How to Copy and Paste Animated GIFs (2025 Guide)

Last updated: November 11, 2025

A GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a short, looped animation used across the internet to express reactions, memes, and emotions. Modern platforms have made sharing GIFs seamless, often eliminating the need to save the file manually.

Where to Find GIFs

The best places to find, share, and copy GIFs are dedicated GIF databases and search engines:

• GIPHY (Gfycat is now part of GIPHY): The largest library and primary source for most social media platform’s built-in GIF search tools.
• Tenor (Owned by Google): Another massive library integrated into platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord.
• Reddit: A great source for user-created, niche, or specific reaction GIFs, often linked directly to hosting sites.

See also: Best Image Viewer Software To Download

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3 Modern Ways to Copy and Paste GIFs

The “best” method depends on where you want to use the GIF: on a website, in a document, or in a messaging app.

Method 1: Using the Built-in GIF Picker (The Easiest Way)

Most modern social media, chat, and email clients (like Facebook, X/Twitter, WhatsApp, Discord, Slack, and Google Messages) have a native GIF search tool powered by GIPHY or Tenor. This is the simplest way to “copy and paste.”

1. Locate the GIF Button: Open the message or comment box on your desired platform. Look for a GIF button (it often looks like a square with the letters “GIF” inside).
2. Search: Click the button and enter a search term (e.g., “shocked cat”).
3. Insert: Click on the desired GIF. The platform automatically inserts and loads the animated file into your message, ready to send.

Method 2: Copying the GIF Link (URL)

Copying and pasting the GIF’s direct link (URL) is the most reliable way to ensure the animation works on any platform, especially for websites or emails that support embedded media.

1. Find the GIF: Go to a dedicated GIF site like GIPHY or Tenor.
2. Right-Click and Copy Link:
   • On GIPHY: Click on the GIF, then click the Link icon (often a chain link). Use the Share GIF Link or Copy Link option.
   • On Tenor: Click the GIF, then select the Copy Link button next to the GIF.
3. Paste: Paste the copied URL (https://media.giphy.com/media/...) directly into the desired text field (e.g., a forum post, an email, or a document). Many platforms will automatically convert the link into the animated GIF upon pasting.

Method 3: Copying the Image Address (For Older Sites or Emails)

When pasting into older documents (like MS Word) or certain websites, you might need to copy the raw image address. Be aware that this method can sometimes fail on highly secure or restricted platforms.

1. Find the GIF: Locate the GIF on a webpage or GIF host.
2. Right-Click: Right-click directly on the animated GIF.
3. Select: Choose Copy Image Address (or Copy Image Link) from the context menu. Do not choose “Copy Image,” as this often only copies the first frame.
4. Paste Link: Paste the copied link into your destination.

Alternative: Saving and Uploading (The Last Resort)

If all else fails, you must download the GIF file and then upload it to your destination.

1. Save the GIF: Right-click the animated GIF and select Save image as…
2. Ensure File Type: Make sure the file type is saved as a .gif.
3. Upload: Use the “Insert Image” or “Upload File” button in your destination program (e.g., a discussion board or an email) to select the saved .gif file from your computer.

See also: 11 Best Free GIF Viewers for Windows (Updated for 2025)

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Platform-Specific Tips (2025)

Platform	Best Method	Details
WhatsApp/Telegram	Method 1: Built-in Picker	Both apps feature an integrated GIF keyboard (powered by Tenor). This is the fastest and most reliable option.
Facebook/X (Twitter)	Method 1: Built-in Picker	Use the GIF icon in the composer box. Pasting a direct URL (Method 2) also works well, as the sites will embed the media.
Microsoft Word/Docs	Method 3: Copy/Paste Link	Paste the image URL. Word often supports embedding GIFs from links. If not, use the Save and Upload method (File > Insert > Pictures).
Discord/Slack	Method 1: Built-in Picker	Discord has an integrated GIF picker. Slack uses a /giphy command (or an integrated button) that instantly searches and inserts.

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GIF Features (2025)

• Color Limitation: GIFs still have an 8-bit, 256-color limit, which is why they are great for simple animations but poor for high-quality video clips (where formats like WebM or MP4 are preferred).
• File Size: Despite the color limit, GIFs can be surprisingly large, which is why modern platforms encourage sharing them via URL (Method 2) rather than pasting the raw file into a chat.
• Animation Loop: The format excels at short, simple, continuously looping animations.

See also: 19 Best Free GIF Animator Software for Windows (Updated)