Valentine’s Day is a special holiday for showing love and appreciation to your significant other, friends, family members or anyone else important in your life. Many people like to send Valentine’s Day greetings through email, text messages or social media posts. One popular way to send a digital Valentine greeting is by using an animated GIF image. GIFs allow you to send a short, looping video clip that conveys your sentiments in a visually exciting way. This guide will explain what a GIF is, where to find Valentine’s Day GIFs and how to email or text a GIF image to the special people in your life.
What is a GIF?
GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format. A GIF is a series of images or soundless video frames that are displayed in sequence. GIFs are commonly used for short animated clips, reaction clips, memes, illustrations or simple animations.
The images in a GIF loop continuously by default, allowing a short moment to be replayed over and over again. GIFs are widely supported across email, messaging apps and social media platforms, making them highly sharable.
Unlike videos, GIF files are highly compressed so they have small file sizes. This makes them easy to download and view on mobile devices. A GIF can bring your message to life in a colorful, eye-catching way without taking up a lot of storage space or bandwidth.
Where to find Valentine’s Day GIFs
The internet is filled with tons of Valentine’s Day themed GIFs to choose from. Here are some great places to find the perfect romantic, funny or friendly GIF to send to your loved ones:
GIF Search Engines
– Giphy – giphy.com
– Tenor – tenor.com
These search engines have huge libraries of categorized GIFs. You can search using keywords like “valentines day”, “love”, “romance”, etc.
Social Media Platforms
Many social platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram let you search for and send GIFs. Look through their GIF libraries by searching “valentine”.
GIF Collection Websites
– Gifker.com
– Giftag.com
– Gifanimations.com
These sites offer free downloads of curated GIF selections for various holidays and themes.
messenger GIF keyboards
Many messaging apps like iMessage, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp have GIF keyboards integrated right into the app. Open up your messaging keyboard and search for “valentine” to find their available GIFs.
How to insert a GIF into an email
Adding a cool GIF into your Valentine’s Day email is a great way to surprise your special someone. Here are some tips for inserting a GIF into an email on common email platforms and providers.
Desktop Email Providers
For desktop email clients like Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo Mail, follow these instructions:
1. Press the attachment icon, then select the option to attach a file or image.
2. Browse your computer files and select the GIF file you want to insert.
3. Once attached, the GIF should appear inline in your email automatically.
Web Based Email
On webmail through providers like Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo or Apple Mail:
1. Compose your email as normal.
2. Click on the attachment icon, then select the option to insert a picture or file.
3. Select your GIF file from your computer downloads folder.
4. The GIF should now be embedded and visible in your email message.
Outlook Desktop App
To insert a GIF into Outlook desktop app:
1. In your new email, go to the Insert tab.
2. Click on Pictures, then select your GIF file.
3. Resize or position the GIF if needed.
4. The GIF will be embedded and visible when you send or preview the email.
How to send a GIF via text message
Sending a fun, flirty or loving GIF to someone’s mobile phone is a quick and modern way to make them smile. Here is how to attach and send a GIF image through text messaging.
iPhone Messages App
1. When composing a new text in the Messages app, tap the App Store icon next to the text box.
2. This will open up your keyboard options. Select the GIF keyboard.
3. Search for a GIF or browse categories. Tap a GIF to select it.
4. The GIF will attach and send with your text.
Android Messages App
1. In a new message thread, tap the emoji smiley face icon next to the text box.
2. This will bring up your keyboard options. Choose the GIF keyboard.
3. Search or browse for GIFs and tap one to select it.
4. Send your message and the GIF will attach.
1. While composing a new chat in WhatsApp, tap the attachment paperclip icon.
2. Select Gallery or Photos to browse your files.
3. Tap the GIF file you want to send and select it.
4. The GIF will be embedded in your message when sent.
Facebook Messenger
1. When typing a new message, tap the smiley face icon next to the text box.
2. Choose the GIF option from the menu.
3. Search or browse for a GIF and tap to select it.
4. It will attach seamlessly when you hit send.
Creative Ways to Use Valentine’s GIFs
A well-chosen GIF can communicate so much with just a few seconds of animation. Here are some creative ways to make your Valentine’s Day GIFs special:
– Wish someone a “Happy Valentine’s Day” with a cute, heartfelt GIF greeting.
– Flirt with your crush or significant other using a wink, kiss or romantic GIF.
– Thank your galentines or best friends with a silly or sentimental friendship GIF.
– Share funny “how I feel on Valentine’s Day” reaction GIFs with other singles.
– Use GIFs of beautiful flowers, chocolate or jewelry as a lighthearted gift hint.
– Send an encouraging or empowering GIF to someone going through a breakup.
– Attach a GIF meme about being broke from buying gifts as a funnyaside.
– Email a motivational or inspirational GIF to your coworkers.
– Text an “I love you” GIF to your parents, siblings or other family.
The options are truly endless! With so many GIFs to browse, you can find the perfect one to compliment any Valentine’s Day message.
Conclusion
Sending a well-timed, thoughtful GIF is a great way to connect with your loved ones on Valentine’s Day. GIFs instantly grab someone’s attention and can express your sentiments in a lively, compelling way.
With GIF keyboards now built right into emails, messaging apps and social platforms, they are easier than ever to find and send right from your smartphone or computer. Whether you want to make someone laugh, remind them you care or deliver a heartfelt romantic message, a customized GIF is sure to lift their spirits and brighten their day.
| GIF Source | Where to Find Them |
|---|---|
| GIF Search Engines | Giphy, Tenor |
| Social Media Platforms | Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram |
| GIF Collection Websites | Gifker, Giftag, Gifanimations |
| Messenger GIF Keyboards | iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp |