WhatsApp adds GIF feature for Android and iOS users

After Snapchat-inspired Status update, WhatsApp has a new feature update for both Android and iOS users.

For Android users, the Facebook-owned company has launched GIF Search support as a hidden feature in the latest WhatsApp beta. On the other hand, iOS users get the ability to convert Live Photos as GIFs. How cool, right!

With the latest update, it looks like WhatsApp is just trying to re-position itself among the competitors - Apple’s iMessage, Snapchat, and Google’s new entry Allo.

Let's talk about the Android update first. In the latest WhatsApp beta version for Android, you will find a separate tab for GIFs to the right of the Emoji tab, with a ‘Search’ button to search the GIFs related to your search term. The GIF search is powered by Tenor and you will get a faint watermark on GIF previews in chat for the ones sent by search.

We hope that WhatsApp adds this feature across platforms for all the Android users.

Coming to the iOS, users can now send Live Photos as animated GIFs. Just 3D Touch any live photo from Attach — Photo Library and choose “Select as GIF.” Notably, Live Photos are supported only in iPhone SE, iPhone 6S and 7 and their Plus variants.

Moreover, for videos that are 6 seconds or shorter, you can now send them also as animated GIFs. Just tap the GIF toggle after picking a video. And you are done!