Facebook has brought GIFs into its Messenger application and you can utilize the animations without the use of third-party apps.
Facebook is currently testing a dedicated GIF button. Tapping the button will allow you to find a GIF and send it to your friend, which proves to be much more user friendly than the current process. While the number of GIFs is very limited right now, it’s likely that Facebook will be launching additional GIFs to complement those already there in the future. The button takes some GIFs from Giphy and Riffsy to make it possible to share them without leaving the app.
There’s also a GIF search option on the way to Messenger, accessible now to a limited number of users located in Canada. Using the feature, you simply type your query, tap the magnifying glass icon, and select your GIF.
As is the case with other Facebook Messenger tests, there’s no telling when or if these features will see the light of day for all Messenger users, and for now you’ll have to stick with downloading the 3rd party apps. Still, it could be something to look forward to in the pipeline.
Download the mobile version of Facebook Messenger here.