How to Add a GIF to Slack
There are three different ways to add a GIF to Slack: use the built-in GIF picker when you want to send a quick reaction in a message, upload your own GIF file when you already have the exact animation, or turn a GIF into a custom emoji when you need a reusable workspace reaction.
Files stay in your browser. No upload. No watermark.
Compress GIF for Slack EmojiDrop a GIF here
or
Send a GIF in a message
Use Slack's built-in GIF picker: open the smiley face icon in the message box, choose GIFs, search, pick a GIF, and send it. The picker is powered by Tenor, available on all Slack plans, and open by default to members and guests unless an owner or admin disables GIFs.
Upload your own GIF file
If you already have the GIF, attach or drag it into Slack like a normal file. Slack allows single file uploads up to 1GB; compression is only useful when a large GIF loads slowly or feels too heavy. Use [Reduce GIF Size](/reduce-gif-size) for that case.
Add a GIF as a custom emoji
This is the only common Slack GIF path with strict file rules: the GIF must be square, under 128KB, and no more than 50 frames. Use [GIF Compressor for Slack](/slack-emoji-gif) or the full [Slack emoji GIF guide](/how-to-make-slack-emoji-gif) before uploading.
How it works
Open the emoji menu
On desktop, click the smiley face icon in the message input box. On mobile, tap the message box to open the keyboard, then tap the smiley face icon.
Choose GIFs and search
Select GIFs, then search for the reaction, phrase, or subject you want. Slack's built-in GIF feature is powered by Tenor.
Pick the GIF and send
Click or tap the GIF you want, then choose Send. This sends the GIF in the message thread; it does not create a custom emoji.
FAQ
How do I add a GIF to a Slack message?
On desktop, click the smiley face icon in the message input box, choose **GIFs**, search, select a GIF, then click **Send**. On mobile, tap the message box to open the keyboard, tap the smiley face icon, choose **GIFs**, search and tap a GIF, then tap **Send**.
How do I add a GIF as a Slack emoji?
On desktop, click the smiley face icon, choose **Add Emoji**, select **Upload Image**, choose the GIF file, name it, and click **Save**. The file must already fit Slack's custom emoji rules; see [How to Make a Slack Emoji GIF](/how-to-make-slack-emoji-gif) or use [GIF Compressor for Slack](/slack-emoji-gif). On iOS, open the smiley face menu, type the emoji name, tap **Add custom emoji**, follow the upload prompts, then tap **Add**.
Why is there no GIF option in my Slack?
Slack owners and admins can disable the workspace GIF feature. If you do not see **GIFs** in the emoji menu, ask a workspace owner or admin whether GIFs are turned off.
Can I add a custom emoji from the Slack Android app?
No. Slack says it is not currently possible to add custom emoji from the Android app. Use Slack desktop or iOS to add the emoji; Android can still use custom emoji that already exist in the workspace.
Do I need to compress a GIF before sending it in Slack?
Usually no. Slack message file uploads can be up to 1GB, so a normal GIF message does not need compression just to send. Compress when you are making a custom emoji that must be 128KB or smaller, or when a large GIF loads slowly. For large message GIFs, use [Reduce GIF Size](/reduce-gif-size).
What happened to the /giphy command?
Slack's GIF feature is now built in and powered by Tenor — you no longer need a separate Giphy app for basic GIF sending. If your workspace still has the Giphy app installed, its `/giphy` command may still work.