How to convert an MP4 video to a GIF
A GIF plays on its own, loops and stays silent almost anywhere: emails, documentation, forums, chats or slides. It is the easiest way to show a step in a tutorial, a reaction or a product demo without anyone having to press play.
This converter takes your MP4 and creates an animated GIF from the start of the video.
Step by step
- Trim the video first so it starts right at the moment you want to show.
- Click Select file and choose the MP4 (up to 50 MB and 10 minutes).
- Check that Convert to shows GIF and click Create a GIF from the video.
- Download the GIF and check its file size before using it.
What the GIF looks like
The GIF contains only the first 10 seconds of the video. If the MP4 is longer, the rest is discarded, which is why it pays to trim it first so the important part comes at the start.
It is generated at 12 frames per second and 640 pixels wide; the height follows the video's aspect ratio. It loops forever and has no sound, because the GIF format cannot carry audio.
Colours and file size
GIF can only show 256 colours per frame. It looks great for screen recordings, interfaces and flat-colour animation; in footage with gradients, skies or skin tones you may see banding and dithering.
A GIF is much heavier than an MP4 of the same length. If it is going on a web page, check the weight; where you can, a short looping video usually loads faster.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I choose which part of the video to convert?
- No, the first 10 seconds are used. Trim the video beforehand so it starts where you want.
- Does the GIF have sound?
- No. The GIF format does not support audio.
- What size is the GIF?
- 640 pixels wide, with height in proportion to the video, at 12 frames per second.
- Is there a watermark?
- No, the GIF downloads without any watermark.
- Does it work with MOV or WebM videos?
- Yes, the converter creates GIFs from those formats too, under the same conditions.