Animated Images: GIF, WebP and Short Video, Which to Choose

• Much smaller files than GIF for similar quality.
• More colours, and good transparency.
• Wide support in modern browsers and apps, though not everywhere.

Short video

A short video clip (MP4) is often the smallest way to show motion.

• Excellent compression.
• Full colour and smooth motion.
• Can include sound.

Comparison

Format	Colour	File size	Support
GIF	limited	large	universal
Animated WebP	full	smaller	wide
MP4 video	full	smallest	universal

Which to choose

• Stickers and reactions in chat: whichever the app accepts.
• Tutorials and demos: short video.
• Simple icons with flat colours: a GIF can be fine.
• Web use: consider video or WebP for lower file size.

Making animated files smaller

1. Reduce dimensions. A smaller frame greatly cuts size.
2. Shorten the clip. Fewer frames means a smaller file.
3. Lower the frame rate, for example from 30 to 15 frames per second.
4. Reduce colours for GIF.
5. Crop to the action.

Accessibility

Flashing animations can trigger discomfort or seizures in some people. Avoid rapid flashing, and consider giving a way to pause.

Data use

Auto-playing animations use data. On mobile plans, keep them short and small.

Still images from animations

If you only need a frame, export a still image. It's far smaller.

Practical note

For photos, a compressing and resizing tool works on still images. For motion, use a video or animation tool.

Try Image Compress & Resize Tool →