This week we have released Mentions and GIF extensions. Let's get to know more about them as you read along.
Mentions
Mentions aren't something you haven't heard before. You're probably used to mentioning people on social media platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, and Slack. When used in group conversations, mentions immediately attract the attention of the person or group member with whom you want to share or tag a message.
Only people who are already in the group conversation can be mentioned in a message. This feature helps in increasing the user experience in your chat. Hence, we at CometChat have released mentions extension available for you to implement in your Chat. You can get started implementing it in your Chat.
How do I use mentions for the chat?
CometChat Pro Extension: Mentions
Open the chat.
While composing a message, type the "@" symbol and select a user/ group member's name.
We have set a specific format for mentioned group members/ a user in a message. Please refer to the documentation link provided below.
Send the message.
Settings on CometChat Dashboard
Settings on CometChat Dashboard
Sign up/login on CometChat dashboard
Go to the Extensions section
Enable mentions extension
Along, we are providing an option to fetch messages with mentions for a user/group member
Please follow the documentation to implement
Mentions documentation for V2 apps
Mentions documentation for V3-beta apps
GIFs
You must have used a Gif before and known how engaging conversations they lead to. Brands that share authentic and engaging content can create a close relationship with their audience, and the right GIF can be the perfect way to build this connection.
These animated videos or stickers inject a healthy dose of youthful fun into your chat. They'll not only keep your audience engaged, but they'll also keep your brand from coming out as too serious.
We at CometChat are extremely excited to release this feature and will be waiting to know how GIFs are helping you bring engagement better with your customers than ever before. GIFs are the best way to express your emotions funnily and help share with someone a feeling that at times words cannot.
You now have an option to pick your favorite brand for the most entertaining and trending gifs.
Giphy
Tenor
Gfycat
How do you implement them?
You will open up the chat
Select an icon symbolizing the integrated Gif
List the trending Gifs or search for a Gif
Select the Gif from the keyboard and send it.
Settings on CometChat Dashboard
Sign up/login on CometChat dashboard
Go to the Extensions section
Enable Giphy/Tenor/Gfycat extension depending on your integration
Along, we are providing an option to fetch messages with mentions for a user/group member
We have step-by-step instructions provided in our document. Please run through them and implement gifs.
For V2 apps, click here for the Giphy, Tenor, or Gfycat Extension
For V3-beta apps, click here for the Giphy, Tenor, or Gfycat Extension
Integration support available for UI Kits, SDKs & APIs
So get started implementing the mentions & Gif extensions. We provide support for Giphy, Tenor, and Gfycat.
Extension Availability
Mentions available for all CometChat Plans
GIFs available for the below plans
App developer - Growth, Scale, Enterprise
Events - Single and Unlimited plans
SaaS Platform Integrator
Sign in to your CometChat dashboard to check out these new features. And let us know what you think of these features in the comments below!

Harsha Patil
CometChat