gif-search

---
name: gif-search
description: Search and download GIFs from Tenor using curl. No dependencies beyond curl and jq. Useful for finding reaction GIFs, creating visual content, and sending GIFs in chat.
version: 1.1.0
author: Hermes Agent
license: MIT
prerequisites:
  env_vars: [TENOR_API_KEY]
  commands: [curl, jq]
metadata:
  hermes:
    tags: [GIF, Media, Search, Tenor, API]
---

# GIF Search (Tenor API)

Search and download GIFs directly via the Tenor API using curl. No extra tools needed.

## Setup

Set your Tenor API key in your environment (add to `~/.hermes/.env`):

```bash
TENOR_API_KEY=your_key_here
```

Get a free API key at https://developers.google.com/tenor/guides/quickstart — the Google Cloud Console Tenor API key is free and has generous rate limits.

## Prerequisites

- `curl` and `jq` (both standard on macOS/Linux)
- `TENOR_API_KEY` environment variable

## Search for GIFs

```bash
# Search and get GIF URLs
curl -s "https://tenor.googleapis.com/v2/search?q=thumbs+up&limit=5&key=${TENOR_API_KEY}" | jq -r '.results[].media_formats.gif.url'

# Get smaller/preview versions
curl -s "https://tenor.googleapis.com/v2/search?q=nice+work&limit=3&key=${TENOR_API_KEY}" | jq -r '.results[].media_formats.tinygif.url'
```

## Download a GIF

```bash
# Search and download the top result
URL=$(curl -s "https://tenor.googleapis.com/v2/search?q=celebration&limit=1&key=${TENOR_API_KEY}" | jq -r '.results[0].media_formats.gif.url')
curl -sL "$URL" -o celebration.gif
```

## Get Full Metadata

```bash
curl -s "https://tenor.googleapis.com/v2/search?q=cat&limit=3&key=${TENOR_API_KEY}" | jq '.results[] | {title: .title, url: .media_formats.gif.url, preview: .media_formats.tinygif.url, dimensions: .media_formats.gif.dims}'
```

## API Parameters

| Parameter | Description |
|-----------|-------------|
| `q` | Search query (URL-encode spaces as `+`) |
| `limit` | Max results (1-50, default 20) |
| `key` | API key (from `$TENOR_API_KEY` env var) |
| `media_filter` | Filter formats: `gif`, `tinygif`, `mp4`, `tinymp4`, `webm` |
| `contentfilter` | Safety: `off`, `low`, `medium`, `high` |
| `locale` | Language: `en_US`, `es`, `fr`, etc. |

## Available Media Formats

Each result has multiple formats under `.media_formats`:

| Format | Use case |
|--------|----------|
| `gif` | Full quality GIF |
| `tinygif` | Small preview GIF |
| `mp4` | Video version (smaller file size) |
| `tinymp4` | Small preview video |
| `webm` | WebM video |
| `nanogif` | Tiny thumbnail |

## Notes

- URL-encode the query: spaces as `+`, special chars as `%XX`
- For sending in chat, `tinygif` URLs are lighter weight
- GIF URLs can be used directly in markdown: `![alt](url)`

## Activation Keywords

- "gif-search"
- "gif search"
- "use gif search"
- "gif search help"
- "gif search tool"

## Tools Used

- `Read` - Read existing files and documentation
- `Write` - Create new files and documentation
- `Bash` - Execute commands when needed

## Instructions for Agents

1. Identify user's intent and specific requirements
2. Gather necessary context from files or user input
3. Execute appropriate actions using available tools
4. Provide clear results and suggest next steps

## Examples

### Basic Gif Search usage
```
User: "Help me with gif search"
→ Understand requirements → Execute actions → Provide results
```

### Advanced usage
```
User: "I need detailed gif search assistance"
→ Clarify scope → Provide comprehensive solution → Follow up
```