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Power Automate Scheduled Messages with Random GIFs

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If you’re responsible for sending routine reminders like submitting time sheets or expense reports you can make them a bit more enjoyable with Power Automate Scheduled Messages. Whether it’s a Monday morning boost or a gentle nudge at the end of the week, adding a random GIF can bring smiles and increase engagement.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to:

  • Set up a scheduled flow in Power Automate
  • Add an array of GIF URLs
  • Use a random function to pick one each time
  • Post the message in Microsoft Teams or send it via email
  • Format HTML to embed your GIF properly

Let’s jump into it!

Step 1: Create a Scheduled Flow in Power AutomateInitialize a GIF Array Variable
  1. Go to Power Automate and create a Scheduled cloud flow.
  2. Name it something like “Reminder Emails.”
  3. Set the recurrence e.g., every Monday at 10:00 AM.
  4. You can change this to any day or frequency that fits your workflow.

This flow will act as your automation trigger.

Step 2: Initialize a GIF Array VariableInitialize a GIF Array Variable

Now, add a new step to Initialize Variable:

  • Name: varRandomGIF
  • Type: Array
  • Value: Add a set of GIF URLs wrapped in quotes and separated by commas.
    Example:

    ["https://media.giphy.com/media/abc.gif", "https://media.giphy.com/media/xyz.gif"]

You can grab GIF links from any trusted source like Giphy or Tenor.

Step 3: Use Compose to Pick a Random GIFUse Compose to Pick a Random GIF Power Automate Scheduled Messages
  1. Add a Compose step.
  2. Use this expression in the Expression tab:
variables('varRandomGIF')[rand(0,length(variables('varRandomGIF')))]

This expression randomly selects a GIF URL from your array.

Step 4: Send the Message in Teams or EmailSend the Message in Teams or Email Power Automate Scheduled Messages
Option A: Microsoft Teams Message
  1. Add the Post a message in a chat or channel action.
  2. Choose to post as Flowbot (or as yourself).
  3. Target a chat or a channel.
  4. Click “Code View” and enter this HTML:
<img src="@{outputs('Compose')}" />

This embeds the selected GIF into the message.

Option B: Email Message
  1. Add the Send an email (V2) action.
  2. Add recipient(s), subject (e.g., “Happy Monday”), and message body.
  3. In the email body, switch to code view and paste the same HTML:
<img src="@{outputs('Compose')}" />

That’s it! Power Automate will send a GIF-filled email or Teams message on schedule.

Testing the Flow

Once your flow is built:

  • Save and manually test the flow.
  • Check your Teams chat or email inbox.
  • Repeat a few times to verify it’s picking random GIFs from your list.

You can update your GIF array any time to keep things fresh and seasonal.

Bonus: Add More Automation or Personalization

You can:

  • Tailor messages based on department or individual
  • Include dynamic content (e.g., first names)
  • Use different sets of GIFs for different teams
Final Thoughts

This Power Automate trick is a fun and creative way to boost engagement with automated messages. It’s especially useful for:

  • HR and admin teams sending weekly reminders
  • Team leads setting a positive tone for the week
  • Anyone who wants to bring a little joy to the inbox

Want to go deeper with Power Automate?

Explore Power BI & Power Automate Training
Our on-demand learning platform offers full courses on Power Automate, from beginner to advanced.

Also, check out the Power Automate Beginner to Pro series on YouTube for more hands-on tutorials.

One Last Thing…

Is it pronounced GIF (with a soft “G”) or GIF (with a hard “G”)?
Let us know in the comments  and be ready to defend your answer!

 

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