GIFs are image files you often see in memes, on social media, and more. They stand out from other images because they move. It’s often useful to convert videos to GIF files.
In this article, you’re going to see the top ways to convert video into GIF images. We’ll look at six apps and tools that do the work for you. And we’ll explore how to turn a video into a GIF using one of these video to GIF converter options.
When you’re finished, you’ll be able to choose a video to GIF converter tool, and use it with your favorite videos. Let’s get started!
Why Learn How to Turn a Video into a GIF?
Before we dive in and explore GIF converter tools, let’s explore the advantages of converting a video into a GIF. Think of how these apply to your own work and online social media. It’s easy to see, the benefits are many:
- Shareability. GIFs are amazingly easy to share almost anywhere. They don’t require proprietary video file formats. This makes them useful for sharing in text messages, on social media, in your email, and more.
- Animation features. Think about GIFs that you’ve seen. Remember how they loop over and over again? This handy autoplay is great for sharing. Those who see your GIF won’t have to hit a “Play” button.
- Viewability. GIFs work on virtually any modern device. You don’t need special software or equipment to view them.
- Reduced file size. GIF files are dramatically smaller than actual video files. This makes them easier to both share and store.
Now, let’s look at some leading video to GIF converter options.
The Top Video to GIF Converter Options for 2024
Below, we’ve listed six video to GIF converters. All of these are web-based tools where you can see how to make GIFs from videos. But they vary in functionality and features. We’ll explore each in turn, and consider the key details of each.
1. Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a free tool to turn a video into a GIF. It fits into the broad Adobe ecosystem of apps, tools, and services. With Adobe Express, you can upload a video file of your choice, up to 1 gigabyte in size. Then, you’ll use the online editor to adjust the start and ending times of your GIF.
Key features of Adobe Express include:
- Fully online functionality. There’s no need to download any apps.
- Quick edits. While not fully-featured, you can trim, adjust, and specify GIF quality.
- No premium tier. This is a completely free solution.
2. EZGIF
EZGIF is another online tool to see how to make GIFs from videos. Like Adobe Express above, it’s completely browser-based. This means you can use it from your favorite web browser. No app downloads are required.
Other pros and cons of EZGIF include:
- Online editing tools. EZGIF supports cropping, and the addition of basic effects.
- A small video file size limit. Videos are capped at 100mb each.
- The ability to paste in a URL. You can link directly to an online video.
- Other conversion options. For example, you can convert GIFs into MP4 videos.
3. Giphy
Giphy is a vast library of online GIFs. Odds are, you’ve seen Giphy’s content on social media. Visit the homepage, and it’s a look at today’s pop culture. But Giphy also includes a tool to make GIFs from videos of your own. You can upload a file, or link to a web video.
With Giphy, notable features and requirements include:
- Decorative editing tools. For example, you can add your own text or colorful filters.
- A free account is needed. Giphy asks that you register in order to convert videos to GIFs.
- Limited file formats. You’ll find support for MP4 and MOV videos only.
4. Veed.io
Veed.io is an online way to convert video files into GIF images. It fits into the VEED Create suite of web apps that fill a variety of production needs. This one stands out because it has a more fully-featured set of editing tools. For example, you can rotate GIFs, add emojis, text captions, and more.
In Veed.io, you’ll also note:
- The ability to build GIFs from YouTube videos that you’ve uploaded.
- Seasonal filters and options for birthdays, holidays, and more.
- GIF templates to give you ideas and streamline editing.
- Premium (subscription) tools for more advanced edits.
5. ImgFlip GIF Maker
Imgflip is a straightforward video to GIF converter. As with the other tools above, it works completely online. And similar to many other tools, you can choose to upload videos or just paste in a link.
Advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind with ImgFlip include:
- Broad file format support. Almost any video format you can think of works with ImgFlip.
- Watermarked files. A small, but visible, watermark is placed on your GIFs.
- Audio features with a premium subscription. While ImgFlip is free, features like GIF audio require a membership.
- Online and offline saving. You can save to your ImgFlip account if you are logged in. Or, you can download to your own computer.
6. Kapwing Video to GIF Converter
Kapwing is a full online suite for building videos. It includes a tool to convert video to GIF. With Kapwing, you can upload a video, and then create a GIF from it. You’ll find that it works in an online interface with a lengthy featureset.
Pros and cons of Kapwing include:
- Powerful editing tools. You can precisely trim, crop, and make minute adjustments.
- Captions and text features. Adding text to your GIFs is supported.
- Not all tools are available without registering. Large files and advanced edits may require an upgrade.
- Sixty-second editing. The workflow is quick, if you need to make a GIF from a video in a hurry.
How to Choose a Video to GIF Converter
Above, we’ve explored six tools to convert video to GIF files. As you can see, they’re somewhat similar in what they do and how they work. For example, all run completely online. You won’t have to spend time (or money) downloading special apps to your computer. But, how should you choose which tool to use for a video to GIF converter?
Think of the following. The answer is really up to you. All are useful tools. But the choice comes down to what you need to do. Consider these attributes:
- File size limits. Are your video files extremely large, or smaller? Not all converters support large files, especially for free.
- Format options. What video file format are you using, and is it supported?
- Editing features. Do you want to just trim a GIF online? Or do you want to add more custom effects?
- Pricing. Are you willing to invest in a paid product, or do you prefer a free tool?
- Downloading and sharing options. Do you want to download GIF files, or share them directly online?
Embrace these tips as you make your choice. In no time, you’ll be using your chosen video to GIF converter to make fun, cool, and inspiring GIFs.
How to Make GIFs from Videos Online (Step by Step)
Want to know how to turn a video into a GIF? This mini-tutorial will show you how. We’ll use Adobe Express, which we highlighted above.
With Adobe Express, let’s learn how to make GIFs from videos. It only takes a few clicks. You’ll be creating your own GIFs in a flash.
We’ll use a beautiful stock video clip from Envato Elements. Download it now if you want to follow along!
1. Upload a Video
Begin on the Adobe Express Video to GIF homepage on your web browser. In the lower left corner, you’ll see a purple button. It’s labeled Upload your video.
Click Upload your video, and you’ll be taken to the Upload screen. Here, you can choose Browse to open your computer’s file browser. Or, you can drag and drop a video file right into the gray box. Once you’ve chosen a video, it will begin to upload.
2. Create Your GIF in the Online Editor
You’ll be taken to the Convert to GIF screen. On the right, you’ll see a purple circle measuring the process of your video file upload. Once it’s finished, you’re ready to start editing.
On the left, you’ll see your video preview. On the right, you can control a few basic settings. For example, you can choose between Large, Medium, and Small file sizes.
Below, click the Size dropdown to change the shape of your GIF. Here, your options are Landscape, Portrait, and Square. As you change these, you can watch as the video preview transforms.
Finally, you can choose to trim your GIF. Click and drag on the black bars to choose new starting and ending points for the GIF.
3. Download and Share the GIF
Finally, click Download. Adobe Express will export and download your completed GIF. When it’s finished, click to open the downloaded file. You can preview it, and share it with the world.
Just like that, you’ve learned how to turn a video into a GIF. As you can see, it’s a simple process that you can apply to any video.
The Top Source for the Best Video Templates in 2024 (With Unlimited Downloads)
Video templates help you create amazing video projects of your own. The best source for these is Envato Elements. There are thousands of premium templates available for your favorite editing apps.
The Elements offer is powerful: unlimited downloads. You can download and use as many premium digital assets as you want! And these don’t just include video templates. You’ll also find GIFs, stock video, music, sound effects, and so much more. All are included in the unlimited downloads offer. You can’t afford to miss out!
And now, Envato Elements makes it easier than ever to find the perfect digital media for your next project. With our new AI-powered search assistant, you can simply type in your project needs. Tell AI what you’re looking for, and in moments, it will find ideal (human-built) digital assets for your needs.
Explore Envato Elements today and join now!
Convert Video to GIF Today
We looked at top tools to convert video to GIF files online. And you learned how to make GIFs from videos of your own! Now, it’s time to choose a converter option. When you do, you’ll be ready to start making your own GIFs from videos.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose a tool, and start building GIFs from your favorite videos right away. There’s no reason to delay. You’ll be amazed at what you can create!