Google pulls the plug on Tenor API, kills GIF libraries in other apps

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Google pulls the plug on Tenor API, killing GIF pickers around the web

Ben Schoon | Jun 30 2026 - 7:30 am PT

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GIFs are a huge part of the modern web, with Tenor being one of the libraries that powers a variety of apps including Twitter/X. Google acquired Tenor in 2018 and, while the library itself remains intact, the Tenor API is shutting down today.

Tenor is like Giphy, a repository of GIFs that can be searched using keywords. Tenor is directly integrated into Gboard, and also used across the web.

As detailed on a support page, though, Google is pulling the plug on the Tenor API as of today.

Google says:<br>Advertisement - scroll for more content

As part of an ongoing effort to focus resources on enhancing our core products, we’ve made the decision to sunset the Tenor API on June 30, 2026.

The Tenor API has been rejecting new API sign-ups in January of this year, but existing integrations remained in place. This week, though, they’re shutting down, and any integrations that remain in place will stop working on July 1.

The support page adds details that "any API or Ads Distribution Agreements" with Tenor will be terminated on June 30, while "current integrations" will be "fully decommissioned" as of June 30.

One of the most notable examples here is Twitter/X, which has relied on Tenor for its GIF picker for years. Twitter/X Head of Product Nikita Bier confirmed that the platform has migrated elsewhere, which is why the "recently used" section was purged, and why you might notice fewer GIF options when posting.

Other platforms affected include Discord, WhatsApp, and Bluesky.

Tenor.com remains available with full search capabilities, and integrations within Google products are also still active, including Gboard, Google Messages, and more.

Users will continue to have access to Tenor content on Google-owned apps, such as:

Gboard

Tenor.com and the Android or iOS GIF Keyboard

Google Chat and Google Messages integrations

Other Google integrations

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Ben Schoon

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Ben is a Senior Editor for 9to5Google.

Find him on Twitter @NexusBen. Send tips to schoon@9to5g.com or encrypted to benschoon@protonmail.com.