Article updated on June 7, 2026 by Byothe
For those who don't know, the animated GIF is a file format that contains multiple images and therefore allows you to display a slideshow or even a small animation. So, to put it simply, it is an image that moves… a film what? No, not quite because it is really an image format.
Moreover, there are a multitude of online services that allow you to create animated GIFs... but that is not the subject of this post.
Giphy, the leading search engine for animated GIFs since 2013
Indeed, I'm going to talk to you about an indispensable tool, a true benchmark since its creation in 2013, for any consumer of animated GIFs; it's... Giphy, a search engine dedicated to this type of media.
The interface of Giphy It's all about old-fashioned modernity! You can either search for GIFs by keywords using a search bar, or browse through the different categories or emotions offered by the site.
Do a search using keywords or the name of a user you like.
When you click on a GIF, Giphy will show you a page dedicated to this GIF and offering you a multitude of GIFs of the same kind or on the same subject. Perfect for finding the one that suits you best.
Save the GIF in your favorites (if you have a non-mandatory Giphy account), download it ou copy the link to the image. You can also retrieve the code allowing it to be integrated into a forum or website… Handy!
Giphy: a Swiss Army knife of animated GIFs
Created in 2013 by Alex Chung et Jace CookeGiphy is no longer just a GIF search engine: it's now a true creative workshop and a connector integrated with most messaging services or... Social Media.
- Quick creation Import a video (up to 100MB) or paste a YouTube/TikTok URL, isolate the desired passage, add text, stickers or filters, then export your GIF or a transparent sticker.
- Fine customization Adjust the speed, loop the animation, choose the color palette, and overlay synchronized subtitles for accessibility.
- Frictionless sharing : one click is all it takes to send the result to WhatsApp, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Discord, X, Instagram or even Gmail thanks to the integration module present in these interfaces.
Regular creators have a dashboard displaying views, shares and referring sites, useful for measuring the impact of a branded GIF or a homemade meme.
The role of GIFs in digital communication
Today, a GIF of a few seconds often replaces a long speech: it conveys an emotion understandable by all, does not depend on any language and rarely weighs more than 5 MB.
- Emotional clarity : an animated eyebrow raise is better than a written "lol".
- Full compatibility Browsers, mobile apps, office suites – the format is everywhere.
- Lightweight : even on a mobile network, the file loads faster than an HD video.
This lightheartedness explains why GIFs are found both in private exchanges and in professional presentations to punctuate a slide.
From Meta to Shutterstock: a journey through an essential catalogue
In 2020, Meta (Facebook) announced the acquisition of Giphy to enhance Instagram and Messenger. Two years later, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority mandated the sale of the service, arguing that the concentration was harming the market. It was ultimately Shutterstock which acquired it in 2023 for $53 million.
- Under the umbrella of Shutterstock, Giphy continues to offer free access to the general public.
- The APIs and integrations (Slack, Teams, etc.) remain unchanged, ensuring continuity of use.
- The Giphy catalogue now complements Shutterstock's library of stock images and videos, strengthening the group's position in the visual content market.
In short, if you're looking for an animated reaction, a sticker, or a quick way to liven up your messages, Giphy remains the benchmark… with, behind the scenes, the support of a giant in the image bank.
