By Anjali Athavaley
Twitter's introduction of a search function for GIFs commonly used on social media prompted users to tweet their own pictures expressing enthusiasm.
Twitter announced in a blog post that users can now search and browse a GIF library when composing a tweet or direct message.
A GIF, short for graphic interchange format, is a moving image that plays over and over again. It is often used on social media to express emotions.
"So if you're looking for the perfect cat yawn or dance move to express exactly how you feel, just click the new GIF button," the post said.
The phrase "Introducing GIF" was trending on Twitter, with several users tweeting their own image files in reaction.
But some complained that they did not see a GIF button.
A Twitter spokeswoman said rollout of the GIF search began on Wednesday and would become available to everyone.
Last week, Twitter shares hit an all-time low after the company said user growth had stalled for the first time since it went public in 2013.
The company has been experimenting with ways to make the service more engaging.
Shares closed up 6.7 percent at $US17.46 on Wednesday.
Reuters
