How to convert MP4 to GIF
- Drop your MP4 files into the box above, or click it to choose from your device.
- GIF is already selected for you. Press "Convert to GIF".
- Download each new GIF file, or grab them all at once as a ZIP.
Why convert MP4 to GIF?
MP4 files are best for sharing and uploading video anywhere. GIF is the better choice for short looping animations and reactions. It opens in everything, while MP4 opens in every phone, browser, TV and editor.
GIF uses lossy compression, so the converter encodes at high quality settings that look (or sound) identical to the original for everyday use.
MP4 vs GIF at a glance
| MP4 | GIF | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy (usually H.264) | Lossless, max 256 colours |
| Opens in | Every phone, browser, TV and editor | Everything |
| Best for | sharing and uploading video anywhere | short looping animations and reactions |
What happens to your file
The page runs FFmpeg, the open-source media engine used inside most video and audio software, compiled to WebAssembly so it works inside your browser. Your file is converted on your own processor, which is why a long video takes longer on an older laptop, and why nothing is uploaded.
Tips for a clean conversion
- Drop a whole folder's worth of MP4 files at once. They convert one after another and you can download everything as a single ZIP.
- Keep your original MP4 files until you have checked the results. Converting back later is rarely lossless.
- GIF is a lossy format. Convert from the best original you have, not from a file that was already compressed.
- The video engine downloads once (about 10 MB) the first time you use it, then stays cached. Long or 4K videos can take a while because the work happens on your own device.
About the formats
MP4: The universal video format. Plays on virtually every phone, browser and TV.
GIF: Old but universal format for short looping animations and simple graphics.
Questions
- Is it safe to convert MP4 to GIF here?
- Yes. The conversion runs entirely inside your web browser. Your MP4 file is never uploaded to a server, so nobody else can see it.
- Will I lose quality?
- GIF uses lossy compression, so the converter encodes at high quality settings that look (or sound) identical to the original for everyday use.
- Can I convert several MP4 files at once?
- Yes. Drop as many files as you like. Each one is converted in turn, and you can download them one by one or all together as a ZIP.
- Is it free?
- Yes. There is no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many files you convert.
- Does it work on a phone?
- Yes. The converter runs in any modern browser, including Safari on iPhone and Chrome on Android, so you can convert MP4 files without installing an app.