In a previous update to Facebook Messenger, Facebook allowed users to turn to third-party apps and services to do more activities with your friends instead of just chatting, and sending animated GIFs was one of them. However this process wasn’t always obvious but it seems that Facebook is trying something new out.
According to recent reports, it seems that Facebook is conducting an experiment with its users (and not in a bad way). There have been some Messenger users who are seeing the “GIF” option in their app (see screenshot to the right). This allows users to quickly choose from a pool of animated GIFs to which they can then send to their friends.
Prior to this, users who wanted to send animated GIFs were able to, it’s just that the process was more convoluted and involved installing apps just for that functionality. However with this new process, sending GIFs has become so much easier. However like we said, this feature has only appeared for some users, meaning that if you don’t see it, fret not.
Facebook has confirmed this feature in a statement to TechCrunch. “GIFs have seen success as a rich media format within Messenger. With this feature, we’re testing various ways to make it even easier to send great content — like GIFs — with just a few taps.” It is unclear if this will make the final cut and go out to everyone, but for those who have it, what do you guys make of it?
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