How to send an animated GIF in a text message

The method depends on what phone you have and which messaging app you use. On iPhone with iMessage, tap the App Store icon (the grid of dots) in the message field, then tap the GIF button to search and insert one. On Android with Google Messages, tap the plus icon, select GIFs, search for what you want, and tap to add it. On either phone, you can also copy a GIF from a browser or app and paste it directly into most messaging apps — this works across iMessage, Google Messages, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others.

Some messaging apps have their own built-in GIF libraries, while others pull from services like Giphy or Tenor. The GIF will send as a video file or image file depending on your phone and app, but it will animate when the recipient opens the message.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users with iMessage can access GIFs through the App Store button in the message field, then selecting the GIF option.
  • Android users with Google Messages can find GIFs by tapping the plus icon and selecting the GIFs option from the menu.
  • You can copy a GIF from any website or app and paste it directly into most messaging apps on either phone.
  • The GIF will animate when the recipient opens the message, regardless of whether it sends as a video or image file.

Adding a GIF on iPhone with iMessage

Open the Messages app and start a new message or open an existing conversation. Tap in the message field where you type, then look for the App Store icon — it looks like a grid of four dots to the left of the text box. Tap it once.

A row of app icons will appear below the keyboard. Look for the GIF button (it usually says "GIF" or shows a small animated icon). Tap it. A search box will open where you can type what kind of GIF you want — search for "funny," "cat," "celebration," or anything else. Scroll through the results and tap the one you want to send. It will appear in your message field, and you can tap Send to deliver it.

If you don't see a GIF button in that row, tap the three dots at the end of the row to see more options. GIF might be hidden there.

Adding a GIF on Android with Google Messages

Open Google Messages (or your default messaging app) and start a new message or open a conversation. Tap the plus icon (usually a + symbol) to the left of the message field. A menu will pop up with options like Camera, Gallery, and GIFs.

Tap GIFs. A search screen will open where you can type what you're looking for. Type your search term and scroll through the results. Tap the GIF you want, and it will be added to your message. Tap Send to deliver it.

If you're using a different Android messaging app like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, the steps are similar but the button location may differ — look for a plus icon or attachment button and select GIFs from the menu that appears.

Copying and pasting a GIF from the web

You can send a GIF from any website or app without using your messaging app's built-in GIF search. Open a web browser or app where you've found a GIF you like. Long-press on the GIF (or right-click on desktop) and select Copy or Copy Image. Then go to your messaging app, tap in the message field, and paste it.

This method works on iPhone and Android with most messaging apps, including iMessage, Google Messages, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram. The GIF will paste as an image or video file and will animate when sent.

Common places to find GIFs this way include Google Images (search for a term and filter by animated GIF), Giphy.com, Tenor.com, Reddit, and Twitter. Just search for what you want, find a GIF you like, and copy it.

Why a GIF might not animate after sending

If you send a GIF and it appears as a still image to the recipient, the issue is usually the file format or the messaging app. Some older phones or messaging services convert GIFs to static images automatically. This is most common on older Android devices or when sending through SMS (regular text message) instead of a data-based app like iMessage or WhatsApp.

To avoid this, use a messaging app that supports video or animated images — iMessage, Google Messages, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram all preserve animation. If you're sending via regular SMS, the recipient's phone may not support animated GIFs, and there's no workaround on your end.

GIF size and data usage

Animated GIFs are typically small files, usually between 100 kilobytes and 5 megabytes depending on length and quality. Sending one uses minimal data and won't noticeably affect your phone bill or data plan. However, if you send many GIFs in a row or have a very slow connection, you may notice a slight delay before they send.

If you're on a limited data plan and concerned about usage, keep in mind that GIFs use far less data than videos. A short video clip can be 10 to 50 megabytes, while a GIF of similar length is usually under 5 megabytes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on their phone and messaging app. If they use iMessage, Google Messages, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger, the GIF will animate. If they receive it via regular SMS (text message), their phone may show it as a still image instead. Ask them what messaging app they use, or try sending it and asking if it animated on their end.

Will the GIF animate if I send it through regular text message?

Not always. Regular SMS text messages don't reliably support animation on all phones. Use a messaging app like iMessage, Google Messages, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger instead to ensure the GIF animates for the recipient.

Can I make my own GIF and send it?

Yes. You can create a GIF from video clips or photos using apps like Giphy's Create tool, Imgflip, or dedicated GIF maker apps available on both iPhone and Android. Once created, save it to your phone and send it through your messaging app like any other image or video file.

Does sending a GIF cost extra?

No. Sending a GIF through a messaging app uses the same data as sending a photo or short video. If you're using iMessage or WhatsApp over Wi-Fi, there's no cost at all. On a cellular data plan, the data usage is minimal — typically less than 1 megabyte per GIF.