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.
Table of Contents
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:
To trim your Boomerang,tap the infinity icon from the top of your screen:
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
Finish your post with Instagram’s slew of editing features, tap the arrow at the bottom of your screen, and tap “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:
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:
Select a live photo and tap the infinity icon at the top of your screen:
Here you’ll have access to the trimming tool, and Classic, Slo-Mo, Echo, and Duo effects:
Complete your Boomerang with Instagram’s array of filters and effects, and tap "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!
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