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How to Send Memes on iPhone: Your Ultimate Guide to Meme Mastery

So, you want to become a meme-slinging virtuoso on your iPhone? Excellent choice! In today’s digital landscape, knowing how to effectively share a perfectly timed meme is practically a social skill. Let’s cut to the chase:

How to send memes on iPhone? The process is surprisingly straightforward. You essentially have three primary methods:

Save a meme (from a website, social media, or a meme generator app) to your iPhone’s Photos app. Then, open the Messages app, select a contact, tap the photos icon next to the text field, choose the meme from your library, and hit send.
Copy a meme directly from a website, social media platform, or another messaging app. Open the Messages app, select a contact, tap and hold in the text field until the “Paste” option appears, and then tap “Paste” followed by “send“.
Use a dedicated meme keyboard or GIF keyboard (available on the App Store) within the Messages app or other applications. Once activated, you can browse and send memes and GIFs directly from the keyboard without switching apps.

These core methods will equip you to spread laughter and relatability across your digital networks. But mastering the art of meme sharing requires understanding nuances and exploring additional tools. Let’s dive deeper.

Finding the Perfect Meme

The foundation of meme sharing lies in finding the right meme for the right situation. Simply saving the first funny image you see isn’t enough. Consider your audience and the context of the conversation. Here are some popular sources:

Social Media Platforms: Platforms like Instagram, Reddit, and Twitter are meme goldmines. Subreddits like r/memes, r/dankmemes, and r/adviceanimals are specifically dedicated to meme curation. Explore trending hashtags on Instagram and Twitter to discover the freshest content.
Meme Generator Apps: Apps like Mematic, Imgflip Meme Generator, and GATMeme allow you to create your own memes using customizable templates and text overlays. This gives you complete control over the message and humor.
Websites: Dedicated meme websites like Know Your Meme, Imgur, and Cheezburger offer extensive libraries of memes, categorized by topic and popularity.
GIF Libraries: While not strictly memes, GIFs often serve the same purpose. Giphy and Tenor are two of the most popular GIF libraries, offering a vast selection of animated clips.

Saving Memes to Your iPhone

Once you’ve found the perfect meme, saving it to your iPhone is crucial. Here’s how:

From a Website: Tap and hold the image until a menu appears. Select “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.” The image will now be stored in your Photos app.
From Social Media: The process varies slightly depending on the platform, but generally involves tapping the three dots (…) or share icon and selecting an option to save the image.
From a Messaging App: Similarly, tap and hold the image and select “Save” or “Save Image.”

Sending Memes Through Different Apps

While the Messages app is the most common method, you can send memes through various other apps on your iPhone:

WhatsApp: Similar to Messages, you can send memes by accessing your photo library or pasting them directly into the chat.
Telegram: Telegram also allows you to send memes from your photo library or by pasting them. It also has built-in GIF search functionality.
Instagram Direct Messages: You can send memes through Instagram DMs by accessing your photo library or using the built-in GIF search.
Facebook Messenger: Similar functionality to other messaging apps.
Email: You can attach meme images to emails directly from your Photos app or by copying and pasting them into the email body.

Using Meme Keyboards and GIF Keyboards

Meme keyboards and GIF keyboards offer a more streamlined experience. They integrate directly into your keyboard, allowing you to search and send memes without switching apps. Here’s how to use them:

Download a Meme Keyboard: Search for “meme keyboard” or “GIF keyboard” on the App Store and download one that suits your needs. Some popular options include Gboard, GIF Keyboard by Tenor, and specialized meme keyboards.
Enable the Keyboard: Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard. Select the meme keyboard you just downloaded.
Allow Full Access (Optional): Some keyboards require “Full Access” to function properly, allowing them to access online meme libraries. However, enabling this option means the keyboard developers can potentially access everything you type. Proceed with caution and only grant full access to keyboards from reputable developers.
Use the Keyboard: When typing in a text field, tap the globe icon on your keyboard to switch to the meme keyboard. Browse or search for the desired meme or GIF and tap it to send it.

Advanced Meme Sharing Techniques

Beyond the basics, mastering meme sharing involves understanding some advanced techniques:

Creating Custom Memes: Use meme generator apps to create personalized memes tailored to specific situations or inside jokes. This adds a layer of originality and humor.
Meme Stacking: Combining multiple memes to create a more complex and layered joke.
Reaction Memes: Using memes to express emotions or reactions to specific events or statements.
Timing is Key: Sending the right meme at the right time can significantly amplify its impact. Consider the context of the conversation and the recipient’s sense of humor.
Meme Etiquette: Avoid overusing memes or sending inappropriate memes to individuals who might not appreciate them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about sending memes on iPhone:

1. How do I create my own memes on iPhone?

Use a meme generator app like Mematic or Imgflip Meme Generator. These apps provide templates and tools to add text and customize your memes.

2. How do I find trending memes?

Follow meme accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Explore meme-related subreddits on Reddit. Use Google Trends to see what’s trending in the meme world.

3. How do I save a GIF to my iPhone?

Similar to saving images, tap and hold the GIF and select “Save Image” or “Add to Photos.” Some apps may have a dedicated “Save GIF” option. The GIF will be saved as a live photo.

4. Can I send memes through iMessage effects?

Yes! After typing your message, 3D Touch the send button (or tap and hold if you don’t have 3D Touch) to access iMessage effects like Slam, Loud, Gentle, and Invisible Ink. While not directly meme-related, these effects can enhance the delivery of your meme-based messages.

5. How do I delete a meme I accidentally sent?

In Messages, tap and hold the sent message. Select “Undo Send“. This feature is available in iOS 16 and later, and both the sender and recipient must be using iMessage. The recipient must also be on iOS 16 or later.

6. Are meme keyboards safe to use?

Exercise caution when granting “Full Access” to meme keyboards. Only use keyboards from reputable developers to protect your privacy.

7. How do I organize my memes in the Photos app?

Create separate albums in the Photos app for different meme categories. This makes it easier to find the right meme when you need it.

8. Why won’t my GIF animate when I send it?

Ensure the GIF is saved as a Live Photo. When sending, tap the “Live” button (if available) to ensure it animates for the recipient. In some apps, GIFs might be sent as static images; you may need to send them as files or use a dedicated GIF-sending feature.

9. How do I send a meme as a sticker on iPhone?

Some apps, like Telegram, allow you to create stickers from images, including memes. You can then send these stickers in chats. You can also use third-party sticker maker apps to create custom sticker packs for iMessage.

10. How can I find the origin of a meme?

Use Google Image Search or TinEye to perform a reverse image search. This can help you trace the meme back to its original source. Also, websites like Know Your Meme are dedicated to tracking the origins and evolution of internet memes.

11. What is the best app for creating and sharing memes?

It depends on your needs. Mematic is great for quick and easy meme creation. Imgflip Meme Generator offers more advanced customization options. GATMeme provides a wide selection of meme templates.

12. How do I avoid sending offensive or inappropriate memes?

Consider your audience and the context of the conversation. Avoid memes that are discriminatory, hateful, or sexually suggestive. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Remember that humor is subjective, and what one person finds funny, another may find offensive.