How to Send GIFs on Android

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is a GIF worth? Animated GIFs are moving images that play in a short loop, and are a great way to react to an incoming message or on social media. On Android, there are a handful of ways to send GIFs using either the stock keyboard and messaging app, or any number of third-party apps including GIPHY.

Sending GIFs in Messages

Google Messages, Google's texting app, includes the option to send GIFs. You can also use your keyboard's GIF search, which brings up different results. Instructions for adding GIFs using Gboard are below.

1. Start a new message, and tap the square face symbol in the text field.

2. Tap GIF.

3. Select a GIF and send your message.

Sending GIFs with GIPHY

If you have an older version of Android or want to try another library of GIFs, try the GIPHY app, which you can download from Google Play. You don’t need a login unless you want to save favorites; otherwise, you can browse and share GIFs freely.

1. Launch the GIPHY app.

2. On the home screen, you’ll see trending and seasonal GIFs. Tap the planet symbol to see other categories including reactions, greetings, occasions, animals, and memes.

   You also can use the search bar to find GIFs.

3. When you find a GIF you like, tap the image.

4. Choose the app you want to use, write a message, and send it.

Sending GIFs Saved on Your Android

You also can send GIFs as attachments to your messages and emails if you’ve saved them to your gallery, Google Photos, or any cloud storage system.

To add an attachment in Messages:

1. Tap the plus sign (+) in the lower-left corner.

2. Scroll through your images to find the GIF you want to send.

   On Android 11, scroll down to select Attach file, and choose Photos to browse through images stored in Google Photos.

3. Add a message if desired, and tap Send.