Discord could change GIF search results as Tenor API end date approaches

Discord appears ready to move away from Tenor for its built-in GIF search. The platform has started testing two alternatives, Giphy and Klipy, in what looks like a response to Google’s decision to shut down the Tenor API this summer.

Google announced plans to decommission the Tenor API on June 30, 2026, citing a shift in focus toward “enhancing the main Tenor experience.” New API key registrations stopped on January 13, meaning developers can no longer create fresh integrations with the service. Discord Previews, an account that tracks unreleased features on the platform, shared screenshots showing the experiment on January 14.

The timing isn’t coincidental.

Discord has used Tenor as its default GIF provider for years, but the API shutdown is forcing the company to look elsewhere. According to experiment details shared by Discord Previews, users are being split into test groups to see which alternative works better. Giphy has been around longer and already powers GIF search on many social platforms, while Klipy is a newer service that’s picked up steam as developers search for Tenor replacements.

One concern users raised was what happens to their saved GIFs. Discord Previews clarified that favorited GIFs should continue working since those are stored on Discord’s servers rather than being pulled from Tenor’s API in real time. That means your GIF collection is safe.

Klipy is positioning itself as a direct drop-in replacement for Tenor, even keeping API endpoints similar to make migration easier for app developers. The service offers free API access and bakes in monetization features, which could appeal to Discord if it wants to offset infrastructure costs. Giphy, meanwhile, has much stronger brand recognition and a huge content library.

After June 30, any app still trying to use Tenor’s API will start receiving error messages. Discord needed to act quickly, and this testing phase suggests the platform is close to making a decision. Whether users end up with Giphy’s vast catalog or Klipy’s newer approach, the shift marks the end of an era for one of Discord’s longest-standing integrations.

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