How to Add GIFs to Text Messages on Your Phone

The fastest way depends on which texting app you use

Most phones let you add GIFs directly inside your texting app without leaving to find them elsewhere. On iPhone, you tap the plus sign or emoji button and select the GIF option. On Android, the process is similar — look for a plus icon or dedicated GIF button in your keyboard. Some apps like iMessage, Google Messages, and WhatsApp have built-in GIF search, so you type what you want and pick from results. Other apps require you to copy a GIF from the web first, then paste it into your message.

The exact steps change based on your phone type and which app you text through. Below are the real steps for the apps most people use.

Key Takeaways

iPhone users with iMessage can tap the plus icon, select GIF, and search by keyword without leaving the app.
Android users with Google Messages can tap the plus icon and select GIF to search and send in the same way.
WhatsApp on both phones requires tapping the attachment icon, then selecting GIF from the menu.
If your app has no built-in GIF button, you can find a GIF on Google Images or Giphy, copy it, and paste it into your message.
Some apps send GIFs as video files, which may use more data than a still image.

Adding GIFs in iMessage on iPhone

Open the conversation where you want to send a GIF. Tap the plus sign to the left of the text field (the one that looks like a circle with a plus inside). A menu will appear with several options. Tap the GIF icon — it usually shows a colorful square or the word GIF. A search box will open.

Type what you want to find: "laughing," "confused," "celebration," or anything else. Results appear as you type. Tap the GIF you want to send. It will appear in your message field. You can add text before or after it, then tap the blue send arrow to send it.

If you do not see a GIF button in the plus menu, swipe left through the app icons at the bottom of the menu until you find it. On some iPhone models, the GIF button is in the emoji keyboard instead — tap the emoji icon and look for a GIF tab at the bottom.

Adding GIFs in Google Messages on Android

Open the conversation and tap the plus icon to the left of the text field. A menu will appear. Tap the GIF icon (usually a colorful square). A search box will open. Type what you want to find and tap the GIF you want. It will appear in your message field.

If you do not see a plus icon, look for a paperclip or attachment icon instead — tap that and look for GIF in the menu. Some Android phones have a dedicated GIF button built into the keyboard itself. If you see one, tap it directly without opening the plus menu.

After you select a GIF, you can type a message above or below it before sending. Tap the send arrow when you are ready.

Adding GIFs in WhatsApp

Open the conversation. Tap the paperclip or attachment icon at the bottom of the screen (the exact location varies by phone). A menu will appear with options like Camera, Gallery, and Documents. Tap GIF if you see it listed. If GIF is not in the menu, tap Gallery, then look for a GIF folder or search for GIFs in your phone's file system.

On some phones, WhatsApp does not have a dedicated GIF button. In that case, you can search for a GIF on Google Images or Giphy.com, save it to your phone, then attach it through the Gallery option in WhatsApp.

Finding and pasting GIFs when your app has no built-in search

If your texting app does not have a GIF button, you can still send GIFs by finding them on the web first. Open Google Images or Giphy.com in your web browser. Search for what you want. Right-click the GIF (on a computer) or long-press it (on a phone) and select "Copy image" or "Save image."

Go back to your texting app and open the message field. Long-press in the text area and tap "Paste." The GIF will appear in your message. Send it as you normally would. This method works in almost any texting app, though the GIF may appear as a video file rather than an animated image, depending on the app.

Some apps do not support pasting images directly into the message field. If pasting does not work, try using the attachment or gallery button instead to select the GIF file from your phone's storage.

Why a GIF might not send or might look like a still image

GIFs sometimes fail to send because of file size limits. Most texting apps have a maximum file size for images and videos — usually between 5 and 25 megabytes. A GIF that is too large will not send. If this happens, try finding a smaller version of the same GIF or using a different one.

A GIF might also appear as a still image (frozen on the first frame) if your texting app does not fully support animated GIFs. iMessage and Google Messages handle GIFs well. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and some older apps may convert GIFs to video or static images. This is normal and does not mean anything went wrong — the recipient will still see the content, just in a different format.

If you are sending to someone with an older phone or a basic texting plan, they may not be able to receive GIFs at all. In that case, a regular text message with a link to the GIF is a backup option.

Data and storage considerations

GIFs use more data than text but less than most videos. Sending a few GIFs will not noticeably affect your monthly data usage. However, if you send many GIFs over a limited data plan, the cost can add up. Most home WiFi connections have no data limit, so sending GIFs over WiFi is always safe.

GIFs also take up storage space on your phone, especially if you receive many of them. Most phones automatically delete old messages and their attachments after a certain time, so this is rarely a problem. If you want to keep a GIF, you can save it to your phone's photo library by long-pressing it and selecting "Save."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send a GIF to someone with an older phone?

It depends on their phone and texting app. iMessage users on older iPhones can usually receive GIFs. Android users with older phones may receive GIFs as still images or videos instead. If the GIF does not come through, send a link to the GIF instead — most people can open a link in their web browser.

Why does my GIF look frozen or not animated?

Some texting apps convert GIFs to static images or video. This is normal and not a problem on your end. The recipient will still see the content. If you want to ensure the animation plays, use iMessage or Google Messages, which handle animated GIFs better than most other apps.

Is there a way to send GIFs without using data?

Only if you send them over WiFi instead of cellular data. If you are on a limited data plan, connect to WiFi before sending GIFs. Text-only messages use almost no data, so if data is very limited, stick to text and links instead.

Can I make my own GIF and send it?

Yes, but it requires an app to create the GIF first. Apps like Giphy Cam or Imgflip let you make GIFs from video or photos. Once created, save the GIF to your phone and attach it through your texting app's gallery or attachment option.

What if the GIF button is not showing in my app?

Try updating your texting app through your phone's app store. Older versions may not have the GIF feature. If updating does not help, use the attachment or gallery button instead to find and send GIFs from your phone's storage.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.