Best GIF Keyboard Apps for Android
I remember the days when text-based emojis like :P and :D were the norm on my trusty Nokia 3310. But as smartphones evolved, so did emojis and GIFs. They have become more expressive, come in various shapes and sizes, and are guaranteed to bring a toothy smile to your face. In this article, we will explore some of the best GIF keyboard apps for texting on Android. Let's dive in!
GIF Keyboard Apps for Android
While there are numerous GIFs, emojis, and stickers keyboard apps available on the Play Store, using a dedicated app for GIFs may be overkill for some users. If you are like many others and want to use more than one keyboard, I recommend installing Quick Keyboard Switch. This app allows you to quickly switch between regular typing and GIF keyboards, making the process seamless and effortless.
Gboard
Gboard, or Google Keyboard, comes pre-installed on most stock Android smartphones. It offers a range of smileys and GIFs by default, with the option to search for new GIFs using the built-in search function. As expected from Google, the search feature is robust and comprehensive.
While Gboard does offer live smileys and GIF smileys, I found the presentation a bit lacking. Only two live smileys are visible on a single screen, requiring excessive scrolling to find the desired one. Additionally, the collection of live GIF smileys is relatively small. However, Gboard shines in integrating other Google services such as maps, search, translate, and voice commands, making everyday tasks more convenient.
Facemoji Emoji Keyboard
Facemoji Emoji is a newcomer in the GIF and emoji keyboard scene but has quickly gained popularity. With over 3500 emoticons, GIFs, stickers, and symbols to choose from, Facemoji has something to satisfy everyone's thirst for communicating through GIFs.
Loading GIF previews on Facemoji is noticeably faster than on Gboard. The app also suggests emoticons as you type relevant words, ensuring you find the perfect emoji to express your feelings. Additionally, Facemoji offers a search function to find more GIFs on the web and includes language translation using the Google Translate API.
Facemoji Emoji is the perfect app for emoji lovers, although it may not be the best choice for those who prefer typing. The app lacks moving emojis found in Gboard, but its built-in clipboard manager is a useful feature.
Tenor
Tenor is not your typical keyboard app but rather a search engine for GIFs. You can search for GIFs and share them on any platform or messenger. The library is extensive and loads quickly, providing a seamless user experience. Tenor even supports videos, setting it apart from other GIF keyboard apps. However, it does not have an alphanumeric keyboard and instead serves as a supplementary app to complement your existing keyboard. Tenor allows you to create an account and share your own GIFs with a large and active community.
Kika
Kika is a highly popular emoticon and GIF app for texting, with over 2 million reviews on the Play Store. The app offers a collection of over 3000 GIFs, emoticons, and stickers with cool designs. Kika features a built-in search engine that is faster than Gboard but not as fast as Tenor. It also includes a prediction engine that suggests emojis as you type.
What sets Kika apart is its customization options. With 300+ themes, 50+ emoticon-based games, and the ability to choose your font and keypress sounds, Kika Keyboard allows users to personalize their experience. The layout can be customized to either QWERTY or AZERTY, and the app supports voice typing.
Bobble
Bobble offers all the usual features like emojis, GIFs, themes, fonts, stickers, and emoticons. However, its standout feature is the ability to create an avatar and use it to generate a variety of GIFs. Bobble utilizes advanced face recognition technology to create an animated version of you that can be used to create unique and personalized GIFs and stickers.
While Bobble lacks a GIF search feature, it compensates with support for voice-to-text, various fonts, and themes. Creating a new Bobble avatar is easy and enjoyable, allowing users to have their own personalized GIFs in just a few clicks.
Wrapping Up
GIF keyboards come in all shapes and colors, each offering something different. Whether you prefer searching the web for GIFs, creating your own avatars, using feature-rich keyboards, or being part of a social GIF-based community, there's an app to suit your taste. You can even install multiple apps and use them all simultaneously. So go ahead, unleash your creativity and express yourself with the best GIF keyboard apps for Android!

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”