How to Share Animoji as a Video or GIF in iOS 12

Apple's iOS 12 allows you to record expressive Animoji clips and share them outside of the native Messages app. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to record an Animoji, export it as a standard video file to your Camera Roll, and convert or share it as an animated GIF for use in other messaging platforms and social networks.

How to Record and Save an Animoji as a Video

  1. Open Messages: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone X, XR, XS, or XS Max running iOS 12, and open an existing thread or start a new message.
  2. Access the Animoji Drawer: Tap the Animoji icon (monkey face) located in the app drawer above the keyboard.
  3. Select a Character: Swipe horizontally through the characters and choose the Animoji you want to use.
  4. Record Your Clip: Look directly at your iPhone screen, align your face, and tap the red Record button in the lower-right corner. You can record up to 30 seconds of audio and facial movement.
  5. Send the Clip: Tap the red stop button when finished, then tap the blue Send arrow to post the Animoji into the conversation thread.
  6. Save to Camera Roll: Once sent, tap the Animoji clip inside the chat bubble to open it in full screen. Tap the Share icon (a square with an upward arrow) in the bottom-left corner and select Save Video.

The Animoji is now stored in your Photos app as an .MOV video file, which can be shared via email, AirDrop, WhatsApp, or uploaded to social media platforms.

How to Share an Animoji as an Animated GIF

Because iOS saves Animoji recordings as video files with audio by default, turning them into looping GIFs requires converting the file or using iOS 12 sharing features.

Method 1: Using the iOS 12 Shortcuts App

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your device.
  2. Tap the Gallery tab, search for Video to GIF, and add the shortcut to your library.
  3. Open the Library tab and tap the Video to GIF shortcut.
  4. Select the saved Animoji video from your Photos library.
  5. Use the sliders to trim the video if desired, then tap Save.
  6. Tap the Share button to send the generated GIF via third-party messaging apps, save it as a GIF image, or copy it to your clipboard.

Method 2: Creating an Animoji Sticker (GIF Alternative)

If you do not need audio and prefer a looping graphic directly in Messages:

  1. Open the Animoji tool in Messages.
  2. Pose your face into the desired expression without pressing the record button.
  3. Press and hold on the Animoji face until it lifts, then drag and drop it directly onto a message bubble as a sticker. Stickers automatically loop silently, functioning just like an animated GIF.