create live wallpapers guide

Live wallpapers move like videos when you touch them.

Personalizing your smartphone wallpaper is an effective way of cementing your smartphone's home screen as an integral part of your life. An attractive static home screen wallpaper background can make your handset experience more positive, upbeat, and exciting to use. Live wallpaper — which moves like a GIF as you tap and hold — makes your Android or iPhone user experience even more interesting. Some smartphones come with built-in live wallpapers, but it takes just a few minutes to make your own custom live wallpaper from any video you have. Think of how inspiring it would be to watch that hummingbird you filmed flitting its wings whenever you launch your phone.

You can use live photos as your iPhone wallpaper by selecting them in the Settings app.

On an Android, you'll need to use a third-party app to set live wallpapers.

iPhone users who want to use a TikTok video or GIF must convert them to live photos first.

If you're looking for a way to customize your phone, wallpaper and lock screen are great places to start.

Live wallpapers — which are still until you touch them — can be a more eye-catching way to change things up. But, depending on the device you have and the source of the wallpaper, the method you use will vary.

Here's what you need to know to get it done.