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MP4 to GIF

Any video format

Video to GIF Converter for WebM, MKV, AVI and More

Turn any video file into an animated GIF: WebM, MKV, AVI, MP4, MOV, FLV, 3GP and more. This video to GIF converter handles formats your browser cannot even play, and your video stays on your device.

Drop a video here

MP4, MOV, WebM, MKV or AVI, up to 1 GB. A GIF works too: it becomes an MP4.

Your video never leaves this device: it is converted in your browser.

How to turn a video into a GIF

The video to GIF converter works the same for every format:

  • Choose or drop the video file. If your browser cannot play the format, you will see a note instead of a preview; the conversion still works.
  • Select the seconds you want on the filmstrip, or set them by time (up to 30 seconds per GIF).
  • Choose width, frame rate, quality and loop, press Convert to GIF and download the result.

Formats this video to GIF converter reads

The video to GIF converter is FFmpeg compiled to WebAssembly, so it understands the containers and codecs FFmpeg does rather than only the ones your browser plays. In practice that covers nearly every file you will meet:

  • WebM (VP8, VP9 or AV1 video): screen recorders, browser recordings and many downloads from the web.
  • MKV (Matroska): a flexible container used by OBS and many editors; usually H.264 or HEVC inside.
  • AVI: older cameras, Windows tools and legacy archives, often MPEG-4 Part 2 or Motion JPEG.
  • MP4 and MOV: phones, cameras and almost every editor (MP4 to GIF and MOV to GIF have their own pages).
  • FLV, 3GP, MPEG and TS: older web video, old phones, DVD and broadcast recordings.

WebM to GIF

WebM is the open format Chrome and Firefox record in, for example from screen recording extensions or the MediaRecorder API. WebM files from recorders sometimes have no duration written in the file; if the length shows as unknown, the converter reads the file to find it. For screen captures use 640 to 800 px, 8 to 12 fps and the Small preset.

MKV to GIF and AVI to GIF

Most browsers cannot play MKV or AVI, so the page shows a note instead of a preview. Set the start and end with the handles (the time code under the filmstrip tells you exactly where you are), convert, and check the GIF. If the first try starts a moment too early, nudge the start handle with the arrow keys and convert again: it only takes seconds.

YouTube to GIF: start with your own video file

This tool does not download videos from YouTube, TikTok or other sites, and it never will: most platforms' terms do not allow downloading other people's videos, and the content usually belongs to its creator.

If the video is yours, you already have a legitimate copy. Creators can download their own uploads from YouTube Studio (in the Content list, the options menu next to a video has a Download entry), and most editors keep the original export. Convert that file here. For a clip from someone else's video, the safest route is to ask the creator, or to use the platform's own sharing tools so the creator stays credited.

Choosing settings for a video to GIF conversion

The tool starts at 480 px and 12 fps on this page, a balanced choice for unknown footage. Then adjust by content: fast action needs 20 fps or more to stay smooth; talking heads and pets look fine at 10 to 12 fps; slides and user interfaces need width for legibility rather than frames.

Watch the readout under the settings: it shows the final size in pixels, the number of frames and the length. Frames times pixels is a good proxy for file size. If a notice says the GIF will be large, the quickest fix is usually a shorter clip.

When a GIF is the wrong format

GIF is perfect for short, silent loops that must play everywhere. For anything longer than about 10 seconds, anything with sound, or anything where color fidelity matters, keep the video as MP4. Many sites that show GIFs (including most social networks) actually convert them to MP4 behind the scenes; if you already have a GIF and need it smaller, use GIF to MP4. For methods in Photoshop, FFmpeg or phone apps, read how to convert MP4 to GIF.

Video to GIF FAQ

Can I convert WebM to GIF?

Yes. WebM (VP8, VP9 or AV1) converts like any other video. Recorder WebM files without a stored duration are read in full first to find their length.

Why is there no preview for my AVI or MKV file?

Browsers only play a few formats. FFmpeg decodes many more, so the GIF still works; use the time codes to place the clip.

Can I paste a YouTube link?

No. This is not a downloader. Convert a video file you own, such as your own upload downloaded from YouTube Studio.

Is there a file size limit?

Videos up to 1 GB open here, and each GIF covers up to 30 seconds. The video to GIF converter reads only the part you select, so long videos are fine.

Is my video uploaded anywhere?

No. The conversion runs in your browser and the GIF is saved to your device.