A free video to GIF converter can help you transform any type of video file into an animation in just a few minutes. You can use such a tool for creating GIFs from movies or videos hosted on platforms like YouTube. Such animations can be later used as your profile picture, smartphone wallpaper, website element, etc.
Quality video to GIF software should help you quickly handle any conversion process without requiring complex manipulations. They also shouldn't lower the quality of the footage while allowing you to pick the framerate, aspect ratio, speed, and start and endpoints of the GIF. The most advanced options also allow you to add text and pictures to the animation and offer basic video editing tools for cropping and color correcting the footage or enhancing it with various effects.
Verdict: Adobe Express is among the best free GIF makers that allows users to effortlessly convert the desired videos into memes, reaction GIFs, and other types of content. This software lets you pick from 3 size settings for the created animation: large for an HQ file, medium for social media GIFs, and small for low-res animations that you can post anywhere you want.
Another attractive feature included in Photoshop Express is the ability to easily adjust the aspect ratio of the GIF to ensure it fits your chosen platform perfectly. You can pick between square, landscape, and portrait options. The handy trimming tool is the cherry on top.
Verdict: GIPHY is among the most popular free GIF makers with no watermark that lets even complete beginners easily convert videos into GIF animations within half a minute. I appreciate the provided ability to determine the duration of the GIF, the start and endpoints, and enhance it with captions, stickers, and effects to make it unique.
After you’re done, the GIF is posted on Giphy. If you want other users to find your GIF, you can add tags to its description or use the generated link to embed the animation into your website, social media post, etc. The platform automatically creates separate links for different file sizes.
Verdict: You can use this video to GIF app for converting your MP4, AVI, FLV, WebM, WMV, and other types of videos into stunning GIF files. You can import the video from your PC, phone, or internet server.
Once the video is imported, the user can pick what part of the clip needs to be converted. If you don't pick anything, the app will produce a 5-second animation starting at the beginning of the video. If you want to adjust the resolution of the GIF or crop a part of the scene, you can employ the included resize and crop features once the conversion process is done.
Verdict: If you’re interested in a video to GIF converter that allows you to handle large files with satisfying speed to create quality GIFs, this is the best free video to GIF converter for your needs. It’s compatible with over 1200 file formats and offers convenient editing functionality and straightforward tools.
Even though Zamzar doesn’t provide any bonus features like stickers or text that you can add to your GIF, it excels at performing its main task – converting files. If you experience any issues during or after the conversion, you can always reach out to Zamzar’s 24/7 support team.
Verdict: MakeAGIF is a straightforward animation creator that provides loads of GIF generation features including video to GIF, YouTube to GIF, image to GIF, etc. You can create any type of GIF you need without having to download any software or create an account.
Simply drag and drop the desired video and the conversion process will start automatically once you pick the needed length and starting point of the animation and click the appropriate button. Its most notable standout feature is the ability to adjust the GIF playing speed.
Verdict: Convertio is a reliable online video converter that allows transforming files in over 37 formats to GIFs. I also appreciate the provided ability to alter the video's resolution, duration, framerate, and other settings, which leaves you in full control over the exported file.
Videos can be imported from Google Drive, your PC, a URL link, Dropbox, or other locations. Once you've uploaded the file, pick GIF as the export format and you're good to go. You can also add a Convertio extension to your browser to make the conversion process even more convenient and faster.
Verdict: VideoSolo is another quality free video to GIF converter that is available on Windows. Installing and learning how to use this software is a breeze and its UI is extremely user-friendly. Even if you’ve never used similar software before, you’ll have no problem performing the conversion.
VideoSolo allows you to convert several videos to GIF files simultaneously while also offering handy features like a trimmer and a text tool. Another strength of this option is the long list of supported formats that includes MP4, MPEG, AVI, WMV, and many others.
Verdict: Movavi is often considered to be the best free video to GIF converter as it offers terrific speed, convenient tools, and reliable results. It also receives a lot of praise for its batch conversion feature that makes the task of producing dozens of GIFs in minimum time a breeze.
Another aspect I admire about Movavi is its customization options that allow you to produce exciting animations that are enhanced with effects, subtitles, etc. If you click the Cogwheel symbol, you’ll also be able to adjust the framerate, size, and quality of the exported file. Lastly, Movavi is equipped with AI-based technology that lets you upscale GIF quality.
Verdict: Freemore is a reliable tool that allows you to freely transform videos into GIF files while letting you specify the number of frames you want to be included in the animation. Additionally, you can easily customize the width and height of the GIF if you want to post it somewhere other than on popular social media platforms.
You can get Freemore for free and use it for converting nearly all widely-used video formats like MP4, MPEG, MOV, FLV, and many others. One of the most useful features included in this software is the preview box that allows you to examine how the exported GIF will look like before you start the conversion process.
Freemore also boasts a user-friendly UI and a handy tutorial that will guide uninitiated users through every step of the conversion to ensure they don’t make any mistakes or feel lost.
Verdict: Imgur is a fantastic solution for sharing pictures and GIFs online that also offers a separate tool for performing video to GIF conversion. All you need is a link to the video that needs to be transformed into an animation since Imgur doesn’t let you import videos straight from your PC. Once you’ve copied the link, you can conveniently specify the duration of the exported GIF file.
The provided timeline handles simplify the process of choosing the GIF's start and endpoints. Meanwhile, Imgur itself regularly receives updates that contain new features and themes. Other inclusions that make this tool arguably the best free video to GIF converter out there are the text overlay feature and the ability to create GIFs that keep the audio track of the original video, which can be incredibly useful.
