Convert WMV to GIF
Transform Windows Media Video files into animated GIFs. WMV is Microsoft's video format, common in older Windows applications.
Select the portion of your WMV video you want to animate, choose frame rate and size settings, then convert to a universally compatible GIF.
Why Convert WMV to GIF?
WMV format has limited support outside Windows. GIFs work universally on all platforms and devices.
Convert Windows video recordings into lightweight, shareable animations for any audience.
Optimal Settings for WMV to GIF
Frame Rate: WMV files vary in quality. Start with 10-12 FPS and adjust based on content smoothness.
Output Width: Older WMV files are often lower resolution. 320-480px usually provides good results.
Duration: Select the key moment from your video—shorter clips under 8 seconds work best.
Common Use Cases
Windows Recordings: Convert screen captures and webcam recordings into shareable GIFs.
Old Archives: Preserve memorable moments from WMV video archives as universal GIFs.
Presentation Clips: Extract animations from business presentations or demos.
Important Note About Audio
GIF format does not support audio. When converting video to GIF, any audio track will be discarded. The resulting GIF contains only the visual animation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my GIF be larger than the WMV source?
Often yes, GIF files tend to be larger than compressed video formats like WMV. A 10-second WMV clip might create a 5-20MB GIF depending on complexity. Keep clips short and reduce resolution to manage file size.
Why does my GIF look less colorful than the WMV?
GIF format is limited to 256 colors per frame, while WMV supports millions of colors. This can cause color banding and dithering, especially in gradients and photographic content. Simple graphics convert best.
What is the maximum GIF duration I should create?
For practical use, keep GIFs under 10 seconds. Longer GIFs become very large files that load slowly. If you need longer animations, consider keeping the video format or splitting into multiple shorter GIFs.
Can I preserve audio from my WMV in the GIF?
No, GIF format does not support audio. The audio track from your WMV will be discarded during conversion. If you need audio, consider converting to MP4 or WEBM instead.
What frame rate should I use for WMV to GIF?
Start with 10-12 FPS for a good balance between smoothness and file size. WMV videos are often 30 FPS, but reducing to 10-15 FPS typically maintains acceptable animation quality while dramatically reducing file size.
Where can I share the converted GIF?
GIFs work virtually everywhere: social media platforms, messaging apps like Slack and Discord, email, forums, and websites. They auto-play and loop without requiring video players or plugins.