How to turn a video into a GIF
- Choose a video file. MP4 and WebM work in every modern browser, and many others do too.
- Set where the GIF starts and how long it runs. Short is better: 3 to 6 seconds is plenty.
- Pick the speed and the width, then press Make the GIF. A bar and a clock show how far along it is.
- Download the GIF, or right-click to copy it.
Your video stays on your device
The GIF is built inside this page, frame by frame, from the video your browser plays. The video is never uploaded, so unreleased footage and private clips stay with you.
Keep the file small
- Shorter and narrower. A GIF stores every frame as a picture, so length and width multiply the size. 480 px wide at 10 frames per second is a good balance.
- Fewer frames per second. 8 to 10 still looks smooth for most clips.
- Most places that accept GIFs also accept short MP4 video, which is far smaller. Use a GIF when a site only accepts GIFs.
Limits to know
- Up to 20 seconds and 800 px wide per GIF, and one video at a time.
- GIF holds 256 colors per frame, so gradients can look banded.
- No sound: GIFs cannot carry audio.
- If your browser cannot play a video format, the page says so. Convert it to MP4 first.
Making video for ads and posts? Hermoso creates the clip, adds the captions and posts it: start free. See also the video file size calculator.
Credits: GIF encoding by gifenc (MIT License, Copyright (c) Matt DesLauriers). License text: gifenc (MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a video to a GIF for free?
Choose a video on this page, set the start, length, speed and width, and press Make the GIF. Then download the GIF. It is free, has no watermark and runs in your browser.
Is my video uploaded?
No. The GIF is made on your device inside the page.
How long can the GIF be?
Up to 20 seconds. Shorter GIFs, 3 to 6 seconds, are far smaller.
Why is my GIF so large?
A GIF stores each frame as a picture. Lower the width, the frames per second or the length to shrink it.
Does the GIF keep the sound?
No. GIF has no audio.
Which video files work?
MP4 and WebM work in every modern browser. If your browser cannot play the file, the page says so and you can convert it to MP4 first.
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