Back in 2018, Google acquired Tenor, a GIF platform available on PCs and mobile devices. The goal was initially to bolster its Images service, but now another Google service has added new integration with Tenor.
The company has announced that Google Chat now integrates GIF search and insertion capabilities, courtesy of Tenor. GIFs are available on Chat for the web, and there"s a straightforward way to add one to your message.
In Chat"s compose bar, you"ll now see an icon for GIF. When you click it, an expanded window will show up with a search bar to find a GIF that best expresses what"s on your mind. Alternatively, you can choose GIFs through the different hashtag categories arranged in a row right below the search bar. These include "Trending" as the default tab along with 14 other topics.
It"s a better option to insert GIFs into your message instead of manually uploading an image in many use-cases. Admins can configure the new feature starting today before it rolls out to all Chat users from September 15. This new capability will be turned on by default for everyone, although admins can still disable it. GIF lookup and insertion will be available only to Google Workspace customers as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers.