How To Send Gifs On Snapchat

Sharing GIFs on Snapchat adds visual humor and expression to your daily stories and direct messages. If you are wondering how to send gifs on snapchat, you have come to the right place. This guide covers every method, from the built-in GIF library to using third-party apps, so you can spice up your snaps instantly.

Snapchat makes it easy to send GIFs without leaving the app. You can find them in the sticker menu, the chat bar, or even by using the camera lens. Below, we break down each step for both iOS and Android users.

Using The Built-In GIF Library

The fastest way to send a GIF is through Snapchat’s own sticker collection. Follow these steps:

Open a chat or start a new snap.
Tap the sticker icon (the square smiley face) on the right side of the text bar.
Select the GIF tab at the top of the sticker menu.
Browse or search for a keyword like “happy” or “wave.”
Tap the GIF you want to send. It will attach to your snap or message.

This method works for both photos and videos. You can resize the GIF by pinching it, or move it around by dragging. The GIF will play automatically when the recipient views it.

Sending GIFs In Chats

For direct messages, the process is slightly different. Here is how to send a GIF in a Snapchat chat:

Open the chat with your friend.
Tap the emoji icon next to the text box.
Switch to the GIF tab (the one with the GIF label).
Search for a GIF or pick one from the trending section.
Tap the GIF to send it immediately. It appears as a message in the chat.

You can also send GIFs by typing a word and then tapping the GIF suggestion that appears above the keyboard. This works on both iOS and Android, though the placement may vary slightly.

Using GIFs In Stories

To add a GIF to your story, start by taking a photo or video. Then tap the sticker icon and choose the GIF tab. Pick any GIF and place it on your snap. You can also use the scissors tool to cut out a part of the GIF if you want a custom shape. Once you post the story, the GIF will loop for viewers.

Remember that GIFs in stories are visible to all your friends unless you change the privacy settings. You can adjust who sees your story by tapping the gear icon in the top right corner of the story screen.

Using The GIF Keyboard (IOS)

If you have an iPhone, you can use the built-in GIF keyboard from Apple. Here is how:

Open Snapchat and go to a chat.
Tap the text box to bring up the keyboard.
Tap the globe icon or the smiley face icon on the keyboard to switch to the GIF keyboard.
Search for a GIF and tap it to insert it into the chat.
Send the message as usual.

This method is faster than the sticker menu for some users. However, the GIF keyboard may not be available on all iOS versions. Make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 13 or later for the best experience.

Using Third-Party Apps

If you want more variety, you can use apps like GIPHY or Tenor. These apps let you search for millions of GIFs and share them directly to Snapchat. Here is the general process:

Download a GIF app from the App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and find a GIF you like.
Tap the share button and choose Snapchat from the list.
The GIF will open in Snapchat as a sticker or a snap.
Edit and send it like any other snap.

Some third-party apps also let you create custom GIFs from your own videos. This is great for making personalized reactions or inside jokes.

Saving GIFs To Your Camera Roll

You can also save a GIF to your phone and then upload it to Snapchat. Here is how:

Find a GIF online or in an app.
Save it to your camera roll (long press or tap the download button).
Open Snapchat and take a photo or video.
Tap the sticker icon, then the camera roll icon.
Select the saved GIF. It will appear as a sticker on your snap.

Note that some GIFs may not save as animated files on iPhones. In that case, they will appear as static images. To avoid this, use a dedicated GIF app that saves files in the correct format.

Using GIFs In Lenses

Snapchat also has lenses that include animated elements similar to GIFs. To use them:

Open the camera screen.
Tap on your face to activate the lens carousel.
Swipe through lenses until you find one with animated stickers or effects.
Take a snap with the lens active.
Send it as usual.

These lenses are not exactly GIFs, but they add motion and fun to your snaps. You can find new lenses every day in the lens explorer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes GIFs do not send or play correctly. Here are common problems and fixes:

GIF not loading: Check your internet connection. Wi-Fi or mobile data is required.
GIF appears as a static image: The recipient may have an older version of Snapchat. Ask them to update the app.
GIF too large: Some GIFs are too big for Snapchat. Try a smaller file or use a different one.
GIF keyboard not showing: Go to your phone settings and enable the GIF keyboard under Keyboards.
Sticker menu missing GIF tab: Restart the app or update Snapchat to the latest version.

If none of these work, try uninstalling and reinstalling Snapchat. This often fixes glitches with the GIF library.

Tips For Better GIF Sharing

To make your GIFs more effective, keep these tips in mind:

Use GIFs that match the mood of your snap. A funny GIF works best with a joke, while a sad GIF fits a serious moment.
Keep GIFs short. Long loops can be distracting.
Place GIFs where they do not cover important parts of your photo or video.
Use the scissors tool to cut out a specific part of a GIF for a unique look.
Combine multiple GIFs for a collage effect.

Experiment with different sizes and positions. You can also layer GIFs on top of each other for a more complex animation.

Privacy And GIFs

When you send a GIF, it is treated like any other snap. It disappears after being viewed unless you save it. However, the recipient can screenshot or screen record the GIF. Be mindful of what you send, especially if the GIF contains personal content.

Snapchat does not store the GIFs you send. They are only visible during the viewing time you set. If you want to keep a GIF, save it to your memories before sending.

Using GIFs For Business

If you use Snapchat for business, GIFs can help engage your audience. Here are some ideas:

Create branded GIFs with your logo or product.
Use GIFs to announce sales or events.
Add GIFs to stories to make them more interactive.
Respond to customer questions with a relevant GIF.

You can upload custom GIFs to Snapchat using the sticker menu. Just make sure they follow the app’s content guidelines.

Alternatives To GIFs

If you cannot find the right GIF, consider these alternatives:

Bitmoji: Personalized cartoon avatars that can express emotions.
Stickers: Static images that you can resize and rotate.
Emojis: Simple icons that add tone to your text.
Lenses: Animated filters that overlay on your face or environment.

Each option has its own strengths. GIFs are best for looping animations, while Bitmoji are great for personal expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I send a GIF from Google Images to Snapchat?
Yes, but you need to save the GIF to your phone first. Then upload it as a sticker from your camera roll.

2. Why are some GIFs not available on Snapchat?
Snapchat’s GIF library is curated. Some GIFs may be blocked due to copyright or content policies.

3. How do I send a GIF on Snapchat without the sticker menu?
Use the GIF keyboard on iOS or a third-party app like GIPHY. You can also copy and paste GIFs from the web.

4. Can I send a GIF in a group chat?
Yes, the same steps apply. Open the group chat and use the sticker menu or GIF keyboard.

5. Do GIFs count towards Snapchat streaks?
No, only photo and video snaps count. GIFs sent in chats do not contribute to streaks.

Final Thoughts

Now you know multiple ways to send GIFs on Snapchat. Whether you use the built-in library, the GIF keyboard, or third-party apps, the process is simple and fast. Practice with different methods to find what works best for you. With these steps, you can add humor, emotion, and creativity to every snap you send.

Remember to keep your app updated for the latest features. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting section above should help. Happy snapping!