Use Lottie for scalable interface motion, MP4 for rendered video, and Rive for interactive graphics driven by state. GIF is convenient for simple image playback, but limited color and compression can make it a poor choice for polished product motion.
| Format | Best suited to | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Lottie | Icons, loaders, onboarding and illustrated UI | Needs a runtime. Export features and complexity affect compatibility and cost. |
| GIF | Simple animation where only image embeds are possible | Limited palette; can be large. No native sound or rich playback controls. |
| MP4 | Explainers, CGI, footage and mixed-media video | Raster resolution; less flexible for changing individual visual elements. |
| Rive | Interactive components, characters and state-driven motion | Needs its runtime and an interaction model designed for the product. |
There is no universal file-size winner.
Compare the actual deliverables at the same visual quality. A simple vector icon can be compact; an animation with embedded images or complex paths can become large. Include runtime cost, rendering work and the number of simultaneous players.
Choose around the interaction.
A checkout success cue needs a different delivery plan from a 60-second launch video. Decide where the animation appears, what triggers it, and what the user should understand. Then test on the target browser or app runtime.
Can Lottie be interactive?
Yes. A host application can control playback and respond to events. Rive’s state-machine workflow is especially useful when many visual states need to respond to product inputs. The right choice depends on the interaction model and the team’s stack.
Sources: Lottie web documentation · Rive state machines · MDN image formats.
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