GIFs have a similar use case to Stickers but are more widely known as they’re supported on many chat platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Like Stickers, they’re a fun and expressive way to inject personality into your chats. Let’s dive into GIFs, why they’re beneficial, and how you can use them on desktop and mobile devices.
What Are GIFs?
GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format) are image files that support static and animated images. In digital communication, when we refer to GIFs, we usually talk about animated ones. These short, looped animations can be fun to express many emotions, reactions, or thoughts in a chat conversation.
Why Are GIFs a Good Idea?
- Expressiveness: GIFs can express complex emotions or reactions that are sometimes hard to convey in words. A well-chosen GIF can say more than a paragraph of text!
- Engagement: GIFs can make chats more engaging and enjoyable, adding a touch of humour and personality.
- Visual Appeal: They add visual interest to your chats and can help maintain the chat participants’ attention.
How to Use GIFs in Microsoft Teams Chat
Desktop:
Step 1: Open a chat and click on the GIF icon in the bottom toolbar of the message box.
Step 2: A pop-up window with a search bar and various GIF categories will appear. You can browse the categories or type in the search bar for a specific kind of GIF.
Step 3: Click on the GIF you want to use, and it will appear in your message box.
Step 4: You can add text to your message if you wish. When you’re ready, hit ‘Enter’ to send your message.
Mobile:
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Teams app and navigate to the chat where you want to send a GIF.
Step 2: Tap on the GIF icon on the left of the text box.
Step 3: Use the search bar to find a specific type of GIF or browse the available ones.
Step 4: Tap the GIF to add it to your text box. You can also add text and then tap the ‘Send’ button.