# Convert GIF to MP4

GIFs are huge for what they show, and many apps and sites prefer video. Turn an animated GIF into an H.264 MP4 that keeps every frame and its timing, at a fraction of the size.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/tools/gif-to-mp4 · Updated 2026-09-29_

**Quick answer:** To convert a GIF to MP4, choose the GIF, pick how many times the animation should play and press Convert to MP4. Every frame keeps its own timing, transparent areas become white or black, and the MP4 is usually 5 to 20 times smaller than the GIF. It is converted in your browser; nothing is uploaded.

## How to use it

1. Choose an animated GIF (up to {tool_max}).
2. Pick how many times the animation should play in the video, and the colour for transparent areas.
3. Press Convert to MP4.
4. Watch the result on the page, then download it or send it with a link.

## Why MP4 instead of GIF

GIF is a 1980s image format: it stores every frame as a separate 256-colour picture with simple compression. Video codecs such as H.264 store only what changes between frames, with millions of colours, so the same animation is typically **5 to 20 times smaller** as an MP4 and looks smoother. That is why X (Twitter), Reddit, Giphy and chat apps quietly turn uploaded GIFs into video.

| | GIF | MP4 (H.264) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Colours | 256 per frame | Millions |
| Typical size | Large | 5 to 20 times smaller |
| Transparency | Yes (on/off) | No |
| Loops by itself | Yes | Only if the player loops it |
| Sound | No | Possible (add it with [Add audio to video](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/tools/add-audio-to-video)) |

## Timing, looping and transparency

- **Timing**: each frame keeps its own delay from the GIF, so pauses and speed-ups stay exactly as they were. Frames marked faster than 20 ms are shown for 100 ms, as browsers do.
- **Looping**: a GIF repeats forever; an MP4 plays once unless the app loops it (most chat apps and social sites loop short clips). To be safe, repeat a short animation 2 to 10 times inside the video.
- **Transparency**: MP4 cannot be see-through, so transparent areas become white or black.

## Made on your device

The GIF is decoded and encoded to H.264 by your browser (WebCodecs, hardware-accelerated where available). Nothing is uploaded and there is no watermark. It works in current Chrome, Edge, Safari 17 or newer and Firefox 130 or newer. Going the other way? Use [Video to GIF](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/tools/video-to-gif).

## Frequently asked questions

### How much smaller is an MP4 than a GIF?

Usually 5 to 20 times smaller for the same animation, more for long or colourful GIFs.

### Will the MP4 loop like the GIF?

Only if the player loops it. Most chat apps and social sites loop short videos; to be sure, repeat the animation several times in the video.

### What happens to transparent parts?

MP4 has no transparency, so they become white or black, as you choose.

### Is there a watermark or upload?

No watermark, and the GIF is converted on your device without being uploaded.