You can’t use it for free – GIPHY: The GIF Search Engine Review

You can’t just send a gif from the free version because anything you send out will not work. It won’t be animated you’ll just notice that it’s a still picture of the gif but it won’t move at all. So what’s the point?! No point! You have to purchase the app to send any working/moving gifs☹️
Review by Winnie'sMomma on GIPHY: The GIF Search Engine.