The mcp-server-giphy is an MCP server designed to seamlessly integrate the Giphy API with AI models. It empowers models to search, retrieve, and utilize GIFs, enriching content generation and interactive capabilities. Key features include content filtering by rating (G, PG, PG-13, R), optimized response formats for AI consumption, and support for query-based, random, and trending GIF retrieval. Each GIF comes with comprehensive metadata, including dimensions and formats.

This server addresses the developer need for easily incorporating visual content into AI applications. By providing a structured interface to Giphy's vast library, it simplifies the process of adding dynamic and engaging elements. Integration is streamlined through tools like Smithery and requires a Giphy API key. The mcp-server-giphy enhances AI model functionality by enabling richer, more expressive outputs.

Query-Based GIF Retrieval

The search_gifs tool allows AI models to search for GIFs on Giphy using a query string. This function is crucial for enabling AI to respond to user prompts with relevant visual content. The AI model sends a text-based query to the mcp-server-giphy, which then translates this query into a Giphy API request. The server returns an array of GIF objects, each containing metadata like the GIF's title, URL, dimensions, and various image formats. This enables the AI to select and display the most appropriate GIF based on the context of the conversation or task. For example, if a user asks an AI assistant to "show me a funny cat GIF," the AI can use this tool to search for GIFs related to "funny cat" and present the results to the user. The tool supports optional parameters like limit, offset, rating, and lang to refine the search results.

Technically, the server constructs a Giphy API request using the provided query and parameters, sends the request to Giphy, and parses the JSON response to extract relevant GIF data. The data is then formatted into a standardized MCP response and sent back to the AI model.

Random GIF Generation

The get_random_gif tool provides AI models with the ability to retrieve a random GIF from Giphy, optionally filtered by a specific tag. This is particularly useful for adding an element of surprise or humor to AI responses. Instead of relying on a specific query, the AI can request a random GIF related to a particular topic. For instance, an AI chatbot could use this tool to inject a random "happy" GIF into a conversation to lighten the mood. The tool accepts an optional tag parameter, allowing the AI to narrow down the random selection to a specific category. It also supports content rating filtering to ensure the appropriateness of the generated GIF.

The server uses the Giphy Random API endpoint, incorporating the optional tag and rating parameters into the request. The response from Giphy is then processed to extract the GIF's metadata and format it for the AI model.

Trending GIF Discovery

The get_trending_gifs tool enables AI models to access currently trending GIFs on Giphy. This feature allows AI to stay up-to-date with popular internet culture and incorporate relevant GIFs into its responses. By using trending GIFs, the AI can demonstrate awareness of current events and engage users with timely content. For example, an AI-powered social media manager could use this tool to automatically include trending GIFs in its posts, increasing engagement and visibility. The tool supports parameters like limit, offset, and rating to control the number of results, pagination, and content appropriateness.

The server interacts with the Giphy Trending API endpoint, using the provided parameters to customize the request. The resulting GIF data is then formatted and returned to the AI model.

Optimized Response Format

The mcp-server-giphy provides an optimized response format tailored for AI model consumption. Each GIF object in the response includes essential metadata such as a unique identifier (id), title, URL, and detailed image information (URLs, width, height for various formats). This structured format allows AI models to easily parse and utilize the GIF data without needing to perform complex data extraction or transformation. The consistent format ensures that AI models can reliably process GIFs retrieved from Giphy, regardless of the specific search query or trending status. This optimization reduces the computational overhead on the AI model and streamlines the integration process.

Content Filtering

The mcp-server-giphy supports content filtering by rating (G, PG, PG-13, R), ensuring that AI models only retrieve and utilize GIFs that are appropriate for the intended audience. This feature is crucial for maintaining brand safety and preventing the display of offensive or inappropriate content. By specifying a content rating, developers can control the type of GIFs that are returned by the server, ensuring compliance with content guidelines and user expectations. For example, an AI-powered educational tool might restrict GIF searches to "G" rated content, while a social media platform might allow "PG-13" or "R" rated GIFs depending on user preferences and community standards.