The quickest way: paste a link from Giphy

The easiest way to add a GIF in Slack is to paste a link from Giphy, which is Slack's built-in GIF search tool. Type a forward slash, then the word "giphy", then a space, then search for what you want. Slack will show you a preview of the GIF right in the message box. Hit Enter or click the GIF to send it.

This method works in any Slack channel or direct message. The GIF appears as a full-size image in the conversation, not as a link. Everyone in that channel or message thread can see it when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Type /giphy followed by your search term to find and send a GIF without leaving Slack.
  • You can also upload a GIF file directly by clicking the attachment button (paperclip icon) and selecting a file from your computer.
  • Pasting a direct link to a GIF from any website will display the image in Slack as long as the link ends in .gif.
  • GIFs sent through /giphy come from Giphy's library and are moderated, while uploaded files are whatever you choose to send.

Uploading a GIF file from your computer

If you have a GIF saved on your computer, you can upload it directly to Slack. Click the paperclip icon (attachment button) at the bottom of the message box. Select the GIF file from your folders and click Open. The file will upload and appear in the message.

This method is useful if you have a custom GIF, a GIF you created yourself, or a GIF from a source outside Giphy. The file size limit for Slack is 1 GB per file, so most GIFs will upload without trouble.

Pasting a GIF link directly

If you find a GIF on another website and copy its direct link, you can paste that link into a Slack message. Slack will automatically display the image if the link ends in .gif. You do not need to do anything special — just paste and send.

This works with GIFs from Giphy, Tenor, or any other website that hosts GIF files. The image will show up in full size in the conversation. If the link does not display as an image, the website may not allow Slack to preview it, and you will see a clickable link instead.

Using Tenor instead of Giphy

Slack also has a built-in Tenor search tool, which works the same way as Giphy. Type /tenor followed by your search term. Tenor's library is separate from Giphy's, so you may find different GIFs. Some people prefer Tenor because it has a larger collection of newer GIFs.

Both /giphy and /tenor are free to use within Slack. You do not need a separate account or login. The choice between them comes down to which library has the GIF you want.

Adding a GIF to a thread reply

You can add a GIF to a thread reply the same way you add it to a main channel message. Click into the thread, then use /giphy, /tenor, upload a file, or paste a link. The GIF will appear only in that thread, not in the main channel view.

This is useful if you want to react to a specific message without cluttering the main channel with extra images. Thread replies keep side conversations organized.

What happens when you send a GIF

Once you send a GIF, it stays in the conversation history. Other people in that channel or message thread can see it, react to it with emoji, and reply to it. If someone leaves the workspace and comes back, they can still see the GIF in the message history.

GIFs sent through /giphy or /tenor are hosted on those services' servers, so they will stay visible as long as those services exist. GIFs you upload are stored on Slack's servers. Slack keeps uploaded files for as long as your workspace's retention policy allows — this varies by plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search for GIFs without using the /giphy command?

Yes. Click the attachment button (paperclip icon) and select "Browse Slack", then look for the GIF icon or search option. Some Slack workspaces also have a GIF button built into the message toolbar. The /giphy command is just the fastest route.

What if the GIF I want does not show up in /giphy?

Try /tenor instead — it has a different library. If you still cannot find it, you can search for the GIF on Giphy.com or Tenor.com directly, copy the link, and paste it into Slack. You can also upload a GIF file if you have it saved on your computer.

Do I need to pay to use /giphy or /tenor in Slack?

No. Both are free features built into Slack. You do not need a separate account or subscription. Your Slack workspace admin cannot turn off /giphy, though they can disable /tenor if they choose.

Can I make a GIF play automatically when someone opens the message?

GIFs play automatically in Slack by default — you do not need to do anything. The animation starts as soon as the message loads. If someone has turned off auto-play in their Slack settings, they will see a still image with a play button instead.

What is the difference between a GIF and a video file?

A GIF is a looping image file with no sound. A video file (like .mp4) can have sound and usually plays only once. Slack handles both, but GIFs are smaller and loop automatically, while videos require a click to play and take up more space.