How to Add GIFs in Slack: Desktop & Mobile

To add a GIF in Slack, open the smiley menu in the message field, choose GIFs, search, and select an animation. Add your message before sending. You can also upload a saved GIF file; you don't have to install a separate app just to share one.

Choose the method that fits what you have:

Your task	Use this method
Find a GIF without leaving a conversation	Built-in GIF picker
Send a specific animation you already saved	Upload a GIF file
Use an installed Giphy app and its slash command	Giphy app guide
Make a small reaction people can reuse	Custom Slack emoji

Send a GIF with Slack's built-in picker

On desktop or web

1. Open a channel, DM, or thread and click the message field's smiley icon.
2. Select GIFs and search for a phrase such as “thank you” or “celebrate.”
3. Choose a GIF, add any text you want to send with it, and send the message.

On iPhone or Android

Tap the message field, open the smiley menu, and select GIFs. Search, tap a result, and send it when your message is ready.

These steps follow Slack's GIF picker instructions. The picker is powered by Giphy, but it is separate from installing the Giphy app and using /giphy.

Upload your own GIF to Slack

If you've saved an animation you want to use, attach the .gif file to your message as a file upload. On a computer, drag the file into the conversation. On a phone, use the attachment control to select the saved file. Check the preview before sending.

This is useful when you want a particular work anniversary card rather than a random search result. Our work anniversary GIF gallery includes downloadable animations and messages to go with them.

If a copied image becomes still, try uploading the original GIF file instead of a screenshot. Copying a preview from a web page may copy a link or a single frame rather than the animation.

Add a GIF without installing the Giphy app

Use the built-in picker or upload a GIF you already have. “Without the Giphy app” does not mean the picker uses a different search provider: Slack's picker itself uses Giphy.

If your workspace already has the app and you prefer commands, see Giphy for Slack: setup and commands. Keep those instructions separate from the picker so teammates know which interface they're using.

Fix missing or non-moving GIFs

Problem	What to check
There is no GIF tab	Ask an owner or admin whether the GIF picker is enabled.
An uploaded image is still	Check whether you saved a PNG, JPG, screenshot, or preview instead of the original GIF.
Animations do not play	Check Slack's animation preferences and try opening the original file.
A GIF link does not show a preview	Upload the file if you have permission to share it, rather than relying on an external preview.
/giphy is unavailable	Check the installed app; the built-in picker does not require that command.

Owners and admins can control the picker through the Attach a GIF setting. Turning it off does not prevent uploads of GIF files from elsewhere. See Slack's GIF controls and animation preferences.

Make a reusable emoji instead

A GIF is a message attachment. A custom emoji is a small image teammates can use in messages and reactions. For a recurring “great job” reaction, use the Slack emoji maker, then follow our custom emoji setup guide to add it to your workspace.

For recognition, write the thank-you first: “Thanks, Priya, for helping the support team close the backlog.” A reaction or GIF can accompany it without replacing the actual appreciation. If you want those reactions to contribute to a recognition programme, see employee recognition in Slack.

Common questions

Can I preview a GIF before sending it?

The built-in picker lets you select a GIF for your message before you send. Check the result and the conversation you're posting in before confirming.

Can I add a GIF in a thread?

Use the reply composer in the thread, then choose the picker or attach a file. This keeps the animation with the conversation it belongs to.

Why does my teammate see a still image?

They may have animations disabled, or the shared asset may be a still image. Provide useful text alongside the GIF so the message still makes sense without motion.