WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One fun way to spice up your WhatsApp chats is by sending GIFs – short, looping video clips that often contain funny or expressive imagery. While WhatsApp has a small selection of built-in GIFs, many users like to use third-party GIF apps and keyboards to access a wider variety and better search capabilities. But with so many GIF apps available, which ones actually work properly with WhatsApp?
Tenor
One of the most popular GIF apps that’s compatible with WhatsApp is Tenor. Tenor provides fast GIF search powered by Google Images and delivers seamless integration with many messaging platforms, including WhatsApp. Some key features that make Tenor a top GIF app choice for WhatsApp users:
- Huge library of high-quality GIFs covering a wide range of categories and search terms
- Intuitive mobile keyboard for fast searching and sharing GIFs
- Supports not only GIFs but also stickers and emoji
- Clean, uncluttered interface makes finding the perfect GIF easy
- Completely free to use with no ads or watermarks
- Seamless integration and support for WhatsApp
Overall, Tenor hits the sweet spot of having a massive GIF selection, fast searching/sharing, and smooth cross-platform support. It’s no wonder it’s the go-to GIF source for many WhatsApp users.
Giphy
Giphy is another hugely popular GIF platform that integrates nicely with WhatsApp. As one of the largest GIF databases online, Giphy offers a few advantages:
- Extensive library with billions of GIFs covering every topic imaginable
- Clean, intuitive interface and search makes finding the perfect GIPHY fast
- Seamless GIF sharing experience from app to WhatsApp
- Create and upload your own GIFs if you can’t find what you’re looking for
- Completely free just like Tenor
The main downside with GIPHY is that its platform is focused exclusively on GIFs, so you don’t get stickers or emoji built-in like other apps. But for raw GIF search and sharing power, it’s hard to beat GIPHY.
GIF Keyboard
If you’re looking for a dedicated GIF keyboard for WhatsApp, GIF Keyboard is a top option. Highlights include:
- Easily access and share GIFs quickly right from your keyboard
- Create customized categories and favorite GIFs for fast access
- No app switching or copying/pasting links required to share GIFs
- Seamlessly chains together with WhatsApp
- Completely free
The main limitations are the smaller GIF library compared to GIPHY and Tenor, and lack of stickers/emoji. But if easy GIF integration is your main concern, GIF Keyboard delivers.
GIFMe!
For those wanting a high-powered GIF search app, GIFMe! Is a top choice integrating smoothly with WhatsApp. Key features:
- Robust GIF search with access to GIPHY, Tenor and other sources
- Fast searching and sharing of trending and popular GIFs
- Create and organize custom GIF collections
- Available as free keyboard app or standard messaging app
- Clean, no-fuss interface for quick GIF searching
The main limitations are the lack of stickers/emoji, and potentially more ads than some competitors. But the powerful GIF search makes this a go-to app for many WhatsApp users.
Other Notable GIF Apps
While Tenor, GIPHY, GIF Keyboard and GIFMe are some of the most popular and full-featured GIF apps integrating with WhatsApp, here are a few other notable options:
- Gboard – Google’s own keyboard has solid GIF search built-in. Not as robust as dedicated GIF apps but convenient.
- Bitmoji – For personalized avatar GIFs, Bitmoji is a fun option if you like that style.
- Gif Maker – As the name suggests, this app lets you make your own GIFs from videos for sharing.
- GIF Editor – Similar to Gif Maker, this app lets you edit and create custom GIFs from scratch.
The above apps fill different niches like personalized GIFs or GIF creation tools. While they may lack the huge libraries of dedicated search apps, they provide a fun twist on GIF sharing.
Choosing the Right GIF App
When choosing a GIF app for WhatsApp, here are some key factors to consider:
- Library size – Bigger libraries mean more options to choose the perfect GIF.
- Search and sharing speed – You want a smooth experience finding and sending GIFs.
- Extra features – Things like stickers, emoji, keyboards, and editing tools add value for some.
- Ease of use – Clean, simple interfaces make finding GIFs fast and frictionless.
Also consider whether you want a dedicated GIF keyboard for fast messaging access, or a standard app for more power and customization options. Think about which features matter most to your WhatsApp habits.
How to Add GIF Apps to WhatsApp
Using third-party GIF apps with WhatsApp is easy. Here are the basic steps:
- Download the GIF app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Open WhatsApp, enter a chat and tap the attachment icon (paperclip symbol)
- Select the desired GIF app you want to use
- Search for a GIF in the app and select it
- The GIF will be shared directly into your WhatsApp chat
That’s all there is to it! The process is seamless since the GIF apps integrate directly with WhatsApp’s sharing menu. Just download your favorite GIF app, connect it once, and you’re good to start sharing.
Troubleshooting Tips
While most top GIF apps integrate seamlessly with WhatsApp, you may occasionally run into issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips if your GIF app doesn’t seem to work properly with WhatsApp:
- Confirm the GIF app supports WhatsApp – some only work with iMessage, Messenger etc.
- Check that you have the latest version of both the GIF app and WhatsApp.
- Force close both apps and restart your device to refresh the integration.
- Enable auto-update for apps to ensure compatibility with latest versions.
- Delete and reinstall the GIF app if issues persist after updating.
- Disable battery optimization for the GIF app if it seems to disconnect.
In most cases, simply ensuring you have the latest app versions is enough to resolve any integration issues. But trying the above tips can help troubleshoot any stubborn problems.
GIF Apps Add Creativity to WhatsApp
At the end of the day, GIF apps unlock a whole new realm of creative self-expression on WhatsApp. Whether you prefer the massive libraries of GIPHY and Tenor, the custom keyboards of GIF Keyboard, or creation tools like GIFMaker, the right GIF app can take your WhatsApp game to the next level.
So download a few top options, play around with what works best for you, and enjoy bringing your WhatsApp chats to life with fun and engaging GIFs!