Avid WhatsApp users with version 2.16.16 and above can now relish the ability to search for GIFs, edit and annotate them, or send some hand-picked GIFs directly from the app on their iPhone. The feature also enables users to share Live Photos as GIFs or convert any video to GIF file under six seconds and then share the same.
As iPhone Hacks reports, the GIFs do not autoplay in WhatsApp, but they will show up in the conversation with a GIF tag in the centre. You can start the playback of the GIF animation with a single tap on the image while a second tap will stop the playback.
How to search for GIFs and share them via WhatsApp
Here's how to search GIFs and share them via integrated GIPHY system in the app:
Step 1: Open the conversation where you want to share the GIF image.
Step 2: Hit the "+" icon that's on the left of the text input box.
Step 3: Choose "Photo and Video Library".
Step 4: Scroll to the bottom-left and you will see a new "GIF" button next to the magnifying glass icon. Tap on the button.
Step 5: The GIF search will now pop-up and Trending GIFs should appear on the first page. Tap on the "Search" bar on top to find a GIF. Once you find an image, tap on it to select it.
Step 6: You will now be redirected to the GIF editing screen. On the top, you will see the scrubber for editing the size of the GIF. Just crop the GIF by moving the starting and end points.
In the top-right you can notice icons similar to Snapchat. Tap the Emoji icon to add emoji stickers (they can then be dropped anywhere on the GIF and resized). Tap the "T" icon to add some text on the GIF or tap the "Pen" icon to bring up the doodle tool or select the color picker icon to change the color of the doodle.
Step 7: After you finish editing, hit the "Send" button in the bottom-right corner.
Note: Star GIFs – You can now select your favourite GIFs directly from a conversation and reuse them as follows: Tap and hold in the GIF and tap the "Star" icon. Next time you're in the "GIF" section, hit the "Starred" tab and you'll find all your favourite GIFs here.
How to send short videos as GIFs
Step 1: When you are in the Photo and Video Library section, search for a video and tap on it.
Step 2: The editing screen will pop-up on screen. In the top-right section, a switch will appear. Just to the left of the switch there's a Video icon and on the right there is the GIF. Choose GIF.
Step 3: Just edit the GIF and send it to intended recipients as discussed earlier.
How to Send Live Photos as GIFs
One of the biggest features of WhatsApp is the ability to natively convert Live Photos as GIFs and you no longer need a third party client like Lively for this purpose. The only caveat is that the feature is basically hidden under 3D Touch action.
Step 1: Go to the Photo and Video Library and locate the Live Photo you want to share.
Step 2: Use the 3D Touch feature on the photo and it should popup. You will now see a still image and it won't play the Live Photo.
Step 3: Just Swipe up while holding the 3D Touch, and you will see three new options. Tap on Select as GIF option.
Step 4: You will be redirected to the familiar GIF editing page and the Live Photo will start playing as a GIF. Now follow the steps to share them in WhatsApp.
[Source: iPhone Hacks]
