diff --git a/config/settings.yml b/config/settings.yml
index 18b70b51f..be2a7a1f8 100644
--- a/config/settings.yml
+++ b/config/settings.yml
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ defaults: &defaults
   closed_registrations_message: ''
   open_deletion: true
   boost_modal: false
-  auto_play_gif: true
+  auto_play_gif: false
   delete_modal: true
   system_font_ui: false
   notification_emails: