Slack is a fantastic tool for team communication, and one of its standout features is the ability to integrate third-party applications such as Giphy. Giphy is a database of short looping videos or GIFs. It’s a fun and easy way to add some character to your Slack conversations. Let’s go over how you can start using Giphy within your Slack workspace.
Step 1: Install the Giphy app for Slack
Before you can start sharing GIFs, you need to install the Giphy app onto your Slack workspace. To do this, navigate to the Giphy for Slack page on the Slack app directory and click on the ‘Add to Slack’ button. After authorizing the app, it will be available across your entire Slack workspace.
Step 2: Use the /giphy command to share GIFs
With the Giphy app installed, you can share GIFs in any channel or direct message by typing the /giphy command followed by a keyword that represents what you’re trying to express. Here’s an example:
/giphy happy
After entering this command, Giphy will immediately generate a relevant GIF which you can then post to your discussion.
Step 3: Adjust Giphy settings (optional)
If you’re the administrator of your Slack workspace, you have the ability to adjust the settings of the Giphy app. You can change the default rating of the GIFs that are generated (G, PG, PG-13, or R) and enable or disable the shuffle option which allows users to cycle through various GIFs before selecting one to post.
To access these settings, go to your Slack app directory, find the Giphy app, and click on its Settings tab.
Final Thoughts
Integrating Giphy with Slack is a great way to make your team communication more engaging and enjoyable. Just remember to use this feature responsibly – GIFs are fun, but they can also be distracting if overused. Happy gif-ing!
