MP4 to GIF: high-quality settings that actually work

Converting MP4 to GIF can produce blurry or huge files if settings are not tuned correctly.

This guide gives a reliable baseline for "mp4 to gif converter", "video to gif high quality", and similar searches.

Start with these defaults

Clip length: 3 to 8 seconds
FPS: 10 to 15
Width: 640px (or 720px for cleaner text)
Palette: per-frame for detail, global for smaller files
Loop: 0 (infinite)

Why GIF quality drops

GIF is limited to 256 colors per frame. If your MP4 has gradients, shadows, or subtle skin tones, aggressive compression can create banding and noise.

Use these controls in order:

Trim the clip.
Set FPS to motion needs.
Set dimensions.
Pick palette strategy.

Practical quality presets

For social posts

10 FPS
640px width
Global palette

For product demos

12 to 15 FPS
720px width
Per-frame palette

For tiny embeds

8 to 10 FPS
480px width
Global palette

Avoid common mistakes

Exporting full-length videos to GIF
Keeping original 1080p or 4K dimensions
Using high FPS for static scenes

Ready to convert your MP4?

Use the Video to GIF tool and test two settings side-by-side.
Keep the smallest file that still looks clean.