How to Send GIFs on Slack

GIFs are an increasingly popular way of adding humour, emotion, and personality to conversations, especially in workplace communication platforms like Slack. They’re quick, expressive, and a lot of fun, offering an engaging way to interact with colleagues beyond plain text. With the right tools, like GIF makers, Slack makes it simple to share and even create your own animated gems, enhancing communication and fostering team bonding.

If you’re wondering how to send GIFs on Slack or even create your own custom GIFs, this guide covers everything you need to know—step by step!

Why Use GIFs on Slack?

Using GIFs in your Slack conversations isn’t just about fun—it’s an effective communication tool. Here’s why they’re worth incorporating into your workplace exchanges:

Enhance Communication: GIFs can convey emotions and reactions better than text alone. A simple GIF can say, “Great job!” or “That’s hilarious!” with far more flair than just typing it out.
Create a Positive Atmosphere: A well-timed GIF of a funny situation or clever reaction can lighten the mood in team conversations, making the work environment feel more personal and engaging.
Improve Team Engagement: Slack makes it easy to integrate GIF services like Giphy into your workspace, making team interactions more dynamic and enjoyable.

Whether it’s lightening up a serious meeting or celebrating a small win, GIFs bring a human, relatable energy to workplace interactions.

Now that we know why GIFs matter, here’s how you can add them to your Slack conversations with ease.

Step 1. Use the Slack Search Bar

The simplest method is built right into Slack. You can search for and share GIFs directly using the `/giphy` command.

Open any channel or direct message.
Type `/giphy` followed by a keyword that matches the vibe you’re going for—e.g., `/giphy Friday`.
A preview of a random GIF based on your search term will appear.
Like it? Click to send!

This method is quick, seamless, and fun—but note that the feature relies on Giphy integration, which may be disabled in some workspaces.

Step 2. Upload a Custom GIF

Want to share your own specially crafted GIF? Slack makes it just as easy.

Click the paperclip icon in the message box (or drag and drop the file).
Select your GIF file (Slack supports .gif file formats).
Upload the file, and it will appear as an animated image right in the conversation.

This approach is ideal for bespoke GIFs or company-specific visuals.

Step 3. Use Giphy Integration

Many Slack workspaces have Giphy integration enabled. Simply type `/giphy` into your message box, followed by a keyword (as explained earlier).

If your admin has disabled Giphy, however, you’ll need to either upload a GIF manually (as shown above) or use external tools to find and create your GIFs. Flexibility is key!

How to Create Your Own GIF for Slack

Sometimes, the perfect GIF doesn’t exist—or you’d like something more personal to your team or company. That’s where GIF makers come in handy!

Steps to Create Your GIF

Follow these simple steps to bring your idea to life as a GIF:

Select a Tool: Decide on a GIF maker based on your needs and preferences.
Upload a Video or Images: Use a short video clip or a series of images that you want to animate.
Customise Your GIF: Trim the video, resize it, or add text overlays and filters to make it stand out.
Export the File: Download the finished product as a .gif file. Most tools offer one-click export options.
Share on Slack: Upload your masterpiece to Slack using the methods described earlier.

Et voilà—your own custom-made GIF, ready to impress your team!

Tips for Using GIFs on Slack Effectively

Here are a few things to keep in mind when sending GIFs in workplace conversations to strike the right balance between fun and professionalism.

1. Stay Professional (When Needed)

While GIFs can be light-hearted, remember to match the tone of the conversation. Avoid overly casual or inappropriate content in formal discussions.

2. Use GIFs Sparingly

Less is often more! A single, well-placed GIF can enhance dialogue, but using too many might distract or clutter the conversation.

3. Choose Relevant Keywords

When searching for GIFs, choose specific keywords to avoid off-topic or irrelevant results. For instance, search for `/giphy happy dance` instead of just `/giphy happy`.

4. Create Personalised Work-Related GIFs

Why not create GIFs related to your team’s achievements, projects, or inside jokes? They bring a sense of community and personalisation to interactions.

Common Issues with Sending GIFs on Slack

GIF-sharing isn’t always flawless. Here are a few common snags you might encounter—and how to fix them.

File Size Limits

Slack imposes limits on file sizes for uploads. If your GIF is too large to send, resize it using a tool like EZGIF.

GIFs Not Loading

Occasionally, GIFs may fail to load due to connectivity or app-related issues. Refresh Slack or check your internet connection.

Disabled Giphy Integration

If the `/giphy` command doesn’t work, it may be disabled by your admin. Use external GIF sources and upload them manually instead.

Bring Your Slack Conversations to Life

Sending GIFs on Slack isn’t just easy—it’s an innovative way to convey emotions, lighten the mood, and strengthen team communication. Whether you’re using the quick `/giphy` command, uploading custom creations, or designing your own with a GIF maker, incorporating GIFs transforms everyday workplace exchanges into moments of connection.

Take the time to explore Slack’s GIF features and experiment with custom creations—you’ll soon find yourself adding a unique flair to every conversation!

How to Send GIFs on Slack | Plenty Vista

Why Use GIFs on Slack?