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Instagram Tips & Resources

How to Make a Boomerang Video on Instagram in 2023


Updated on April 26, 2023
3 minute read

We're bringing Boomerangs back. 🪃

Published April 26, 2023
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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 the perfect format to add a playful dimension to posts and remind us of nostalgic Instagram trends of yesteryear.

Plus, with photos making a comeback in 2023, you could soon see an influx of Boomerangs too.

We're sharing everything you need to know about making a Boomerang on Instagram, below.

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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 strategy.

FYI: Later is a social media management platform trusted by over 7M businesses, creators, and marketers. Sign up today and start scheduling your Instagram posts in advance!

How to Do 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

To trim your Boomerang,tap the infinity icon from the top of your screen:

Instagram boomerang trim

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

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

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

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

Select a live photo and tap the infinity icon at the top of your screen:

Instagram boomerang infinity icon

Here you’ll have access to the trimming tool, and Classic, Slo-Mo, Echo, and Duo effects:

Instagram boomerang effects

Complete your Boomerang with Instagram’s array of filters and effects, and tap "Share:"

Instagram boomerang share

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), music in feed (MySpace), and Group Profiles (OG Facebook).

So, will you be bringing Boomerang mode back? Let us know in the comments!

Level-up your Instagram strategy by planning, previewing, and scheduling your Instagram Stories and posts in advance with Later — sign up today.

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