How to use GIFs in Signal

Besides texting friends and family, you can use GIFs to better represent your reaction or add a little humor. Signal is one of many apps that supports GIFs. If you're new to the app and wondering how to use them, look no further.

This article discusses the use of GIFs in Signal. We'll dive into the available methods and how to use them across all platforms.

How to Use GIFs in Signal on an iPhone

To use GIFs in Signal on your iPhone, follow the steps below:

1. Open signal.
   
2. Select the contact you want to chat with.
   
3. Tap the plus icon.
   
4. Tap "GIF".
   
5. Choose one or search by category.
   
6. When you've selected a GIF, tap the arrow in the lower right corner.
   

You can also download one and share it with your Signal contacts:

1. Open your browser.
   
2. In the search bar, type the name GIF and add "gif" at the end.
   
3. Save the GIF to your iPhone.
   
4. Open Signal and select a contact.
   
5. Tap the plus icon and recently saved files should appear below.
   
6. Tap the GIF and it will automatically be sent to your contact.
   

If you created a GIF and want to show it to someone on Signal, follow these steps:

1. Open signal.
   
2. Find someone.
   
3. Tap the plus sign in the lower left corner.
   
4. Tap the gallery icon.
   
5. Select the GIF you want to send.
   
6. Double tap the send button.
   

How to Use GIFs in Signal on Android Device

Signal is also available as an Android app with a few differences. You can browse GIFs in the app, download them from any website and share them with your contact, or send the ones you created.

Here's how to browse and send GIFs in the app:

1. Open signal.
   
2. Select the person you want to send a GIF to.
   
3. Tap the smiley icon in the lower left corner.
   
4. Tap "GIF".
   
5. Browse the available GIFs or use the search bar to find a category.
   
6. Select one and press the arrow to send it.
   

If you want to upload a GIF online and send it via Signal, follow the steps below:

1. Open your browser and search for a GIF. Type "gif" at the end to get the most relevant results.
   
2. Find one you like and save it to your Android device.
   
3. Open Signal and select a recipient.
   
4. Tap the plus sign in the lower right corner.
   
5. Recently saved files will appear below. Select the downloaded GIF and press the arrow to send it.
   

GIF sharing is possible if you follow these steps:

1. Open Signal and select someone.
   
2. Tap the plus sign and tap "Gallery."
   
3. Browse the folders and find the corresponding GIF.
   
4. Double tap the send button.
   

How to Use GIFs in Signal on PC

You can also use Signal on your PC. Although similar to the mobile app, the GIF functions are different in that there is no option to browse GIPHY in the app. When you tap on the smiley icon, you will only see available emojis. The plus sign accesses files on your computer. There is an option to send stickers, but none for GIFs.

However, that doesn't mean you can't share GIFs on the desktop app. In fact, there are several methods.

The first is to copy the GIF link and share it:

1. Open your browser.
   
2. Find a GIF you want to share or visit GIPHY.
   
3. Copy the GIF link.
   
4. Open Signal and select a contact.
   
5. Paste the link into the message bar and press "Enter".
   

There is also the “drag and drop” method:

1. Open your browser and find a GIF.
   
2. Drag the GIF to your desktop.
   
3. Open the Signal app and go to any chat.
   
4. Drag the GIF from the desktop and press "Enter" to send it.
   

If the GIF is already on your computer, follow these steps:

1. Open Signal and select a chat.
   
2. Tap the plus sign in the lower right corner.
   
3. Find the GIF and press "Open".
   
4. Press "Enter" to send it.
   

Many users don't use Signal on their computers because there's no option to send GIFs, unlike similar apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Have fun with GIFs in Signal

GIFs are a fun way to explain a process, show your reaction, or get someone's attention. Although the Signal app allows you to browse GIPHY internally, this is not possible with the desktop client. Still, there are several ways to share GIFs even for the desktop version.

Do you often send GIFs in Signal? Do you prefer the mobile or desktop version? Tell us in the comments section below.