To make a GIF from a video, pick a short section (a few seconds is ideal), choose a width and frame rate, and export. The free MobileStudio Video to GIF tool does this in any browser: choose up to 10 seconds and a size limit of 1, 5, or 10 MB, and it builds a looping GIF that fits. Nothing is uploaded.
The short answer
| Setting | Good default | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 to 6 seconds | GIF size grows fast with every second |
| Width | 480 px | Sharp on most screens, small enough to load fast |
| Frame rate | 10 to 12 fps | Smooth enough, half the frames of video |
| Size limit | 5 MB | Loads quickly on most sites |
How do I make a GIF from a video for free?
- Open Video to GIF.
- Drop in your video (MP4, MOV, or WebM).
- Set Start and Length for the clip, up to 10 seconds.
- Pick a Size target: 1 MB for README files and docs, 5 MB for Product Hunt and most sites, 10 MB for detailed social posts.
- Choose a Width and Frame rate, or keep the defaults.
- Click Create GIF and download it.
If the first GIF comes out over your size limit, the tool rebuilds it smaller automatically, at a slightly lower width or frame rate, so it always fits.
Why are GIFs so big?
GIF is an image format from 1989. It stores each frame as a picture with up to 256 colors and has none of the motion compression modern video uses. The Library of Congress describes the format in its GIF 89a overview. A few seconds of GIF can outweigh a minute of MP4, so short clips and modest widths matter. More in GIF vs MP4.
How do I make a GIF on my phone?
Open the same Video to GIF tool in Safari or Chrome. On iPhone, the Shortcuts app also has a Make GIF action; see how to make a GIF on iPhone. Many Samsung phones can make GIFs from the Gallery too, as Samsung's GIF guide shows; see how to make a GIF on Android.
How do I make a GIF on a computer?
The browser tool works on Mac and Windows. Free desktop apps like GIPHY Capture (Mac) and ScreenToGif (Windows) can record the screen straight to GIF. For developers, FFmpeg makes high-quality GIFs with a palette step:
ffmpeg -i in.mp4 -vf "fps=12,scale=480:-1:flags=lanczos,split[a][b];[a]palettegen[p];[b][p]paletteuse" out.gif
What size and frame rate should my GIF be?
| Use | Width | Frame rate | Size limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| GitHub README | 480 to 640 px | 10 to 12 fps | Under 5 MB |
| Product Hunt gallery | 640 px | 12 fps | 5 MB |
| Slack or chat | 320 to 480 px | 10 fps | 1 to 5 MB |
| 320 to 480 px | 8 to 10 fps | 1 MB |
Details in best GIF size and frame rate.
Can I make a GIF from a screen recording?
Yes, and they're some of the best GIFs: app demos, bug reproductions, and tutorials. Trim to the moment that matters and keep text readable at 480 to 640 px. See how to turn a screen recording into a GIF.
Where MobileStudio fits
Video to GIF is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns screen recordings of your app into polished demo videos with device frames and zooms. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
How long can a GIF be?
There's no official limit, but keep it under 10 seconds. The tool allows up to 10.
How do I make a GIF smaller?
Shorten it, lower the width, or reduce the frame rate. See how to make a GIF smaller.
Does a GIF have sound?
No. GIF is an image format, so it's always silent.
Will my GIF loop?
Yes. GIFs from the tool loop forever.
Is it free to make a GIF from a video?
Yes, with no watermark and no account.
