How to Send GIFs in Slack
Want to add some fun to your Slack conversations? This guide covers every way to send GIFs in Slack, from the built-in picker to GIPHY integration, including how to send animated clips with sound.
Quick Answer
To send a GIF in Slack, click the smiley face icon in the message field, select GIFs, search for what you want, and click to send. Alternatively, type /gif happy and press Enter.
For more GIF options, install the GIPHY app from the Slack App Directory.
Method 1: Built-in GIF Picker (Fastest)
Slack has a built-in GIF picker powered by Tenor that lets you search and send animated GIFs directly from the message field. This is the quickest way to share GIFs without installing any apps.
Steps
- Click the smiley face icon in the message field to open the emoji and GIF menu.
- Click the GIFs tab at the top of the menu to switch from emojis to GIFs.
- Search for a GIF using keywords like "celebration", "thank you", or "thumbs up".
- Click on the GIF you want to send it immediately to the conversation.
Tip: The built-in GIF picker is powered by Tenor. If you do not see the GIF option, your workspace admin may have disabled it.
Method 2: /gif Command
The /gif slash command is a fast way to search for and send GIFs directly from the message field. One advantage of this method is that your search terms stay private and are not shown to others.
Command
/gif [search term]Example
/gif celebrationSteps
- Type /gif in any message field, followed by a keyword or phrase.
- Press Enter to search. Slack will show GIF results.
- Browse the results and click on the GIF you want to send.
Privacy bonus: Unlike the GIPHY app, the /gif command does not display your search term above the GIF. This is useful when you want to keep your search private.
Method 3: GIPHY Integration
For the largest library of GIFs, you can install the official GIPHY app in your Slack workspace. GIPHY offers millions of GIFs and includes features like GIF previews before sending and content rating controls.
How to Add GIPHY to Slack
- Open Slack and click on Apps in the left sidebar (or under More).
- Search for "GIPHY" in the app directory.
- Click Add to Slack when you see the GIPHY app.
- Configure the settings:
- Choose which channels can use GIPHY
- Set the content rating (G, PG, PG-13, or R)
- Enable or disable GIF previews
- Click Save Integration to finish.
Using the /giphy Command
Once GIPHY is installed, use the /giphy command to send GIFs:
Command
/giphy [search term]Example
/giphy good job- Type /giphy followed by a keyword and press Enter.
- Slack shows a random GIF matching your search.
- Click Shuffle to see different GIFs until you find one you like.
- Click Send to share the GIF in the conversation.
Note: Your search term appears above the GIF when using /giphy, so everyone can see what you searched for. Keep your search terms professional.
Method 4: Upload Your Own GIF
If you have a specific GIF saved on your computer or want to share a custom animated image, you can upload it directly to Slack.
Ways to Upload GIFs
| Method | How To |
|---|---|
| Drag and Drop | Drag a GIF file from your computer and drop it into the Slack chat window |
| Plus Button | Click the + icon next to the message field, select "Upload from your computer", and choose your GIF |
| Clipboard Paste | Copy a GIF to your clipboard, then paste it directly into Slack with Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) |
Tip: Uploading your own GIFs works even if the workspace admin has disabled the GIF picker. This is useful for sharing custom team reactions or memes.
Send GIFs with Sound (GIPHY Clips)
GIPHY Clips are short video clips with audio. They are like GIFs but with sound, perfect for movie quotes, reactions, and memorable moments.
How to Send a GIPHY Clip
- Type /giphy in the message field.
- Select "Find and share a Clip" from the dropdown menu.
- Search for a clip using keywords.
- Click Shuffle to browse different clips.
- Click Share when you find one you like.
Note: GIPHY Clips require the GIPHY app to be installed. They play with audio, so be mindful of your workspace noise level settings.
Send GIFs on Mobile (iOS & Android)
Sending GIFs from the Slack mobile app is just as easy as on desktop. Here is how to do it on iOS and Android:
Steps for Mobile
- Tap the message field to open your keyboard.
- Tap the smiley face icon to open the emoji and GIF menu.
- Tap the GIFs tab at the top.
- Search for a GIF and tap to send.
Using /gif Command on Mobile
You can also type /gif celebration in the message field and tap Send to search for GIFs on mobile.
Admin Settings: Enable or Disable GIFs
Workspace owners and admins can control whether members can use the GIF picker in Slack.
To Enable or Disable GIFs
- Click your workspace name in the top left.
- Go to Settings & administration > Workspace settings.
- Click Expand next to "Attach a GIF".
- Check or uncheck "Enable the GIF picker".
- Click Save.
GIPHY Content Rating
When configuring the GIPHY app, admins can set a maximum content rating:
- G - Appropriate for all ages
- PG - Parental guidance suggested
- PG-13 - May contain some mature content
- R - Adult content (use with caution)
Note: Disabling the GIF picker does not prevent members from uploading their own GIF files. To restrict all GIFs, you would need to limit file uploads entirely.
Tips & Best Practices
Use GIFs sparingly
Too many GIFs can clutter conversations and distract from important messages. Save them for celebrations and light moments.
Keep search terms professional
When using /giphy, your search term is visible to everyone. Avoid awkward or inappropriate searches.
Preview before sending
Enable GIF previews in GIPHY settings to see exactly what you are sending before it goes to the channel.
Use specific keywords
Instead of generic terms like "happy", try specific phrases like "happy dance" or "celebration confetti" for better results.
Consider your audience
GIFs are great for casual channels but may not be appropriate for client-facing or formal conversations.
Troubleshooting
GIF Option Not Showing?
- Admin disabled: Your workspace admin may have turned off the GIF picker. Contact them to enable it.
- App not installed: For /giphy commands, ensure the GIPHY app is installed in your workspace.
- Try refreshing: Sometimes a simple refresh (Ctrl+R or Cmd+R) fixes display issues.
/giphy Command Not Working?
- Check app installation: Go to Apps and verify GIPHY is installed and enabled.
- Channel permissions: The admin may have restricted GIPHY to certain channels.
- Try /gif instead: The built-in /gif command works without the GIPHY app.
GIFs Not Playing?
- Slow connection: GIFs may take time to load on slow networks.
- Browser issue: Try a different browser or use the Slack desktop app.
- Accessibility settings: Check if "Reduce motion" is enabled in your device settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send a GIF in Slack?
Click the smiley face icon in the message field, select the GIFs tab, search for a GIF, and click to send. Alternatively, type /gif followed by a search term and press Enter.
What is the /gif command in Slack?
The /gif command lets you search for and send GIFs directly from the message field. Type /gif followed by a keyword (e.g., /gif happy) and press Enter to see results. Your search term stays private.
How do I add GIPHY to Slack?
Go to Apps in the left sidebar (or under More), search for GIPHY in the app directory, and click Add to Slack. Configure the content rating and save your settings.
Why can't I see GIFs in Slack?
Your workspace admin may have disabled GIFs. Contact an owner or admin to enable the GIF picker in workspace settings under "Attach a GIF".
Can I send GIFs with sound in Slack?
Yes, using GIPHY Clips. Type /giphy, select "Find and share a Clip", search for a clip, and share it. Clips are short video GIFs with audio.
How do I upload my own GIF to Slack?
Drag and drop your GIF file into the chat, or click the + icon and select your file. You can also paste a GIF from your clipboard with Ctrl+V or Cmd+V.
Summary
Sending GIFs in Slack is easy once you know your options:
- Built-in GIF picker (smiley icon > GIFs) is the fastest method.
- /gif command keeps your search terms private.
- GIPHY app gives you the largest library and GIPHY Clips with sound.
- Upload your own by dragging and dropping or using the + button.
Use GIFs thoughtfully to add fun to your team conversations without overwhelming important discussions. And if you are not seeing the GIF option, ask your workspace admin to enable it.
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