To make a GIF on iPhone, open the MobileStudio Video to GIF tool in Safari, pick a video from Photos, choose the seconds you want and a size limit, and download the GIF. For a built-in option, the Shortcuts app's Make GIF action turns videos and photos into GIFs. Both are free.
The short answer
| Method | Pick the section? | Size limit? | Built in? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video to GIF in Safari | Yes, up to 10 s | Yes: 1, 5, or 10 MB | No install needed |
| Shortcuts, Make GIF | Limited | No | Yes |
| Live Photo, Loop or Bounce | Whole Live Photo | No | Yes, but makes a video |
How do I turn a video into a GIF on iPhone?
- Open Safari and go to Video to GIF.
- Tap the drop area and choose the video from Photos.
- Set Start and Length (2 to 6 seconds works best).
- Pick a Size target: 1 MB for messages and docs, 5 MB for most sites.
- Tap Create GIF, then download it and save it to Files or Photos.
The GIF is built on your iPhone; the video isn't uploaded.
How do I make a GIF with Shortcuts?
The Shortcuts app includes a Make GIF action:
- Open Shortcuts and tap +.
- Add Select Photos and pick a video or a burst of photos when you run it.
- Add Make GIF. Adjust Seconds per Photo, Loop Forever, and Auto Size if you like.
- Add Save to Photo Album.
- Run the shortcut.
Shortcuts doesn't give you a size target, so long videos can make very large GIFs. Trim the video first in Photos, as Apple's trim guide shows.
What about Live Photo Loop and Bounce?
Open a Live Photo, tap the Live menu, and choose Loop or Bounce. It plays like a GIF in Photos, and Messages may send it as an animation. It's still a video file, though, and only works with Live Photos. To get a real .gif, convert the Live Photo's video with the browser tool.
Which iPhone method should I use?
Use the browser tool when the GIF is going somewhere with a size limit, such as a GitHub README, a Product Hunt gallery, or an email, because it guarantees the file fits. Use Shortcuts when you make GIFs often and want a one-tap automation, and accept that you'll need to check the size yourself.
How do I send a GIF on iPhone?
Saved GIFs play in Messages, Mail, and most chat apps. In Photos, GIFs appear in the Animated album. Some apps convert GIFs to video when you post them; that's normal.
How do I keep my iPhone GIF small?
- Keep it short: 2 to 6 seconds.
- Use 480 px width or less.
- Use 10 fps for most clips.
- Pick a size target, and the tool fits the GIF under it.
More in how to make a GIF smaller and best GIF size and frame rate.
Can I make a GIF from a screen recording on iPhone?
Yes. Record the screen, trim it to the key moment, then convert it in the tool. It's a quick way to show an app feature or a bug. See how to turn a screen recording into a GIF and how to screen record on iPhone. The GIF format itself is described by the Library of Congress in its GIF overview.
Where MobileStudio fits
Video to GIF is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns iPhone screen recordings into polished app demo videos. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Can iPhone make GIFs without an app?
Yes. Use Video to GIF in Safari, or the built-in Shortcuts app.
Where are GIFs saved on iPhone?
In Photos, in the Animated album, or in Files if you saved them there.
Is a Live Photo loop a GIF?
No. It plays like one but is a video. Convert it for a real GIF.
Why is my iPhone GIF so big?
It's too long or too wide. Trim it and use a size target.
Can I make a GIF from a YouTube video on iPhone?
Only from videos you have the rights to, such as your own.
