Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Bindel
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, animated GIF maker connects via Facebook and Instagram.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Boomerang from Instagram
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
No log-in or registration is required to use BOOMERANG, and first-time users scan through a three-step tutorial. After that, users choose the front- or back-facing camera, tap the button, and wait a few seconds while the app takes 10 fast photos to create the video. You'll see the looped video and choose to share on Instagram or Facebook or choose More to share via SMS or other linked social media. That's when you can edit using Instagram filters if you want.
Is It Any Good?
Making and sharing hilarious looped videos couldn't be easier. Though it isn't going to change the world or help people connect with one another on a deeper level, it will likely make them laugh. Making the videos is fun, sharing them is easy, and watching them is entertaining. One downside is that every video is saved to the device's camera roll, and since it's likely to take several shots to get everything just right, you may have lots to delete. As with all photo- and video-sharing platforms, parents will want to talk to teens about what's appropriate to share and with whom.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Talk to kids about smart social media sharing. Read our guide Instagram or Vine? 5 Things to Know if Your Kids Are Sharing Videos for discussion points.
Encourage kids to use both sides of the camera rather than only making selfie videos. Read The Science of Selfies for ideas on why kids love selfies and how to help them look beyond themselves, too.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Pricing structure : Free
- Release date : October 28, 2015
- Genre : Photo & Video
- Publisher : Instagram, Inc.
- Version : 1.0.1
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 7.0 or later; Android 4.3 and up
- Last updated : October 11, 2021
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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