Three seconds. That's all the time you have to hook someone before they scroll past your video.

Boomerang videos are attention magnets in a crowded feed. They transform ordinary moments into hypnotic loops that viewers can't help but watch—without requiring expensive gear or complicated editing skills. When your creative well runs dry, a well-executed boomerang can be your secret weapon.

Whether you're capturing a perfectly timed splash or a dramatic hair flip, this guide will show you two ways to create boomerang videos that make people stop scrolling. No fancy equipment required—just a few simple techniques that work.

What is a boomerang video?

A boomerang video is a short video clip that loops back and forth, creating a fun and engaging motion effect.

Unlike a GIF, which continuously loops in one direction, a boomerang video plays forward and then reverses, creating a seamless back-and-forth effect.

For example, you could loop videos of a fashion model twirling a couture gown or your team celebrating a victory jump to create continuous motion. Alternatively, you can boomerang them to add a dynamic, eye-catching effect that stands out.

The boomerang effect adds excitement, visual appeal, and a looping motion to videos, making them more engaging and shareable. Celebrities and influencers frequently use boomerang videos, like Zendaya and Jimmy Fallon did on The Tonight Show.

Introduction to Different Boomerang Types and Formats

Boomerang videos have evolved into various formats to meet different creative needs. The Standard Boomerang plays a short video clip forward and then reverses it, creating a seamless loop. This format is perfect for capturing playful moments or showcasing products dynamically. Another format is the Speed-Enhanced Boomerang, which increases the video clip's speed to create a more dynamic effect. Tools like CapCut allow easy speed adjustments, enhancing your boomerang videos significantly.

How to create a boomerang video: 2 easy methods

Creating a boomerang video is simple, no matter what device you use. Below, we'll walk you through three recommended methods for making boomerang clips on Instagram and iPhone.

Creating boomerang videos with Instagram

Instagram removed its standalone Boomerang app, but the feature remains available within Instagram Stories. This makes it easier to create looping videos directly within the platform.

Here's how to create a boomerang video on Instagram using an Android or iOS device—and how to make it stand out.

Step 1: Swipe left to access Instagram Stories

Open the Instagram app and swipe left from your home feed to access Stories. Alternatively, tap the Add (+) icon at the bottom of the screen, then select Story to begin creating your boomerang video.

Step 2: Tap the Boomerang icon

Tap the Infinity icon on the left side of your screen.

NOTE: To turn an existing video into a boomerang clip, swipe up to access your phone's gallery or camera roll and select the video you want to convert. The infinity icon will appear at the top right corner of compatible Live Photos.

Step 3: Compose and record your shot

Focus your camera on the subject you want to record. Then, tap the Record button to capture a boomerang video. You can either keep your camera still while the subject moves or move the camera for a more dynamic effect.

Step 4: Edit and share your boomerang video

Tap the infinity icon at the top of your screen to open the boomerang video in the Instagram video editor.

Here, you can access the following tools:

• Trimming tool: Drag the edges of the frame viewer to cut out specific parts of your video.

• Classic mode: Keeps your video in the default Boomerang mode.

• Slo-mo mode: Adds a slow-motion effect to capture each detail.

• Echo mode: Adds a motion blur or double vision effect.

• Duo mode: Changes video speed from high to low at alternating intervals to give it a glitchy, digitized look.

When you're finished trimming your video and applying effects, tap Done at the top right corner of your screen to save your edits.

Instagram also offers various filters and effects to enhance your boomerang video before posting. You can add music, text, captions, stickers, or filters to create a more engaging and unique clip.

Tap Done to apply your changes.

To save your boomerang video, tap More (three dots) at the top right corner of your screen and select Save. This way, you can upload a video to Instagram Reels and share it with your audience.

Then, tap the sharing options at the bottom of the screen, such as Your story, to publish your new boomerang video instantly on Instagram or share it to Facebook.

Making boomerang videos on iPhone

If you have an iPhone 6S or newer running iOS 9 or later, you can create a boomerang video using Live Photos.

It's easy to shoot a Live Photo just like you would a normal one, except a Live Photo captures what happens (including audio) 1.5 seconds before and after taking the shot.

Here's how to turn a Live Photo into a boomerang on an iPhone.

Note: These steps apply to an iPhone 12 running iOS 16. However, the process is similar for most iOS versions.

Step 1: Open Photos app and select a Live Photo

Open Photos app and tap Albums.

Scroll down to Media Types and tap Live Photos.

Select a Live Photo.

Note: If you don't have a Live Photo, it's easy to create one. Open the Camera, tap the Live Photo icon, and then tap the shutter button to take a photo.

Step 2: Select Bounce

Tap the Live Photo icon in the top left corner of your screen and select Bounce. This effect loops the action forward and backward, mimicking the boomerang effect.

Step 3: Edit, save, and share the Live Photo

Enhance your Live Photo by trimming out some frames to create the perfect boomerang.

Open the Live Photo from the Photos app then tap Edit.

Tap the Live Photos icon at the bottom of the screen.

Drag the ends of the frame viewer to choose the frames the Live Photo will play.

Tap Done to save your edited Live Photo.

Then, tap the Share button and choose where you want to share your Live Photo.

Another way to boomerang a video on an iPhone is by using third-party tools like CapCut or Clideo. However, converting Live Photos this way may remove certain effects.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Creating boomerang videos can sometimes present challenges. One common issue is Platform Compatibility, where your device might not support the video format needed. Another problem is Audio Sync Issues, which can disrupt the seamless loop effect. Tools like Clideo can help adjust audio timing to sync perfectly with the video. Ensuring compatibility and audio sync can lead to more professional-looking boomerang videos.

Create perfect boomerang videos with Descript

Creating and sharing short looping videos is easy when you have the right tools. Most social media platforms limit boomerang videos to a few seconds with a basic back-and-forth cycle, restricting creative control.

If you want to create a looping video that plays continuously from start to finish, then restarts, Descript makes it simple on both Mac and Windows.

Start a new video project in Descript and add your video clip. Use Descript's editing tools to trim, crop, and refine your clip to create the perfect loop. With a free account, you can access:

• Green Screen: Replace your background with another image or video. For looping, this lets you insert or blend different elements without any jarring transitions, making your loop appear infinite.

• Color Balance: Match colors from the end of your loop to the beginning. Any changes in color grading can disrupt the seamless appearance of the loop.

• Transitions: Add cuts, fades, dissolves, and other types of transitions to create the illusion of continuity. Make sure your transitions are done in a way that the viewer cannot detect the starting or end point.

• Overlays: Add text, stickers, or your watermark to create a unique video for your brand.

Select the video layer and head to the Properties Panel. Under the Clip section of the sidebar, switch from Once to Loop. You can speed up or slow down your clip from the side bar. Simply click and drag the speed value under Duration.

Save, export, or publish your video directly to platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for your audience to enjoy.

If you're using the free version of Descript, your clip will export with a watermark. Upgrading to a paid plan like Descript Creator or Pro gives you access to premium features, like unlimited watermark-free video exports in 4K resolution, higher cloud storage capacity, and more remote recording hours.

No matter what you're creating, Descript's intuitive video editor makes it easy to craft high-quality boomerang videos. With the right effects, music, and annotations, you can produce professional-grade content that captivates your audience.

If you're a content creator, save time editing your videos and focus on being creative. Take a free tour today and see why thousands of creators rely on Descript.

FAQs

What is a boomerang video?

A boomerang video is a short clip that plays forward and then reverses, creating a seamless loop. It's popular on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok for its engaging effect. Learn more about boomerang videos here.

How do you create a boomerang video on TikTok?

To create a boomerang video on TikTok, you can either use third-party apps like CapCut to reverse parts of your video or use TikTok's editing features. This allows you to create a dynamic boomerang effect within the app.