If your intent is to display content that is originally video, then you should use the best and most supported video format.
If your intent is to display some effect through animation, a gif isnt a bad thing.
For example, the ajax loader that we are all familiar with? The size difference is minor. The gif is 16k, an mp4 is 11k. HOWEVER, with the video I have worry about the browser playing it, looping it, and does it handle transparency? (i dunno)
If I wanted one of those full page & full motion backgrounds, it would definitely be a video. The first time I saw a page like that load, load really fast, and be high quality video, I was amazed (leave aside aesthetics)
If your intent is to display content that is originally video, then you should use the best and most supported video format.
If your intent is to display some effect through animation, a gif isnt a bad thing.
For example, the ajax loader that we are all familiar with? The size difference is minor. The gif is 16k, an mp4 is 11k. HOWEVER, with the video I have worry about the browser playing it, looping it, and does it handle transparency? (i dunno)
If I wanted one of those full page & full motion backgrounds, it would definitely be a video. The first time I saw a page like that load, load really fast, and be high quality video, I was amazed (leave aside aesthetics)