How to convert a video to a GIF
This free video to GIF converter handles the files your phone and camera already make. Here's how to turn a video into a GIF:
- Drop the videoDrag an MP4, MOV or WebM onto the page, tap Pick a video or photos, or paste it. If your browser can play the file, DropGIF can usually convert it.
- Trim with the yellow handlesSet the start and end to a tenth of a second. Free GIFs can run up to 20 seconds, and reaction GIFs usually work best at 2 to 6.
- Pick size, crop and speedChoose a width, a Crop ratio like 1:1 or 9:16, and a Speed from 0.25× to 4×. Boomerang plays forward, then backward, so the loop has no jump.
- Export and saveTap Export GIF, then Download GIF, Copy or Share.
Recommended settings for video to GIF
| Use | Width | Frame rate | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reaction for a group chat | 320–480 px | 12–15 fps | Keep it under 4 seconds |
| Tutorial or screen recording | 480 px | 10–12 fps | Dithering None keeps text crisp |
| Fast motion (sports, pets) | 480 px | 20 fps | Trim hard to save size |
| Email or slides | 320 px | 10 fps | Aim for under 1 MB for email |
Frame rate is where most of the file size hides. Phones record at 30 or 60 fps, but a GIF at 12 to 15 fps still reads as smooth motion and is far smaller. Lower the frame rate before you lower the width, and your GIF stays sharp. For colors and dithering, see the high-quality GIF maker page.
MP4 to GIF, MOV to GIF and other formats
MP4 is the most common source, from Android phones, screen recorders and most cameras. MOV is what iPhones save, and those files convert without extra steps; the iPhone video to GIF page has phone-specific tips. WebM comes from browser recordings and many screen capture tools. Other formats work if your browser can play them. If a file won't open, try another browser or convert it to MP4 first.
Want a clip from YouTube or X? DropGIF doesn't download from links. Get your own clip onto your device first (the YouTube video to GIF page shows how), then drop it in. Only use clips you have the rights to.
Video to GIF online, without the upload
Most video to GIF online tools make you upload the whole file and wait while a server converts it. Here, the conversion runs on your device, so a large phone video never has to travel over your connection. Private clips stay private, and once the page has loaded it keeps working offline.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn a video into a GIF for free?
Drop the video into DropGIF, trim it with the yellow handles and tap Export GIF. It's free up to 480 px wide and 20 seconds, with no watermark or sign-up.
Can I convert MP4 to GIF without uploading it?
Yes. DropGIF converts MP4 to GIF inside your browser, so the video stays on your device the whole time.
How long can a GIF be?
Free GIFs can be up to 20 seconds long, and Pro allows up to 60 seconds. Shorter GIFs are smaller and fit upload limits more easily.
Can I convert a YouTube video to a GIF?
DropGIF doesn't download from YouTube or any other link. If it's your own upload, download it from YouTube Studio, then drop the file into DropGIF.
Why is my GIF bigger than the original video?
GIF compression is much less efficient than MP4, so the same clip is often several times larger as a GIF. Trim it, lower the frame rate or reduce the width to shrink it.