WhatsApp Tenor Ends GIF Support
WhatsApp announced that it has moved all its users to GIPHY as the GIF provider with the end of the Tenor API support. Here are the details.
Popular messaging application WhatsApp decided to make a significant change in its GIF infrastructure and move all its users to the GIPHY platform after the Tenor service officially terminated its API support. This server-side update, which is implemented simultaneously on both Android and iOS platforms, aims to prevent any interruptions in users’ GIF search and sending experiences. WhatsApp, which previously used GIPHY and Tenor simultaneously for load balancing, redirected all GIF traffic to GIPHY for now, with Tenor out of service. Although there is no visible change in the interface for users, this transition process in the background has already been completed.
- WhatsApp has completely updated its GIF provider to GIPHY due to the closure of the Tenor API.
- The migration process was carried out automatically via the server, without the need for users to make any adjustments on the application.
- The Klipy service, which is included in WhatsApp’s code base, is expected to be included in the system as a third provider in the future.
Tenor Officially Ends API Support
With the decision taken in recent months, Tenor announced that it would stop its API service as of July 1, 2026. With the arrival of this deadline, all services using the Tenor infrastructure can no longer provide direct access to the content of this platform. For WhatsApp, this meant that there was a gap in the GIF search function of users. For this reason, the company immediately sought an alternative solution to preserve the user experience.
WhatsApp followed a rapid transition strategy to avoid interrupting users’ GIF search habits.
Why WhatsApp Prefers GIPHY Option
Expectations that WhatsApp would switch to the Klipy platform instead of Tenor were widespread in the industry; However, the company decided on GIPHY, which is a more reliable and established option. The fact that GIPHY is already fully integrated within the application and its extensive library are among the main reasons for this choice.
It is considered that Klipy, which is still in the testing phase, is not mature enough for a transition involving millions of users.
What’s Changing in User Experience
Under normal circumstances, no noticeable difference is expected in users’ daily GIF usage habits. The process of finding GIFs via the search bar continues to work the same way.
However, due to the different ranking algorithms used by GIPHY and Tenor, it is natural that the results for some search terms may differ compared to the past.
Since the system transition is managed entirely on the server side, there is no need for users to update the application.
Klipy May Be Included in the System in the Future
WhatsApp’s plans with Klipy have not been completely shelved. There are still Klipy references in the company’s code structure, and it seems possible that this service will be included in the system as a third provider in the future. WhatsApp aims to distribute the server load and increase GIF search diversity by using two different providers again, as in the past.
What do you think about WhatsApp’s GIF provider change? You can share with us in the comments section how GIPHY results affect your search experience.
