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How to Send GIFs in iMessage: Adding Fun GIFs to Messages

Sending GIFs in iMessage is a fun way to spice up your conversations. GIFs are short, looping video clips that often contain humor or express emotions. Adding the perfect GIF to an iMessage conversation allows you to communicate in a more visual and expressive way.

Whether you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can send GIFs in iMessage conversations. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to find, download, and send GIFs using the iMessage app on your Apple devices.

Access the GIF Keyboard in iMessage

The iMessage app comes with a built-in GIF keyboard that gives you quick access to trending GIFs from Giphy. Here’s how to access it:

  • Open an iMessage conversation in the Messages app. This can be an existing conversation or a new one.
  • Tap the App Store icon next to the message composition box. This will bring up the iMessage app drawer.
  • Scroll down and tap on the GIF icon. This will bring up the GIF keyboard.

OR

  • Swipe right from the left edge of the Messages app to expand the iMessage apps drawer.
  • Tap on the GIF icon to directly launch the GIF keyboard.

Once launched, you will see a selection of trending GIFs. Browse through these and tap on any GIF to send it instantly.

Search for GIFs in iMessage

The default GIF keyboard only shows trending GIFs. To find the perfect GIF for your situation, use the search feature:

  • Launch the GIF keyboard as shown above.
  • Tap on the search bar at the top and type in relevant keywords. For example, “good morning” or “thank you”.
  • Browse through the search results and tap on a GIF to send it.

This will search Giphy’s database of millions of GIFs and show you very specific and contextual results.

Download and Save GIFs from iMessage

See an awesome GIF you want to save for later? iMessage allows you to download any GIF. Here’s how:

  • Tap and hold down on the GIF thumbnail.
  • A pop-up will appear with the option to “Save Image”. Tap it.
  • The GIF will be saved to your Photos app where you can access it later.

Pro Tip: Create a dedicated GIF album in your Photos app to easily manage all your saved GIFs.

Send Saved GIFs in iMessage

Once you’ve built up a collection of amazing GIFs, you can easily send your saved GIFs via iMessage:

  • Open an iMessage conversation and tap the App Store icon next to the message box.
  • Scroll down and tap on the Photos icon to launch the Photos keyboard.
  • Navigate to the album with your saved GIFs
  • Select a GIF and tap on the upward arrow button to attach and send.

This will insert the GIF directly in your message thread for a seamless experience.

Edit and Customize GIFs Before Sending

With iMessage, you can make tweaks and customizations to GIFs before hitting send. Here are some editing options:

  • Resize: Pinch to resize the GIF thumbnail making it bigger or smaller before sending.
  • Markup: Draw or add text annotations to the GIF with the markup tools.
  • Loop: Tap on the looping arrow icon to make the GIF play only once instead of looping continuously.

These edits will be retained when the GIF is sent and seen by the recipient. Feel free to get creative and make each GIF your own!

Send GIF Selfies via iMessage

In addition to generic GIFs, you can even create and send personalized GIF selfies:

  • Open the Messages camera and switch to Video mode.
  • Record a 2-6 second selfie clip. Keep it casual and candid for best results.
  • Tap on the circular thumbnail preview to access editing options.
  • Select “Loop” to turn your selfie clip into a GIF.
  • Send as you would a photo or video.

GIF selfies add your own personal touch and self-expression to conversations. Try sending some to close friends and family members.

GIF Keyboard for Mac

If you prefer typing out messages on your Mac instead of iPhone, you can still access the iMessage GIF keyboard:

  • Click on the App Store icon while composing a new iMessage.
  • Select the GIF icon. This will launch the keyboard with trending GIFs.
  • Browse, search for GIFs, and insert into your message as you would on iPhone.

So whether on iPhone, iPad or Mac, the process for sending fun GIFs in iMessages remains easy and consistent.

Pro Tips for Sending Awesome GIFs

To recap, here are some pro tips:

  • Search for context-specific GIFs using keywords rather than just browsing defaults
  • Save GIFs to your Photos so you can reuse them later
  • Edit GIFs before sending by adding text, drawings, or making them play once
  • Send GIF selfies to add a personal touch

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