> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sortpin.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sortpin.com/download-guides-by-content-type/how-to-download-pinterest-gifs.md).

# How to Download Pinterest GIFs

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**Download Pinterest GIFs the right way.** Pinterest automatically converts GIFs to MP4 videos when uploaded. SortPin gives you both options — download as **MP4** (compatible everywhere) or **GIF** (animated file for messaging apps).
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> 🎉 **Trusted by 40,000+ Pinterest users worldwide** to save Pinterest GIFs every day.

## ⚠️ First — An Important Fact About Pinterest GIFs

**Pinterest converts every uploaded GIF to MP4.** This is why "downloading a GIF" from Pinterest usually gives you a **video file** instead of a `.gif` extension.

Depending on your use case, you may want:

* 🎥 **MP4** — smaller file, better quality, works everywhere (recommended)
* 🎬 **GIF** — animated image format, for messaging apps and reactions

SortPin supports **both formats**.

***

## ⚡ 3 Ways to Download Pinterest GIFs

| Method                  | Output Format | Best For             |
| ----------------------- | ------------- | -------------------- |
| 🧩 **Chrome Extension** | MP4 or GIF    | Desktop, any quality |
| 🌐 **Website Tool**     | MP4 or GIF    | Quick one-off        |
| 🤖 **Telegram Bot**     | MP4           | Mobile, instant      |

***

## 🧩 Method 1: Chrome Extension

### Step 1 — Install SortPin

[**Install SortPin (Free) →**](https://sortpin.com). Full guide: [How to Install](/getting-started/how-to-install-sortpin.com-extension.md).

### Step 2 — Find an Animated Pin

Look for pins with the **▶️ play icon** or that autoplay when you hover — those are Pinterest's "GIFs" (actually MP4s).

### Step 3 — Click SortPin → Choose Format

Choose:

* **Download as MP4** — best quality, universal compatibility
* **Download as GIF** — animated GIF format for messaging apps

***

## 🌐 Method 2: Website Tool

1. Copy the Pinterest animated pin URL
2. Go to [**SortPin Downloader**](https://www.sortpin.com/pinterest-images-and-video-downloader)
3. Paste URL → Download
4. Choose format (MP4 or GIF)

***

## 🤖 Method 3: Telegram Bot (Mobile)

1. Open [**@SortPin\_bot**](https://t.me/sortpin_bot)
2. Send: `/pin <pinterest-animated-pin-url>`
3. Get MP4 file → save to phone

📚 Full guide: [Telegram Bot](/features/telegram-bot-pinterest-images-video-and-story-downloader.md)

***

## 🎯 MP4 vs GIF — Which Format Should You Use?

| Use Case                         | Recommended Format |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| 🎬 Sharing on YouTube / TikTok   | MP4                |
| 💬 WhatsApp / Telegram sticker   | GIF                |
| 📱 Instagram Story / Reels       | MP4                |
| 🖥️ Desktop wallpaper (animated) | MP4                |
| 📧 Email attachment              | GIF (smaller)      |
| 🌐 Embedded in website           | GIF or MP4         |
| 🎨 Twitter / X post              | MP4                |

> 💡 **General rule:** MP4 is smaller and higher quality. GIF is for apps that don't support MP4.

***

## 📱 Download Pinterest GIFs on Any Device

| Device               | Best Method      | Output                        |
| -------------------- | ---------------- | ----------------------------- |
| 💻 **Windows / Mac** | Chrome Extension | MP4 or GIF                    |
| 📱 **iPhone / iPad** | Telegram Bot     | MP4 (convert later if needed) |
| 🤖 **Android**       | Telegram Bot     | MP4                           |

***

## 🔧 How to Convert MP4 to GIF (if you already downloaded MP4)

If you got an MP4 but need a GIF:

1. Use free online converter: **CloudConvert**, **Ezgif**, or **Convertio**
2. Or use SortPin's **Download as GIF** option upfront (skip conversion)

***

## 🛠️ Troubleshooting

### "The GIF I downloaded is actually an MP4 file"

That's expected — Pinterest stores GIFs as MP4. Use SortPin's "Download as GIF" option to force GIF output.

### "GIF is very large / low quality"

GIF format is inherently large and low-quality. If size or quality matters, use **MP4 instead**.

### "GIF has no animation — just a still image"

Make sure the pin is actually animated (has the play icon or autoplays on hover). Static images can't be downloaded as GIFs.

### "Bot returns a video, not a GIF"

Telegram Bot outputs MP4 by default. For GIF specifically, use the [Chrome Extension](/getting-started/how-to-install-sortpin.com-extension.md) or [Website Tool](https://www.sortpin.com/pinterest-images-and-video-downloader).

***

## ❓ FAQs

**Q: Why does Pinterest convert GIFs to MP4?** A: MP4 has smaller file sizes and better quality than GIF. Pinterest converts on upload to save bandwidth for all users.

**Q: Can I download a Pinterest GIF as a real .gif file?** A: Yes — use SortPin's "Download as GIF" option (Chrome extension or Website Tool).

**Q: How to download Pinterest GIF on iPhone?** A: Use the [Telegram Bot](/features/telegram-bot-pinterest-images-video-and-story-downloader.md) → get MP4 → convert to GIF if needed with an app like GIPHY.

**Q: How to download Pinterest GIF as video?** A: Same as downloading any Pinterest video — see [How to Download Pinterest Videos](/download-guides-by-content-type/how-to-download-pinterest-videos.md).

**Q: Can I download animated Pinterest wallpapers?** A: Yes — they're MP4 files. Save with SortPin, then set as animated wallpaper using apps like KLWP (Android) or intoLive (iPhone).

**Q: What's the difference between a Pinterest GIF and a Pinterest video?** A: Nothing — Pinterest treats them identically. Both are stored as MP4 files after upload.

**Q: Can I download a Twitter GIF via Pinterest?** A: No. SortPin only works with Pinterest URLs. For Twitter GIFs, use a dedicated Twitter GIF downloader.

**Q: My GIF download failed — what's wrong?** A: Check the pin URL is valid (starts with `pinterest.com/pin/`). See: [SortPin not working](/faqs/if-sortpin-is-not-working-despite-being-installed-what-should-i-do.md)

***

## 🚀 Get Started

1. [🧩 Chrome Extension](/getting-started/how-to-install-sortpin.com-extension.md) — MP4 + GIF options
2. [🌐 Website Tool](https://www.sortpin.com/pinterest-images-and-video-downloader) — no install
3. [🤖 Telegram Bot](/features/telegram-bot-pinterest-images-video-and-story-downloader.md) — mobile MP4

## 👉 Related Guides

* [🎬 How to Download Pinterest Videos](/download-guides-by-content-type/how-to-download-pinterest-videos.md)
* [🖼️ How to Download Pinterest Images](/download-guides-by-content-type/how-to-download-pinterest-images.md)
* [📁 How to Download Entire Pinterest Board](/download-guides-by-content-type/how-to-download-pinterest-board.md)
* [📖 How to Download Pinterest Stories & Reels](/download-guides-by-content-type/how-to-download-pinterest-stories-reels.md)

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💬 **Need help?** Our [chat support](https://go.crisp.chat/chat/embed/?website_id=48b6c12a-2212-4be1-9e27-2dad7e2d5fb0) team is one click away.
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