Instagram launches tool to capture time-lapse videos from smartphones

26 Aug 2014

Instagram has revealed a new standalone tool called Hyperlapse that lets users easily create time-lapse videos right from their mobile device.

Hyperlapse from Instagram is available for download at 6pm today in the iTunes store.

Time lapse is a technique where video is captured at lower frame rate than normal, and then played back at a standard-frame rate. Motion that takes a long time, like a flower blooming, appears to happen in real-time.

You can also record the sun slowly rising, and use Hyperlapse to show all of your footage in seconds. 

Instagram said Hyperlapse is also great for capturing vast but slow movements, such as clouds, the movement of a crowd, or a landscape moving outside of a car.

Instagram said the key to Hyperlapse is its unparalleled image stabilisation technology.

Users can choose the playback speed for a Hyperlapse video with just a tap – anywhere from 1x (normal speed) to 12x. 

A Hyperlapse video can be shared directly to your Instagram or Facebook account with a single tap, or simply saved to your smartphone’s camera roll to access later.

Let’s go into Hyperlapse

“We designed Hyperlapse to be as simple as possible. You don’t need an account to create a hyperlapse,” Instagram said in a statement.

“Instead, you open up straight to the camera. Tap once to begin recording and tap again to stop. Choose a playback speed that you like between 1x-12x and tap the green check mark to save it to your camera roll. You can share your video on Instagram easily from there.

“From documenting your whole commute in seconds or the preparation of your dinner from start to finish to capturing an entire sunset as it unfolds, we’re thrilled about the creative possibilities Hyperlapse unlocks. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create.”

Instagram image via Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com