How to Add a GIF to YouTube Comments (iPhone & Android)
YouTube now lets you reply with a GIF. The feature was announced at Made on YouTube in September 2026 and started reaching the YouTube mobile app in mid-October 2026. It works in comments and replies on regular videos and on Shorts.
This guide covers how to post one, which GIFs are allowed, and what to do if you don't see the option yet.
Quick answer: Update the YouTube app → open the comments under a video or Short → tap the comment box → tap the GIF option → search, pick a GIF, and post.
What is a GIF comment?
A GIF comment is a YouTube comment or reply that includes a short animated image, usually a reaction such as a laugh, a facepalm or applause, picked from YouTube's built-in GIF search. It can be posted on its own or together with text, and it plays inline in the comment section for everyone, on phones and computers. The GIFs come from Tenor, Google's GIF library.
Before you start
- Use the YouTube app. GIF comments are a mobile app feature on iPhone, iPad and Android. At the time of writing the YouTube website has no GIF button (see GIF comments on PC).
- Update the app. Install the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
- Expect a gradual rollout. YouTube is turning the feature on account by account, so you might not have it yet even with the newest app. See GIF button missing?
How to post a GIF comment
- Open a video or Short in the YouTube app.
- Open the comments. On a video, tap the comments panel under the player. On a Short, tap the comment icon.
- Tap the comment box to start writing.
- Tap the GIF option in the comment box to open the GIF search.
- Search for a GIF using a word or reaction, such as "lol", "clap" or "mind blown".
- Tap a GIF to attach it. You can add text too, or post the GIF on its own.
- Post your comment.
Replying with a GIF works the same way: tap Reply on someone's comment, then use the GIF option in the reply box.
Which GIFs can you use?
The rules are stricter than in most chat apps:
- GIFs come from Tenor only. Tenor is Google's GIF library. YouTube's GIF search shows Tenor results, and GIPHY GIFs or links from other sites don't work.
- Only GIFs suitable for all audiences. YouTube only accepts GIFs that Tenor rates as safe for everyone, so some results you'd find on Tenor itself won't show up.
- No uploads from your phone. You can't attach a GIF file from your camera roll. If you want to use your own GIF, it has to be published on Tenor first. Here's how to use your own GIF in YouTube comments.
- One GIF per comment.
- No photos (yet). You can't attach a picture or screenshot to a comment. YouTube's developer changelog hints that image comments are coming in November 2026. See can you add a picture to a YouTube comment?
- New comments and replies only. Reports so far say you can't add a GIF when editing an existing comment, or in channel community posts.
Tips for better GIF comments
- Search for the reaction, not the source. "slow clap" or "facepalm" usually finds better GIFs than a show's title.
- Keep text short. A GIF plus a few words reads better than a paragraph.
- Follow the channel's rules. GIF comments are ordinary comments, so creators can hold, remove or report them like any other comment.
Make your own reaction GIF
Want a GIF of a moment from your own video? Use our free video to GIF maker. It runs in your browser, adds meme-style captions, and never uploads your file. Then follow the Tenor steps to make it searchable in YouTube.
FAQ
Is there a GIF button on YouTube now? Yes, in the YouTube mobile app, for accounts that have the feature. It's rolling out gradually.
Can I post GIFs in YouTube Shorts comments? Yes. The GIF option works in Shorts comments and replies as well as on regular videos.
Why can't I find a specific GIF? Either it isn't on Tenor, or Tenor doesn't rate it as suitable for all audiences, so YouTube hides it.
When will everyone get GIF comments? YouTube hasn't published a date for every device. Its Data API changelog (September 30, 2026) says support for images and animated GIFs attached to comments "will be available to all users in November 2026."
This guide is based on YouTube's announcements and public reports as of October 2026. YouTube can change how the feature works at any time. YouTube GIF Comments is not affiliated with YouTube, Google or Tenor.