Animated covers, yes or no?

naoro_san 2020-09-13 23:42:07 UTC #1

Hi everyone,
I recently created a cover for my comic and decided to make an animated one. At first I liked it but then I though it can be a bit annoying. I know they don't work for mobile users so that kind of limits the possible annoyance.

I don't dislike the animation itself but I'm questioning if it's a good idea to use it as a cover. Since covers are the first thing potential readers see it's important to keep them as appealing as possible, that's why I would like to know what do you think about animated covers. Also this is not about my cover in particular but animated covers in general.

Do you find them annoying? What do you think about dynamic animations? Maybe you prefer more subtle effects like adding some sparkles and so?
I added a small poll so you can easily express your opinion, but you are more than welcome to leave a comment with your thoughs.

Yes!
I don't care.
Subtle animation is fine.
Absolutely not.

0voters

Show results

Psychobott 2020-09-13 23:59:57 UTC #2

I actually like it. Your animated cover expresses fun and humor which I would definitely check out while I'm looking at the Tapas shelves. My only concern would be the first frame that would pop up in the mobile app for your readers. I think it's the most important part based on my internally judgementally scrutinizing critic-wannabe ass.

sakebento 2020-09-14 03:51:34 UTC #3

I imagine having a very hard time finding what I want to read if this becomes common practice. Subtle animations tend to be pretty pleasing to me, but things moving on a screen are still difficult for some readers. Itchio allows animated thumbnails, but it's got a setting that means the animation only plays when the user hovers over it. I've always liked that design choice. Not sure if tapas could replicate it (and it still wouldn't do anything for mobile), but I think that would be ideal.

That being said, I love your animation and all the personality that shows through with it!

DeformedSunflower 2020-09-14 09:19:21 UTC #4

As long as you read in full screen, you won't be bothered by the hovering thumbnail, so I think it's fine.

nostalgicroxas 2020-09-14 09:26:27 UTC #5

It's eye catching in the way, once it's scaled down, or not, it looks like an ad you do not want to ever click -simply because it's moving. Which is a shame, cause animated stuff by itself is very cool and the cover looks nice. But I for one can say that on instinct, it'd appear to be an ad due to the movement.

naoro_san 2020-09-14 11:22:02 UTC #6

Thank you all for your responses and votes! I will keep the poll open for some more days but I guess the results won't change much. For now the preference is to not use animations, and you gave some valid points against them:

This was actually the first thing that came to my mind and made me wonder if it was a good idea.