WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the fun features of WhatsApp is the ability to send animated GIFs in chats and group conversations.
GIFs allow you to express emotions and reactions quickly and easily. From funny meme GIFs to cute animal GIFs, GIFs make conversations more lively. But how exactly can you get and send GIFs on WhatsApp?
Requirements for Sending GIFs on WhatsApp
Before learning how to get GIFs for WhatsApp, you need to make sure your device and app meet the requirements for sending animated images:
- You must be using the latest version of WhatsApp on your smartphone. Make sure the app is updated.
- Your phone needs to be running on Android Lollipop 5.0+ or iOS 10+ operating systems. Older versions do not support GIFs.
- You need a reliable internet connection – 2G, 3G, 4G or WiFi.
As long as your device and WhatsApp app meet these requirements, you’re ready to start using GIFs!
Method 1: Use Built-In WhatsApp GIF Search
The easiest way to get GIFs is to use the built-in GIF search tool in WhatsApp:
- Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to send the GIF.
- Tap on the emoji icon in the text box.
- This will open up your emoji keyboard. Tap on the GIF icon at the bottom.
- You will now see the GIF search tool. Type in a keyword related to the GIF you want.
- WhatsApp will display GIF results based on your search term. Scroll through and select the GIF you want.
- This will insert the GIF into your text box. Hit send to share it in your chat!
The WhatsApp GIF search has a large collection of trending and popular GIFs you can browse through. It’s the simplest option if you just want to find a quick GIF to share.
Method 2: Use Third-Party Keyboard Apps
While WhatsApp’s built-in GIF library is decent, you may want access to more GIFs from external sources. Third-party keyboard apps for Android and iOS allow this by providing additional GIF libraries:
Android GIF Keyboard Apps
- Gboard – Google’s own keyboard app with direct Giphy integration. Easy GIF search and sharing.
- SwiftKey – Popular third-party keyboard with emoji and GIF options. Syncs across devices.
- Fleksy – Customizable keyboard with curated GIF lists and search. Unique features like GIF stickers.
To use these apps:
- Download and install the keyboard app from the Play Store.
- Open WhatsApp and tap into a chat. Tap the text box to pull up the keyboard.
- Select the third party keyboard from the options at the bottom. It will replace your default keyboard.
- Search for a GIF using the keyboard’s built-in tools. Select the GIF to send it in your chat!
iOS GIF Keyboard Apps
- GIPHY – Full library of GIFs with search and trends. Easy sharing to WhatsApp.
- Tenor GIF Keyboard – Featured GIF sections and quick search for trending GIFs.
- GIFs Keyboard – Custom categories and favorites option. Create your own GIFs.
The process is similar on iPhones:
- Get the keyboard app from the App Store.
- Open WhatsApp, enter a chat, and tap the text field.
- Hit the globe icon to change keyboards and select the GIF keyboard.
- Search for GIFs, select the one you want, and hit Send!
Take your time browsing keyboard apps to pick the one with the best GIF search experience for your needs.
Method 3: Use Third-Party GIF Apps
Another option is using dedicated GIF apps on your device. These apps are solely focused on helping you find awesome GIFs to share:
Android GIF Apps
- GIF Keyboard – Create your own GIFs or browse top trending ones. Easy sharing.
- Giphy – Official app from the popular GIF website. Huge range of reaction GIFs.
- Tenor – Discover the most shared GIFs. Create your own meme GIFs.
To use these apps:
- Install and open the GIF app on your Android device.
- Browse or search the app’s collection to find the perfect GIF.
- Tap on the GIF and select the Share option.
- Choose WhatsApp from the share menu.
- Pick the WhatsApp chat to share the GIF. It will be sent directly there.
iOS GIF Apps
- GIPHY – GIF search engine with reactions, stickers, artists, and more.
- GifLab – Create your own GIFs by combining clips, effects, text, and more.
- GIFWrap – Search trending GIFs or make your own using photos.
On iPhones:
- Get the GIF app from the iOS App Store.
- Find and view the GIF you want within the app.
- Tap the Send button in the app and select WhatsApp.
- Choose a WhatsApp contact or group to share it.
Dedicated GIF apps allow you to fully immerse in the world of GIFs before sharing your favorites seamlessly to WhatsApp contacts.
Method 4: Download GIFs from Websites
There are many great GIF websites you can browse to find funny, creative, and unique GIF files. Here are some top options:
- Giphy – Largest library of free GIFs to search and download.
- Tenor -Trending GIFs and stickers with easy sharing options.
- Gifer – User uploaded GIFs searchable by category.
To download GIFs from these websites:
- Open the GIF website on your phone’s browser.
- Use the site’s search to find a great GIF you want to send.
- Tap the GIF to open it by itself on the page.
- Look for a Download button or link under the GIF.
- Save the GIF image file to your phone’s storage.
- Open WhatsApp, pick a chat, and attach the saved GIF.
This method gives you a wide selection of GIFs to choose from. Just make sure to only download GIFs from trusted websites to avoid viruses or malware.
Method 5: Convert Videos into GIFs
You can create your own personalized GIFs for WhatsApp by converting video clips on your phone into animated GIF files. There are free converter apps that make this easy:
Android GIF Maker Apps
- GIF Maker – Trim videos into GIFs. Add text, stickers, filters.
- Vid2GIF – Convert videos under 20 seconds into high quality GIFs.
- GIF Me! – Customize speed, size, and look of your video GIFs.
To make GIFs on Android:
- Download a GIF making app from the Play Store.
- Open the app and select the video from your phone’s gallery.
- Trim the clip and make any edits within the app.
- Convert the edited video into a GIF file.
- The app will save the GIF to your device storage.
- Open WhatsApp, choose a chat, and send the saved GIF.
iOS GIF Maker Apps
- GIF Maker – Simple app to convert videos into GIFs quickly.
- GIFit – Make high quality GIFs with custom text, trim, filters.
- Giffer! – Cut longer videos into animated GIFs.
The process on iPhones is very similar:
- Get a GIF creation app from the iOS App Store.
- Select a video from your camera roll to convert to GIF.
- Use the app’s tools to trim, edit, and customize the video.
- Finalize and save the exported GIF file.
- Go to WhatsApp, choose a chat, and send the GIF.
Turning videos into GIFs lets you reuse fun snippets into a sharable format for WhatsApp.
Method 6: Use WhatsApp Web to Send GIFs
The WhatsApp desktop website and web app allow you to send messages from your computer. This also includes sending GIFs:
- Open the WhatsApp Web browser app on your computer.
- Scan the QR code to link it to your phone’s WhatsApp account.
- In a chat, click the emoji icon next to the text box.
- Click on the GIF option to open the GIF search tool.
- Browse GIFs and click on one to send in your chat!
WhatsApp Web makes it easy find and send GIFs on a bigger screen. You can also upload GIFs saved on your computer to share on WhatsApp this way.
Tips for Sending the Best GIFs on WhatsApp
Now that you know how to find and send GIFs on WhatsApp, here are some tips to use them most effectively in your chats and groups:
Pick Relevant GIFs
Choose GIFs that make sense within the conversation. Funny and reaction GIFs that convey your emotions are very versatile.
Don’t Overuse GIFs
Using too many GIFs can be disruptive in a chat. Use them sparingly for the biggest impact.
Respond Quickly with GIFs
GIFs allow you to respond promptly to messages in a lively way. But balance them with typed out messages too.
Use GIFs to Lighten the Mood
Injecting an amusing or cute GIF into serious or tense conversations can help lighten the mood.
Be Mindful of File Size
Large GIF files will take longer to load. Find a good balance between size and image quality.
Personalize with DIY GIFs
Make custom GIFs from videos or photos to share more original messages.
Conclusion
WhatsApp has made it simple and fun to share GIFs in your daily messaging. With the built-in GIF search, third-party keyboard apps, dedicated GIF apps, website downloads, video converters, and WhatsApp Web, you have plenty of options to find and share the perfect reactions, jokes, and custom animations. Use these tips to choose the most relevant GIFs for your WhatsApp chats and bring your conversations to life!