At a recent workshop we did, the number one question was how to use the new Boomerang feature in Instagram so we decided to explain what a cool tool it is. It comes from the an actual “Boomerang” (a curved, flat toy, which can be thrown and automatically returned to the thrower). Instagram’s take on a Boomerang is a mini video that plays forward and also backward (back to you like the physical Boomerang. Basically, the Boomerang app takes a burst of photos (20 frames to be exact), then speeds them up and plays them forward and backward to create a looping Boomerang video. We made this one below on our trip to the National Gallery of Ireland.
How do I create a boomerang video for instagram?
- Tap the circle at the bottom of the screen.
- To control the length of your video, you can tap and hold the circle, then let go to stop recording.
- Tap or swipe the screen to switch between your phone’s rear and front-facing cameras.
- Tap the instagram or facebook to share your Boomerang video, or tap the arrow for more options.
- Tap Save in the top right to save to your phone’s camera roll.
You can then either save this boomerang to add to your feed at a later date (or to your website like we did), or you can upload it straight to your instagram story.
So why you should you use Boomerangs?
Firstly, it’s an easy way of creating content that looks cool and the viewer will actually watch. It’s also a great way to show off your creative process or even show a finished product. You can use it to communicate exciting updates about that you are working on. They save time as opposed to writing a blog post about what you are doing, and you can post multiple ones to your instagram story. Posting the boomerang to your story also means that you can access a wide audience. Providing behind the scenes looks at your business, including preparation for upcoming products or events can also help to raise awareness of your brand. Most importantly though, is that Boomerangs are a seriously fashionable and popular way of communication right now. By tapping into this trend, your brand will see quickly see the gains. It’s practically a free form of advertisement- all you need is the smartphone, an idea and the instagram app and you’re ready to go.
What to post
As suggested above, posting Boomerangs of your products or behind the scenes looks at your business. If you’re not sure what content to share on your Instagram stories, why not ask your audience what they’re interested in seeing from you? Use this valuable feedback to inform the content direction of your future stories to improve engagement and conversion rates.
Take inspiration from other pages too such ours (@sbfcentral), and make up your own version. Practice to get the best shots you can, and don’t be afraid to retake it if it doesn’t work out the first time. The great thing about the platform is it allows you to create and innovate.
Enjoy and go an unleash your creativity.
