Convert an MP4 to a GIF
Turn part of an MP4 video into a looping GIF. Pick the span on the waveform, then set the width and frame rate to keep the file small. Not uploaded.
Choose a video to turn into a GIF
Drop a file here, click to browse, or paste one.
MP4, MOV, WebM, MKV
Your file is opened by this page and processed locally on your device. It is not uploaded.
About
MP4 is the most common video file, so it is the format most people start from when they want a GIF. A GIF is a short, silent loop, which suits a reaction, a product demo or one moment from a longer recording. This tool takes a span of your MP4 and turns it into an animated GIF you can download.
A GIF can be up to 30 seconds long here, but most useful ones run a few seconds. Length, width and frame rate all decide the file size. Widths run from 240 to 800 pixels, up to the width of your video, and frame rates are 8, 10, 15, 20 or 25 frames per second. Trim the span first, then lower the width or the frame rate if the file is still too large.
The GIF is made on your device and the MP4 is not uploaded. No account is needed and no watermark is added. Captions are optional: add up to 80 characters at the top, at the bottom or in both places, in the classic white text with a black outline.
How to use the Convert an MP4 to a GIF
- 1
Open your MP4
Drop an MP4 file on the page, or click to choose one. The first five seconds are selected by default.
- 2
Choose the span
Drag the two white handles on the waveform to set the start and end. The line below shows the length and how many frames the GIF will have.
- 3
Set width and frame rate
Under Size and smoothness, choose a width and frames per second. 480 wide at 15 frames per second suits most chats. Keep Loop forever on so the GIF repeats.
- 4
Make and download
Press Make GIF, then press Download GIF. The size and frame count of the finished file are shown next to the button.
What people use it for
A short reaction for a chat
Cut a few seconds from an MP4, add a short caption and send a looping GIF to a group.
A product demo loop
Turn one feature demonstration into a short loop for a product page, a help article or a forum post.
One step of a how-to
Show a single step of a process as a looping GIF, with a top caption that says what it is.
A captioned moment
Add classic top and bottom captions to a funny or memorable moment from a video you filmed.
Questions
How do I convert an MP4 to a GIF for free?
Open the MP4 on the page, drag the handles to choose the part you want, set the width and frame rate, then press Make GIF and Download GIF. The tool is free and needs no account.
How long can the GIF be?
Up to 30 seconds. If your selection is longer, the page shows a notice and Make GIF stays off until you shorten it.
How do I make an MP4 GIF smaller?
Shorten the span first, then choose a smaller width or a lower frame rate. Leave Smooth gradients off, because it makes the file larger.
Which width should I choose?
480 pixels at 15 frames per second suits most chats. Choose 240 or 320 for a very small file, or 640 or 800 when small details must be readable.
Is my MP4 uploaded?
No. The MP4 is read and turned into a GIF on your device and is not uploaded.
Does it add a watermark?
No. The page does not add a watermark to the GIF.