[FEATURE] Integrate GIF Picker for Chat Messages

[Akash504-ai]

Feature Description

Allow users to search, preview, and send animated GIFs directly within chat conversations using a third-party GIF provider such as GIPHY or Tenor.

The GIF picker should provide a smooth browsing experience with search functionality, trending GIFs, and quick insertion into both direct and group chats.

---

Problem it solves

Users often express emotions and reactions using GIFs. Currently, they must leave the application, search for a GIF externally, and paste it into the conversation.

An integrated GIF picker makes conversations more engaging while providing a seamless messaging experience.

---

Possible Solution

• Integrate a GIF provider (e.g., GIPHY or Tenor).
• Add a GIF button to the message composer.
• Allow users to:
  • Browse trending GIFs.
  • Search GIFs by keyword.
  • Preview GIFs before sending.
• Send GIFs as regular chat messages.
• Support GIFs in both private and group conversations.
• Optimize loading with pagination or lazy loading.
• Gracefully handle API failures or rate limits.

---

Additional Context

Acceptance Criteria

• Users can browse trending GIFs.
• Users can search GIFs by keyword.
• GIFs can be previewed before sending.
• GIFs can be sent in both direct and group chats.
• GIF loading is optimized for performance.
• Existing messaging functionality remains unaffected.

This feature is inspired by modern messaging platforms such as Discord, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack, where integrated GIF support makes conversations more expressive and engaging.

[Komal290106]

Hi @Akash504-ai, I'd like to work on this issue as part of ECSoC26. Could you please assign it to me? I'll follow the steps in CONTRIBUTING.md and open a PR once it's ready for review.

[Akash504-ai]

Hey @Komal290106,
Go ahead. The issues are open for everyone. Raise a PR once you're done, and I'll review it.