Giphy provides the world's largest searchable library of animated content, enabling brands and users to enhance digital communication through expressive, shareable GIFs and stickers integrated across major social and messaging platforms.
Last updated Feb 8, 2026
- Industry
- Visual Content Platform / Brand Advertising
- Business Model
- Platform/Marketplace with Advertising
- Target Market
- Enterprise and SMB
- Employee Count
- 51-200
- Funding
- $150M
- Parent Company
- Shutterstock
- API Available
- Yes
Market Position
Market leader in GIF search and sharing platform
Overview
Giphy is a leading online platform for discovering, creating, and sharing GIFs, stickers, and short-form animated content. Founded in 2013, the company built the world's largest library of animated content and became deeply integrated into social media platforms, messaging apps, and digital communication tools. Giphy's search engine and API enable billions of GIF shares daily across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Slack, and iMessage. In the AdTech ecosystem, Giphy operates as a unique visual content platform that bridges entertainment and advertising. The company monetizes through branded content partnerships, allowing advertisers to create sponsored GIFs and stickers that users organically share in their conversations. In May 2020, Facebook (now Meta) acquired Giphy for a reported $400 million, though the UK's Competition and Markets Authority later forced Meta to divest the company. In 2023, Shutterstock acquired Giphy for $53 million, significantly below the original Facebook acquisition price, marking a new chapter in the company's evolution.
Products & Features
Giphy Search
Search engine for discovering GIFs, stickers, and animated content across billions of files
Giphy API
Developer API enabling GIF integration into third-party apps and platforms
Giphy Create
Tools for creating custom GIFs from videos, images, and other media
Giphy Ads
Branded content and sponsored GIF advertising solutions for marketers
Giphy Stickers
Animated sticker library for enhanced messaging experiences
Giphy Clips
Short-form video content platform
Key Features
Massive searchable GIF library with billions of filesAPI integration with major social platformsBranded content creation toolsReal-time trending content discoveryUser upload and creation capabilitiesMobile SDK for app integrationAnalytics and engagement tracking for branded content
Use Cases
Brand awareness campaigns through sponsored GIFsSocial media content enhancementMessaging app communicationProduct launches and entertainment marketingEvent promotion and real-time marketingUser-generated content campaignsMobile app engagement features
Customer Segments
Social media platformsMessaging app developersBrand advertisers and agenciesEntertainment companiesMobile app developersContent creatorsIndividual consumers