Looking to spice-up your video content?
Whether you’re in a creative slump or just in need of a different effect, don’t sleep on the power of an Instagram Boomerang.
They’re an old-school format that adds a playful dimension to posts and reminds us of nostalgic Instagram trends of yesteryear.
Plus, with photos making a comeback on Instagram, you could soon see an influx of Boomerangs too.
We're sharing everything you need to know about making a Boomerang on Instagram, below.
What Is an Instagram Boomerang?
A Boomerang is a feature on Instagram that lets users record videos with a looping effect — resembling an animated-like GIF:
The effect can be used on Instagram Stories and in-feed posts to add a bit of movement, and elevate your content.
FYI: Later is a social media management platform trusted by over 7M brands, creators, and marketers. Sign up today and start scheduling your Instagram posts in advance!
How to Create a Boomerang on Instagram
Ready to shoot your first Instagram Boomerang? Here’s how to film and post a Boomerang using Stories:
First, swipe left from your home feed to access Stories. Then, tap the infinity icon on the left side of your screen to record your Boomerang:
![Instagram boomerang access stories](https://images.ctfassets.net/az3stxsro5h5/sCbF7gX9825dQybongqZU/2b2f7136ec78f2de5e60988219ced74d/Instagram_boomerang_2.png?w=873&h=900&q=50&fm=png)
To trim your Boomerang, tap the infinity icon at the top of your screen:
![Instagram boomerang trim](https://images.ctfassets.net/az3stxsro5h5/3X7uGPql2qRPhg6t49TFqK/933e492e82e226e35466061429656eff/Instagram_boomerang_1.png?w=873&h=900&q=50&fm=png)
From here you’ll have access to the classic Boomerang video edit, along with three other effects:
Slow-Mo: Slows the clip to half-speed, so a 1-second clip becomes 2 seconds in length
Echo: Adds a motion blur to each video frame, creating a “double vision” effect
Duo: Rapidly rewinds your video and adds a glitchy transition
![Instagram boomerang effects](https://images.ctfassets.net/az3stxsro5h5/5Kv5r35asS1CULyuQVFPzm/eb99cb86227e9741008a0d837182a69e/Instagram_boomerang_4.png?w=873&h=900&q=50&fm=png)
Finish your post with Instagram’s slew of editing features, tap the arrow at the bottom of your screen, and tap “Share”:
![Instagram boomerang share](https://images.ctfassets.net/az3stxsro5h5/2VRtDQ2WAJoYKit3epOK0H/db584fe6bf0dc29ba3ad4c7e0b4db76d/Instagram_boomerang_share.png?w=873&h=900&q=50&fm=png)
And just like that, you’ve posted a Boomerang to your Story!
How to Turn a Video Into a Boomerang
Not interested in shooting a Boomerang directly within the app? No sweat.
You can also create a Boomerang using an existing video from your camera roll. Here’s how:
Start by swiping left from your home feed to access the Instagram Stories tool. Next, tap the infinity icon from the left side of your screen:
![Instagram boomerang access through stories](https://images.ctfassets.net/az3stxsro5h5/2Xo1SvKa27N934NaAOdZYY/b50444ee1785002400f6dbf2e63c8319/1.png?w=873&h=900&q=50&fm=png)
Instead of recording a new Boomerang, swipe up to access your camera roll.
Here, live photos compatible with Instagram’s Boomerang feature will be indicated with an infinity icon at the top right corner:
![Instagram boomerang camera roll](https://images.ctfassets.net/az3stxsro5h5/6RI0XTx2gTF6gWd27bla3P/c2c98029d65029abc9a740a31cf4929e/2.png?w=873&h=900&q=50&fm=png)
Select a live photo and tap the infinity icon at the top of your screen:
![Instagram boomerang infinity icon](https://images.ctfassets.net/az3stxsro5h5/veIejjMmUqkuZm6Ezx2AT/fa5899230cf2ef26e93846b1a481d90d/Instagram_boomerang_3.png?w=873&h=900&q=50&fm=png)
Here you’ll have access to the trimming tool, and Classic, Slo-Mo, Echo, and Duo effects:
![Instagram boomerang effects](https://images.ctfassets.net/az3stxsro5h5/5Kv5r35asS1CULyuQVFPzm/eb99cb86227e9741008a0d837182a69e/Instagram_boomerang_4.png?w=873&h=900&q=50&fm=png)
Complete your Boomerang with Instagram’s array of filters and effects, and tap "Share:"
![Instagram boomerang share](https://images.ctfassets.net/az3stxsro5h5/2VRtDQ2WAJoYKit3epOK0H/db584fe6bf0dc29ba3ad4c7e0b4db76d/Instagram_boomerang_share.png?w=873&h=900&q=50&fm=png)
And voila — a Boomerang created from your very own camera roll is born!
While Boomerangs might seem like a forgotten feature of Instagram's past, the platform's no stranger to a nostalgic comeback.
In fact, Instagram recently resurrected a ton of vintage-like features, including Notes (akin to MSN) and music in feed (MySpace).
We predict a Boomerang comeback this year.
Be more consistent on Instagram by planning and scheduling your Instagram Stories in advance with Later. Sign up today.