Photo sharing app Instagram on Thursday introduced Superzoom, a feature which allows users create and share dramatic zoom-in shots set to music.
The option is available within Instagram’s camera. Along the bottom where users scroll across for Boomerang, Rewind and other options, they will find Superzoom.
Once users tap the record screen, it automatically begins zooming with dramatic music. Users can either choose Save or add to their Instagram Story.
Superzoom joins Instagram’s Boomerang GIFs, Hyperlapse time-lapse and Layout collages amongst its tool kit of extra camera effects. As Instagram battles Snapchat for users, and both now have AR masks, each is looking for new effects that will inspire creativity and tip the balance as people choose between the competing apps.
How to get started with Superzoom
You pick the front- or rear-facing camera, and the targeting reticle makes it simple to line up your shot. Instagram does the rest of the work with a three-stage zoom in with synced-up bold orchestral sound effects.
The videos last three seconds, but you can hold down the shutter button longer to extend them up to 15 seconds, lingering with a slow final zoom on your subject. It’s great for catching people candidly, or turning a selfie into something much more grandiose and hilarious.
There is also a special stabilization tech which allows it to keep the frame steadier than you could do manually. You can post the videos to your Story, Instagram Direct or save them to your camera roll for posting to Instagram’s feed or elsewhere.
In another development Instagram also rolled out several Halloween filters in time for trick-or-treating, including ways to morph into zombies or vampires.
Superzoom is currently rolling out on Android and iOS.
According to Instagram in a blog post, “You can make a Superzoom of anything — your selfie, your friend’s goofy face or even your half-eaten sandwich.”
This is the second big change coming to Instagram this week. Earlier, Instagram unveiled a “live together” feature, where users can stream live with friends on the app.
