How to Send a GIF on WhatsApp: Android, iPhone & Web
To send a GIF on WhatsApp, open the conversation and select the sticker icon, then GIF. Search for the reaction you want and choose it. The preview and send controls differ by device.
On Android
- In your conversation, open the sticker menu and choose GIF.
- Use the search icon to look for a GIF.
- Tap a result to send it. To check it first, press and hold the GIF, then use Send from the preview.
On iPhone
- Open the conversation and select the sticker icon, then GIF.
- Search for a GIF, or open your recent or favorite GIFs.
- Tap the GIF you want to send.
On WhatsApp Web
- Open the chat, select the sticker icon, and choose GIF.
- Search and select a GIF to preview it.
- Use the send button to post it to the conversation.
These steps follow the WhatsApp Help Center instructions for Android, iPhone, and Web, checked on October 3, 2026. Check the matching platform tab if your interface differs.
Questions about sending GIFs
Can I preview a GIF without sending it?
On Android, press and hold the result to preview it. On Web, selecting a result opens its preview. The iPhone instructions say to tap the GIF to send it, so do not assume tapping is only a preview.
What if my own GIF file does not send or animate?
First check that the downloaded file animates outside WhatsApp. Then check the attachment preview in your current WhatsApp app before sending. Sending a file as a document is not a promise of inline animation. Check the current WhatsApp Help instructions and any error shown for your device and attachment type.
If file size is the issue, try the GIF Compressor, then compare the smaller file with the original before sending. The final size and appearance depend on the source and selected settings.
Want a custom GIF instead of a search result?
Browse custom WhatsApp GIF ideas and examples. To animate your own photo, use AI Image to GIF. AI generation usually takes about 1–5 minutes and may take longer when providers are busy.
Sign-in is required. GIF and Video share one free Quick Preview per day, with a watermark. Standard and Pro use Credits; check the quoted cost and watermark status before generating. Download and preview the result before checking it in WhatsApp.
🛠 Try These Tools
Start with GIF
Animate the image as a GIF first
When the article centers on visuals, logo motion, or sticker-style content, image-to-GIF is the fastest low-friction starting point.
Create an Image-to-GIF →Move to video
Animate this idea as a video
GIFs are great for lightweight loops. Use image-to-video when the visual needs more motion, polish, or campaign value.
Create an Image-to-Video →Share this article
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