Android: How to convert a GIF to a video on your phone or tablet

Turn any animated image into a video in a jiffy!

GIFs are animated images. You could say they're a hybrid of videos and photos. You may have sent or received a couple of them while texting on social media. They're one way to spice up conversations and be more expressive when stickers or emojis don't have the energy you want. However, some social apps and media players don't support them. On Instagram, you can only post animated GIFs in comment sections. The best way to work around this setback is to convert them to a video format.

Creating a GIF from a video is easy, but doing the reverse isn't as exciting. Since they are heavily compressed during the process, don't expect a full HD resolution when you revert them. There are many websites and software to help you do it on PCs, but it's quicker if you use your Android tablet or phone. In this guide, we show you how to turn any GIF into a video in minutes.

The Graphics Interchange Format (GIF), pronounced as the "jiff" in "jiffy," is an animated image that plays for seconds and doesn't have sound. It loops the same action, and like memes, its most common use is to express jokes or emotions. When texting, you select the one that matches the mood of the conversation, then send it.

You need videos or photos to make a GIF. The videos can be an episode from a series, a TikTok clip, or a camera recording. As for photos, you can group different ones so that they have a slideshow or flipbook effect. Alternatively, you can add animated text or elements to one photo and turn it into a GIF. GIPHY and Tenor are examples of services that allow you to create them or use other people's works. These services are integrated into social media apps, so you can send an instant GIF. Most modern smartphones also support sharing one directly from your keyboard.

You may want to change a GIF to a video format for different reasons, especially to post them on platforms that don't support them. However, GIFs have an 8-bit limit and are reduced to a 256-color palette when compressed. While they don't consume storage space or mobile data, reverting them to video format can produce pixelated or blurry results. Also, you don't get the original sound from the video as it's lost during conversion to GIF format. You'll use a video editing app to overlay a new one on it.

Mobile GIF converters are safer and quicker to use compared to third-party websites. Since most content on the Google Play Store has passed security screening, there's less risk of introducing malware on your device. But you have to download an app, which may be unnecessary if you don't plan to convert GIFs frequently. In that case, scroll down to the website section to make conversions without committing to an app. If you don't mind downloading apps, use the following ones to turn GIFs into videos.

CapCut is a free video editor, and it's famous among TikTokers because of its cool templates and transition effects. One of its unique features is automated captions. When you add audio to your GIF, prompt the app to scan it and generate captions so that you don't have to type them. It's not always accurate, and you may have to make adjustments. Also, you can increase your GIF length from seconds to minutes, throw in multiple effects, and export it as a video. To get started, use the steps below:

Filmora is another free video editing app and AI image generator. It supports GIF uploads, so you can edit one with texts, transitions, and filters, as well as adjust sharpness, among other controls. Once you're done, export your watermarked video to your device or Wondershare's cloud storage. It offers 512MB of space for storing files and is expandable up to one terabyte. To remove watermarks, increase storage space, and get more out of Filmora, subscribe to the Pro plan. Follow the steps below to use the mobile app for GIF conversions:

GIFBuz allows you to create GIFs from scratch or download and edit existing ones. Its library features Tenor and GIF Gallery content. Although GfyCat content appears there, the service has shut down. You'll get an error message if you try to download and edit its GIFs. Here's how to use the mobile app to turn GIFs into videos:

This GIF Maker doubles as a screen recorder, and you can make a GIF from the recordings. It also features a library containing Tenor content, so you can download or remix them when you don't have any interesting media files. The app is free, but you'll need the premium plan to escape ads and turn GIFs into images. Follow the steps below to convert them to videos at no cost:

GIF conversion websites are a convenient option if you don't want to download extra apps. For faster access, pin your favorite ones to your device's homescreen. Since they're not actual apps, they don't consume storage space. Here are some of the best websites for turning GIFs into videos on Android.

Photoshop's creators present a user-friendly online tool for GIF conversions. It's free forever without limits and watermarks, but you must sign up to use it. Also, it's straightforward and has a three-part process. Since it doesn't offer many features besides a trimmer, you only need to upload your GIF, adjust the length, and download. Anything else you need must be complemented with a video editing tool. To get started, use the steps below:

This website is among the most versatile ones on the internet. It can convert any file, from TIFF, GIF, JPG, and PNG, to MOV, MP4, M4A, and AVI formats. You can also convert spreadsheets, e-books, and presentations without charge. It doesn't have watermarks, and you don't need an account to use it. However, it could use preview functionality. You can't see your edits live until you download them. So, if you don't get it right, upload the GIF and try again. To use the website without complications, follow these steps:

Ezgif is a simple tool for editing images and making GIFs. The website may be annoying since it doesn't keep everything in one place. After creating your GIF, upload your video again under the separate menu for adding text. Also, interacting with options to mute, resize, and apply other edits to your file causes the page to reload. But if you don't mind these delays to get your desired GIF, use the following steps to get started:

GIFs portray reactions that closely resemble what you would've done in person, creating a more realistic effect in conversations. There is no shortage of ways to create them, and if you've ever wondered how to do it, one method is to use Top Shot in Google Photos.

Top Shot or Motion Photos is a select Google Pixel and Samsung phones feature. It allows your camera app to shoot short clips before and after you take a picture. This way, you don't miss important details, like someone performing a cool stunt. Once you shoot a motion photo, turn it into a fun GIF and share it with friends or family on supported platforms!

Irene is a Freelance Writer who helps professionals and startups build an audience with original content online. She has written over 200 articles in Tech, E-commerce, and Food niches within 4 years of experience. She's a couch potato who loves gaming and listening to music, when she's not typing furiously on her laptop.