Scroll-based animations usually mean reaching for heavy libraries like GSAP or ScrollMagic. But with Tailwind CSS and the native IntersectionObserver API, you can create highly performant, elegant scroll-triggered animations — zero extra libraries required. Let's build a full setup.

Why Native Scroll Animations?

Benefits of ditching the big libraries:

  • Smaller bundle size, faster load times
  • Full control over when and how elements animate
  • Progressive enhancement for older browsers

Step 1: Build a Tailwind Animation Class

First, extend Tailwind with a custom fade/slide animation:

// tailwind.config.js
module.exports = {
  theme: {
    extend: {
      keyframes: {
        fadeSlide: {
          '0%': { opacity: 0, transform: 'translateY(20px)' },
          '100%': { opacity: 1, transform: 'translateY(0)' },
        },
      },
      animation: {
        fadeSlide: 'fadeSlide 0.8s ease-out forwards',
      },
    },
  },
}

Step 2: Setup HTML Markup

Mark elements you want to animate with a hidden state:


  
Reveal on Scroll

  
This section will fade and slide into view.

Initially, the item is invisible and shifted slightly down.

Step 3: Use IntersectionObserver to Trigger Animation

Here's the vanilla JS magic:

Each element with data-animate will animate the first time it comes into view. Then we unobserve to avoid retriggering.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • Zero dependencies — full native performance
  • Highly customizable with Tailwind’s animation system
  • Accessibility-friendly (no reliance on JavaScript for critical content)

⚠️ Cons

  • Requires small JS snippet per page (can't be pure CSS-only)
  • Some older browsers (like IE11) don't support IntersectionObserver (polyfills needed if critical)

🚀 Alternatives

  • Framer Motion + React: For app-level React animation control
  • Locomotive Scroll: If you want smooth scroll + parallax bundled together

Summary

Scroll-triggered animations don't need to bloat your app. With a pinch of Tailwind CSS and IntersectionObserver, you can deliver buttery-smooth, accessible motion experiences with minimal code — keeping your UI dynamic and your performance sharp.

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