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How to send GIFs on Snapchat – 2 easy methods

Learn how to send GIFs on Snapchat via both messages and snaps
Last Updated on April 26, 2024
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Sending GIFs on Snapchat is a fun way to chat with friends, and luckily the process is simple. This guide will walk you through two different methods, providing steps for sending GIFs via Snapchat messages and snaps.

GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format and is best described by a small looped animation that can be sent like an image. GIFs have been growing in popularity in recent years, as they provide an opportunity for people to express themselves in a fun, quick, and creative way. Snapchat has an impressive range of features that make chatting with friends more fun, including cameos, audio files, stickers, and more. GIFs are just another opportunity to create an expressive response via the app.

Quick Answer

To send a GIF in Snapchat go to the camera tab > sticker icon > ‘Giphy’ section > select GIF > Send. To send a GIF in Snapchat messages go to a conversation > Smiley face icon > GIF tab > select GIF > Send.

How to send a GIF on Snapchat via snaps

The first method of sending GIFs on Snapchat involves sending a snap. GIFs can be inputted on top of images taken in the app and sent as a snap to friends. This method can be applied to both Android and iOS versions of the app and only involves 4 simple steps.

Step

1

Open Snapchat

Open Snapchat and head to the camera tab found in the middle of the tab bar at the bottom of the page.

The image shows the Snachat camera tab © BGFG

Step

2

Select the sticker icon

Take a photo and select the sticker icon found on the right side of the page.

The image shows the Snapchat camera tab, highlighting the sticker icon © BGFG

 

Step

3

Type in the search bar

Type a word related to the type of GIF you want in the top search bar. Then scroll through the stickers until you find the section titled ‘Giphy’.

The image shows the sticker menu in Snapchat © BGFG

 

Step

4

Select a GIF

Browse through the GIFs available until you find the one you want to use. Select the GIF by pressing on it.

The GIF will then appear on your photo. From here you can move and resize the GIF by moving your fingers in a pinching motion. Once you’re satisfied with how the GIF looks on the photo, you can send it by selecting the ‘Send to’ button.

The image shows a GIF on a photo taken in Snapchat © BGFG

 

How to send GIFs on Snapchat via messages

You can also send GIFs on Snapchat through your messages with a friend. When opening a conversation on Snapchat in the iOS version, the GIF menu is located on the keyboard at the bottom of the page.

However, if you’re using an Android device, you’ll first have to download the Gboard app via the Google Play Store. You’ll then have to set it as your default keyboard by heading to Settings > System > Languages and input > Manage keyboards and turning the Gboard slider on. After you’ve done this you’re ready to use GIFs in Snapchat. Follow the simple steps below to start.

Step

1

Open a chat log

Open Snapchat and head to the chat tab. From there select a conversation to open.

The image shows the chat tab in Snapchat © BGFG

Step

2

Select the smiley face icon

Select the smiley face icon found on the right side of the chat bar.

The image shows a chat log in Snapchat, highlighting the Smiley face icon © BGFG

 

Step

3

Select the GIF icon

Select the GIF icon found on the bottom right side of the screen. And type a word related to the GIF you’re looking for in the search bar.

The image shows the GIF section in a Snapchat chat log © BGFG

Step

4

Choose a GIF

Scroll through the GIFs that pop up and select the one you would like to use. To send the GIF simply press on it, and it will send in the chat.

The image shows the GIF menu on Snapchat © BGFG

Can you save GIFs in Snapchat messages?

A major benefit of sending messages on Snapchat is that the chat log allows you to save them. This feature also applies to GIFs. If you decide to send a GIF through Snapchat messages you can save it in the chat by pressing down on it and selecting the ‘Save in chat’ option.

Wrapping up

Using GIFs on Snapchat is a fun way to express yourself when chatting with friends. You can send GIFs either by inputting them on top of a snap or by sending them in a conversation. By following the simple steps outlined above you’ll be sending GIFs and chatting with friends in no time.

Eve is a writer and copy editor at PC Guide, who focuses on a broad range of topics but main interest lies in the development of AI technology.