Are you tired of sending boring, static messages to your friends and family on iMessage? Do you miss the good old days when you could easily send a funny GIF to brighten up someone’s day? Well, worry no more! In this article, we’ll take you on a step-by-step journey on how to put a GIF back on iMessage.
The Rise and Fall of GIFs on iMessage
GIFs, or Graphics Interchange Format, have been around since the late 1980s, but they gained massive popularity with the rise of social media and messaging apps. iMessage, in particular, was one of the first platforms to introduce GIFs as a way to add some humor and fun to text conversations. However, with the release of iOS 11, Apple suddenly removed the GIF feature from iMessage, leaving many users feeling frustrated and disappointed.
The Reason Behind the Disappearance
So, why did Apple decide to take away this beloved feature? The main reason was reportedly due to copyright concerns. With the increasing popularity of GIFs, copyright holders began to take notice and claim ownership over the animated images. Apple, being the cautious company it is, decided to err on the side of caution and remove the feature to avoid any potential legal issues.
The Comeback: How to Put a GIF Back on iMessage
But fear not, dear iMessage users! There are ways to bring back those hilarious GIFs to your conversations. Here are a few methods to get you started:
Method 1: Using the App Store
The first and easiest way to put a GIF back on iMessage is by using a third-party app from the App Store. There are numerous apps available that offer a wide range of GIFs, from funny animals to relatable memes. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for “GIF apps” or “iMessage GIF apps” to find suitable options.
- Download and install an app that catches your eye, such as Giphy or Tenor.
- Open the app and browse through the available GIFs.
- When you find a GIF you like, tap the “Share” icon and select “More” to open the share menu.
- Tap “Messages” to open the iMessage app.
- Choose the conversation you want to send the GIF to and tap the “Send” button.
Method 2: Using Safari
Another way to put a GIF back on iMessage is by using Safari to find and save GIFs from websites like Giphy or Imgur. Here’s how:
- Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to a website that offers GIFs, such as Giphy or Imgur.
- Find a GIF you like and tap the “Share” icon.
- Tap “Save Image” to download the GIF to your device.
- Open the Photos app to find the saved GIF.
- Tap the “Share” icon and select “Messages” to open the iMessage app.
- Choose the conversation you want to send the GIF to and tap the “Send” button.
Method 3: Using Google Search
If you don’t want to download an app or visit a website, you can use Google Search to find and send GIFs directly from the search results. Here’s how:
- Open the Google app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Type “GIF” along with a keyword, such as “funny cats” or “birthday GIFs”.
- Tap the “Images” tab to view the search results.
- Tap a GIF to open it in full screen.
- Tap the “Share” icon and select “Messages” to open the iMessage app.
- Choose the conversation you want to send the GIF to and tap the “Send” button.
Tips and Tricks
Now that you know how to put a GIF back on iMessage, here are some additional tips and tricks to take your GIF game to the next level:
Use GIFs to Express Yourself
GIFs are a great way to add tone and personality to your messages. Use them to express emotions, reactions, or to simply add some humor to your conversations.
Create Your Own GIFs
If you can’t find the perfect GIF, why not create your own? You can use apps like Giphy or Tenor to create custom GIFs using your own videos or images.
Save Your Favorite GIFs
If you find a GIF that you love, save it to your device for future use. This way, you can easily access your favorite GIFs without having to search for them again.
GIF Etiquette
Remember to use GIFs in moderation and consider the recipient’s feelings and sense of humor. Avoid sending GIFs that might be offensive or annoying, and always be mindful of the context in which you’re sharing them.
Conclusion
And there you have it! With these methods and tips, you should be able to bring back the joy of sending GIFs on iMessage. Whether you’re using a third-party app, Safari, or Google Search, remember to have fun and be creative with your GIF choices. So, go ahead, raise the roof, and start GIF-ing your friends and family today!
Why did Apple remove GIFs from iMessage?
Apple removed GIFs from iMessage in 2017 as part of a broader effort to simplify the Messages app and reduce clutter. The company aimed to make the app more user-friendly and focus on core features. However, this change was met with widespread disappointment from users who relied on GIFs to add humor and personality to their conversations.
Despite the initial removal, Apple later introduced a workaround that allows users to send GIFs through the Messages app. While it’s not as seamless as before, it’s still possible to share GIFs with friends and family.
How do I enable GIFs on iMessage?
To enable GIFs on iMessage, you’ll need to download and install the GIF keyboard from the App Store. Once installed, open the Messages app and tap the “App Store” icon next to the text input field. Then, tap the “Manage” tab and toggle the switch next to the GIF keyboard to enable it.
With the GIF keyboard enabled, you can browse and search for GIFs directly from the Messages app. You can also save favorite GIFs for quick access later. Just remember to toggle the GIF keyboard on and off as needed, as it can take up some space on your screen.
What are some popular GIF keyboards for iMessage?
There are several popular GIF keyboards available for iMessage, including Giphy, Gfycat, and Tenor. Each of these keyboards offers a vast library of GIFs, as well as search functionality and favorite lists. You can also use third-party keyboards like EmojiXpress or GIF wrapped, which offer additional features and customization options.
When choosing a GIF keyboard, consider the types of GIFs you want to send and the features that matter most to you. Some keyboards specialize in specific categories, like memes or reactions, while others offer more general collections.
How do I search for GIFs on iMessage?
To search for GIFs on iMessage, open the Messages app and tap the “App Store” icon next to the text input field. Then, tap the “Manage” tab and select the GIF keyboard you want to use. From there, you can browse through categories or use the search bar to find specific GIFs.
You can search by keyword, phrase, or even emoji to find relevant GIFs. You can also filter results by relevance, trending, or newest GIFs. Once you find a GIF you like, tap it to send it to your conversation.
Can I create my own GIFs for iMessage?
Yes, you can create your own GIFs for iMessage using a third-party app or website. There are several options available, including Giphy’s GIF maker tool, which allows you to upload your own videos or images and convert them into GIFs.
You can also use apps like GIF Brewery or GifMaker to create GIFs from your iPhone or iPad. These apps often offer more advanced features, such as trimming, cropping, and adding text or filters to your GIFs. Once you’ve created your GIF, you can save it to your camera roll and share it through iMessage.
Are GIFs compatible with all iMessage devices?
GIFs are compatible with most devices running iOS 10 or later, including iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices. However, some older devices may not support GIFs or may have limited functionality.
If you’re unsure whether your device supports GIFs, try sending a GIF to a friend or family member to test it out. Keep in mind that some devices may not display GIFs in the same way, so you may need to adjust your expectations or use a different method to share GIFs.
Why won’t my GIF send on iMessage?
If your GIF won’t send on iMessage, there are a few possible reasons why. First, check that you have the GIF keyboard enabled and that you’re using a compatible device. Next, make sure you have a stable internet connection and that your Messages app is up to date.
If you’re still having trouble, try restarting the Messages app or checking the GIF keyboard’s settings to ensure that it’s configured correctly. You can also try sending a different GIF or checking the file size to ensure it’s not too large. If none of these solutions work, you may want to try using a different GIF keyboard or seeking support from Apple or the GIF keyboard’s developer.