How to convert video to GIF

Want to turn a funny reaction video, epic fails, product demo, or gaming video into a 15-second GIF? GIFs are one of the most creative ways to communicate online, express your personality, and relate to viewers. Now with Clipchamp’s GIF maker, you can convert any video to a GIF without leaving your browser. 

Read on to learn how to convert video to GIF, trim, resize and share your GIFs with Clipchamp’s free online GIF maker.

How to convert video to GIFs

To use our online GIF maker, log in or sign up for free to Clipchamp's online video editor.

Step 1. Import your video 

Once you’re logged in, click on the + button to add your video to the Your media library. Drag and drop your files from your computer, or click on the browse files button. You can also import your video from Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Zoom, Box, Google photos, and your smartphone. If you don’t have a personal video to upload, check out our stock library.

Step 2. Drag and drop your video onto the timeline

To turn your video into a GIF, drag and drop your media file onto the timeline.

If you want to edit your video's aspect ratio to suit a social media platform, click on the 16:9 aspect ratio button on the right side of the editor. Choose between the 16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 4:5, 2:3, and 21:9 aspect ratios.

Step 3. Trim your video to 15 seconds

Clipchamp GIF videos have a maximum time limit of 15 seconds. If your video is longer than 15 seconds, you will not be able to export your video as a GIF. To shorten your video’s length, drag the green sidebar left and right.

Step 4. Save your video as a GIF

Click on the purple export button to save your GIF. Click on the GIF video resolution to turn your video into a GIF.

How to convert YouTube videos to GIFs

To convert YouTube videos to GIFs, you’ll need to download your YouTube video. Ensure video files are MP4, MOV, WEBM, AVI, DIVX, FLV, 3GP, WMV, VOB, DCM, and MKV format to be compatible with Clipchamp.

Converting YouTube videos to GIFs follows the same steps as the above video to GIF tutorial.

1. Upload your YouTube video to the Your media tab

2. Drag and drop your video onto the timeline

3. Trim it to 15 seconds or less

4. Export your video as a GIF

How to create a GIF using your webcam 

Creating GIFs from reaction videos and gaming videos is a fun way for creators and gamers to connect with their audience. All you have to do is upload your webcam recording or record your screen and webcam with Clipchamp’s screen and camera recorder.

Converting webcam videos to GIFs follows the same steps as the above video to GIF tutorial. If you haven’t used our webcam recorder before, you will need to allow Clipchamp to use your camera by selecting the Allow button when the popup window appears. 

1. Upload your webcam video to the Your media tab or record it directly in your browser

2. Drag and drop it onto the timeline

3. Trim it to 15 seconds or less

4. Export your video as a GIF.

Add special effects to your GIF

Merge different videos together to create one GIF

If you have more than one video clip you would like to use in your GIF, merge the video clips with fun transitions. Just make sure to keep your GIF under 15 seconds.

Personalize GIFs with text

To turn your GIF into a meme, just add the Meme text to your video. Click on the Text tab on the left sidebar. Scroll down until you find the Meme title. Drag and drop the title onto your timeline above your video, then personalize the text.

Customize GIFs with your logo or watermark

Create brand consistency by uploading your channel name, social media handle, or business name to the editor brand kit. Add your logo, watermark, or various texts in different fonts, colors, sizes, and positions anywhere in a GIF.

Edit the speed of your GIF

Easily adjust the clip speeds to change the pace of your video footage. If your clip is longer than 15 seconds, but you don’t want to trim it, try speeding up your clip to make it faster and have a shorter duration.

If you’re looking for more ways to edit your videos to GIFs, check out our how to add emojis to videos blog. Start creating your very own GIFs for free with Clipchamp.