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Boomerang from Instagram
Common Sense says
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Free
- Photo & Video
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Boomerang from Instagram creates animated GIFs (short videos that play on a loop) by shooting 10 quick images from either the front or back camera. Teens can then share to Facebook, Instagram, or other messaging and social media platforms connected on the device. Teens don't connect socially through Boomerang directly, and all videos made with Boomerang are automatically saved to the device's camera roll. The privacy policy and terms of service are the same as Instagram's, so nude, violent, and hateful images aren't allowed, and it's meant for those over 13. Also, by default, all photos shared on Instagram are public and include location information, but users can adjust settings. For teens already on Facebook and Instagram, there's nothing new to raise concerns here beyond thoughtful, careful sharing.
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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
- Price: Free
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: October 28, 2015
- Category: Photo & Video
- Size: 10.20 MB
- Publisher: Instagram, Inc.
- Version: 1.0.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 7.0 or later; Android 4.3 and up
For kids who love social networking and digital creation
Our editors recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.