Google Discontinues Tenor GIF API, Disrupting Multiple Platforms

WHO:

Ars Technica - Google is the organization that discontinued the Tenor GIF API.

Techmeme - Nikita Bier is mentioned as a source regarding the migration of X to another GIF provider.

WHAT:

Ars Technica - Google has killed the Tenor GIF API.

Techmeme - The shutdown of the Tenor API affects GIF pickers on platforms including Discord, WhatsApp, and Bluesky.

Techmeme - X has migrated to another GIF provider following the shutdown.

WHERE:

Techmeme - The platforms affected by the shutdown include Discord, WhatsApp, Bluesky, and X (formerly Twitter).

WHY:

Techmeme - GIFs are described as a huge part of the modern web, indicating the significance of the Tenor API for various applications.

HOW:

Ars Technica - Tenor still connects to Google apps, suggesting that while the API is discontinued, some functionality remains for Google’s own applications.

(UPDATED June 30, 2026 21:37 UTC)

Google has officially discontinued the Tenor GIF API, which has significant implications for popular platforms like Discord, WhatsApp, Bluesky, and X. Following this shutdown, X has already migrated to another GIF provider, highlighting the importance of GIFs in modern online communication. Although the Tenor API is no longer operational, it still connects to Google apps, meaning some functionality remains for those applications.