A GIF is a lossless format for image files that supports both animated and static images. It was the standard for 8-bit colour images on the internet until PNG became a viable alternative. You may have seen them used often in email signatures. Animated GIFs are several images or frames combined into a single file.

What is GIF format used for?

Pronounced gif or jif, the GIF file type was originally designed for graphics, but it’s now most commonly used for simple animated images on the Web. For example, the image below is an animated GIF file. It might be easiest to think of a GIF as a tiny movie that plays over and over in your web browser.

How do I use GIFs?

How to Use Gif Keyboard on Android
Click on the messaging app and tap on the compose message option.On the keyboard that is displayed, click on the icon that says GIF at the top (this option may only appear for users operating the Gboard). Once the GIF collection is displayed, find your desired GIF and tap send.

Animated GIFs are moving images that play in a short loop, and are a great way to react to an incoming message or on social media. On Android, there are a handful of ways to send GIFs using either the stock keyboard and messaging app, or any number of third-party apps including GIPHY.