What is GIPHY?

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Gihpy is an entire library of GIFs (short, looping videos) and stickers. Instead of going to Google or another search engine, users can simply search for whatever specific GIF they are thinking of by using keywords.

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How does GIHPY Work?

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It lets users search any number of topics, categories, and phrases and will display a wide selection of GIFs, animated stickers, and Emojis for the perfect reaction or conversation starter whether via iMessage, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, or other social media channels.

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GIPHY is compatible with most messaging apps, so users can send GIFs with GIPHY, directly from wherever they text or message others.

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What Do Parents Need to Know About GIPHY?

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GIPHY is more than just gifs! It now includes 30-second short-form videos.

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GIPHY is fun. GIFs can be hilarious. The app can be a fun way to communicate with friends without actually using words! There are a lot of fun and silly GIFs out there along with cool animated stickers.

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Lots of creative people have made conversing digitally more entertaining for all of us with the use of GIPHY. The comedy factor is a big draw for a lot of users who enjoy using humor as they dialogue.

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GIPHY allows easy access to inappropriate content. Sexualized content and crude humor is everywhere. GIFs are tagged, which includes “sexy,” “girls,” “naked,” “booty” and others.

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Although we didn’t find any pornographic GIFs in the app, it does include the source website on each GIF. This means easy navigation to Reddit, Imgur, and other mature websites without ever leaving the app. This is the “unrestricted web access” that earns the app its 17+ rating.

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GIPHY Arcade. Microgames (think games like what used to be on old flip phones) can be created and played at arcade.giphy.com (not available on the app…yet). Games are customized by the type of game, background, characters, and music. GIPHY is monetizing the new feature as well (Wendy’s nuggets are an option for your game’s hero).

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How to Make GIHPY Safer:

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Regardless of the app, three actions mitigate the risks we’ve shared. We teach these actions in our parent presentations:

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1. Require approval for all app downloads.
2. Follow the 7-Day Rule
3. Enable in-app controls and settings

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We explain each of them briefly below. If you’ve already set up approvals for downloads and have used the app, please skip to the In-App Controls & Settings.

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Require Approval for App Downloads

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You can control app stores by requiring permission for apps to be downloaded. This is ensures your child doesn’t have access to an app without your knowledge. Here are the steps (for Apple and Android users):

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For Apple Devices:

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To require permission to download an app, you’ll need to set up Screen Time and Family Sharing (Apple’s Parental Controls). We explain this process step-by-step in our Complete iOS Guide (click here).  

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Once Screen Time and Family Sharing are established, here’s how to require permission to download apps on an Apple device:

1. Go to your Settings app.
2. Select your Family.
3. Select the person you want to apply this setting to.
4. Scroll down to “Ask to Buy” and enable.

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For Android Devices:

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You’ll have to use Family Link (Android’s parental controls) to ensure you retain control over what apps are downloaded. We explain this process step-by-step in our Android Guide (click here).

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Once Family Link is established, here’s how to require permission to download apps on an Android device:

1. Go to the Family Link App
2. Select the person you want to apply this setting to.
3. Select “Google Play Store”
4. Select “Purchases & download approval” and set it to “All Content.”

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Follow the 7-Day Rule

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This is our tried-and-true method of determining whether a specific app is safe for your specific child.

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Before you let your child use it, download the app and use it for 7 days.

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Create an account with your child’s age and gender and use it for 7 days. Play through a few levels, review the ads, see if anyone can chat with you, and poke around like a curious child.

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After a week, ask yourself, “Do I want my child to experience what I did?”  Even if you decide to allow them to download the app, now you have a basis for curious conversations about the app when you check in.

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Enable In-App Controls & Settings

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There are no parental controls. Not any settings to adjust either. Another reason why we don't recommend it for kids under 18.

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Bottom Line: Is GIPHY Safe for Kids?

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It's funny and there are great GIFs on here! But with so many inappropriate GIFs and no controls, we can't recommend this app for kids. The 17+ rating is accurate.

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Parents, ensure you have control of the app store on the device your child is using (see instructions above).

What if I have more questions? How can I stay up to date?

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Two actions you can take!

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1. Subscribe to our tech trends newsletter, the PYE Download. About every 3 weeks, we’ll share what’s new, what the PYE team is up to, and a message from Chris.
2. Ask your questions in our private parent community called The Table! It’s not another Facebook group. No ads, no algorithms, no asterisks. Just honest, critical conversations and deep learning! For parents who want to “go slow” together. Become a member today!

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