File size
How to keep a GIF small: trim, fps, and width
File size is mostly duration, frames per second, width, quality, and format. A 3–8 second trim at 8–10 fps and 320–480px is usually small enough to send in chat. WebP is often smaller than GIF for the same settings.
ClipGIF lets you set those controls before you convert, or tap a chat preset to fill them. Everything still runs in the browser, so you can retry until the preview looks right.
Settings that actually shrink the file
Step 1
Trim to the moment
Cut idle frames at both ends. Eight seconds is a solid default. Twenty seconds is the cap. Extra seconds add frames, and frames add megabytes.
Step 2
Drop fps if motion is simple
10 fps is the default. Reactions and UI captures often look fine at 8 fps. 15 fps is smoother and heavier. Start low, then raise only if the motion looks jumpy.
Step 3
Narrow the width
480px is the default. Use 320px for chat. 720px is for a large preview, not a reaction. Height follows automatically.
Step 4
Pick quality and format last
Economy uses fewer colors and is the safest on phones. Standard is the usual balance. High looks cleaner and is larger. WebP usually beats GIF on size. If the file is still huge, shorten the trim before you chase quality.
Starting points
Chat reaction: 3–5 seconds, 8 fps, 320px, Economy or Standard.
Screen demo: 6–8 seconds, 10 fps, 480px, Standard.
If the GIF looks grainy, that is the format’s limited palette. A shorter, narrower loop usually helps more than maxing quality.
Phone and large files
Browser tabs have finite memory. Files over 25 MB get a warning on desktop; over 15 MB on phones. Files over 80 MB are rejected.
If a phone tab stalls, use a smaller source, trim to a few seconds, set width to 320–480px, and pick Economy. Retry on a desktop if you need a wider, longer loop.
FAQ
Why is my GIF huge?+
The trim is probably long, fps is high, or width is wide. Shorten the range first, then try 8 fps and 320–480px.
Why does it look grainy?+
GIF has a small color palette. Gradients and film grain dither. Economy is smaller and bandier; High is cleaner and heavier.
What fps and width should I start with?+
10 fps and 480px is the default. For chat, try 8 fps and 320px. Raise fps only if motion looks jumpy.
How long can a clip be?+
The trimmed range is capped at 20 seconds. Keep it around 3–8 seconds when you can. Shorter GIFs are smaller and convert faster.
Related guides
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