How to send GIFs with the Google Keyboard in Android Nougat

Sending a GIF is a great way to add some humor or otherwise break up the monotony of a conversation.

In Android 7.1 Nougat, the Google Keyboard gives you this capability with just a couple of taps. The implementation is a little awkward, but once you learn the right steps it’ll be second nature.

When writing a message, tap the smiley icon, which launches the emojis screen. You'll then see a GIF button on the lower right.

It’s a two-step process to access the GIFs in Google Keyboard.

Once you tap the GIF button, you’ll see the suggestions screen. Scroll through the categories and touch a GIF to insert it into the conversation.

Several zany GIFs are at the ready as soon as you open the feature.

Additionally, you can use the Search GIFs box to find something based on a topic of your choosing.

Use the built-in search tool to find just the right GIF.

As before, touch the GIF to send it along. This capability is only in Android 7.1, and only supported in specific apps, though it should be soon rolling out beyond the Pixel to current Nexus devices.

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