How to turn a video clip into a GIF
- Choose an MP4 or WebM file up to 50 MB. An active Pro or Developer plan is required to process it.
- Set the start and end, no more than 30 seconds apart. Choose a width and frame rate; start with the default first 5 seconds, up to 480 px wide, at 10 fps.
- Process and preview the GIF. Download it or choose Continue compressing if the result needs fewer bytes.
Balance motion, dimensions and file size
| Setting | What to choose |
|---|---|
| Supported video | MP4 or WebM containing H.264, VP8 or VP9 video. HEVC/H.265 and other codecs are not supported. |
| Clip length | Up to 30 seconds per export. The default keeps up to the first 5 seconds. |
| Width and frame rate | Default width is the smaller of source width and 480 px; default 10 fps. Frame rate can be 1–30 fps. |
| Animation budget | Output must fit 1,000 frames and 50 million frame pixels. A 30-second clip may need a smaller width or lower fps. |
A single result must be 50 MB or smaller. GIF results sent to the compressor must also fit its input limit: 10 MB on Free or 50 MB on a paid plan.
Example: a 5-second clip at 480 × 270 and 10 fps
This setup produces about 50 frames and 6.48 million frame pixels: 480 × 270 × 50. At 30 fps, it needs about 150 frames and 19.44 million frame pixels. A 30-second clip at that higher setting would exceed the 50-million budget.
Try 10 fps for a short reaction or simple demonstration, then increase only if the preview needs smoother motion. Reducing duration, width or frame rate can reduce work and output size; no fixed KB result is promised.
An MP4 extension does not identify the video codec
MP4 and WebM are containers. A phone video can end in .mp4 while using HEVC, which this tool does not accept. Export an H.264 MP4 or VP8/VP9 WebM from the original video editor; renaming the file will not change its codec.
A GIF has a limited color palette and no audio track. Expect a format conversion rather than the same detail and sound in a smaller video.
Questions about this tool
Is video to GIF free?
Processing requires Pro or Developer. You can select a video and inspect its details before upgrading. The upgrade link opens separately so that your selected file stays in the current page.
Why is my MP4 reported as an unsupported codec?
The file may use HEVC/H.265 or another unaccepted video codec. This version accepts H.264, VP8 and VP9 inside MP4 or WebM, subject to browser decoding. Re-export the original video with a supported codec instead of changing its filename.
Will my GIF keep the video sound?
No. GIF has no audio track, and the tool exports animation only. Keep a video format if the sound is part of the content.
What should I change when processing fails or exceeds limits?
First shorten the clip, then reduce width or frame rate. The file can be under 50 MB and still require too many decoded pixels. A browser that cannot decode the source video also needs a different export from the original editor.