How to Post a GIF on Facebook

Posting GIFs on Facebook is a fast and effective way to grab attention, show personality, and boost engagement. However, figuring out how to do it isn't always straightforward. Whether you're trying to share the perfect reaction in the comments, schedule a post for your business page, or just liven up your feed, this guide breaks down every method for posting a GIF on Facebook. You'll learn how to do it from your desktop, phone, via a link, or directly from Facebook's built-in library.

Why GIFs Are Still a Big Deal on Facebook

In a social media landscape dominated by short-form video, you might wonder if GIFs still have a place. The answer is a resounding yes. GIFs offer unique dynamic motion without the commitment of sound or a longer playtime. They are tiny, digestible, and incredibly effective communication tools.

• They Stop the Scroll: Movement catches the eye. In a sea of text and still photos, a looping GIF is a natural attention-grabber, encouraging users to pause as they scroll through their feed.
• They Convey Emotion and Nuance: Sometimes words fall short. A GIF can instantly communicate excitement, humor, confusion, or celebration more accurately than a simple emoji. They add personality and tone, preventing misinterpretation.
• They Simplify Complex Ideas: You don't always need a full video to explain something. A quick GIF can demonstrate a simple process, showcase a product feature, or highlight a detail effectively.
• They Humanize Your Brand: GIFs are a fantastic tool for businesses to appear more relatable. Sharing a relevant GIF shows that there are real people behind your brand, strengthening the connection with your audience.

The Simplest Method: Using Facebook's Built-in GIF Library

The easiest and most common way to post a GIF is by using the Facebook library, powered by popular services like GIPHY and Tenor. This method works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile.

On a Computer (Desktop Version)

When browsing Facebook on your desktop, posting a GIF from the built-in library is simple.

1. Navigate to where you want to post, such as your timeline, a friend's profile, or a Group page.
2. Click into the "What's on your mind, [Name]?" status box to create a new post.
3. Below the text area, look for the icons for adding media and click the box labeled "GIF."
4. A pop-up window will appear with trending GIFs. Use the search bar at the top to find a specific GIF.
5. Scroll through the results and click on the GIF you want to use.
6. Add your text in the status box and click the blue "Post" button to share it.

That's it! Your GIF will auto-play in the feed for everyone to see.

On Your Phone (Mobile App)

The process is similar on the Facebook mobile app for both iOS and Android.

1. Open the Facebook app and go to the page, profile, or group where you want to post.
2. Tap on the "What's on your mind?" field to start a new post.
3. Look below the text input area for a row of options and tap the "GIF" button.
4. You'll see a screen of popular GIFs with a search bar at the top. Enter your search term.
5. Tap the GIF of your choice to add it to your post.
6. Write a caption if you wish, and then tap "Post" in the top right corner.

Sharing a GIF Directly from a Website like GIPHY

If the perfect GIF isn't in Facebook's library or you've found one on a GIF website like GIPHY, you can post it by using its direct link. This method avoids issues that cause GIFs to appear as static images.

Using the Direct Link (The Foolproof Method)

Follow these steps to ensure your GIF plays correctly when pasted from an external site:

1. Go to a GIF repository like GIPHY.com and find the GIF you want to share.
2. Click on the GIF to open its individual page. Look for a "Share" button or icon like a paperclip.
3. Copy the "Share Link" or the "GIF Link" URL. Avoid using "Embed" codes meant for websites.
4. Go back to Facebook and start a new post.
5. Paste the link directly into the status update box.
6. Important: Wait a few seconds for Facebook to generate a large preview of the animated GIF.
7. Once the preview loads, delete the URL text. The playable GIF preview will remain.
8. Add any text you want and click "Post."

Why Can't I Just Save and Upload a GIF File?

This is a common question. Users often try to save a GIF file to their computer and upload it to Facebook, but it may show only the first frame. Facebook's uploader is optimized for standard photo and video formats, not .gif files. By pasting the GIPHY link, you ensure it plays correctly, as it's formatted for optimal playback.

How to Post a GIF in a Facebook Comment or Message

GIFs are often funnier and more expressive than text comments. Using them in comments and Messenger is easy.

GIFs in Comments

Replying to a post with a GIF makes the comment section more entertaining.

• Below a Facebook post, click into the "Write a comment..." field.
• Click the "GIF" icon next to the text field.
• A search bar will pop up. Search for keywords like "congratulations" or "awkward" for a relevant GIF.
• Click on the GIF you want, and it will be posted instantly.

GIFs in Messenger

The process within Facebook Messenger is similar.

• Open the conversation you want to add a GIF to.
• Tap the smiley face icon or a plus icon (+) in the message bar.
• This opens a menu for stickers, emojis, and GIFs. Tap the "GIFs" tab.
• Search for the GIF you need, tap it, and it will send immediately.

Pro Tips: Making GIFs Work for Your Brand

For social media managers and marketers, GIFs can be more than a funny reply.

Creating Your Own Branded GIFs

Don't limit yourself to pre-made GIFs. You can create your own custom, branded GIFs using tools like Canva or Adobe Express. This adds a unique and professional touch to your feed.

Setting Up a Brand Channel on GIPHY

Apply for an official Brand Channel on GIPHY. Once approved, all your uploaded GIFs will become searchable on GIPHY and within the GIF libraries of various social networks. This turns your customers into brand ambassadors.

Know Your Audience and Context

GIFs are powerful but not always appropriate. Consider your brand voice and context. A hip e-commerce brand can use meme-based GIFs, while a financial institution should be more reserved. Use GIFs thoughtfully to build goodwill.

Final Thoughts

Posting GIFs on Facebook - whether via its native library, linking from GIPHY, or in comments - is a great way to add personality and visual interest. Mastering these methods will help you drive engagement and connect with your audience.

Keeping track of all your content can become disorganized. That's why we built Postbase, a content calendar that lets you see your strategy across every platform. It helps you plan and schedule all your content, so you can upload your media once, customize it for each social network, and trust that it will go live seamlessly.