How to Convert a Video to a GIF

Plan the GIF

Video to GIF converts a video clip into an animated GIF with controls for the selected moment, playback sampling, and output width. It suits short loops for a presentation, message, page, or social post when you need a GIF rather than the original video. The conversion uses an available FFmpeg runtime and applies palette generation and palette use during GIF creation.

Prepare valid media before you begin. The direct input limit is 50 MB, and a text-based file value must be strict Base64 representing the media. Empty or invalid media input is rejected, so checking the source and its size first can prevent an avoidable failed conversion.

Set the conversion controls

1. Provide the video through the file input. If the file is represented as text, use strict Base64; the media must be valid and no larger than 50 MB.

2. Enter the start time for the section to extract. The default is 0 seconds, and the permitted range is 0 through 86,400 seconds. Select a position that falls within the source video's available content.

3. Enter the duration of the GIF. The default is 3 seconds, while accepted values run from 0.1 through 30 seconds.

4. Choose the frame rate. The default is 10 frames per second, with a permitted range of 1 through 30 frames per second.

5. Set the output width. The default is 320 pixels, and the accepted range is 64 through 1,280 pixels. The output keeps the source aspect ratio, so its height follows the original proportions.

6. Start the conversion and inspect the result. Processing is reported as a failure when it exceeds 45 seconds, and success requires a nonempty output file.

Check the resulting animation

The result is an animated GIF representing the chosen portion of the source video, not the complete source file. Its beginning and length follow the start time and duration values, while the selected frame rate controls how frequently motion is represented in the animation.

The width corresponds to the value you selected within the documented range. Because scaling retains the source aspect ratio, the height is not an independent control and is determined by the original video's proportions. Palette generation and palette use are applied as part of the GIF conversion.

If the animation starts at the wrong moment, revise the start time. If it ends too soon or too late, change the duration within its allowed range. A failed result can indicate rejected media, a value outside a documented bound, processing beyond 45 seconds, or the absence of a nonempty output file.

Worked example

You have a 12-second video and want a GIF showing the action that begins four seconds into the clip.

Provide the clip, set the start time to 4 seconds, choose a 5-second duration, select 15 frames per second, set the width to 480 pixels, and start the conversion.

A nonempty animated GIF representing the selected five-second segment, with a 480-pixel width and the source aspect ratio retained.

Limitations

• Conversion depends on valid supported media, an available FFmpeg runtime, and a direct input no larger than 50 MB. Processing can fail after 45 seconds or if no nonempty output file is produced.

Common errors

• A rejected conversion can result from invalid or oversized media or a control value outside its permitted range. Correct it by supplying valid media within 50 MB and checking the start time, duration, frame rate, and width against their stated bounds.

FAQ

What video file size can I use?

When the media is valid and the direct input is no larger than 50 MB, it can be used. Empty or invalid media input is rejected.

How long can the GIF be?

The accepted duration is 0.1 through 30 seconds, and the starting default is 3 seconds.

Can I choose the GIF width?

The width can be selected from 64 through 1,280 pixels. The resulting height follows the source aspect ratio.