How to Make a GIF From a Video

A GIF is a short, silent clip that loops on its own. It is handy for a reaction, a small demo or a moment you want to share in a chat. You can make one from any video that you have. This guide shows how to do it in your browser, and how to keep the file from getting too big.

Use videos that you own or may edit.

The short answer

1. Open the free Solyptube Video to GIF converter.
2. Choose your video.
3. Set where the clip starts and how long it is (up to 15 seconds).
4. Pick the width and the frames per second, then press Make GIF.
5. Download your GIF.

Step by step

1. Find the exact second where your clip should start. Play the video on your phone and note the time.
2. In the converter, type that time in Start at.
3. Type the length of the clip in Length. Short clips work best.
4. Choose a width. 480 px is a good size for chats and web pages.
5. Choose the frames per second. 12 looks smooth enough for most clips.
6. Press Make GIF, wait for the bar to finish and download the file.

Why is my GIF so big?

A GIF stores every frame as a picture, so it gets large fast. Three settings make it smaller:

• Shorter clip. Half the length is about half the size.
• Smaller width. 320 px is much lighter than 640 px.
• Fewer frames per second. 8 frames is smaller than 15, but the motion is less smooth.

If the clip must be long, a short MP4 is usually a better choice than a GIF. Learn how to make a video smaller in our guide to compressing a video.

Where can I use a GIF?

• Chats and messaging apps.
• Web pages and blog posts.
• Emails, if the file is small.

Some apps convert GIFs to short videos, or limit their size. For the right shapes and sizes for social apps, see the best video size for Reels, Shorts and Snapchat.

Does a GIF have sound?

No. GIF files cannot carry sound. If you need sound, keep the clip as a video.

Is my video uploaded?

No. The GIF is made in your browser, so your video stays on your device. The first time you use the tool, a converter of about 30 MB is downloaded once and kept in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a GIF from a video?

Choose your video in the converter, set the start time and length, pick a width and the frames per second, and press Make GIF. Then download the file.

How long can the GIF be?

Up to 15 seconds. GIFs are large files, so short clips work best.

Is the converter free?

Yes. You do not need an account or an app.

Can I make a GIF from a YouTube video or a link?

This tool works only on video files that you already have on your device. Only use videos that you own or have permission to edit.

Why does my GIF look rough?

GIFs use a small set of colors, so photos and gradients can look grainy. A larger width and more frames per second help, but they make the file bigger.