How to Use GIFs in Slack (Desktop & Mobile)

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to find, send, and manage GIFs in Slack, whether you’re on the desktop app, web browser, or mobile. You’ll learn the built-in method, how to use Giphy, and how to adjust settings so GIFs work the way you want.

What You’ll Need

A Slack workspace where you have permission to post messages (most members do).
An internet connection.
The Slack desktop app, web version, or mobile app (iOS/Android) — the steps are nearly identical on all.
If you want to use Giphy, your workspace admin must have the Giphy app installed and enabled. If it’s not available, you’ll see an error when you try.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using Slack’s Built-In GIF Picker (Giphy)

Open the channel or direct message where you want to send the GIF. Click on it in the left sidebar.
Click the lightning bolt (⚡) icon in the message input box. It’s located on the right side of the text field, next to the paperclip and plus icons. On mobile, it’s in the toolbar above the keyboard.
Select “GIF” from the menu. This opens the Giphy picker. If you don’t see “GIF,” your workspace may not have Giphy enabled, or you may need to click “More” to find it.
Search for a GIF. Type a keyword (e.g., “celebration,” “confused,” “dog”) into the search bar at the top of the picker. Browse the results.
Click or tap the GIF you want. It will be inserted into your message box as a preview. You can add text above or below it if you like.
Press Enter (or the send arrow on mobile) to post the GIF to the channel.

Method 2: Pasting a GIF URL or Uploading a File

Copy a GIF URL from a website like Giphy, Tenor, or any other site. Right-click the GIF and select “Copy image address” or “Copy link.”
Paste the URL directly into the Slack message box. Slack will automatically generate a preview of the GIF. Press Enter to send it.
To upload a GIF file (one you’ve downloaded), click the paperclip icon in the message box, select the file from your computer, and send it like any other attachment.

Method 3: Typing a Giphy Shortcut (If Enabled)

Some workspaces allow you to type /giphy [search term] directly in the message box (e.g., /giphy happy dance).
Press Enter. Slack will show a random GIF matching your term.
If you like it, click “Send.” If not, click “Shuffle” to get another one, or “Cancel” to discard.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong slash command: /giphy only works if the Giphy app is installed. If it isn’t, you’ll get an error. Stick to the lightning bolt method.
Sending a link instead of a preview: If you paste a plain URL and it doesn’t show a preview, it might be a direct link to a file that Slack can’t preview. Try uploading the file instead.
Posting to the wrong channel: GIFs are fun, but make sure you’re in the right conversation. Double-check the channel name at the top before hitting send.
Ignoring workspace settings: Some admins restrict GIFs to certain channels or disable them entirely. If you can’t find the GIF option, it may be a permission issue, not a user error.

Tips

Use the search bar effectively: Be specific. Instead of “happy,” try “excited cat” or “office high five.” Giphy’s search works best with 1-3 keywords.
Preview before sending: Always look at the preview in your message box. Sometimes a GIF that looked funny on the search page is different when it loads.
Use reactions instead: If you just want to acknowledge a message, hover over a message and click the smiley face to add a GIF as a reaction. This is quicker than sending a full message.
Keyboard shortcut: On desktop, you can press Ctrl + Shift + G (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + G (Mac) to open the GIF picker directly without clicking the lightning bolt.
Bookmark your favorites: In the Giphy picker, hover over a GIF and click the star icon to save it. You can access your starred GIFs under the “Starred” tab in the picker.

Troubleshooting

GIF picker doesn’t open: Click the lightning bolt and check if “GIF” is listed. If not, your admin has disabled it. Try pasting a URL instead. If the lightning bolt itself is missing, try refreshing the app (Ctrl+R or Cmd+R).
“Giphy is not enabled” error: This means the Giphy app isn’t installed in your workspace. You can’t install it yourself unless you’re an admin. Ask your admin to add it from the Slack App Directory.
GIF sends as a static image: Some GIFs are actually static images mislabeled. Try a different one. Also, ensure you’re not on a very slow connection that fails to load the animation.
GIF is too large to upload: Slack limits file uploads to 1GB for paid plans, but some GIFs are huge. Use a tool to compress the GIF or find a smaller version on Giphy.
GIF won’t play for others: This is usually a temporary Slack glitch. Ask the recipient to refresh their app. If it persists, try sending the GIF as a file upload instead of a preview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use GIFs from Tenor or other sites?

Yes. Copy the image URL from Tenor (or any site) and paste it into Slack. Slack will usually generate a preview. If it doesn’t, download the GIF and upload it as a file.

Why can’t I see the GIF option in my Slack?

Your workspace admin has likely disabled the Giphy integration. You can still paste GIF URLs or upload GIF files. Contact your admin if you need Giphy enabled.

How do I remove a GIF I already sent?

Hover over your message, click the three-dot (⋯) icon, and select “Delete message.” This removes it for everyone. You can also edit the message to remove the GIF, but deletion is cleaner.

Can I use GIFs in Slack huddles or video calls?

Not directly inside the huddle screen. However, you can send a GIF to the channel or DM associated with the huddle, and participants will see it in the chat sidebar.

Is there a limit to how many GIFs I can send?

No specific limit on GIFs themselves, but Slack has general rate limits on messages per minute (usually around 1 message per second). Sending 50 GIFs in a row might trigger a “slow down” message.

Can I make my own GIF and use it in Slack?

Yes. Create a GIF with any tool, then upload it via the paperclip icon. It will appear as an animated image in your message. You can also add it to your workspace’s custom emoji if you’re an admin.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.