Facebook introduced the GIF keyboard in 2016, allowing users to easily search for and share GIFs directly in comments and messages. The GIF keyboard provides a fun and engaging way to react and respond on Facebook. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get the GIF keyboard on Facebook, along with tips on using it effectively.
What is the Facebook GIF Keyboard?
The Facebook GIF keyboard is a special keyboard that gives you direct access to GIFs (short, soundless video clips) to use in your Facebook comments, posts, messages, and more. When enabled, the GIF option will appear alongside the regular text keyboard, emoji keyboard, and sticker keyboard in any place you can enter text on Facebook.
Tapping the GIF option allows you to browse and search a vast library of animated GIFs from Giphy and other sources. You can find funny reaction GIFs, cute animals, cheeky memes, movie and TV scenes, and more. Once you find the perfect GIF, insert it with one tap.
Using GIFs is a fun way to react to friends’ posts, liven up your comments, and express emotions. The GIF keyboard makes the process fast and seamless right within Facebook.
How to Get the GIF Keyboard on Facebook
Enabling the Facebook GIF keyboard only takes a few quick steps:
- Open the Facebook app on your mobile device.
- Go to any place where you can enter text like in a comment box or Messenger.
- Tap the emoji smiley face icon to the left of the text box.
- This will bring up the keyboard options. Swipe through the options and select “GIF.”
That’s it! The GIF keyboard will now be visible whenever you pull up the keyboard on Facebook. On iOS, you may need to tap the emoji icon and then swipe right to see the GIF option.
How to Use the Facebook GIF Keyboard
Once enabled, using the GIF keyboard is easy and intuitive.
- Tap the GIF icon on the keyboard.
- Browse the trending and recommended GIFs, or search for a keyword or phrase.
- Tap on a GIF to preview it.
- Insert the chosen GIF by tapping the “Send” button.
The GIF will be inserted right into your comment, post, or message. You can use as many GIFs as you want in a single post or thread!
Tips for Using the GIF Keyboard Effectively
- Use GIFs sparingly to maximize impact. Too many will be distracting.
- Pick GIFs relevant to the conversation to help convey your reactions.
- Make sure any text in the GIF is large enough to read on mobile screens.
- Avoid large or heavily animated GIFs that could overwhelm feeds.
- Consider creating your own custom reactions and meme GIFs to perfectly fit conversations.
Troubleshooting Facebook GIF Keyboard Issues
If you’re having trouble enabling or using the GIF keyboard, try these troubleshooting tips:
GIF Keyboard Not Showing Up
- Make sure you have the latest version of the Facebook app.
- Force quit and restart the Facebook app if the GIF option is missing.
- On iOS, swipe right from the emoji button to find the GIF option.
- The feature may not be available in some countries or regions yet.
GIFs Not Loading
- Check your internet connection and try again.
- The GIF file size may be too large. Try a simpler GIF.
- Restart your device if GIFs won’t load at all.
Can’t Find the Right GIF
- Try searching for keywords related to the GIF content you want.
- Browse trending and recommended GIF categories for inspiration.
- Use a GIF creation platform like Giphy to make your own.
Best Practices for Using GIFs on Facebook
GIFs can be a fun way to spice up your Facebook presence, but they should be used with care. Here are some best practices for harnessing the power of GIFs on Facebook:
Use GIFs to Enhance Your Reactions
GIFs excel at expressing reactions and emotions in response to posts and comments. Find funny or ironic GIFs that amplify inside jokes between friends for maximum engagement.
Comment With Relevant GIFs
Reply to friends’ posts with clever GIFs that are relevant to the content and conversation. This helps show you read their update and are interacting thoughtfully.
Make Sure GIFs Are Visible
Avoid tiny or blurry GIFs. Preview the GIF and make sure any text is legible before inserting. Optimize GIFs for mobile feeds.
Don’t Go Overboard With GIFs
Use GIFs sparingly for targeted emphasis. Too many GIFs can crowd out actual conversations and content.
Be Thoughtful With GIF Selections
Avoid potentially offensive, disturbing, or NSFW GIFs. Make sure your GIFs are appropriate for a public feed and respectful to friends and followers.
GIF Keyboard FAQs
Is there a GIF limit on Facebook?
Facebook does not impose a hard limit on the number of GIFs you can use. However, moderators may delete posts or comments with an excessive number of GIFs that appear to spam or clog feeds.
Can I make my own GIFs for Facebook?
Yes! You can use GIF maker platforms like Giphy to turn videos and images into custom GIFs. Upload your unique GIFs to use all over Facebook.
Do GIFs work in Facebook Messenger?
Yes, you can absolutely use GIFs in one-on-one and group Messenger chats on mobile. The GIF keyboard appears right alongside the text keyboard when messaging.
Can I use GIFs in Facebook Stories?
At this time, you cannot directly insert GIFs into Facebook Stories. However, you can download a GIF and re-upload it as a video to use in Stories.
Why isn’t Giphy working on Facebook?
If Giphy GIFs are not loading in the Facebook GIF keyboard, it likely indicates an issue with your internet connectivity. Try toggling your wifi or cellular data off and on to resolve any connection problems.
Conclusion
The Facebook GIF keyboard provides a fun and engaging way to interact with friends and liven up your profile. With the ability to access a vast library of GIFs right within Facebook, you can find the perfect reaction for any conversation. Use the keyboard thoughtfully to emphasize your wit and personality without overdoing it on the animations. With this guide, you should now be ready to master the GIF keyboard on Facebook like a pro!