GIF is an image file format that, unlike other image formats, supports animations. Basically, you can record short clips and save or share them in the GIF format. The format is now widely used to liven up chats and for quick tutorials. We cover several apps and services that will let you create GIF images on your device. Once installed, you’ll be able to make GIFs from scratch, convert videos to GIFs, and even modify your existing GIF images.
Good to know: Windows users can make a GIF using VLC and GIMP.
1. WhatsApp
Price: Free
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app, but did you know that you can use it to create GIFs? The process is quite simple, and you can do it directly from a chat window on your mobile device or PC.
Press the Attach button, and select Gallery. Find the desired video, and if it’s larger than six seconds, trim it down a bit. Tap the mini GIF button to create the miniclip, then tap Send.
Since you probably already have WhatsApp installed on your device, it’s worth trying to create GIFs with it.
Tip: check out the best ways to extract text from an image on various platforms.
2. GIPHY
Price: Free
GIPHY is a well-known database of GIFs, but the app also lets you create your own. The library is pretty substantial, so if you don’t feel creative, you can easily browse and send GiFs. You can even save GIFs to your device for later use.
You can easily create GIFs too. Use the app to record short videos, which are then transformed into GIFs. In addition, edit your looping videos by adding stickers and effects, as well as text, before they go live.
You can activate various filters before you start shooting the mini clip, too. Once the video is ready, you can opt to upload it to GIPHY servers or just save it to your device, then send it out to others.
3. GIF Maker, GIF Editor
Price: Free with premium options
Availability: Android
GIF Maker, GIF Editor is an app that allows users to create GIFs in various ways, among other things.
The app enables you to craft GIFs from images, as well as videos. Once you’ve made a GIF, edit it by adding stickers, text, effects and more. Use your own material for the GIF, or shoot the video or images with your phone’s camera from within the app. The app also enables you to edit preexisting GIFs you already have on your phone.
You’ll also find a GIF compression tool inside the app, as well as conversion options (GIF to Video, GIF to Images, etc.) GIF Maker, GIF Editor is free to download, but if you want to get rid of all the ads and unlock a few more options, like a set of 32 professional stickers and support for up to 600 frames, you’ll have to upgrade to the Pro version.
FYI: need to find the source of a picture? Learn how to do a reverse image search from an Android phone.
4. GIF Me!
Price: Free with premium options
GIF Me! is an easy-to-use GIF maker that creates short clips via multiple methods. You can put a few images together, which are then played in a loop. Alternatively, shoot a quick video using your phone’s camera. There’s also an option to import files from your mobile device.
Once you have a video or a batch of photos ready to stitch together, you can add filters. There’s also a range of editing options that allow you to rearrange frames, adjust speed and add text/stickers.
While the app is free to use to create your GIFs, it does have ads. To remove them, you’ll need to make a quick donation.
5. Coub
Price: Free
Another great mobile app for making GIFs is Coub. The app also doubles as a platform for sharing short video clips, in the vein of TikTok or Instagram Reels.
Coub lets you create GIFs from your existing videos or around the Web. For the latter option, you’ll need to paste the link into Coub. Or, if you prefer, you can shoot the video using your own camera.
While Coub doesn’t have many video editing options (you can’t add filters or stickers, for example), it does allow you to add sounds to your looping clips. You can upload these from your device or paste links from YouTube. Resulting GIFs are posted on your profile, but users can easily download them.
Tip: learn how to back up Google Photos to your computer.
6. Google Photos
Price: Free with premium options
Google Photos is a photo management app, but it also allows you to create and edit GIFs. Most Android phones have Google Photos preinstalled, so this method could be a good option if you don’t want to install additional apps on your device.
Once you’ve uploaded your clip to Google Photos, you can edit it. Make sure you trim the clip so that it’s short and effective. You can also use effects, filters, and markup, and edit the clip’s brightness, contracts, and more.
Once everything is according to your preferences, you’ll have to use the Loop video on option to convert the video into a GIF. With this step out of the way, all that’s left is to download the looping video on your device. Note, however, that it will be downloaded in MP4 format. To turn it into a GIF, you’ll have to perform a quick conversion with another tool from this list.
7. Canva
Price: Free with premium options
Availability: Web, Android, iOS
Canva is a popular online graphic design platform that also has GIF creator. You’ll need to sign up with an account to use this functionality.
With that out of the way, upload the video or images. In addition, you can add an audio track to your GIF. You’ll need to trim your video to a short GIF using the editing tools, then set the clip to Play on repeat.
Canva also offers the option to enhance your clip by using effects and adjusting things like contrast or highlights. When it’s time to save the clip on your local device, make sure you switch to the GIF format. By default, Canva will save the video as an MP4.
8. EzGif
Price: Free
Availability: EzGif
Want a GIF as your avatar or profile image on a website, but the size is too large? You can use the EzGif tool to easily fix the problem.
This is a web service that helps users change the dimensions of their animated GIFs. First, upload a GIF, and set the desired image size (width and height). Next, select the resize method and what you want to happen if the aspect ratio does not match, then press Resize image!
EzGif offers other tools as well, including a GIF Maker that lets you create clips from images. Alternatively, use the Video to GIF convertor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I play animated GIFs on Mac?
Made a GIF but not really sure how to play it on your Mac? Interestingly, while the Preview app can easily handle all types of formats, it can’t play GIFs. Read on to learn how to get around this limitation.
Can I use GIFs as wallpapers?
Sure. Learn how to use an animated GIF as your wallpaper on a Mac or Android.
What's the difference between a GIF and a JPG?
JPG and GIF are both image formats that will store images. If you wish to know what sets them apart, read about the differences in depth.
Image credit: Freepik. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
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