I'll be the first one to admit that I'm not the biggest Twitter gal. I use it in a mostly voyeuristic way, ingesting all the major headlines and comedians' goofs and celebrities' thoughts, and then just giggling alone to myself in my room. I think I've tweeted like... 60 times? Ever? But honestly, I may be changing my tune soon, since you can now easily use GIFs on Twitter, thanks to the new Twitter GIF search feature. My online persona just got way more hip and cool and interactive!... Actually, who am I kidding? I'm just going to be posting the same three Bob's Burgers GIFs I use in 90 percent of my Facebook messages and texts, but, like... whatever.
Though you've been able to embed a GIF into your tweets for several years now, this new search bar makes the process take straight-up 30 seconds to complete. No more searching through GIF databases and copying embed codes; just type in whatever emotion you're hoping to convey and you're faced with endless options. Did they debuted this feature just in time for the 2016 election? Oh, I'd say that's definitely a possibility. I, for one, am certainly grateful. My anxiety about Trump is so high the only way I can communicate is through animated photos.
Despite Twitter making your GIF game effortless at this point, it can still be a bit stressful to embark on this tech journey alone, especially for social media neophytes. So here is your guide to using GIFs on Twitter, from one tweet-phobe to another.
1. Open Twitter
Very easy. The new GIF function should be available on both your computer, as seen up top here, and on your smartphone, as seen below (make sure you installed the latest Twitter update first):
See the little GIF rectangle? That's your golden ticket. Also, yes, my Twitter theme is hot pink. Please come for me if you wish.
2. Open the GIF Search Tool
Just click on the GIF box, and wow! A world of options opens up! All of these categories relate to me and my life!
3. Select Your GIF
Browse to your little heart's content. I am feeling a lot of emotions today.
4. AND TWEET!
I lost a follower literally as I was going through this process! Very rad!
So there you have it: How to use the GIF search function on Twitter. Go forth and tweet, and may the GIFs be ever in your favor.
Images: Maddy Foley/Bustle (7)
