Tech Reference

How to use GIFs on Gboard to better express yourself in messages

Google's keyboard Gboard for iOS and Android
You can use GIFs on Gboard to replace a long text you would have typed up. Vladimka production/Shutterstock
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Animated GIFs have become common on social media as a way of expressing thoughts and feelings, often referencing pop culture in the process. Gboard, Google's keyboard app, has GIF compatibility built into it as well. Here's how you can use GIFs on Gboard to better deliver your thoughts to your friends. 

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How to use GIFs on Gboard

1. From your mobile device's home screen, tap on the messaging app of your choice.

2. Tap on the user to whom you want to send a GIF.

3. Tap in the text box where you would normally type a message. This will pull up the Gboard. 

4. Tap on "GIF" in the bar above the keyboard, underneath the text box. 

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Tap on "GIF."  Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

5. Tap on the GIF you want to send. If you're having trouble finding a GIF, you can also utilize the search bar. Just type a keyword associated with the kind of GIF you want into the search bar and results relating to that keyword will appear. 

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Search through the GIF collection.  Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

Keep in mind that once you tap on a GIF, it will be sent to the other person automatically, so be careful when swiping through your options.

 

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Chrissy Montelli is a writer and content creator originally from Long Island, NY. She is the author of two poetry chapbooks, Heart Float (Bottlecap Press) and Going to Ithaca (Ghost City Press), as well as various online publications. Read more from her at chrissymontelli.wordpress.com.