What does looping refer to in animation?

Looping in animation refers to a scenario where a sequence plays repetitively, creating a continuous cycle. The specific aspect that defines this repetition is when the first and last frames of the animation are identical. This allows the animation to transition smoothly from the end back to the beginning, effectively making it seem endless.

This technique is widely used in various forms of animation, such as GIFs and video game animations, where seamless transitions are crucial for maintaining viewer engagement and fluidity in visual storytelling. By ensuring both the beginning and the end frames match, animators can create a visual experience that feels cohesive and uninterrupted.

The other concepts mentioned, such as unique frames throughout, creating sound loops, or using a constant frame rate, do not capture the essence of what makes an animation loop effectively. While they are important aspects of animation production and design, they do not specifically define the looping mechanism itself.