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Sending animated GIFs through text messages is a fun way to surprise and entertain your friends. With the Messages app on your iPhone, you can quickly and easily send GIFs that will make your conversations more interesting. This tutorial will show you how to send GIFs using the Messages app, or add your own custom GIFs to a message.
You can also send GIFs through popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp or by converting Live Photos into GIFs. Let’s explore how you can take advantage of GIFs to spice up your texting game.
How to Send GIFs from the Built-in Collection of Messages
First, open the Messages app and create a new message or open an existing conversation. Unlike some features in Messages, GIF support is not limited to iMessage and can also work for typical texts. At the bottom of the screen, you will find two icons to the left of the message text box: a camera and the capital A for the Messages’ App Store. If it’s an iMessage, a microphone will be on the right so you can record voice messages. Tap the App Store “A” and additional icons will appear below, depending on the apps you have installed on your phone.
To send a GIF, tap the purple magnifying glass icon and browse the collections of GIFs. Tap the upward pointing chevron to slide the tray to fullscreen to see more GIFs. Use the search field to find a specific GIF. When you find a GIF you like, tap it and it will be placed into your message. You can add any desired text, then tap the send arrow. To remove a GIF, tap the “X” in the top right corner.
How to Send Your Own GIFs
If you want to create and send your own GIFs, you can make custom GIFs from Live Photos, as well as from YouTube videos, and more. You can check separate tutorials for making GIFs on a Mac or on an iPhone. To add any of your GIFs to an iMessage or text in the Messages app, tap on the camera icon, select Photos and then select Animated to find all the GIFs you’ve saved. Tap the GIF you’d like to send in a message, then confirm it by tapping Choose, and your GIF is ready to be sent.
By adding GIFs to your conversation, you will add more fun and engagement to your messaging exchanges. The iOS Messages app makes it effortless to send or create personalized GIFs to surprise and amuse friends and family.
FAQs
1. Can I send GIFs in typical text messages?
Yes, sending GIFs is not limited to iMessage conversations with other iOS users. You can send them in traditional text messages as well.
2. Can I add my own GIFs?
Yes, you can add your own custom GIFs based on Live Photos, YouTube videos, and other sources. Once you’ve saved them, you can access and send them through the Messages app.