GIF keyboard functionality has been integrated into the latest Twitter beta update for Android. The upgrade allows users to search for and post GIFs from popular websites like GIPHY and Imgur on Twitter when using compatible keyboards such as Gboard (formerly Google Keyboard) and Chrooma.
The new feature, which was first discussed on Reddit, is currently only available in the Twitter beta version 6.33.0-beta.556 but it should roll out to the regular Twitter app in the next few weeks.
Though Twitter, like WhatsApp, already provides native support for GIF searches, many believe that the implementation leaves a lot to be desired. Support for keyboard-based GIF search seems like the better approach for these apps and there are hopefully more to follow.
Previous updates
Explore Tab
January 26: Twitter is adding a new Explore tab to its Android and iOS apps that will be the new home for trending topics, Moments, search and the best of live video. In the past, you’d need to go to a few different places to find each one of these experiences, but now they’re all in one tab.
Unfortunately, Twitter hasn’t rolled out the new Explore tab to Android users just yet. The Twitter update is live for iOS users today as of January 26, and will arrive to Android in the following weeks.
More relevant search results
December 21: Twitter is making it easier to find what you’re looking for. In the past, searching for something would result in a list of reverse-chronological tweets… not too convenient. Now when you search something on Twitter, you’ll get a list of relevance-ordered tweets, allowing you to stay notified more easily.
Live video support
December 14: The official Twitter app has finally gained support for live video broadcasting! Broadcasting live video is easy, too: just hit the Compose tweet button, then tap the camera icon. Tap Live, then Go Live to start broadcasting. Do note that your live video will be visible to anyone on Twitter or Periscope, not just your followers.
Comment ranking system
November 29: Twitter updated its app to implement a new comment ranking system, replacing the chronological approach with the comments Twitter thinks you’ll want to see first based on a new popularity algorithm. While seeing comments from your friends and followers first makes sense, there is no way to go back to the old system. The asme update also added a Direct Reply counter on tweets.
QR codes
November 17: Twitter made getting new followers and following others easier by adding QR codes to the social platform. Simply swipe open the nav drawer and tap QR code. You can then use the reader to scan someone else’s QR code or bring up your own code to let someone else follow you in an instant.
Twitter app for Android TV
November 16: Twitter officially launched its Android TV app for streaming live Thursday Night Football games and watching Periscope videos. While it is also possible to browse Twitter using the Android TV app, it is not possible to compose tweets with it. Twitter already has an app on Apple TV, Fire TV and Xbox One.
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