GIFs, which stand for Graphics Interchange Format, are short animated images or video clips that are commonly used in messaging applications and social media platforms. Sending a GIF in a text message or chat is a quick and easy way to express an emotion, reaction, or sentiment without having to type it out.
Common Types of GIFs Used in Messaging
Here are some of the most common types of GIFs people use in messaging and what they typically mean:
Reaction GIFs
Reaction GIFs are used to convey a quick response or emotion, such as laughter, excitement, shock, disgust, or confusion. For example, sending a GIF of someone laughing could indicate you find something funny or amusing. Sending a GIF with a shocked facial expression could signify surprise or disbelief at something.
Meme GIFs
Meme GIFs feature images or short video clips recognizable from viral internet memes. They are a way to reference pop culture or online inside jokes in a conversation. For example, someone may send the “Deal With It” GIF of a man putting on sunglasses to give attitude or sass to a message.
Movie/TV GIFs
GIFs from movies, TV shows, or other media are commonly used to express enthusiasm about something by referencing a memorable scene or quote. For instance, someone may send a GIF of a character happily dancing when they are excited about an event being discussed.
Emoji Replacement GIFs
Some GIFs are used as animated substitutes for emoji, often conveying emotions or gestures more emphatically than a static icon could. For example, instead of sending the grinning emoji, someone might send a GIF of a person smiling and laughing uproariously.
When Are GIFs Used in Messaging?
Here are some common messaging situations and contexts when people tend to use GIFs:
Reacting to News or Event
When responding to a significant piece of news or event your chat partner shares, a reaction GIF allows you to react quickly and visually. For example, if someone tells you about a surprise party being planned for your birthday, you could respond with an excited celebration GIF.
Expressing Emotions
GIFs allow you to express emotions more vividly than typing out a descriptive message. If you are feeling sad or upset about something, sending a crying GIF communicate this efficiently.
Making Jokes
Humorous GIFs and memes are commonly used when telling a joke or being sarcastic in a playful way during a conversation. For example, you could tease someone about their new haircut with a “yikes” GIF.
Flirting or Banter
Flirtatious or suggestive GIFs can spice up flirty messaging exchanges and banter. For example, you may send a wink or kiss GIF when flirting or a clip of someone raising their eyebrows suggestively as a playful response.
Saying Thank You
Sending a GIF of someone gratefully bowing or giving a thumbs up is a quick way to say “thanks” when someone does something thoughtful for you.
Connecting Over Pop Culture
Sharing funny or enthusiastically excited GIFs from a favorite movie, TV show, or meme is a way to bond over mutual interests in pop culture.
Why Are GIFs So Popular in Messaging?
Here are some key reasons why GIFs have become such a popular form of communication in digital messaging:
Visually Expressive
GIFs allow you to express emotions, reactions, and unspoken sentiments through brief video clips and animations in a way that written messages cannot.
Quick and Easy
Finding and sending a GIF can often communicate a message faster than typing something out. GIF keyboards and search engines make them fast to access.
Humorous
The exaggerated movements and expressions in comedic GIFs and memes allow you to interject humor into a conversation easily.
Emphasis and Excitement
GIFs help emphasize your feelings about something and liven up messaging through movements and energetic imagery.
Pop Culture Connection
Sharing GIFs from recognizable TV, movies, celebrities, or internet memes helps people bond over mutual interests and knowledge.
Best Practices for Using GIFs in Messaging
To make sure your GIF usage is effective and appropriate, here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Match the Situation
Choose GIFs that properly match the tone and context of the conversation. Don’t use an overly enthusiastic celebration GIF for somber news.
Consider Your Relationship
The level of familiarity in your relationship impacts what GIFs are appropriate. Reserve flirty GIFs only for very close connections.
Use Sparingly
Limit your GIF usage so it does not become excessive or distracting. One or two per conversation is usually sufficient.
Don’t Replace Writing
Don’t lean entirely on GIFs to communicate. Still articulate some thoughts verbally as well.
GIF Etiquette to Keep in Mind
To avoid miscommunications or inappropriate use of GIFs, keep these etiquette tips in mind:
Avoid Oversharing Amusing GIFs
If a conversation turns serious, pause on the funny reaction GIFs even if you want to lighten the mood.
Don’t Spam GIFs
Sending too many GIFs in a row can be annoying. Wait for replies in between before sending another.
Make Sure GIFs Are Relevant
Don’t just send random funny GIFs that have no connection to the discussion.
Consider Audience and Context
Avoid GIFs with mature content unless you know your recipient well and it aligns with the discussion.
Use Culturally Appropriate GIFs
Don’t use GIFs with offensive depictions of race, gender, or ethnicity.
GIF Platforms and Sources
Here are some popular platforms and sources to find GIFs to use in messaging:
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Giphy | Leading GIF search engine with huge library of categorized GIFs and stickers |
| Tenor | Large collection of trending GIFs and stickers with easy keyboard integration |
| GIFKeyboard | GIF keyboard app for finding and sending iOS GIFs in texts and social apps |
| Popular source for funny and entertaining reaction GIFs, often from movies and TV | |
| Imgur | Image hosting site and app with user uploaded GIF sections |
| GIF Creator Apps | Mobile apps like GIF Maker for making your own GIFs from videos and photos |
Conclusion
GIFs have become a popular visual shorthand within digital messaging and social platforms for expressing emotions, sharing funny reactions, and connecting through pop culture references. Their animated, exaggerated nature allows them to convey sentiment and tone in an efficient way words cannot. GIFs help add color, humor, and energy to conversations when used appropriately and in moderation. By selecting situationally relevant GIFs from reputable sources and following proper gifting etiquette, you can effectively work GIFs into your messaging to enhance your conversations.