How to Send a GIF on Messenger (Phone and Computer)

Sometimes a short looping clip does the job of a whole paragraph, and a GIF can keep a customer chat or a group thread friendly. Messenger has GIF search built in, so you don't need a separate app. The only thing that trips people up is finding the button, because it sits behind a small icon that changes slightly between devices. Here's what Messenger's help pages say, device by device, along with the limits worth knowing about.

Sending a GIF in Messenger on your phone

Messenger's help centre describes the same flow for Android and iPhone.

1. Open any conversation.
2. Look at the options at the bottom, next to the text box. If you can't see them, tap the icon next to the text box first to show them.
3. Tap the stickers and GIFs option. On Android the help page describes it as the one for stickers, GIFs or emoji.
4. Type a word or phrase into the search box to find a GIF.
5. Tap the GIF you want and it sends into the chat.

The help pages show icons rather than words for these buttons, so I can't give you exact labels. Look for the smiley-style sticker button beside the text box. Menus vary by app version.

Sending a GIF on Messenger from a computer

On messenger.com the options next to the text box are labelled, which makes it easier.

1. Open any conversation on messenger.com.
2. Click the Send a GIF button next to the text box. If you can't see the options, click the icon beside the text box to reveal them.
3. Search for the kind of GIF you want.
4. Click the GIF to send it.

Messenger's help pages also describe a computer version with a button that sends emojis, stickers or GIFs from one place. Messenger's update page says the old desktop app for Mac and Windows is no longer available, so use a browser if you want to chat from a computer.

The size limit for sending a GIF on Messenger

According to the help centre, you can send photos, voice messages, GIFs, stickers or AI stickers of up to 25 MB in file size in your chats. That matters if you're sending your own animation instead of one from the built-in search. If a file won't send, its size is the first thing to check.

Item	What Messenger's help pages say
Maximum file size	Up to 25 MB for photos, voice messages, GIFs and stickers
Where to find GIFs	The sticker and GIF option next to the text box
Search	Type a word or phrase to find a GIF
Computer	A Send a GIF button on messenger.com

Messenger GIFs compared with stickers and AI stickers

GIFs and stickers live in the same place, which is why people mix them up. A sticker is a still or lightly animated image from Messenger's sticker collection. A GIF is a short looping clip you find by searching.

There's also a newer option. The help pages describe AI stickers, where you enter a text prompt and Messenger generates a sticker for you. It says the feature is not currently available to everyone or on all platforms. It also warns that people in the chat will see your text prompt if you send the sticker, and suggests being careful about including personal information such as a name, address, email address or phone number in a prompt. If you don't see an AI stickers section, that's the likely reason.

Using GIFs on Messenger in a business or community chat

GIFs can warm up a message, but pick them with care. In a chat with a customer, keep them rare and friendly. In a community group, they're a quick way to respond without clogging the thread with replies. Avoid anything that could be read two ways, and remember that everyone in a group chat sees what you send. If you run a poll in your group, my guide to making a poll on Messenger pairs nicely with a few reaction GIFs.

If you can't find the GIF button on Messenger

• Tap the small icon next to the text box. The help pages say the other options are hidden until you do.
• Update the app, because the sticker and GIF button has moved between versions. My guide to updating Messenger has the steps.
• Make sure you're inside a conversation. The button doesn't appear on the main chat list.
• Check your internet connection if the search is blank, because GIF results come from a search.
• If it still doesn't appear, report the problem inside the Messenger app or through Messenger's help centre.

What the other person sees when you send a GIF on Messenger

A GIF appears in the chat as a looping image. Messenger's help pages don't describe delivery details for GIFs specifically, but you can check whether it reached the person by looking at the message icons. I've explained them in what Delivered means on Messenger.

A quick recap on sending a GIF in Messenger

Open a chat, tap the sticker and GIF option next to the text box, search for a GIF, and tap it to send. On a computer, click Send a GIF. Keep files to 25 MB or under if you're sending your own.

I keep every related walkthrough in the Facebook Help: 80 Guides to Pages, Groups, Ads, Stories and Fixes.

Frequently asked questions

How do I send a GIF in Messenger?

Open a conversation, tap the sticker and GIF option next to the text box, search for a GIF and tap it to send. On a computer, click the Send a GIF button on messenger.com.

Is there a size limit for GIFs on Messenger?

Yes. Messenger's help centre says photos, voice messages, GIFs, stickers and AI stickers can be up to 25 MB in file size.

Why can't I see the GIF button on Messenger?

The help pages say some options are hidden until you tap the icon next to the text box. Updating the app can also help.

What is the difference between a GIF and an AI sticker on Messenger?

A GIF is a looping clip you search for. An AI sticker is generated from a text prompt, and the help pages say it isn't available to everyone or on all platforms.

Will people see my prompt if I send an AI sticker?

Yes. Messenger says people in the chat will see your text prompt if you send the sticker.