It’s been over a decade since Instagram entered the social media space. Few even remember its original name, Burbn, when it first launched in 2010. Ever since its acquisition by Meta, however, its evolution has been drastic: from a modest photo-sharing app into one of the most popular social media networks in the world.
This social media giant has added (and continues to add) new and exciting tools with unique features for creators to harness their creativity. You don’t have to be a pro to produce aesthetically pleasing imagery. Instagram’s creative tools make it possible for amateurs and novices to make dynamic content easily.
However, some of these features are underused. In fact, perhaps the most underrated tool you should consider for your next post is boomerang.
This guide explains what the feature is all about and how to do a boomerang on Instagram.
What is Boomerang on Instagram?
Boomerang is a creative tool that converts photos into short, looping videos (otherwise known as live photos). These mini-videos display brief moments before, during, and after capturing the picture. The feature derives its name from boomerangs, the famous curved wooden stick that returns to you after it is thrown.
The feature takes a burst of up to 10 snapshots that replay in a back-and-forth loop. It can transform a regular selfie into a fun and exciting video, boosting your engagement rates at the press of a button.
Initially, boomerang was a standalone app for Android and iOS devices. Users had to download the app separately to create boomerangs. However, following in-app improvements and smartphone hardware upgrades, Instagram removed the app from app stores. You can now make a boomerang directly on the Instagram app without requiring a separate application.
How to Do a Boomerang on Instagram
Now, here’s the fun part. Mastering how to make a boomerang on Instagram can take your creativity to the next level, since the customizing features are almost endless. It can turn a standard photo into a compelling live picture or meme overnight, boosting your visibility and attracting new followers.
You only need to know how to craft the right boomerang to achieve desirable results. Here’s how to do boomerangs on Instagram for Android and iPhone:
- Open the Instagram app on your Android or iPhone
- Log in to your Instagram account
- Tap the plus (+) icon or swipe right from your feed
- From Your Story, tap the boomerang symbol (∞)
- Hold the white record button (Instagram will take a burst of up to 10 photos and stitch them into a loop)
- Preview the clip
- Tap the video trimmer at the bottom to trim your boomerang if necessary
- If you don’t like it, tap the back arrow in the top-left corner and start the process afresh
- Edit your boomerang by adding text, stickers, captions, filters, and music if you wish
- Select a boomerang mode between Classic, Slow-Mo, Echo, and Duo
- Tap Your Story to publish your Instagram Boomerang to your story
How to Boomerang an Existing Video on Instagram
You cannot boomerang an existing video on the Instagram app. The app has no native support for making a boomerang from a video. However, there’s an exception. If you have an iPhone, you can capture a live photo and post it on Instagram as a Boomerang. The latest iPhones support this feature.
Follow these steps to take live photos on your iPhone:
- Open the camera app on your iPhone
- Select Photo Mode at the bottom of the screen
- Ensure Live Photos is on by checking the icon at the top-right corner (it’s usually on by default)
- Hold your iPhone still
- Tap the white shutter button
- Open the Instagram app on your Android or iPhone
- Log into your Instagram account
- Tap the plus (+) icon or swipe right from your feed
- Scroll to Story
- Tap the boomerang symbol (∞)
- Swipe to go to your camera roll
- Live photos (videos) compatible with the Instagram boomerang will have an infinity icon
- Select the live photo you want to add
- Tap the infinity icon at the top
- Select your preferred boomerang mode
- Edit your boomerang
- Tap Share to publish your boomerang to your story
Alternatively, you can download third-party video-editing apps and learn how to boomerang a video on Instagram. The only issue is that some third-party boomerang apps are not free. They require you to upgrade to a premium subscription after working on a specified number of boomerangs. The free versions need you to retain their watermark. Besides, you may have to contend with numerous ads before creating your Boomerang.
With that said, popular Boomerang apps that you can use for your project include:
- Loop Videos & GIF Maker
- Boomerang Videos Creator (for iOS)
- Boomereels
- Slowmographer
- InBoom
- Flipagram
- VivaVideo
Tips on How to Use Boomerang on Instagram
No doubt, Instagram boomerangs can be fun and exciting. However, shooting the perfect boomerang can also be a challenge if you’re unfamiliar with them and their limitations. Use the following tips to get the best out of your boomerangs.
Make It Simple
As much as you may want to create impressive boomerangs, avoid being complicated. The best boomerangs are simple, with no excessive effects. Adding too many filters can water down the image or whatever you’re trying to achieve.
Keep Your Phone Still
Capturing live photos for Instagram boomerangs can be tricky. After all, they require you to keep your phone steady and remain as still as possible. It only takes less than 10 seconds to create a boomerang. Any movements can lead to blurry images and spoil the fun. You can use a tripod to stabilize your phone when taking or creating boomerang photos.
Be Creative
Creativity doesn’t mean attending art school or hiring a graphic designer to create a boomerang. It entails capturing unusual moments no one thinks about. It can be as simple as recording someone slicing a piece of butter or as complex as your pal jumping into the pool off a diving board.
Edit Your Boomerangs
Many people ignore the editing part when creating boomerangs. Do not be part of the statistics. Always review and edit your boomerangs before posting them on Instagram. It doesn’t hurt to start the process afresh if something is off. A few tweaks can make a difference in enhancing your exposure and visibility through impressive Instagram boomerangs.
FAQs
Can I make a boomerang on Instagram using my computer?
You cannot make a boomerang on Instagram using your computer. The tool is only available for Android and iPhone. The only way to make Instagram boomerangs from your PC is to download an Android emulator, such as Bluestacks. Then again, you need a web camera to capture IG live photos on your computer, making it somewhat cumbersome.
Why can’t I find the boomerang feature on Instagram?
You might not find the boomerang feature if you use a computer to access Instagram. If you’re using a phone, consider updating the Instagram app to the latest version. The boomerang function is not available on older Instagram versions.
Can Instagram boomerang take more than 10 photos?
No. Instagram boomerang cannot capture more than 10 photos. It takes a burst of up to 10 snapshots at once. Moreover, the feature does not support videos longer than 6 seconds. You may have to use the video trimmer to edit and upload your Instagram boomerangs accordingly.
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