This page covers how to use Boomerang Video Maker and how to get the smoothest results for Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. If you still get stuck, contact us.
Quick start
- Go to the homepage.
- Upload a video file (drag and drop works).
- Use the timeline to select a short loop segment (usually 1–3 seconds).
- Preview the loop and adjust the start/end until the turning point feels natural.
- Click Export MP4 to save the finished boomerang.
Clean export credits and billing
- A clean HD MP4 export uses one credit. You can buy one credit when your video is ready.
- After payment, Stripe returns you to the editor with the saved video and edits. Click Create & Download Clean MP4 to make the file.
- Credits do not expire and there is no subscription. Use Restore Purchase from the export choice to restore credits on another device by email.
- If the saved upload expires before you return, upload the video again. The paid credit remains attached to the email used in Stripe.
How to choose a good loop segment
A great boomerang has a clear “peak” moment — the instant where the motion naturally changes direction. If you reverse at a random frame, the loop can feel jarring or broken.
- Good: a jump at the top, a wave, a confetti toss, a pour, a spin, a box opening.
- Often tricky: shaky handheld footage, fast pans, long clips with no clear action.
Best practices for smooth results
- Keep it short: 1–3 seconds usually looks best.
- Stabilize the camera: loops amplify shake.
- Use good lighting: low light adds blur, which can look messy when reversed.
- Trim tightly: if the first and last frames are very different, the loop looks like a glitch.
Troubleshooting
My boomerang looks “jumpy”
- Shorten the loop window.
- Try moving the reversal point to a clearer peak moment.
- Avoid segments where the camera is moving quickly.
Export is slow or fails
- Large files (high resolution / long duration) take longer to process. Try exporting a shorter segment.
- If export fails, try a smaller file or a shorter clip.
Audio is missing
Some boomerang loops are better without audio (especially for social posts where you’ll add music). If you need audio preserved, try a clip that already has a clean audio track and avoid very short segments.
It looks different after posting
Social platforms recompress videos and can change sharpness, color, and smoothness. Starting with a clean export, keeping the loop short, and avoiding extreme motion blur usually helps.
Platform notes
- Instagram: great for boomerang-style loops in Stories and Reels. If the in-app Boomerang mode is missing or buggy, upload a finished MP4 instead.
- TikTok: seamless loops (end matches start) often perform well; boomerang loops work best for motion-based clips.
- Snapchat: “Bounce” availability varies; uploading a boomerang MP4 works on any device.