Published on May 1, 2025 5 min read

How to Loop a Video on Instagram: Stories, Posts, and Reels

Ever shared a video on Instagram and wished it would just keep playing without that awkward pause or restart? You're not alone. Whether it’s a snappy product demo, a short tutorial, or just a moment that deserves to live a little longer on screen, looping a video can do wonders. It gives your content extra attention without asking your audience to hit replay. However, not everyone knows how to do it, and Instagram doesn’t make it super obvious.

If you’re looking for quick, fuss-free ways to loop a video on Instagram Stories or Posts, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the details and see how you can make those videos play over and over again—without needing a tech degree.

How to Loop a Video on Instagram Stories or Posts Easily (4 Methods)

Use Instagram’s Built-In Boomerang Option

This one’s easy and already inside the app. Instagram Stories has a Boomerang feature that creates short looping clips. It captures a quick burst of photos and stitches them into a looping motion, similar to a video that goes forward and backward repeatedly. It’s a go-to for people who want something fun and quick.

Here’s how to use it:

• Open Instagram Stories.
• Swipe over to "Boomerang" on the left.
• Tap and hold the record button.
• Share it as a Story once it’s done.

You can even trim the Boomerang, slow it down, or apply effects. Just tap the infinity icon after recording and try out the options. While Boomerang isn’t exactly the same as a standard video loop, it works great for short clips where the loop effect feels natural.

2. Edit Videos to Loop Before Uploading

Want a full video loop, not just a Boomerang-style clip? Editing before posting is the way to go.

You can use free video editing apps like CapCut, InShot, or Splice to duplicate your video several times. Most of these apps let you import your original clip, copy and paste it into the timeline, and export it as one longer video that loops seamlessly.

Here’s a basic breakdown:

• Import your video into the editor.
• Copy the clip two or three times.
• Align them back-to-back.
• Export it.

Once done, upload this new "looped" version to Instagram like any other video. The looping effect is smooth, and you can control how long it lasts. If your video is 5 seconds long, looping it three times gives you 15 seconds—just right for an Instagram Story or a feed post.

For best results, use videos that have a clean transition between the start and end. If the clip fades in or out, trim those parts to make the loop less obvious.

3. Convert the Video to a GIF and Loop It That Way

Yes, old-school GIFs still have a place in the Instagram world—especially for looping.

You can convert your video into a GIF using tools like EZGIF (a free web-based editor), Giphy, or GIF Maker on mobile. Most of these let you choose how many times you want the loop to repeat—or even make it loop forever.

Here’s what to do:

• Upload your video to a GIF converter.
• Set it to "loop infinitely."
• Download the GIF.
• Convert it back to video (Instagram doesn’t support .gif files directly).
• Upload the video version of your GIF to Instagram.

This method is great for short, repeating actions like animations or product highlights. It does take a few more steps, but the result looks clean and gets the job done without any noticeable hiccups in the loop.

4. Try Third-Party Apps with Built-In Loop Tools

There’s no shortage of mobile apps that can help you loop your videos quickly. Some popular options include:

• Loopsie – known for motion loop effects and easy tools.
• Looper – lets you choose how many times a video should repeat.
• GIF Maker & Editor – works for both looping and converting to GIFs.
• VivaVideo – offers a simple timeline for duplicating clips.

Using one of these, you can create a standard loop or add a bit of creative flair, like forward-backward effects or speed changes. Most of them also support direct export in the right format for Instagram.

Just be sure to double-check the quality settings when exporting. Instagram compresses uploads quite a bit, so starting with a high-quality loop helps preserve clarity.

A Quick Note on Instagram Feed Posts

When uploading to your feed, Instagram doesn’t loop videos endlessly by default. It’ll replay once, then stop. But there’s a workaround.

Instead of posting a single video that loops, turn it into a carousel post. Upload the same video clip on all 2–3 slides. When people swipe through, they’ll keep seeing the same moment over and over, which gives a looping effect. This trick works especially well for short promos or product highlights.

What About Reels?

Reels automatically loop when someone watches them—so no extra work is needed there. The key is making sure the start and end of your clip feel connected. A sudden stop can make the loop feel clunky, while a smooth transition makes the video feel like it was meant to repeat.

If you're creating Reels specifically to loop, you can shoot the video with looping in mind. For example, if you're filming a spinning object or a dance move, plan your movements so they begin and end in a similar frame. This makes the loop feel more seamless.

Final Thoughts

Looping a video on Instagram doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re using the built-in Boomerang tool, an editor like InShot, or converting to a looping GIF, the main idea is the same: make the content flow naturally. It helps keep people watching, boosts engagement, and adds a little extra polish to whatever you’re posting.

If it’s a short clip with visual rhythm, loop it. If it’s a message that deserves more screen time, loop that too. Just pick the method that feels right for the content you’re sharing, and let it roll.