Turning a video into a GIF on WhatsApp is a great way to share short, animated moments from longer videos with your contacts. GIFs load faster than videos, don’t require sound, and can be viewed directly in chats without needing to open a separate player. WhatsApp makes converting videos to GIFs easy to do right within the app. Here’s a step-by-step guide to turning a video into a GIF using WhatsApp.
Requirements
To turn a video into a GIF with WhatsApp, you’ll need:
- The latest version of the WhatsApp app installed on your iPhone or Android phone
- A video saved in your phone’s local storage that you want to convert to a GIF
- Enough free storage space on your phone to save the exported GIF
Step 1: Open the Video in WhatsApp
The first step is to add the video you want to convert to WhatsApp:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
- Tap the Attach button (paperclip icon) at the bottom.
- Select Video to browse your phone’s local files.
- Tap the video you want to convert to a GIF to add it to your message thread.
Step 2: Trim the Video (Optional)
If you don’t need the full video for your GIF, you can trim it directly in WhatsApp:
- With the video added to your message thread, tap and hold on it to open a menu.
- Tap the Scissor icon to open trimming mode.
- Use the sliders at the bottom to set the start and end points of the trimmed clip.
- Tap the Check icon to trim the video down and preview it.
- Repeat steps 2-4 to refine the trimmed clip as needed.
Step 3: Convert to GIF
Once you have the clip you want, it’s time to convert to a GIF:
- With the trimmed video in your message thread, tap and hold on it to open the menu.
- Tap the GIF icon (shown as a looping arrow).
- This will open a preview of the GIF – check that you’re happy with it.
- Tap the Send button to convert and attach the GIF to your message thread.
That’s all there is to it! The video will now send as an animated GIF to your recipient. The GIF will also be saved to your phone’s storage so you can reuse it later.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips when converting videos to GIFs for the best results:
- Trim longer videos to 5-10 seconds long to keep GIF sizes manageable.
- Use videos with high contrast and bright colors that translate well to GIFs.
- Make sure the subject is well-framed and centered in the clip.
- Avoid camera shake or excess motion blur which may look odd in GIF form.
- Consider muting audio in the clip since GIFs don’t contain sound.
Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and fixes for converting videos to GIFs with WhatsApp:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| GIF looks pixelated | Use a higher resolution video source. WhatsApp compresses GIFs which can degrade quality. |
| GIF is too large | Trim the video clip shorter or choose a less complex scene. |
| GIF is distorting or glitchy | Some codecs don’t convert well to GIF. Try converting from a different video file. |
| GIF not animating | Make sure the clip is at least 3 seconds long. GIFs need a minimum length to animate. |
Other WhatsApp GIF Tools
In addition to converting videos, WhatsApp has a few other built-in tools for working with GIFs:
- Search – Tap the GIF icon in attachments to search and browse trending GIFs provided by Tenor.
- Favoriting – When viewing a GIF, tap the Star icon to save it to your favorites for quick access later.
- Drawing – Use the Doodle icon in attachments to draw or add text directly on top of GIFs.
Third-Party Apps
If the GIF tools in WhatsApp don’t meet your needs, third-party apps provide more advanced GIF creation options. Some top apps to try include:
- Giphy – Web and mobile app with huge library of GIFs and DIY GIF maker.
- Kapwing – Browser-based video editor for GIFs up to 3 minutes long.
- ezGIF – Online GIF resizing, optimization, and frame rate tools.
- IMGPLAY – Create and edit animated GIFs on both iOS and Android.
The best third-party option depends on your specific needs and platform. Look for apps that integrate directly with WhatsApp to simplify sharing your new GIF creations.
Conclusion
Turning videos into animated GIFs is a fun way to add some visual flair to your WhatsApp messages. The app makes it quick and easy to do without any third-party software. For best results, trim clips to highlights, choose the right source content, and utilize the tools WhatsApp provides.
With the power to create great looking GIFs right in WhatsApp, you can give your messages some extra personality and style. Surprise your friends or make conversations more lively by sending reactions, jokes, or iconic moments in GIF form.
So next time you capture a funny video or see a meme you love, turn it into an animated GIF to share the joy with all your WhatsApp contacts. It takes just a few taps!