A loop on a web page without a video player
Animated WebP goes in an ordinary image tag, so there is no player, controls or autoplay policy to deal with.
Why animated WebP is worth a look
Animated WebP is a modern image format that behaves like a GIF but keeps full colour and compresses far better. It loops on its own and can be dropped into a web page with an ordinary image tag, with no video player needed.
Browser support is strong: current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge all show it. Support in other places is more mixed. Some chat apps, email clients and older software don't animate it, so check where you plan to share it. When in doubt, a GIF is the safe fallback.
Compared with MP4, WebP loops by itself, which is why it's the usual replacement for GIFs in web pages. MP4 is usually smaller still, but needs a video element to loop and play silently.
- 1
Add the MP4
Drop the file in, paste it, or import a direct link.
- 2
Trim and crop
Select the part you want and crop to the shape that suits the page.
- 3
Check the WebP settings
The format is set to WebP. Pick a width and frame rate; 480px at 15fps is a good start.
- 4
Convert
Compare the estimate with a GIF by switching format, then download.
Settings that work for common jobs
Treat these as a first try, not a rule. The size estimate tells you quickly whether to nudge them up or down.
| If you're making | Try | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Hero loop on a web page | WebP · 720px · 15fps · Balanced | Sharp and lighter than a GIF. |
| Documentation or README | WebP · 480px · 10fps · Balanced | Small enough to load instantly. |
| Smaller than a GIF, in chat | WebP · 480px · 15fps | Works where the app supports animated WebP. |
| Very light | WebP · 320px · 10fps · Smallest | Tiny files for thumbnails and previews. |
Where this comes in handy
A lighter alternative to a GIF
When an app supports it, WebP gives you the same loop in full colour at a fraction of the weight.
Docs and changelogs
Show a feature with a short loop that loads fast, even on slow connections.
Common mistakes, and what to do instead
- Posting it somewhere that doesn't animate WebPTest where it will be seen. If it appears as a still, export a GIF for that place.
- Using the largest quality for everythingBalanced is usually indistinguishable. Save Best for clips with fine gradients.
- Expecting audioWebP is an image format and has no sound. Use MP4 if you need video.
Common problems and quick fixes
My app shows a still image
It probably doesn't animate WebP. Export a GIF instead.
The colours look different
Try Best quality. Colour should be close to the original; if not, tell us on the contact page.
The file isn't smaller than I expected
Busy footage compresses less. Lower the width, frame rate or length.
I need audio
WebP has no sound. Export MP4 if you want to keep a video file.
What it looks like
These are real screenshots from this site, taken with a demo clip. Your own file will give different sizes, but the controls are exactly these.
Which format to choose
WebP is the one you're choosing, so here is how it sits next to the alternatives for a clip that started as MP4.
| Format | For this clip | Typical size | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| WebPSuggested | Full colour, loops by itself, and usually far lighter than a GIF. Best for the web. | About 5× smaller | Full colour, animated, loops |
| GIF | The fallback for places that don't animate WebP. Much larger for the same clip. | Largest | 256 colours, up to 720px and 20fps |
| MP4 | Often the smallest, but needs a video element to loop silently. | About 15× smaller | Up to 1080px and 30fps, no loop flag |
| APNG | Lossless and large. Choose it only for sharp graphics. | Larger than GIF | Lossless, full colour, loops |
MP4 to WebP questions
Can’t find yours? The converter explains problems in plain language as they come up.
Is WebP better than GIF?
For quality and size, usually yes: full colour and much smaller files. GIF is better for compatibility.
Does animated WebP loop?
Yes. Leave Loop forever on, and it repeats on its own.
Which browsers support it?
Current Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge all display animated WebP.
Will it work in email or chat?
Not always. Many apps show it as a still image, so test where you'll share it.
Is audio kept?
No. WebP is an image format and has no sound.
Other conversions
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