How to convert MP4 to GIF
- Drop an .mp4 file. The first five seconds are selected.
- Adjust the start and end times to the moment you want, ideally 2–6 seconds.
- Choose 10–15 fps and a width of 360–480 px for a GIF that shares easily.
- Click Make GIF and download the result.
MP4 versus GIF
MP4 with H.264 is far more efficient than GIF: a 5-second clip that is 500 KB as MP4 can easily become 3–5 MB as a GIF, because GIF stores each frame as a separate image with only 256 colors. GIFs still win where autoplaying, looping, silent images are needed: chat apps, forums, GitHub READMEs, documentation, email and slide decks.
Frames are captured from your video by seeking to each timestamp in your browser and encoded with an optimised shared palette. Phone videos recorded in HEVC may not play in Chrome; if the file will not open, re-export it as "Most Compatible" H.264. The conversion never uploads your video.
FAQ
How do I make the GIF smaller?
Lower the width, reduce the frame rate, shorten the clip or turn off dithering.
Can I add text to the GIF?
Not in this tool. Add text to the video first, or caption the GIF where you post it.
Is sound included?
No. GIFs cannot contain audio.