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Brief
Tenor was acquired by Google (2018).
Tenor

Tenor

Content Platformtenor.com

Provides the world's most comprehensive searchable GIF library with easy integration capabilities, enabling users to express themselves through visual content across digital platforms.

Last updated Jun 23, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team

Founded
2014
HQ
San Mateo, California, United States
Parent
Connections
9

At a glance

Employees
51-200
Funding
$66M
7integrations1competitors1corporate family

About

Leading GIF search and sharing platform integrated across major messaging and social platforms

Tenor is a GIF search engine and content platform that helps users discover and share animated GIFs across various digital platforms. Founded in 2014, the company built one of the world's largest libraries of searchable GIFs and stickers, powering GIF functionality for messaging apps, social media platforms, and keyboards. In March 2018, Tenor was acquired by Google and continues to operate as a distinct service under Google's ownership. The platform serves billions of GIF searches monthly and has become deeply integrated into popular communication platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, and many others. As part of Google, Tenor maintains its brand identity while benefiting from Google's infrastructure and resources. The platform operates both as a consumer-facing website and app, as well as through its API that developers and platforms integrate to provide GIF search functionality. Tenor's technology uses machine learning and search algorithms to help users find relevant GIFs based on emotions, reactions, and trending content. The platform also provides content creation tools and analytics for brands and content creators who want to distribute their GIFs through Tenor's network. In the AdTech ecosystem, Tenor represents an important content discovery and distribution platform that enables brand engagement through visual content. The platform offers opportunities for sponsored content and branded GIFs, allowing advertisers to reach users at moments of high engagement during messaging and social sharing activities.

Business model

Platform/API

Target market

Enterprise, Developers, Consumers

What they offer

  • Tenor GIF Search

    Core search engine for discovering and sharing GIFs based on keywords, emotions, and trending content

  • Tenor API

    Developer API that enables integration of GIF search functionality into third-party apps and platforms

  • Tenor GIF Keyboard

    Mobile keyboard app that provides quick access to GIF search while messaging

  • Tenor Insights

    Analytics platform for content creators and brands to track GIF performance and engagement

Key features

AI-powered GIF search and discoveryExtensive library of licensed and user-generated GIFsCross-platform integration via APITrending and curated GIF collectionsMobile keyboard applicationsContent creator tools and analyticsBranded content and sponsored GIF capabilities

Use cases

Enhancing messaging apps with GIF search functionalityBrand engagement through sponsored and branded GIFsSocial media content sharing and expressionMobile keyboard GIF integrationContent creator distribution and monetizationEmotional expression in digital communication

Customer segments

Messaging app developersSocial media platformsMobile keyboard providersBrands and advertisersContent creatorsEnd consumers

Tech & specs

Technology stack

Machine learningComputer visionSearch algorithmsRESTful APICloud infrastructureMobile SDKs

Security & compliance

GDPRCOPPA

Deployment

Cloud

API

Yes

Corporate history
  1. 2014 · Founded
  2. 2018Acquired by Google
    Still operating as part of Google
Connection details
See integrations with Tenor (7)

Explore further

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