Twitter makes adding GIFs into tweets easier with GIPHY and Riffsy integration

Twitter has said in a blog post that users could search and browse a GIF library when composing a tweet or direct message. A GIF, short for graphic interchange format, is a moving image that plays over and over again. It is often used on social media to express users’ emotions. “So if you’re looking for the perfect cat yawn or dance move to express exactly how you feel, just click the new GIF button,” the post said. https://twitter.com/twitter/status/700002208306171904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw   “GIPHY delivers real-time GIFs as they happen, helping to power Twitter’s live commentary and conversation,” says Alex Chung, founder and CEO of GIPHY. “GIPHY’s users are creating GIFs for news, entertainment, sports, and expression that can enrich Tweets. We’re excited to work with Twitter to make sharing these GIFs even easier.” “So much can be expressed with GIFs, and the key is to find just the right one in the moment that quickly and efficiently expresses your emotions,” says David McIntosh, CEO and co-founder of Riffsy. “We’re excited to explore this partnership with Twitter and watch Twitter users discover and share their favorite GIFs in their daily lives.” The phrase “Introducing GIF” was trending on Twitter, with several users tweeting their own image files in reaction. Advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy (@W2Optimism) tweeted the news with a GIF of the character Snow White clapping her hands. Some complained that they did not see a GIF button, however. Tech publicist Drew Olanoff (@drew) tweeted, “where’s my @twitter gif button @jack?!?!?!” The post, accompanied by a GIF of Willy Wonka character Veruca Salt throwing a tantrum, was directed at Twitter co-founder and chief executive Jack Dorsey. A Twitter spokeswoman said that rollout of the GIF search began on Wednesday and would become available to everyone. Not everyone was enthusiastic about the feature. Arti (@ajpeddakotla), who identifies herself as a product manager at Context Media, a digital healthcare company, tweeted, “Really @twitter? Seems like a low value feature to me …” Last week, Twitter shares hit an all-time low after the company said user growth had stalled for the first time since it went public in 2013. The company has been experimenting with ways to make the site more engaging. With inputs from Reuters