Compress GIF to 256KB
Get a GIF under 256 KB, the limit for a Discord custom emoji, without uploading it anywhere.
Files never leave your device.
Any limit you type. The tool treats 1 MB as 1024 KB.
Aiming for 248.3 KB or less, a few percent under 256 KB to leave a safety margin.
Advanced options
Where the 256KB limit comes from
| Use | File size | Dimensions | Formats | Status and source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom emoji | < 256 KB | up to 128×128 px; shown at 32×32 | GIF, PNG, JPEG, WEBP | Verified |
- Custom emoji: Under 256 KB (the developer docs write 256 KiB). Uploaded up to 128×128 px and displayed at 32×32.
Last checked: 2026-10-16. KB and MB are treated as 1024-based (256 KB = 262,144 bytes). Platforms rarely say which they mean, so the tool aims a few percent below the stated limit. Limits are rechecked every quarter.
How to make a GIF under 256KB
- Keep 256 in the box. The size box is already set to 256 KB, and the "Fit within 128×128" option is on, which is what a Discord emoji needs. Switch that option off in Advanced options for other sites.
- Drop your GIF. Compression runs in your browser and starts as soon as you choose the file.
- Download the result. The result is shown in KB and exact bytes so you can see how far under 262,144 bytes it is.
Why 256KB is the number everyone searches for
256 KB is the file size limit for a Discord custom emoji. Discord accepts GIF, PNG, JPEG and WEBP files under 256 KB, uploaded at up to 128×128 pixels. Animated emoji are the hard case, because even a short GIF at 128×128 can pass the limit when it has many frames or noisy backgrounds.
How a 256KB GIF is usually reached
At 128×128 each frame is already small, so what usually pushes a GIF over 256 KB is the number of frames and the amount of color noise. The tool therefore scales to 128×128 first when you ask for it, then applies lossless optimization, then lossy compression, then fewer colors, and only then drops frames. Clip length matters more than anything else: halving the duration roughly halves the size.
- Photographic or video-based GIFs compress worst; flat-color art compresses best.
- Gradients and film grain cost bytes; solid fills and clean outlines do not.
- If the result is still over, shorten the clip by a second or two before reducing quality further.
256 KB or 256 KiB?
Discord's help center writes 256 KB while the developer documentation writes 256 KiB, which is 262,144 bytes. This page counts in 1024-byte units and aims about 3 percent under, around 254,000 bytes, so the file passes under either reading.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a GIF smaller than 256KB?
Set the size to 256KB, tick the 128×128 option for emoji, and drop your GIF. The tool lowers lossy settings and colors first and removes frames only if it must.
Is a Discord emoji 256KB or 256KiB?
The help center says 256KB and the developer documentation says 256KiB, which is 262,144 bytes. This tool aims about 3 percent below that, so it works under both readings.
Why is my emoji GIF still over 256KB at 128×128?
Long clips and noisy or photographic frames are the usual cause. Shorten the animation, then compress again.
Will the 256KB version still be animated?
Yes. The animation is kept and the original timing is preserved, even when frames are removed.
Can I use this for something other than Discord?
Yes. It is a general GIF compressor with 256KB filled in, so any site with that limit will work.
Content last reviewed 2026-10-26.