How to Send GIFs on WhatsApp iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)
WhatsApp has revolutionized the way we communicate, making it easier than ever to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. While text messages and emojis are staples of digital communication, GIFs have emerged as a fun and expressive way to add personality and humor to your conversations. If you’re an iPhone user and want to learn how to send GIFs on WhatsApp, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from finding and sending existing GIFs to creating your own custom GIFs. Let’s dive in!
Why Use GIFs on WhatsApp?
Before we get into the how-to, let’s explore why GIFs are so popular:
* **Expressiveness:** GIFs can convey emotions and reactions more effectively than words alone.
* **Humor:** They’re a great way to add humor to your conversations and make people laugh.
* **Visual Appeal:** GIFs break up text and make conversations more visually engaging.
* **Relatability:** There’s a GIF for almost every situation, making it easy to find one that perfectly captures what you want to say.
* **Conciseness:** Sometimes, a GIF says it all, eliminating the need for lengthy explanations.
Method 1: Sending GIFs from the WhatsApp GIF Library
The easiest way to send GIFs on WhatsApp is by using the built-in GIF library. Here’s how:
**Step 1: Open WhatsApp and Select a Chat**
* Launch the WhatsApp application on your iPhone. It looks like a green speech bubble with a white phone icon inside.
* Tap on the chat of the person or group you want to send the GIF to. This will open the conversation window.
**Step 2: Access the Emoji Keyboard**
* At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a text input field where you type your messages. To the left of this field, you’ll find an emoji icon (a smiley face).
* Tap on the emoji icon. This will bring up the emoji keyboard.
**Step 3: Switch to the GIF Section**
* Within the emoji keyboard, look for a “GIF” button. It’s usually located at the bottom of the keyboard, next to the emoji and sticker icons.
* Tap the “GIF” button. This will switch the keyboard to the GIF section, where you’ll find a curated selection of trending and popular GIFs.
**Step 4: Browse or Search for a GIF**
* **Browsing:** Scroll through the list of available GIFs to find one that you like. The GIFs are often categorized by emotions, reactions, or trending topics.
* **Searching:** If you have a specific GIF in mind, use the search bar at the bottom of the GIF section. Type in keywords related to the GIF you’re looking for (e.g., “happy,” “excited,” “dancing”). WhatsApp will display GIFs that match your search query.
**Step 5: Select and Send the GIF**
* Once you’ve found the GIF you want to send, tap on it. This will preview the GIF in the message input field.
* If you’re happy with the GIF, tap the “Send” button (the blue paper airplane icon) to send it to the chat.
**Step 6: (Optional) Add a Caption**
*Before sending, you can add a caption to your GIF. This is a great way to provide context or add an extra layer of humor.*
*Simply type your caption in the text field above the GIF preview, then hit send.*
## Method 2: Sending GIFs from GIPHY or Other GIF Libraries
WhatsApp’s built-in GIF library is convenient, but it might not have everything you’re looking for. Fortunately, you can also send GIFs from other GIF libraries like GIPHY, Tenor, or even websites that host GIFs. Here’s how:
**Step 1: Find the GIF You Want to Send**
* **Using a GIF App (e.g., GIPHY, Tenor):**
* Download and install a GIF app like GIPHY or Tenor from the App Store. These apps offer a vast selection of GIFs and search capabilities.
* Open the app and search for the GIF you want to send.
* **Using a Website:**
* Open a web browser on your iPhone (e.g., Safari, Chrome).
* Go to a website that hosts GIFs (e.g., giphy.com, tenor.com).
* Search for the GIF you want to send.
**Step 2: Save the GIF to Your iPhone**
* **From a GIF App:**
* Once you’ve found the GIF, tap on it to view it in full screen.
* Look for a “Save” or “Download” button. The exact wording and icon may vary depending on the app.
* Tap the button to save the GIF to your iPhone’s Camera Roll (Photos app).
* **From a Website:**
* Tap and hold on the GIF you want to save.
* A menu will appear with several options. Select “Save to Photos” or “Add to Photos.” This will save the GIF to your iPhone’s Camera Roll.
**Step 3: Send the GIF via WhatsApp**
* Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where you want to send the GIF.
* Tap the “+” (plus) icon located to the left of the text input field.
* A menu will pop up with several options. Select “Photo & Video Library” (or simply “Photos”).
* Your iPhone’s Camera Roll will open, displaying your photos and videos.
* Locate the GIF you saved in the previous steps. It might be at the end of your Camera Roll, depending on when you saved it.
* Tap on the GIF to select it. WhatsApp will preview the GIF in the message input field.
**Step 4: Send the GIF**
*After selecting the GIF, tap the “Send” button (the blue paper airplane icon) to send it to the chat.
*If desired, add a caption.*
## Method 3: Converting Videos to GIFs in WhatsApp
WhatsApp offers a built-in feature that allows you to convert short videos into GIFs. This is a great way to create custom GIFs from your own video clips. Here’s how:
**Step 1: Select a Video to Send**
* Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where you want to send the GIF.
* Tap the “+” (plus) icon located to the left of the text input field.
* Select “Photo & Video Library” (or simply “Photos”).
* Your iPhone’s Camera Roll will open.
* Choose the video you want to convert to a GIF.
**Step 2: Trim the Video**
* After selecting the video, you’ll see a video editing screen. At the top of the screen, there’s a timeline with handles on both ends.
* Drag the handles to trim the video. To convert a video to a GIF, it must be six seconds or less.
**Step 3: Convert to GIF**
* Once the video is trimmed to six seconds or less, you’ll see a toggle switch labeled “GIF” at the top right corner of the screen.
* Tap the toggle switch to turn it on (it will turn blue). This converts the video into a GIF.
**Step 4: Send the GIF**
* After converting the video to a GIF, you can add a caption if you like.
* Tap the “Send” button (the blue paper airplane icon) to send the GIF to the chat.
## Method 4: Creating Custom GIFs with Third-Party Apps
If you want even more control over your GIFs, you can use third-party apps to create custom GIFs from videos or photos. Here are a few popular options:
* **GIPHY:** The GIPHY app (mentioned earlier) also has a GIF maker that allows you to create GIFs from videos or photos.
* **ImgPlay:** ImgPlay is a GIF maker app that offers a variety of editing tools and features, such as adding text, stickers, and filters.
* **GIF Maker:** GIF Maker is another popular app for creating GIFs from videos and photos. It offers a simple and intuitive interface.
Here’s a general outline of how to create a GIF using a third-party app:
**Step 1: Download and Install a GIF Maker App**
* Choose a GIF maker app from the App Store and download it to your iPhone.
**Step 2: Import Your Video or Photos**
* Open the GIF maker app.
* Look for an option to import videos or photos. The exact wording may vary depending on the app (e.g., “Import,” “Add Media,” “New Project”).
* Select the video or photos you want to use to create your GIF.
**Step 3: Edit Your GIF**
* Most GIF maker apps offer a range of editing tools and features, such as:
* **Trimming:** Trim the video to the desired length.
* **Adding Text:** Add text overlays to your GIF.
* **Adding Stickers:** Add stickers to your GIF.
* **Adjusting Speed:** Change the playback speed of your GIF.
* **Adding Filters:** Apply filters to your GIF.
* Use these tools to customize your GIF to your liking.
**Step 4: Save Your GIF**
* Once you’re happy with your GIF, look for an option to save it. The exact wording may vary depending on the app (e.g., “Save,” “Export,” “Share”).
* Choose the desired resolution and quality settings for your GIF.
* Save the GIF to your iPhone’s Camera Roll.
**Step 5: Send the GIF via WhatsApp**
* Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where you want to send the GIF.
* Tap the “+” (plus) icon located to the left of the text input field.
* Select “Photo & Video Library” (or simply “Photos”).
* Locate the GIF you saved in the previous steps.
* Tap on the GIF to select it.
* Tap the “Send” button (the blue paper airplane icon) to send the GIF to the chat.
## Troubleshooting Common GIF Sending Issues
Even with the steps above, you might encounter issues sending GIFs on WhatsApp. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
* **GIFs Not Sending:**
* **Check Your Internet Connection:** Make sure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data). GIFs can be large files, so a poor connection can prevent them from sending.
* **WhatsApp Server Issues:** Sometimes, WhatsApp’s servers may be experiencing issues. Check online to see if other users are reporting similar problems. If so, you may need to wait until the issue is resolved.
* **Restart WhatsApp:** Close the WhatsApp app completely and then reopen it. This can often resolve minor glitches.
* **Restart Your iPhone:** Restarting your iPhone can also help resolve various issues. Press and hold the power button until the slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button again to turn your iPhone back on.
* **Update WhatsApp:** Make sure you’re using the latest version of WhatsApp. Outdated versions can sometimes have bugs that prevent GIFs from sending. Go to the App Store and check for updates.
* **GIFs Appear as Still Images:**
* **Low Power Mode:** If your iPhone is in Low Power Mode, it may prevent GIFs from playing automatically. Turn off Low Power Mode in Settings > Battery.
* **Data Saver Mode:** If you have Data Saver Mode enabled, it may restrict the automatic playing of GIFs. Turn off Data Saver Mode in Settings > Cellular > Data Mode (or Mobile Data Options) and select “Standard” or “Allow More Data.”
* **GIFs Are Blurry or Low Quality:**
* **Original GIF Quality:** The quality of the GIF you send will depend on the quality of the original GIF. If the original GIF is low resolution, it will appear blurry when sent via WhatsApp.
* **WhatsApp Compression:** WhatsApp may compress GIFs to reduce file size, which can sometimes result in a loss of quality.
## Tips for Finding the Perfect GIF
Finding the right GIF can enhance your conversations and make them more engaging. Here are some tips for finding the perfect GIF:
* **Use Specific Keywords:** When searching for GIFs, use specific keywords related to the emotion, reaction, or topic you want to convey. For example, instead of searching for “happy,” try “excited happy dance.”
* **Explore Different GIF Libraries:** Don’t limit yourself to WhatsApp’s built-in GIF library. Explore other GIF libraries like GIPHY, Tenor, and Reddit’s r/gifs subreddit.
* **Follow Trending GIFs:** Stay up-to-date with trending GIFs by following popular GIF accounts on social media or checking the trending sections of GIF libraries.
* **Create Your Own GIFs:** If you can’t find the perfect GIF, consider creating your own using a GIF maker app.
* **Consider Your Audience:** Think about your audience when choosing a GIF. A GIF that’s appropriate for one group of friends might not be appropriate for a professional contact.
## Conclusion
Sending GIFs on WhatsApp is a fun and easy way to add personality and humor to your conversations. Whether you’re using WhatsApp’s built-in GIF library, sending GIFs from other sources, converting videos to GIFs, or creating your own custom GIFs, there are plenty of options to choose from. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to master the art of sending GIFs on WhatsApp and enhance your communication with friends, family, and colleagues. Happy GIF-ing!
FAQ Section
**Q: How do I search for GIFs on WhatsApp?**
A: Open a chat, tap the emoji icon, then tap the GIF button. Use the search bar at the bottom to type in keywords.
**Q: Can I send GIFs from GIPHY on WhatsApp?**
A: Yes, you can save GIFs from GIPHY to your iPhone’s Camera Roll and then send them via WhatsApp by tapping the plus icon and selecting “Photo & Video Library.”
**Q: How do I convert a video to a GIF on WhatsApp?**
A: Select a video to send, trim it to six seconds or less, and then toggle the GIF switch on.
**Q: Why are my GIFs not sending on WhatsApp?**
A: Check your internet connection, restart WhatsApp, or update the app. Ensure WhatsApp servers aren’t experiencing issues.
**Q: Why do my GIFs appear as still images?**
A: Turn off Low Power Mode or Data Saver Mode on your iPhone.
**Q: Are there other ways to find new GIFs?**
A: Yes, you can use third-party apps like GIPHY and Tenor to find vast selections of animated GIFs. Websites also have tons of options. Be sure to save these to your device and then send on WhatsApp.
**Q: Is there a size limit for GIFs?**
A: While there’s no explicitly stated size limit, larger GIFs may take longer to send or might not send at all, especially over slower internet connections. Compressing a GIF before sending it might help.
**Q: How often does WhatsApp update its GIF library?**
A: WhatsApp regularly updates its GIF library to include new and trending GIFs. Check often to see what’s new and popular.
**Q: Can GIFs be offensive or inappropriate?**
A: Yes, like any form of communication, GIFs can be used inappropriately. Always consider your audience and the context of your conversation to ensure the GIF is suitable. Avoid using GIFs that are offensive, hurtful, or violate WhatsApp’s terms of service.
**Q: Can I preview a GIF before sending it?**
A: Yes, WhatsApp previews the GIF in the message input field before you send it. Be sure to review it to make sure it conveys the message you’re trying to send.