How to Send GIFs on Instagram: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners (2024)

In this blog, you will learn how to send GIFs on Instagram, one of the most popular ways to express emotions and make conversations more fun. Whether you’re using Instagram Direct Messages or adding GIFs to your stories.

We’ll cover all the methods step by step. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to effortlessly share GIFs on Instagram to enhance your interaction with friends and followers.

How to Send GIFs on Instagram Direct Messages?

Instagram allows you to send GIFs directly to your friends through Direct Messages (DMs). Follow these steps to make your conversations lively with animated images.

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your Direct Messages by tapping the messenger icon at the top right.
2. Choose the conversation where you want to send the GIF or start a new one.
3. Tap on the smiley face or sticker icon next to the text input field.
4. Choose “GIF” from the options at the bottom, then search for a GIF using relevant keywords.
5. Select the GIF you like, and tap to send.

Using GIFs in Instagram DMs can make conversations much more engaging. With Instagram’s in-built GIPHY support, it’s easy to find the right GIF for any situation. Try it out and see how your interactions change.

How to Use GIFs in Instagram Stories?

Instagram Stories offer another exciting way to share GIFs with your audience. Here’s how to add GIFs to your Instagram stories in just a few taps:

1. Open Instagram and swipe right to access the Stories camera.
2. Take a new picture, choose one from your gallery, or select a video.
3. Tap the sticker icon at the top of your screen.
4. Select the “GIF” option, and a search bar will appear.
5. Type in keywords to find the perfect GIF, then tap on it to add it to your story.

You can adjust the GIF size and place it anywhere on your photo or video. GIFs make stories more dynamic and visually appealing. Use them creatively to entertain your followers and keep them engaged.

How to Send GIFs from Your Keyboard in Instagram?

Aside from Instagram’s built-in GIF options, you can also use your phone’s keyboard to send GIFs. Here’s how:

1. Ensure your phone’s keyboard has GIF functionality (such as Gboard).
2. Open Instagram Direct Messages and tap on the conversation.
3. Tap the text field to open your keyboard.
4. Switch to the GIF keyboard and search for a GIF using the search bar.
5. Tap on the GIF to insert it into your message and hit send.

Using a GIF keyboard provides additional GIFs outside Instagram’s internal collection, giving you more variety to choose from.

How to Find Trending GIFs on Instagram?

Sometimes, you want to stay on trend with the latest GIFs. Instagram helps with this by highlighting trending GIFs in their library. Here’s how to find them:

1. Open a conversation in Direct Messages or create a story.
2. Tap on the sticker or smiley icon and select “GIF.”
3. Browse the trending section to see the most popular GIFs at that moment.
4. Tap on the GIF you like, and it will be sent or added to your story.

Keeping an eye on trending GIFs allows you to stay relevant in your conversations and posts, helping you connect with friends and followers in real time.

How to Use Instagram’s GIPHY Integration for GIFs?

Instagram has integrated GIPHY, the largest GIF platform, to make finding and sending GIFs easy. To use GIPHY with Instagram:

1. Open Direct Messages or start creating a story.
2. Tap the sticker or smiley icon, then select “GIF.”
3. Search for your desired GIF using GIPHY’s vast collection by typing a keyword.
4. Select the GIF you like and send or post it.

This integration makes it simple to add a fun touch to your Instagram interactions, using one of the largest GIF libraries available.

How to Send Custom GIFs on Instagram?

If you want to send personalized or custom GIFs on Instagram, follow these steps:

1. Create a custom GIF using a GIF creation tool like Giphy or a GIF maker app.
2. Save the GIF to your phone.
3. Open Instagram Direct Messages and choose a conversation.
4. Tap the gallery icon and select the GIF from your saved media.
5. Send the custom GIF to your friend or follower.

This method lets you stand out by sending unique GIFs that can’t be found through Instagram’s built-in library.

How to Save GIFs on Instagram for Future Use?

Instagram does not allow direct saving of GIFs, but you can still save GIFs from your DMs or stories for later use:

1. Open the Direct Message or Story where the GIF was shared.
2. Take a screenshot or use a screen recording to capture the GIF.
3. Save it to your phone’s gallery.
4. Use a third-party tool to convert it back into a GIF format if necessary.

Saving your favorite GIFs makes it easier to reuse them in future conversations or posts.

Related Posts:

• Instagram “Unable to Use This Effect on Your Device” (Fixed)
• Instagram Notes Not Showing? 7 Quick Fixes [2023]
• What Is the Dotted Circle on Instagram DM? (Vanish Mode)
• How to Create a Poll on Instagram

How to Add GIFs to Instagram Comments?

While Instagram doesn’t currently support GIFs in comments, there are still creative ways to use them:

1. Copy a GIF link from an external site, such as Giphy.
2. Paste the link in the comment section of an Instagram post.
3. The link will direct users to view the GIF.

Although Instagram doesn’t display GIFs in comments, you can still share them via links to express yourself visually.

How to Use GIFs for Instagram Ads?

GIFs can be a powerful tool in Instagram advertising. Here’s how to include GIFs in your ads:

1. Create a GIF-based ad using a design tool.
2. Upload the ad through Facebook Ads Manager.
3. Ensure your ad format supports animated content.
4. Monitor its performance and adjust as needed for engagement.

Using GIFs in ads can help capture attention quickly and boost your ad’s impact on Instagram.

Common Issues with Sending GIFs on Instagram and How to Fix Them?

Sometimes, sending GIFs on Instagram might not work as expected. Common issues include:

1. GIFs do not appear in the search results.
2. Slow loading times for GIFs.
3. GIFs failing to send.

Here are some solutions:

• Clear your Instagram app cache.
• Ensure your app is up to date.
• Restart your phone to refresh the app.

If these steps don’t work, uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app to resolve potential bugs.

Conclusion:

Sending GIFs on Instagram is an easy and fun way to communicate and enhance your content. Whether you’re sending GIFs through Direct Messages or using them in Stories, this guide provides everything you need to know about adding GIFs to your Instagram experience.

FAQs:

Candi Carey

I’m Candi Carey! For over 4 years, I’ve been solving Instagram and social media puzzles. Think of me as your tech sidekick in this online universe. I dive into Instagram’s twists and turns and unravel the mysteries of other social platforms. From decoding hashtags to making sense of tricky algorithms, I’m here to simplify your social tech world. Stick with me for articles that’ll make navigating social media a whole lot easier.