state ("1" for Frame 1, "2" for Frame 2, etc.) Then, I set an animation to run at 0.1 seconds and change the state from 1 to 2, 2 to 3, etc. each time it completes. The animation lost a bit of quality, since Storyline doesn't allow anything faster than 0.1 seconds and the frames cut down to 1/4, but at least we don't have to cut the animation out entirely - which was becoming the most practical option.
Hi Spencer,
Sorry to hear about your troubles with GIF files, and thanks for sharing all the troubleshooting steps you've taken. I opened a support case on your behalf to get you in touch with a support engineer who can review your experience. You're in good hands, and someone will be in touch shortly to shed more light on what's happening.
