How to Send GIFs on Apple Messages

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 2, 2020 Tested

With the iOS 10 update, Apple's Messages app now natively supports a library of GIFs that you can send in your chats. This can be accessed from the “#images” app included with the update. Unfortunately, Messages for macOS does not have app support, so you must be use a third party app, like GIF Keyboard to send GIFs with Messages there.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
iOS

1
Open Messages.
2
Tap a chat.
3
Tap the > button. This is to the left of the message text field.
4
Tap the Apps.
5
Tap the App Menu button. This looks like a grid of four circles and is in the lower left corner of the app window.
- You can also swipe left or right to switch between installed apps.
6
Tap #images.
- You can swipe up or down to scroll through your options.
7
Tap a GIF. It will be added to your message field.
- You can remove the GIF by tapping the x in the upper right corner of the preview or replace it by tapping another GIF.
- You can only send GIFs one at a time.
8
Tap the text field below the GIF. You can use this to enter a caption for the GIF or add a supplementary message.
9
Tap Send. This is the up arrow on the right side of the text field.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Mac

1
Download the GIF Keyboard app.
2
Open Messages.
3
Click a chat.
4
Click the GiF menu. This will appear in the upper right of your computer's menu bar.
5
Enter a search into the search bar. The results will appear in the menu.
6
Drag and drop a GIF from the menu into your Messages chat.
7
Hit ↵ Enter to send.