WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows you to easily communicate with friends, family and coworkers through text, voice messages, photos, videos and more. One fun feature is the ability to send animated GIFs in chats and groups. But sometimes users have trouble finding the GIF option when trying to send them. This article will explain where to access GIFs in WhatsApp and how to send them in chats on both iOS and Android devices.
Where is the GIF Option in WhatsApp?
When composing a new message in WhatsApp, the GIF option may not be immediately visible. Here’s where you can find it:
On iOS:
– Tap on the attachment icon (shaped like a paperclip or + sign) when typing a message. This will open up options for photos, videos, documents and more.
– Swipe left across the options until you see “GIF”
– Tap on GIF to open the GIF keyboard and browser to search or browse for GIFs.
On Android:
– Tap on the attachment icon (shaped like a paperclip or + sign) when typing a message. This will open up options for photos, videos, documents and more.
– Swipe left across the options until you see the GIF icon (looks like a Play button)
– Tap the GIF icon to open the GIF keyboard and browser to search or browse for GIFs.
So in both cases, you need to first open the attachment menu, then look for and select the GIF option to get access to WhatsApp’s GIF interface. It’s easy to miss if you don’t realize the GIF feature is tucked away in the attachments.
How to Send GIFs in WhatsApp Chats
Once you’ve located the GIF option, sending them in chats is simple:
On iOS:
1. Tap the attachment icon when typing a message.
2. Swipe left to select the GIF option.
3. Browse the trending GIF categories or use the search bar to find a specific GIF.
4. Tap on a GIF to preview and select it.
5. Hit the send button to include the GIF in your message.
On Android:
1. Tap the attachment icon when typing a message.
2. Swipe left to tap the GIF icon.
3. Browse the trending GIF categories or use the search bar to find a GIF.
4. Tap on a GIF to preview and select it.
5. Hit the send button to include the GIF in your message.
The process is very similar on both mobile operating systems. Once you’ve picked your GIF, it will animate right in your chat!
Tips for Using GIFs in WhatsApp
Here are some tips to master GIFs in WhatsApp chats:
– Use GIFs sparingly. Too many can be distracting in chat.
– Pick GIFs that react to the conversation, convey and emotion, or are funny in the context of what you’re discussing.
– Make sure GIFs autoplay when received. WhatsApp’s default setting mutes autoplay to save data, so check it’s enabled.
– Favorite often-used GIFs. The favorites tab in WhatsApp’s GIF interface makes it easy to re-send favorites often.
– Search for applicable keywords when looking for specific reaction GIFs.
– Use fast internet if possible. Slow connections may prevent GIFs from loading or animating correctly.
– Send GIFs with caution in professional chats. Make sure they are appropriate for the context.
– Take advantage of trending categories and collections to browse popular, timely GIFs.
– Preview before sending to make sure a GIF conveys what you want.
With the right technique, GIFs can be a fun way to express yourself or react during WhatsApp chats with friends, family and groups. Follow the steps above to access the GIF keyboard and start sending animated images on WhatsApp today!
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re still having trouble accessing or sending GIFs on WhatsApp, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Can’t find the GIF option:
– Make sure WhatsApp is updated to the latest version. Older versions may not have full GIF support.
– Restart your phone and check if GIF option appears in attachments menu after.
– Reinstall WhatsApp if needed to refresh any corrupted data.
GIFs won’t send:
– Check your internet connection. Weak mobile data or WiFi can prevent GIFs from sending.
– Make sure GIFs are set to autoplay in WhatsApp settings > Data and Storage Usage.
– Restart your phone and try sending a GIF again.
– Clear cache and data for WhatsApp via your phone’s Apps settings menu.
GIFs won’t animate:
– Make sure the autoplay setting is enabled in WhatsApp.
– Tap and hold on a non-animating GIF to Play it manually.
– Check for updates to WhatsApp in your phone’s app store.
– Try sending the GIF to another chat or contact to isolate the issue.
– Report bugs within WhatsApp if problems persist across chats and contacts.
Conclusion
WhatsApp has made sending GIFs possible right in chat, but the option can sometimes be hidden from plain sight. Just remember to tap the attachment icon, then look for the GIF button to the left of the menu. Choose your desired GIF, hit send, and it will be on its way animating for your recipients. Follow these tips to master GIF sharing on WhatsApp, and troubleshoot any issues that arise along the way. With the right technique, GIFs can take your WhatsApp chats to the next level of fun and visual expression.