Google acquired Tenor in 2018, integrating its vast library of searchable animations across its own products like Google Messages and Gboard. However, the company stopped accepting new API sign-ups in January, signaling a strategic retreat from supporting external developers. By the end of business today, any existing API requests from outside platforms will return error messages, effectively breaking the GIF-picking tools users have relied on for years.
Google Shuts Down Tenor API, Forcing Apps to Find New GIF Providers
The GIF menus on X, Discord, and WhatsApp are undergoing a forced transformation as Google pulls the plug on the Tenor API today. While the Tenor website remains active for individual users, the company’s decision to decommission its developer interface leaves third-party platforms scrambling for alternative image-hosting partners.
Major platforms are already pivoting to maintain service. X product lead Nikita Bier confirmed the site was forced to migrate to a new provider, while Discord and WhatsApp have spent the last several months testing integrations with competitors like Giphy and Klipy. Because GIF libraries are not universal, users may find their favorite reaction images missing once these migrations take full effect. Google cited a need to concentrate resources on its core product ecosystem as the primary driver behind the shutdown.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!