Snapchat has turned out to be the most innovative and entertaining form of communication with friends. Other than photos, filters, and Bitmojis, another method of expression that is one of the most used methods of expressing emotions or reactions is through sending GIFs. It can be a funny response, a short-time thank you, or a viral meme, but Snapchat allows using GIFs in conversations and snaps without any difficulties.

Throughout this comprehensive 2026 guide, you will get to know how to send Snapchat GIFs, where to locate them and how to correct any frequent problems that may arise to ensure that you can send GIFs without any difficulties.

What Are Snapchat GIFs?

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a brief animation, repeating in a loop, that conveys a thought, response, feeling in an amusing way. Snapchat incorporates GIFs of GIPhy, which is one of the biggest GIF libraries across the globe. This is that users are able to search and send pretty much any GIF possible in the app itself.

Snapchat GIFs can be added to:

• The photos or snaps you send to your friends.
• Text or chat messages in the application.
• Tell them stories to get them to be more interactive and fun.

How to Send GIFs on Snapchat (Step-by-Step Guide)

 

This is how you can use your smartphone to send GIFs on Snapchat in steps. It is a little bit different when sending a Snap or a Chat message.

1. Sending GIFs in Snaps (Photos or Videos)

 

To add animated GIFs to your snaps follow these steps:

• Open Snapchat on your phone.
• Use the camera to take a photograph or a video.
• See the Sticker button on the right hand side of the screen (it resembles a square and a folded corner).
• Select GIF from the top menu.
• It will have a search bar – enter what you are searching (such as happy, LOL or celebration).
• Select one of your favorite GIFs with search results.
• Pinching or dragging the GIF on your snap enables you to move, resize, or even rotate the GIF.
• After that, press Send To and select the friend or story to which you want to send it

Now your snap will have an animated GIF – and it will be more expressive and fun.

2. Sending GIFs in Snapchat Chats.

In case you wish to exchange GIFs when chatting with your friends on Snapchat:

• Find the Chat window of your friend or group.
• Click the Sticker icon on the left of the chat box.
• Best GIF on the upper portion of the sticker portion.
• Search the correct GIF to use on a conversation.
• Click on the GIF that you like and then it will send to your chat.

Alternatively, you can search and send GIFs in your keyboard (assuming your device supports GIFs such as Gboard on Android or the iPhone keyboard) by using your device keyboard.

How to Send GIFs on Snapchat Using Gboard (Android and iPhone)

With the help of Gboard (the keyboard created by Google), you can find and send GIFs even without going to the sticker library of Snapchat. Here’s how:

• Tap the Snapchat Chat option.
• Tap on the Text bar to get your keyboard.
• On Gboard, select the GIF option on the first row.
• Select or browse through a GIF you wish to send.
• Tap the GIF and send it straight in the chat.

The GIF search feature is located within the #images section of the Apple Keyboard as far as iPhone users are concerned.

How to Add GIFs to Snapchat Stories

Wish to have a more interesting Snapchat Stories? Here’s how you can do it:

• Take a picture or a video to use as a story.
• Flick the Sticker button on the right-hand side.
• Choose the GIF option.
• Find trending or expressive GIF to suit your story.
• Put where you would like and publish your story.

 

GIFs can also be added to stories to get noticed and provide character to the content.

Why Can’t I Send GIFs on Snapchat? (Troubleshooting)

In some cases, the users have issues with the lack of GIFs in Snapchat or their inability to be delivered. The most widespread causes and solutions are the following:

1. Outdated Snapchat App

Ensure that you are using the most recent release of Snapchat. Previously older versions might not have supported the new GIF features.

2. Keyboard Issues

In the case that you have a third-party keyboard, then it might not be compatible with GIFs. To have GIF ability, switch to Gboard or the default keyboard.

3. Internet Connection

GIFs will not load because of a weak or unstable connection. Attempt to re-connect to Wi-Fi or restart mobile data.

4. Cache Problems

An excessive amount of data stored in the cache may slow down the work of Snapchat. Go to:

 Snapchat Settings Clear Cache, Clear All.

5. GIPHY Integration Glitch

In other instances, GIPHY can have some hiccups. This can be solved by just waiting a few minutes or even restarting the app.

Tips for Using Snapchat GIFs Creatively

• Trending GIFs make your Snaps more relevant.
• Add various GIFs to make funny effects.
• Combine GIFs and filters or captions to construct a story.
• Include GIFs of what you are doing or feeling.

 

GIFs can be used in a creative way to make your snaps unique, to attract your audience, and to make your message more articulate.

Are Snapchat GIFs Available for Everyone?

Yes, Snapchat GIFs can be used all over the world. But there might be some parts that are temporarily limited by connectivity or accessibility of GIPHY. iPhone and Android users are able to use GIFs without having additional apps on their phones.

Final Thoughts

The process of learning to send Snapchat GIFs in 2026 is not as complex as long as you can find where. You can make your chats, stories, or Snaps even more interesting with GIFs, which are always dynamic and can not be compared with words or emojis. They are fluent, entertaining, and make you communicate with friends and followers in a better way.

Always update your Snapchat, have a wider array with Gboard, see what is trending in GIFs on a frequent basis, it is a simple way to make whatever you post fun and interesting.

 

FAQs

1. Is it possible to send GIFs in Snapchat?

Yes, it is possible to send GIFs directly in Snapchat chats in the sticker or the GIF button.

2. Why does Snapchat not have the GIF option?

Assuming that you do not see the GIF tab, update your application or verify your keyboard preferences, in order to switch Gboard on or to another keyboard that supports GIF.

3. Are Snapchat GIFs free to use?

Yes, everything GIFs you have on Snapchat are all free and run by GIPHY.

4. Is it possible to post my own GIFs in Snapchat?

At present, Snapchat does not enable using any personal GIFs, yet you can use Bitmoji stickers to make your own response.

5. How to make my Snapchat Story more interactive using GIFs?

You can add several GIFs, embed them with captions or search by trending keywords to make your stories attractive and entertaining.