Instagram rolls out “GIF in comments” to everyone; Allowing more users comment with visuals

Instagram is introducing a new feature that allows users to respond with a GIF in comments on posts and Reels, as it seeks to add more fun and interactive elements to its platform. A report by Social Media Today notes the announcement was made during a conversation between Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram’s Chief, Adam Mosseri, where the company unveiled a new collaboration feature for Broadcast Channels.

Users no longer need to feel pressured to come up with a witty remark or thoughtful analysis; now they can simply drop in a GIF. The feature is perfect for users who find more enjoyment in the comment sections than anywhere else on Instagram, enabling them to express their reactions visually through a classic ‘facepalm’ GIF, for instance.

The update has been met with mixed reactions. Some users are excited about the new way to respond to posts, while others may find it somewhat distracting. Regardless of personal perspective, it’s hard to deny that the ability to search and share Giphy GIFs in the comment stream adds another layer of interaction to the platform.

To add GIF comments, users need to tap on the comment button below a post and then hit the ‘GIF’ button to the right. This will allow them to search for a suitable GIF from the app’s extensive library. After selecting the desired GIF, users simply tap the ‘Send’ button to post it.

The GIF feature, which was tested since February 2023, is now available in the latest version of the Instagram app. Although it’s not a groundbreaking shift, especially considering that GIFs are already available in comment threads in most other apps, it does provide users with another way to interact on the platform.

In addition to GIFs in comments, Meta is also introducing new editing abilities to Instagram Reels. These abilities, which are similar to those found on TikTok, include options to split video, speed up and slow down clips (slo-mo), and replace clips in the timeline nondestructively. According to a press release, these features will be available “in the next few weeks”.

These updates were launched during a creators workshop in Mumbai, India, where Instagram also announced the release of Instagram Gifts for the Indian market. This move allows creators in India to start earning money from fans of their Reels. People can now buy stars and themed virtual gifts while viewing Reels, potentially opening up a new revenue stream for content creators.