Instagram removes GIF button in comments for some users

11:02 am (IST): A redditor shared a screenshot of an alleged comment on the matter from GIPHY. They claim that the GIF button will return next week [this week]. So be on the lookout for an update to the Instagram app or a server-side tweak starting today.

Original story published on March 15, 2024 follows:

Some Instagram users have taken to X and Reddit to report that they can no longer see the GIF button in the comments section of Reels and posts. These reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10) I found are all within the past couple of days, indicating that a recent update removed the feature.

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While most user reports do not mention the platform or device they’re using, I ran a quick test myself. What I noticed was that the GIF button appeared on my Android phones, the OnePlus 11 and Pixel 7a. However, the GIF button was missing from the Instagram app on my iPhone 13. Much like other affected users, the app is on the latest version – 322.1.0 – on the App Store. Other members at PiunikaWeb also confirmed the presence of the GIF button on their Android devices, but it was missing for those with iOS handsets.

At present, it isn’t clear whether the removal was intentional or a bug. That said, evidence points towards the GIF button being removed from the iOS version of the app right now. In case you’re on Android and don’t have the button, feel free to drop a comment below.

Back in 2018, Instagram and Snapchat had temporarily removed the GIF option due to racial slur GIFs popping up. So it’s possible that something similar may have pushed Instagram to get rid of the button once again. Although, the GIF option is still present in DMs. That said, we’ll just have to wait for the folks over at Meta to chime in and offer an explanation.

If this is indeed intended, we should get an official statement in the following days. In case it’s an unintended bug, users can expect to see a swift resolution. We’ll keep tabs on the situation and post an update if and when there are any new developments regarding the missing GIF button on Instagram posts and Reels