CloudConverterConvert an MP4 video to an animated GIF for chats, forums, documentation and websites that show short clips without a video player.
MP4 vs GIF: what changes
MP4 is an efficient video format with sound and millions of colors. GIF stores frames one after another, is limited to 256 colors per frame and has no audio. That makes a GIF much larger than an MP4 of the same clip, and smooth gradients can look banded.
When to convert MP4 to GIF
Use it for short reactions, screen recordings, product demos and step-by-step clips, or when a platform accepts GIF but not video.
Before you convert
A GIF has no sound, so the audio is dropped. File size grows quickly with length and resolution, so keep clips short. If the result is too large, trim the video before you convert it.
Tips for converting MP4 to GIF
Trim the clip to just the moment you need before converting. A few seconds is ideal. Screen recordings and simple scenes convert more cleanly than footage with fast motion and smooth gradients.
Convert MP4 to GIF on any device
Open this page on your phone or computer, choose your MP4 and download the GIF. On iPhone and Android, pick the video from your gallery or Files app. On Windows and Mac, drag the file onto the upload box. Uploads can be up to 200 MB, but short clips work best.
Frequently asked questions
Does the GIF include sound?
No. The GIF format cannot store audio, so the sound from your MP4 is left out.
Why is my GIF so much bigger than the MP4?
GIF is an old format with very weak compression. The same clip is often many times larger as a GIF. Shorter clips give smaller files.
How long should the video be?
As short as possible. Every extra second makes the GIF much larger. A few seconds is a good target.
Can I convert a long video to GIF?
You can upload files up to 200 MB, but long videos produce very large GIFs. Trim first for better results.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. Open this page in your phone browser, choose the video from your gallery and download the GIF.
Is it free to convert MP4 to GIF?
Yes. It is free, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Are my files kept after conversion?
No. Uploaded files are processed and deleted after your download. We do not keep a library of your files.
Is there a file size limit?
Uploads are capped at 200 MB per file.