Instagram Allows Users to Add GIFs to Comments Under Posts

Images carry a lot more than words. In the digital world, people prefer to be more on communication apps rather than face-to-face chats. They use GIFs and images to convey what they think their words cannot. The idea has also led GIFs to become mainstream in modern-day chitchats. 

Luckily, every popular social media, photo & video sharing app, and chatting app have introduced GIFs for every expression and occasion. Instagram has seemingly followed the trend as it introduces numerous features, including a tool that allows users to use GIFs to reply to stories and posts on the platforms.

Many users might not see the new feature yet. They need to have their fingers crossed because Instagram will reportedly roll out the update in a phased manner. It means everyone who uses Instagram worldwide will have access to the feature to add GIFs as a reply in any posts and stories. 

GIPHY – The Online Database of GIFs

The latest reports on Instagram’s new features confirm that the social media site will pull GIFs from GIPHY – the popular database of GIFs available online. While Instagram has already enabled users to employ GIF stickers to post along with stories, users could not share them while replying or commenting on an Instagram story or post. 

Instagram will roll out the feature in phases. It will announce a larger rollout in the upcoming weeks. However, users who can find the ability to post GIFs for posts and stories can follow the steps below to do so. 

Type the relevant keyword to the GIF in the comment box or send a message and choose the GIF icon. It will prompt the GIPHY library to show GIFs, allowing you to pick your GIF and tap Enter button to add it to the comment or message. 

Besides GIFs in replies, Instagram has brought a new plethora of features to let users enjoy better control of the social media app. These include the ‘Quiet Mode’ and ‘Not Interested’ buttons. Instagram rolled out the abovementioned features earlier this year. Quiet Mode lets users focus and set limitations with followers and friends. The enabled Quiet Mode does not allow any notifications to disturb the users. Your profile will adapt to Quiet Mode and automatically reply to those who send you a Direct Message.

Instagram initially launched the ‘Quiet Mode’ feature in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. The company plans to bring the new to more countries. ‘Not Interested’ – another feature newly rolled out by Instagram helps users manage recommendations. Although users could hide Direct Messages and comments earlier, Instagram has enhanced the latest tool to recommend posts. Choosing ‘Not Interested’ in an Instagram post will prompt the platform to avoid displaying similar content next time.

Instagram users can respond to Stories with a GIF and will expand the feature to its comment section. Some users will observe that they can employ a GIF in their comments on a post within the feed. Although Instagram has made no formal announcement about the new features, some users observed a GIF button next to the space where they would type their comments in text form.