How to Send GIFs in iMessage (2024)

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GIFs are awesome features to use to convey a special message to someone. Whether it’s to describe your emotions or a situation, it’s much more effective to do so with an animated image than a simple emoji. If you’re looking for ways to send GIFs via your iMessage app, you’ve come to the right place.

How to Send GIFs in iMessage (3)

This article shares detailed instructions on sending GIFs in iMessage using an iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You’ll learn how to use your device’s default keyboard but also share GIFs from third-party websites.

Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

How to Send GIFs in iMessage on an iPhone

There are two different ways to send GIFs on iPhone – using the default keyboard or via third-party apps. The iOS default keyboard supports GIF search directly in iMessage. All iPhones running on iOS 10 and beyond have this feature. If you belong to this category, follow the steps below.

Send GIFs Using iOS Default Keyboard

Here’s how to send GIFs in iMessage using the default keyboard settings:

  1. Open the iMessage app on your iPhone.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (4)
  2. Select the chat where you want to send a GIF.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (5)
  3. A list of icons will appear at the bottom of the screen. Select the red icon featuring a magnifying glass. It’s the “#images” feature.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (6)
  4. Enter the keywords for your GIF into the search box. For example, if you want to send a congratulations GIF, you may type “Happy Birthday,” or “Congratulations,” or similar keywords depending on the occasion.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (7)
  5. Choose the GIF you like by tapping on it.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (8)
  6. Tap Send.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (9)

The iMessage app also lets you add comments to a GIF. Just type a message under the GIF before hitting Send, and the message will get delivered together with the GIF.

As you can see, sending a GIF using iOS’ default keyboard only requires a few simple steps.

However, maybe you didn’t find a GIF you like and decide to search the web instead. If so, let’s explore how to share a GIF to iMessage from another app.

Share GIFs from Another App

Maybe the iOS default gallery doesn’t have a GIF that transfers the emotion you want to convey. Fortunately, you can search outside the iOS box and choose just about any GIF on the internet. For example, GIHPY is the world’s leading database of GIFs, and you can send one from there as well.

Just follow the steps below:

  1. Find the GIF you like on GIPHY or any other website.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (10)
  2. Tap on the GIF to open it.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (11)
  3. Tap and hold the GIF and select Copy.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (12)
  4. Open the iMessage conversation where you wish to send that GIF.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (13)
  5. Tap on the text box, it will bring up your keyboard.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (14)
  6. Tap on the text box again, it will bring up the Paste prompt, tap on it.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (15)
  7. You’ll see a preview of the GIF image in your text box. Press Send when ready.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (16)

How to Send GIFs in iMessage on an iPad

GIFs add a dose of fun and dynamics into conversations. Sometimes, there’s no better way to convey our feelings than with an animated image. Fortunately, sending GIFs on an iPad is a genuinely straightforward task. If you use iOS 10 or beyond, you’ll be able to send animated images using your iPad’s default keyboard.

Just follow the steps below:

  1. As you already guessed, open up the iMessage app on your iPad. How to Send GIFs in iMessage (17)
  2. Navigate to the chat thread in which you want to send a GIF.
  3. Select the red magnifying glass icon in the middle at the bottom of the screen. How to Send GIFs in iMessage (18)
  4. Type the keywords for your GIF into the search box. For example, if you want to send a special message GIF, you may type “Get well soon,” or “Congrats,” or similar. How to Send GIFs in iMessage (19)
  5. Choose the GIF you like by tapping on it.
  6. If you want to add a comment to go along the GIF, do so by typing your message in the text box and then tap on Send. How to Send GIFs in iMessage (20)

Maybe you’re using an older iPad running on versions before iOS 10, or you didn’t find the appropriate GIF from the gallery. In that case, continue to the following section.

Send GIFs Using Third-Party Apps

You can always visit third-party websites and send GIFs from there. For example, GIPHY has millions of GIFs you can search for and send via iMessage.

Here’s how to search and send GIFs on iMessage using third-party tools:

  1. Visit the website featuring a GIF you like and tap on the GIF to open it. How to Send GIFs in iMessage (21)
  2. Tap on and hold the GIF, then select Copy from the pop-up window. How to Send GIFs in iMessage (22)
  3. Open the thread where you want to send that GIF and tap on the text box to bring up the keyboard. How to Send GIFs in iMessage (23)
  4. Tap on the text box again to bring up the Paste prompt and then tap on it. How to Send GIFs in iMessage (24)
  5. A preview of the GIF image will appear in your text box. Press Send when ready. How to Send GIFs in iMessage (25)

If you go with a website other than GIPHY, the GIF you send may appear as a link rather than an image. Unless you’re okay with that, make sure the address of the animated image you share ends with “.gif” so your iMessage can load it as such.

How to Send GIFs in iMessage on a Mac

Finding and sharing GIFs on a Mac is no different than doing so on any other iOS device. You just have to search for a GIF in the gallery and press the send button. If your Mac runs on an iOS 10 and beyond, you’ll be able to do so from within the system’s default keyboard. If not, you can find one online and send it to the chat.

Depending on your needs and operating system, follow the steps below:

Send GIFs Using Mac Default Keyboard

The easiest way to send GIFs on an iMessage chat is via the #images function. Just follow the steps below for detailed instructions:

  1. Open the message thread you wish to send a GIF to on your Messages app.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (26)
  2. Tap on the App Store icon to the left of the iMessage box.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (27)
  3. Select #images, it’s the red icon with a magnifying glass in it.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (28)
  4. Type the keywords for the GIF in the search box.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (29)
  5. Tap on the GIF you’d like to send.
  6. (Optional) Enter a message to go along with the GIF.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (30)
  7. Press the Return key on your keyboard to send the message.

Send GIFs Using Third-Party Apps

If you didn’t find a GIF you like, you could always search the web and send the GIF to your iMessage chat. The Messages app recognizes all links ending with “.jpg” and features them as such once you send the link. But if the link doesn’t have that ending, it will be sent as a regular link.

You can use GIPHY to send GIF images to your chat box without worrying about the format, as they always get delivered as GIFs.

Here’s how to do so:

  1. Go to www.giphy.com and search for the GIF you like. You can use other websites, but know that your GIF may not be delivered as an animated image.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (31)
  2. Click on the GIF you want to send.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (32)
  3. Click on the Share button next to the GIF.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (33)
  4. Select Copy GIF Link.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (34)
  5. Open the iMessage thread where you want to send that GIF and paste the GIF into the text box.
    How to Send GIFs in iMessage (35)
  6. Hit the Return button to send the GIF.

iMessage GIFs Explained

Sometimes, stickers and emojis aren’t enough to convey our emotions, and sending GIFs is the best way to go. Fortunately, doing so on iPhone, iPad, and Mac is a breeze. Most users use the default keyboard and search for GIFs from the #images feature. Others just copy the GIF link from any website and paste it into the text box.

What’s your favorite way to send GIFs? Do you use the default feature or search for the perfect GIF online? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Send GIFs in iMessage (2024)

FAQs

Can you send GIFs from camera roll on iMessage? ›

For most GIFs, you can long-press on them and select Copy, then just Paste the GIF into an iMessage chat.

How do you add a GIF to a reply? ›

How to reply with GIFs:
  1. Type a keyword related to the GIF in the Send Message or the comment box.
  2. Tap on the GIF icon.
  3. GIFs from GIPHY library will be visible.
  4. Tap on your chosen GIF and hit enter.
Feb 18, 2023

How do I send GIFs from my camera roll? ›

For Android

Step 1: Save the the GIF you want to share to Instagram to your camera roll (Download folder). Step 2: Open GIPHY CAM and tap on the camera roll (film strip). Step 3: Select your GIF and then tap the > button. Step 4: Wait for the GIF to convert, tap the Instagram button, and then share.

Can you copy paste GIFs in iMessage? ›

Go into iMessage and select a conversation thread of the person you want to send the GIF to. Tap on the text box once to bring up the keyboard and then tap on it again to bring up the “Paste” prompt. Tap it when it appears. The GIF image will paste itself inside the text box.

Can you add GIFs to camera roll? ›

Tap on the GIF. Tap the share icon in the upper right. It looks like a box with an arrow. Tap Save Image to download the GIF to your Camera Roll.

Should you respond to a GIF? ›

Always play it safe when responding with a GIF. Make sure you recognize where it's from and confirm that it's not referencing anything inappropriate. The last thing you want is for a fun response to backfire.

How do you add GIFs to Emojis? ›

Use emojis & GIFs
  1. On your Android device, open any app where you can write, like Gmail or Keep.
  2. Tap where you can enter text.
  3. Tap Emoji. . From here, you can: Insert emojis: Tap one or more emojis. Insert a GIF: Tap GIF. Then choose the GIF you want.
  4. Tap Send .

How do you use GIPHY GIF on messenger? ›

Upload the GIF natively into Facebook's status box

On mobile, you can save the GIF to your camera roll. Open your Facebook profile and navigate to the status box. In the status box, click on “Photo/Video” and select your saved GIF. Once your GIF is uploaded, click Share.

How do I make a GIF loop more? ›

Loop a part of an animated GIF image

Move the slider or play head across the timeline and press the 'S' key on your keyboard. Or you can right-click and choose 'Split'. Right-click on the other clips and select 'Delete'. You can now add the same GIF file and repeat the process to create a loop.

How do you get more GIFs on iPhone? ›

With Messages, you can find hundreds of trending GIFs in #images to add to your messages.
...
Here's how:
  1. Open Messages, tap. , and enter a contact or tap an existing conversation.
  2. Tap. .
  3. To search for a specific GIF, tap Find images, then enter a keyword, like birthday.
  4. Tap the GIF to add it to your message.
  5. Tap. to send.
Jan 8, 2019

Why are my iPhone GIFs not working? ›

If you notice that GIFs aren't working on your iPhone, one of the easiest ways to fix this is by removing and re-adding the Images app in iMessage. Open the Messages app on your iPhone and swipe left on the apps list at the bottom of the screen until you see a button with three dots.

Why won't my images load on iMessage? ›

If you have MMS disabled on your iPhone, you won't be able to send or receive multimedia messages like photos or videos with Android users or when iMessage is unavailable. Launch the Settings app. Tap Messages. Scroll down and check to see if MMS Messaging is on.

Why is my iPhone GIF keyboard not working? ›

Check Internal Keyboard App Settings

The third-party keyboard app that you are using most likely has GIFs settings. Open the app and double-check to ensure everything is appropriately enabled here. If nothing helps, you may also try uninstalling the keyboard app and reinstalling it again.

How do you customize GIFs? ›

You can use an online GIF editor like GIPHY, EZGIF, and mobile apps like GIF Maker for iPhone and GIF Maker-Editor for Android to edit a GIF with text or add captions. Simply upload a GIF or create your own on the app, and then start editing! This is an easy way to make animated memes or caption GIFs.

Is it possible to edit GIF? ›

Can I edit a GIF? It's easy to make edits to GIFs. Simply upload a GIF file (from Giphy, or anywhere) to VEED, then you can add text, captions, speed up, slow down your GIF, and more.

How do I share my own GIF? ›

How to Text a GIF
  1. On the GIPHY mobile app, tap on the GIF that you'd like to share. Get the GIPHY App!
  2. Tap on the Text Message button.
  3. Your GIF will automatically appear in the Message app on your iPhone or Android.
  4. Hit send and watch your GIF autoplay in the text thread!

How to turn GIF into video? ›

Go to the EZGIF.com website. Upload a file (supports GIF, APNG, MNG, and WebP) from your computer or paste the image URL in the textbox. Click on the Convert to MP4 option. Once uploaded, the software will process the file and convert it into MP4 format.

How do I send a tenor GIF on iMessage? ›

- Once you find the right GIF or video, simply tap it to automatically copy it to your clipboard, tap the iMessage text box to paste it and watch as it plays inline in your conversation.

What's the best GIF app for iPhone? ›

Best GIF Apps for iPhone and iPad:
  1. GifBoom: Those who are searching for a user friendly platform to develop stunning GIF images with fast loading time and small file size can move to GifBoom. ...
  2. Giffer: ...
  3. MyFaceWhen: ...
  4. DSCO by VSCO: ...
  5. DayCap: ...
  6. Giphy Cam: ...
  7. GifMill: ...
  8. 5 Seconds App:
Jan 16, 2023

Where are GIF stored in iPhone? ›

Go to the Photos app, where the GIF you saved is located, and you'll see that the GIF is motionless, and it will be displayed as a photo until you send it to someone via Messages or Email. Installing a third party app on your iPhone will enable you to save and look at GIFs from your iPhone.

Can you save GIFs to iPhone camera roll? ›

First, open your preferred web browser on your iPhone and launch the site where your GIF is located. Once you see the GIF, tap and hold on it. In the menu that opens after tapping and holding on the GIF, select “Save Image.” Without any prompts, your iPhone will save the selected GIF image to your Camera Roll.

Is it flirty to send GIFs? ›

Up there with emojis, GIFs can also directly point to flirting, Hoffman says. They may seem silly, but if you think about it, there's a GIF out there for literally everything you may be feeling or thinking.

How do guys text when they like you? ›

In conclusion, if he likes you, he will text you. How guys text you when they like you varies, but some are consistent. For example, a guy will ask many questions about you, text first, compliment you, send emojis, make you laugh, find reasons to talk to you, and give hints for a date.

Is a GIF a good first message? ›

A well-placed GIF might add some levity to an otherwise clunky introduction, or at the very least give you a better opener than “hi.” Inevitably, when your conversation hits a lull, an expertly-curated GIF could be just the thing to guide your flirtations back on track.

How do I enable GIF emotes? ›

In the settings menu, enable both "BetterTTV Emote" and "BetterTTV GIF Emotes". This will allow you to see both static, but also the GIF animated emotes, in the Twitch chat.

How do you send animated Emojis on iPhone? ›

How to use an animated Memoji in Messages
  1. Make sure that you have a compatible iPhone or iPad Pro.
  2. Open Messages and tap the Compose button. to start a new message. ...
  3. Tap the Memoji button. , then swipe left to pick your Memoji.
  4. Tap the Record button to record and to stop. ...
  5. Tap the Send button .
Sep 9, 2022

How do you make a Memoji GIF? ›

Hop into the Memoji app, then tap an empty icon where it says "Tap to Set" to create a new GIF. Select "Make a GIF," record a two-second video, then tap "Use Video" and your GIF will be saved. Rinse and repeat until you have all your GIFs set. You can remake a GIF at anytime by tapping on it and retaking the video.

How do I use GIFs on Messenger iPhone? ›

Use #images in the Messages app to find and share GIFs with your contacts.
...
Here's how:
  1. Open Messages, tap. and enter a contact, or tap an existing conversation.
  2. Tap. .
  3. To search for a specific GIF, tap Find images, then enter a keyword, like birthday.
  4. Tap the GIF to add it to your message.
  5. Tap. to send.
Feb 27, 2020

Why can't I send GIFs on Messenger? ›

To quickly fix the problem of GIFs not working, start by checking your internet connection. Ensure that your network is strong or that your data subscription is active. Also, try sending a different GIF, restarting Facebook Messenger, or reinstalling the Messenger app.

What happened to GIFs on Messenger? ›

Before, when you tapped the smiley in the text field to access and browse all the available GIFs, a carousel would pop up above the text field, for you to swipe through or search for GIFs. Now, they appear below, and you can swipe up to slide out a card-like. view and sift through GIFs.

How do you make a GIF loop on iPhone? ›

How to make a GIF on an iPhone with the Photos app
  1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone and tap on the Live Photo you want to turn into a GIF.
  2. Swipe up on the photo to bring up the moving picture menu (Live, Loop, Bounce, Long Exposure). ...
  3. Tap on "Loop" to turn the picture into a repeating GIF.
May 12, 2021

How do you fix a GIF that doesn't loop? ›

How to Remove Loop From GIFs. The answer to the problem is very simple. Just open a GIF editor (or an editor that supports GIFs), then choose Remove loop option, and resave it.

How do you send GIFs on iOS 15? ›

Tap on the “+” icon and then select “Photo & Video Library” from the menu that appears. Tap on “GIF” at the bottom of the screen and you will see a number of GIFs on the screen. Find the one you want and then tap on the send icon to make it.

How do I get more GIFs on my phone? ›

That being said, some of the best apps to get GIFs on Android are GIF Keyboard, Imgur, GIF Maker - Video to GIF, and Gif Me - Camera. These applications are available on the Google Play Store and allow users to make original GIFs through their videos or photos using filters, stickers, text overlays and more.

Are there free GIFs on iPhone? ›

The world's largest library of free GIFs, Clips, & Stickers! GIPHY for iOS is the fastest, simplest way to search and share sort form content and animated reactions across all of your favorite social channels such as Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat & more.

What is the maximum length of GIF? ›

The top limit tends to be 200 MB. Time limits apply too, with some tools curbing the length of an animated GIF at 15 seconds. Limiting the number of images — or frames — within your file will also make it easier to manage.

What is the best GIF app for texting? ›

GIPHY is undoubtedly the best GIF app for Android texting. With Gboard, the built-in Google keyboard found in most Android devices; you can effortlessly search for GIFs for texting on Android.

What are the limitations of GIF? ›

The GIF file format only supports a palette of 256 colors, meaning images may have a low resolution or even look slightly blurry. Because they use multiple images, animated GIF files can sometimes be tricky to return to and edit.

How do you reply to a GIF on iPhone? ›

Use #images in the Messages app to find and share GIFs with your contacts.
...
Here's how:
  1. Open Messages, tap. , and enter a contact or tap an existing conversation.
  2. Tap. .
  3. To search for a specific GIF, tap Find images, then enter a keyword, like birthday.
  4. Tap the GIF to add it to your message.
  5. Tap. to send.
Jan 8, 2019

How do I get a GIF keyboard on my iPhone? ›

Use emojis & GIFs
  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open any app you can write with, like Gmail or Keep.
  2. Tap where you can enter text.
  3. Tap the Emoji icon. . From here, you can: Insert emojis: Tap one or more emojis. Insert a GIF: Tap GIF. Then choose the GIF you want.
  4. Tap Send .

Why don't I have the GIF option on my iPhone? ›

If you notice that GIFs aren't working on your iPhone, one of the easiest ways to fix this is by removing and re-adding the Images app in iMessage. Open the Messages app on your iPhone and swipe left on the apps list at the bottom of the screen until you see a button with three dots.

Why isn't my images working on iMessage? ›

If you have MMS disabled on your iPhone, you won't be able to send or receive multimedia messages like photos or videos with Android users or when iMessage is unavailable. Launch the Settings app. Tap Messages. Scroll down and check to see if MMS Messaging is on.

Does Apple have GIF keyboard? ›

With Tenor's GIF Keyboard for iPhone, iPad and iMessage discover or create the right GIF or video to visually sum up exactly what you're trying to say, directly from your keyboard. Express the emotion, inside joke, or clever response you want to share.

Why is my GIF not working? ›

If your GIF file is not playing or looping, it might be because the file is too large. If it's more than 1080 pixels high or 1920 pixels wide, you'll need to reduce the size. There are a number of free, online tools of varying sophistication that you can use.

What is the best GIF keyboard? ›

The 5 Best GIF Keyboards for Texting and Emojis on Android
  1. Gboard: Default but Excellent. 2 Images. Close. ...
  2. Fleksy and Tenor: Fastest Keyboards for Giphy Search. 2 Images. Close. ...
  3. Kika Keyboard: Automatic GIF Suggestions. 2 Images. Close. ...
  4. Bobble: GIFs With Your Face. 3 Images. Close. ...
  5. Copypasta: Complex Text-Based Emoticons. 2 Images.
Apr 2, 2020

How do I enable GIFs? ›

How to Text GIFs on Android
  1. Open your default messaging app.
  2. Tap on the smiley face emoji on the keyboard.
  3. Tap on the GIF button.
  4. Tap on the search bar and look for your desired GIF.
  5. Tap on the GIF to preview and send.

Why can't I send GIFs in my Messages? ›

Go to your settings, then Apps& notifications, find the Gboard app, then open the ellipsis (3 dots) in the upper right corner, then uninstall updates. This is what I did and GIFS, stickers, and bit moji is working again. I have done this and it worked for me!

Why are GIFs not saving as GIFs iPhone? ›

Be sure to first, Restart your iPhone. After restarting, if the issue persists, be sure that you're downloading the file, and not taking a screenshot of the image. If they are files that you're saving, see if there is any change if you open the GIF in Photos or try to insert it in a Message or email.

How to clear cache on iPhone? ›

How to clear the cache on an iPhone or iPad
  1. Open Settings, scroll down until you find Safari, then select it to open the next menu.
  2. Scroll down and tap 'Clear History and Website Data'.
  3. In the popup, tap 'Clear History and Data' to confirm.
Jul 8, 2022

What happens if you reset your iPhone? ›

Reset All Settings: All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults.

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