GIFs
Better Messages supports GIFs through two providers — GIPHY and KLIPY — giving users a fun way to express themselves in conversations with animated images.
How it works#
When enabled, a GIF button appears in the message input area. Clicking it opens a full-width picker at the bottom of the chat where users can:
- Browse trending GIFs — the default view shows currently popular GIFs
- Search by keyword — type in the search bar to find specific GIFs
- Send with one click — tap any GIF to send it instantly; the picker closes immediately
The GIF grid uses a stable masonry layout — new results load as you scroll down without repositioning existing items, so the browsing experience stays smooth.
Providers#
Better Messages supports one GIF provider at a time. Choose the one that best fits your site.
GIPHY#
The world's largest GIF library with billions of GIFs. Free API keys are available.
Settings (at Settings → Integrations → GIFs, select GIPHY):
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| API Key | Your GIPHY API key. Leave empty to disable. Get a free key |
| Content Rating | Filter GIFs by rating level. Options: G (all ages, default), PG, PG-13, R. Learn more |
| Language | Two-letter language code for search results (e.g. en, es, fr). Supported languages |
GIPHY's free tier is generous — it supports up to 1,000 API calls per hour and 42 calls per minute, which is enough for most messaging sites.
KLIPY#
A newer GIF platform with curated content and optional ad-supported monetization.
Settings (at Settings → Integrations → GIFs, select KLIPY):
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| API Key | Your KLIPY app key from the partner dashboard. Register for a key |
| Locale | ISO 3166 two-letter country or language code for localized results (e.g. en, fr) |
| Show Ads | Enable KLIPY-sponsored GIFs in trending and search results. Requires ads to be activated for your KLIPY app key. Off by default |
How to enable#
- Navigate to WP Admin → Better Messages → Settings → Integrations → GIFs
- Select a Provider from the dropdown (GIPHY or KLIPY)
- Enter your API Key for the selected provider
- Configure content rating and language preferences
- The GIF button will appear in the chat input area for all users
Key capabilities#
- Trending GIFs — popular content shown by default when the picker opens
- Keyword search — real-time search with debounced input for responsive results
- Stable masonry grid — items never reposition when new results load on scroll
- Optimistic send — the picker closes immediately on selection; the GIF appears in the conversation as soon as the server confirms
- Content filtering — GIPHY's content rating system lets you control what's appropriate for your audience
- Transient caching — trending results are cached server-side to reduce API calls (30 minutes for GIPHY trending, 15 minutes for search)
- Works everywhere — private messages, group conversations, and chat rooms
Switching providers#
You can switch between GIPHY and KLIPY at any time by changing the Provider dropdown. Only one provider can be active at a time. Previously sent GIFs from either provider will continue to display correctly in chat history regardless of which provider is currently active — the GIF URLs are stored directly in the message content.
Frequently asked questions#
Does the GIF feature cost money?#
GIPHY's free tier is generous (1,000 API calls per hour, 42 per minute) — enough for most sites. KLIPY is also free for standard use. Heavy-traffic sites should review their provider's pricing tiers.
Can I disable GIFs without removing the API key?#
Yes — switching the Provider dropdown back to Disabled hides the GIF button without removing the saved API key, so you can re-enable later without rotating credentials.
Are GIFs included in the bad-words filter?#
The GIF URL is included in the message text; if a banned word appears in the URL it would be caught. The GIF visual content isn't moderated by the bad-words filter. For that, use the AI content moderation (WebSocket version) — it can flag inappropriate images.
Do GIFs work in voice / video calls?#
GIFs are sent as messages, separate from the call media stream. A user in a call can still send GIFs in the conversation alongside the active call.
Can I host my own GIFs instead of using GIPHY / KLIPY?#
For custom branded animated content, use Stickers — they let you upload sticker packs as images stored locally.
See also#
- Stickers — custom sticker packs (alternative to GIFs)
- Emoji selector — emoji picker
- oEmbed support — embed YouTube and other media inline
- WordPress chat GIF blog post — feature overview
- File sharing — for static images and other files