Animated GIFs have become a staple of the internet. Invented in 1987, these looping, soundless video clips can be found everywhere online, from social media networks to messaging platforms. They are often used to express emotions, communicate ideas, or simply make people laugh.
Because they are so short, GIF files load quickly and play automatically, making them an effortless way to communicate. Thanks to Apple’s Shortcuts app, you can turn video clips into GIFs quickly and easily on your iPhone and iPad without needing to download anything extra.
Here’s how you can create GIFs on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Shortcuts App:
- Launch the Shortcuts app on your device.
- Add the Video to GIF Shortcut:
- Go to the Gallery tab, search for “Video to GIF,” and tap on the shortcut in the results.
- Tap Add Shortcut.
- Run the Shortcut:
- Go to the My Shortcuts tab and tap the card for the Video to GIF shortcut.
- Choose a Video:
- You’ll be presented with a list of videos from your photo library. Choose the clip you want to convert.
- Trim the Video (if necessary):
- If the video is too long, trim it by dragging the chevrons on either end of the clip, then tap Save.
- Save or Share the GIF:
- Tap the Share button below the preview to Save Image or choose another sharing method.
- Once finished, tap Done.
For more control over your GIFs, consider using a dedicated GIF creation tool like GIPHY. The app is free to download and offers additional options, including stickers and effects, to enhance your creations.