Best 10 Tools to Help You Convert Video to Animated GIF

There are moments in our lives when you're watching a movie or short video, and the expression of the main character is so funny that you can't help but laugh. Suddenly, you realize that this expression could perfectly match your mood in many moments of your life. So you want to save it as a funny meme to share with your friends or online friends during chats.

However, don't forget that even if the video you capture is very short, video files are not as convenient to transfer as image formats. Both the sender and recipient consume data, and opening the video requires loading time.

Thus, a format that combines dynamic visuals with easy transmission—GIF—emerges. You can try converting video to animated GIF and then sending it to your friends.

If you're unsure how to do this, please refer to this guide. We've prepared 10 tools that support converting MP4 to animated GIF for you.

Part 1. Why Convert Video to Animated GIF

You may often wonder whether it is necessary to go to the trouble of converting videos into GIFs—after all, both formats can transmit images, and video formats may also include sound.

However, as we mentioned in the introduction, there are reasons for converting video to animated GIF format.

First, even if a video is very short, it will always take up more storage space than an image. Imagine how much pressure this would put on your phone's memory if it were filled with short videos.

Second, when chatting with friends or leaving comments, uploading videos will consume more data. Moreover, videos you post often won't play automatically. Your friends may need to first download the video and then click the play button to view it. This may not seem troublesome, but if you do this every time you communicate, it can become quite inconvenient. Additionally, videos typically only play once.

GIFs, on the other hand, are different. First, as an image format, they are simpler to send and receive; second, they have an automatic looping playback feature. This makes them ideal for creating emojis or demonstrating simple actions, with fairly high dissemination efficiency.

Overall, GIFs are far superior to short videos in terms of convenience, loading speed, and eye-catching appeal. You can simply extract a small segment from a video and turn video into an animated GIF.

Part 2. Convert MP4 to Animated GIF on Desktop

We hope that the above content has made you fully aware of the importance of making animated GIFs from videos. Now that we have covered that, we can begin the process.

First, let's take a look at some MP4 to animated GIF converters that can help you on your local computer.

Vidmore Video Converter

As the name suggests, Vidmore Video Converter's core functionality—format conversion—is exactly what you need. It can create GIFs using videos and images. There's no need to worry about compatibility issues, as Vidmore Video Converter supports over a thousand multimedia formats, meaning it can convert virtually any type of video into a GIF. What's more, it's incredibly easy to use.

Here is a guide on how to convert MP4 to animated GIF with Vidmore Video Converter.

Step 1. Download and install Vidmore Video Converter on your device. After launching its main interface, go to the Toolbox tab. Search for GIF Maker and open it.

Step 2. Upload your prepared MP4 video. Choose the Edit button. Apply the on-screen functions to modify the visual effects of your GIF.

Step 3. Preview the result. Finally, click Generate GIF.

FFmpeg

If you've ever done file format conversion tasks, you should be familiar with FFmpeg. As long as you have the corresponding code ready, it can convert videos, audio, crop videos, and convert MP4 to animated GIF on Mac and Windows.

However, the most headache-inducing step for most people is probably preparing the code. Don't worry, we've prepared an operation guide. Remember to first download the tool from the official FFmpeg website to your computer.

Before you begin, please note that only FFmpeg version 2.6 or higher supports converting video to GIF. You can check the version first.

Step 1. Open Terminal (command prompt on Windows computer. Navigate to the save path of your video).

Step 2. Input the command:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 output.gif

input.mp4: the file name of your video

output.gif: the file name of your generated GIF

If you only need to convert a segment of the video to GIF, use this command:” /]

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss X.0 -t Y trimmed.gif

-ss X.0: Trim from the Xth second

-t Y: Extract a segment with a duration of Y seconds

input.mp4: the file name of your video

trimmed.gif: the file name of your trimmed GIF

GIF Brewery 3

Like FFmpeg, GIF Brewery 3 also supports free video conversion to animated GIFs. However, it is clearly more professional. Before converting to GIF, you can crop and edit the source video, as well as add filters or text. This application is very Mac-friendly.

Here is how to apply it.

Step 1. Get GIF Brewery 3 on your device. Choose Videos on its main interface. A window will appear. Here, you can upload your video.

Step 2. Set the GIF animation starting and ending point. Make some settings.

Step 3. Finally, click Create.

WorkinTool VidClipper

WorkinTool VidClipper supports converting videos to GIFs and has added a new feature: screen recording. This means you can use it to capture and create GIF emoticons. Simply record the video material and convert it on the platform.

Here is how to convert MP4 or MOV to animated GIF with WorkinTool VidClipper.

Step 1. Get WorkinTool VidClipper. Choose the GIF Maker function.

Step 2. Click New Project to upload the file you want to convert.

Step 3. Click Convert Now.

Part 3. Make Animated GIF from Video on Mobile

Can you only make GIFs from videos on a computer? Of course not. You can do it on your phone's small screen too, as long as you have a great tool like one of these apps:

GIPHY

GIPHY works on Android, iPhone, and iPad, and its main feature is making and sharing GIFs. You can pick videos from your phone to use as material, or you can import and convert YouTube videos to animated GIFs directly from links.

Here is a simple guide on how to make GIF from video with GIPHY.

Step 1. Download and install GIPHY on your phone

Step 2. Upload your video

Step 3. Choose the start time and GIF duration. Add text, stickers, or filters if you want

Step 4. Click Share GIF.

Step 5. Finally, choose Save GIF.

ImgPlay GIF Maker

ImgPlay GIF Maker is a highly playable video-to-GIF converter. Not only can it create animated GIFs, but it can also add sound effects or music to GIFs. The playback speed of GIF animations can also be adjusted. With no system restrictions, ImgPlay GIF Maker is compatible with both Android and iOS systems.

Here is how to apply it.

Step 1. Get ImgPlay GIF Maker on your phone. Choose Video and upload the file from the gallery.

Step 2. Set the starting and ending point. Add the effects and adjust the settings as you like.

Step 3. Click Create and choose GIF as the output format.

Momento GIF Maker

Want to adjust the number of times a GIF loops? Momento GIF Maker is the app that can help you. In addition to recording videos and extracting GIFs from videos, it also supports adjusting the frame rate of animated images and the number of times a GIF loops. You can also use other tools to draw on GIFs.

Here is how to apply it.

Step 1. Get the Momento GIF Maker app on your phone

Step 2. Grant access to your videos and select one.

Step 3. Trim the video to choose the part you want.

Step 4. Customize your GIF.

Step 5. Tap the Save or Share button.

Part 4. Turn Video into Animated GIF Online

Actually, you don't necessarily need to download software or an app to make GIFs from videos. There are some online tools you can consider:

Ezgif

Ezgif is an expert in making GIFs. Just go to its official website to find the video to GIF, GIF to video converter. You can choose to upload a video from your local drive or provide a video URL to the platform. Although it is free, it can only handle files up to 100MB.

Here is how to convert MP4 to animated GIF online with Ezgif.

Step 1. Go to the official website of Ezgif.

Step 2. Click Choose File to upload your video.

Step 3. Click Upload video to load it into the editor.

Step 4. Use the red slider to select the part you want to turn into a GIF.

Step 5. Click Convert to GIF to start the process.

Step 6. Download the GIF.

Adobe Express

Seeing Adobe makes you think it might be a bit difficult to use? Don't worry, Adobe Express, as an online audio, video, and image editor, is not as complicated as Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro. It offers a standalone Convert to GIF feature that allows you to trim video footage and ultimately export it as a GIF file.

Here is how to apply it.

Step 1. Navigate to Adobe Express and choose Convert to GIF.

Step 2. Click Upload your video to add your video clip

Step 3. Trim the video if needed. Set file size and quality preferences.

Step 4. Click to save the GIF to your device.

Vidmore Free Video Converter Online

When it comes to the fastest and easiest MP4 or AVI to animated GIF converter, Vidmore Free Video Converter Online is the best choice. It supports all common formats and can easily export them to GIF files.

Here is how to convert video to GIF with Vidmore Free Video Converter Online.

Step 1. Launch Vidmore Free Video Converter Online with your browser.

Step 2. Click Start Converting Video to upload your file.

Step 3. Choose GIF as the output format.

Finally, click Convert to GIF.

Part 5. FAQs of Video to Animated GIF

Can you turn a video into an animated GIF?

Of course. Using a GIF converter, you can convert the entire video into a GIF, or just extract a segment and export it as a GIF. GIF converters such as Vidmore Video Converter or Ezgif can help you with this.

Is there a free GIF maker?

Of course. Ezgif, FFmpeg, and Vidmore Video Converter all allow you to create GIFs from videos for free.

Can I turn a video into a GIF on my iPhone?

Of course. There are many apps in the App Store that support this feature, such as GIPHY and ImgPlay GIF Maker mentioned in this article.

Conclusion

This article introduces a total of 10 tools to help you convert video to animated GIF, including 4 desktop software programs, 3 mobile apps, and 3 useful online converters. Each tool comes with simple usage instructions. We hope to solve all your GIF creation problems in one place.