GIPHY vs. Tenor: How to Send GIFs Through Text Messages on iPhone and Android

Use Tenor through Gboard when you want the quickest Android GIF texting, and use Apple’s built in #images or GIPHY on iPhone when you want broader pop culture results. GIF search is not a niche feature: Google said Tenor handled more than 12 billion searches each month when it acquired the service in 2018 [source: Google].

TLDR: On iPhone, start with #images inside Messages, then install GIPHY or Tenor if you want better search. On Android, Gboard with Tenor is usually faster because GIF search sits inside the keyboard. For example, if you send 30 texts a day and add GIFs to 20% of them, saving even 5 seconds per GIF means about 15 minutes saved each month. GIPHY is better for branded, reaction, and meme content; Tenor is better for fast keyboard search and everyday replies.

GIPHY vs. Tenor: the short version

GIPHY feels more like a media library. It is strong for trending clips, TV moments, sports reactions, stickers, branded GIFs, and high quality search results. If you search “awkward,” “nope,” or “happy dance,” GIPHY often returns polished results that look ready for social media.

Tenor feels more tightly tied to typing. It is built into Google’s ecosystem and is commonly used through Gboard, Google Messages, and other apps. It is very good at quick emotional replies such as “same,” “crying,” “lol,” “good morning,” and “congrats.”

The catch is that neither service is perfect. GIPHY can feel slower if you need to open a separate app. Tenor can repeat the same popular GIFs too often. It drives me crazy that a simple “thank you” search can show ten near identical animated cats before one normal option appears.

How to send GIFs on iPhone using Messages

The fastest iPhone method is Apple’s built in #images feature in the Messages app. It is simple, but availability depends on region and device settings.

1. Open Messages.
2. Open a conversation or start a new one.
3. Tap the plus button or app drawer icon near the text field.
4. Select #images.
5. Search for a keyword, such as birthday, eye roll, or good luck.
6. Tap a GIF to insert it.
7. Add text if needed, then tap Send.

If you do not see #images, check that your region supports it. You can also try restarting Messages, updating iOS, or checking whether the Messages app drawer is hidden.

How to send GIPHY GIFs on iPhone

Use the GIPHY app if you want stronger search and a larger library than Apple’s default results.

1. Install GIPHY from the App Store.
2. Open the app and search for a GIF.
3. Tap the GIF you want.
4. Tap the share icon.
5. Choose Messages.
6. Select the contact and send it.

You can also install the GIPHY keyboard. That is handy, but read the permission prompts carefully. iOS third party keyboards may ask for broader access so they can search online. If you care about privacy, the app sharing method is safer and easier to control.

How to send Tenor GIFs on iPhone

Tenor also has a GIF keyboard app for iPhone. It works well for quick reactions, but setup takes a minute.

1. Install GIF Keyboard by Tenor from the App Store.
2. Open Settings.
3. Go to General, then Keyboard, then Keyboards.
4. Tap Add New Keyboard.
5. Choose the Tenor GIF keyboard.
6. Open Messages and switch keyboards using the globe icon.
7. Search, tap a GIF, then paste or send it as prompted.

Expect to waste time on the first setup. After that, it becomes quick. Still, for most iPhone users, #images or the GIPHY app is less fussy.

How to send GIFs on Android with Gboard and Tenor

On Android, the cleanest path is usually Gboard. Many Android phones already use it. If yours does not, install it from Google Play and set it as your default keyboard.

1. Open your texting app, such as Google Messages, Samsung Messages, WhatsApp, or Messenger.
2. Tap the text field to open the keyboard.
3. Tap the emoji icon.
4. Tap GIF.
5. Search for a word or phrase.
6. Tap the GIF to insert it.
7. Send the message.

This is where Tenor shines. You do not have to leave the conversation. You do not need to copy, paste, save, or switch apps. For everyday texting, that matters.

How to send GIPHY GIFs on Android

GIPHY is still useful on Android, especially when you need a specific meme or branded reaction.

1. Install GIPHY from Google Play.
2. Open the app.
3. Search for a GIF.
4. Tap the one you want.
5. Tap Share.
6. Choose your texting app.
7. Select the contact and send.

Some Android keyboards and messaging apps also include their own GIF buttons. Results may come from GIPHY, Tenor, or another provider, depending on the app and phone maker. Samsung devices, Pixel phones, and third party keyboards can all behave a little differently.

Which one has better GIF search?

Choose GIPHY if you care about variety. It is often better for viral moments, entertainment references, creator uploaded content, stickers, and polished reaction GIFs. GIPHY became part of Shutterstock in 2023, which also signals its focus on media and content licensing [source: Shutterstock].

Choose Tenor if you care about speed. Its biggest advantage is placement. When Tenor results appear inside Gboard, the process feels shorter. Search, tap, send. That is the whole job.

• Best for iPhone simplicity: Apple #images
• Best for iPhone variety: GIPHY app
• Best for Android speed: Gboard with Tenor
• Best for meme hunting: GIPHY
• Best for quick reactions: Tenor

Privacy, data, and message quality

GIF keyboards need internet access to search. That means your search terms may be processed by the keyboard provider. Do not use GIF keyboards for private words, medical details, passwords, or anything sensitive. This sounds obvious, but people type strange things into search bars when they are half paying attention.

Also remember that GIFs may send as MMS, rich media, or a link, depending on your carrier, phone, and messaging app. If a GIF looks blurry, fails to animate, or sends as a still image, try another app or send it through iMessage, RCS, WhatsApp, Signal, or Messenger instead.

Common fixes when GIFs will not send

• Update your phone: Old iOS or Android versions can break GIF search.
• Check mobile data: GIFs need a live connection.
• Restart the messaging app: This fixes stuck previews more often than it should.
• Try Wi Fi: Some carriers compress or block large media messages.
• Switch keyboards: If Gboard fails, test the default keyboard.
• Use the app directly: Sharing from GIPHY or Tenor can bypass keyboard bugs.

Final recommendation

If you use an iPhone, start with #images. Add GIPHY when Apple’s results feel weak. Use Tenor only if you like dedicated GIF keyboard workflows.

If you use Android, use Gboard first. It is the most practical route for texting GIFs, and Tenor’s search fits that job well. Keep GIPHY installed if you often search for specific memes, celebrity reactions, or branded GIFs. The best setup is not complicated: Tenor for speed, GIPHY for choice.