Instagram today launched a new standalone video app called Hyperlapse, which is designed to allow users to capture high-quality time lapse videos enhanced with built-in stabilization features. According to the app's description, the image stabilization allows users to create "polished" time lapse videos that would normally only be possible with the use of a tripod.

In an interview with Wired, Instagram reveals that its image stabilization feature uses the iPhone's gyroscope to measure the camera's movement, which allows video to be stabilized with a simple algorithm.

Hyperlapse mimics the time lapse feature introduced with iOS 8, but it includes customization features not found in Apple's own time lapse capabilities. Along with image stabilization, the app also lets users choose a playback speed, from 1X to 12X, and it can capture short bursts of video or shoot all day long.

hyperlapse

When you shoot a time lapse video with Hyperlapse, your footage will be instantly stabilized to smooth out the bumps from the road and give it a cinematic feeling. Capture an entire sunrise in 10 seconds--even from the back of a moving motorcycle. Walk through the crowds at an all-day music festival, then distill it into a 30 second spot. Capture your bumpy trail run and share your 5k in 5 seconds.

Though created by Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, Hyperlapse does not require an account to log in and it features a simple interface with one-tap video capturing capabilities. It also includes sharing tools to let users share time lapse videos to both Instagram and Facebook, but videos can also be saved to the camera roll.


Hyperlapse can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

DipDog3 Avatar
144 months ago
According to the Wired article, Hyperlapse is not currently possible on Android because it lacks the proper APIs.

I always thought Google was years ahead of iOS in the features department. Guess I was wrong.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
heimo Avatar
144 months ago

Take the take-off in the promo for example. We’re looking at at least 3-5 mins

Holy crap! Talk about a serious commitment. I don't know anyone in this internet era that could do anything for such a prolonged time. 3-5 minutes! I could understand 3-5 seconds.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
prehnra Avatar
144 months ago
Same name as that Microsoft thing?

Microsoft also has a thing called Hyperlapse: http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/11/microsofts-found-a-way-to-banish-gopro-shakycam-footage/

These don't seem to be related (except that both are image/video processing processes) and I can't see those two companies working together.

Did they not google the name first?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LordBeelzebub Avatar
144 months ago
This is not really time lapse in the traditional since where you take still photos from the same angle multiple times or a period of time then put those photos in a slideshow/video format. All this app does is record video then fast motion it to simulate time lapse.

My only issue is it has a misleading description and it doesn't actually do what they have you believe.

However this capability does have benefits, it's good for recording Vine videos.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
morespce54 Avatar
144 months ago
[...]Take the take-off in the promo for example. We’re looking at at least 3-5 mins of filming!

My arm gets tired and wants to drop off way before that. [...]
True. Actually, a time lapse "video" is better with a fixed camera taking a few pictures each hour... for days. Like when you want to show/see a growing plant or melting snow. Otherwise, as mentioned above, it's pretty much a few minutes of video on fast-forward!

[...]the app [...] can capture short bursts of video or shoot all day long.[...]
[...]videos can also be saved to the camera roll.
"all this on your 16Gb iPhone" ;)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Arran Avatar
144 months ago
Nice technique when used sparingly. Guess we're going to see it everywhere now.

Oh well.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
iPhone 17 Pro on Desk Centered 1

Survey: Nearly 70% of Users Plan to Upgrade to iPhone 17

Monday September 1, 2025 8:24 am PDT by
A new survey has found that nearly seven in ten iPhone owners in the United States plan to upgrade to an iPhone 17 model, signaling strong demand ahead of Apple's expected unveiling of the devices at its September 9 keynote. Smartphone price comparison platform SellCell surveyed over 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users in August to assess upgrade interest and brand loyalty before Apple's event....