Instagram has launched Hyperlapse, an app that allows users to create fast time-lapse videos that were once only possible with a US$15,000 Steadicam.

The time-lapse technique allows a user to capture a video at a lower frame-rate so the captured footage will show movement at a faster rate. For example, the sun rising in a time-lapse video could be shown rising faster.

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To film a time-lapse video, one must hold the camera still. This is best done with a tripod.

Instagram said it's addressed stability in the case of handhelds and mobile phones. Its solution makes videos look professional.

"Hyperlapse from Instagram features built-in stabilization technology that lets you create moving, handheld time lapses that result in a cinematic look, quality and feel - a feat that has previously only been possible with expensive equipment."

To use the app, users must tap the screen twice: first to start and then to stop.

Next, choose the playback speed, which could be up to 12 times faster. Save the video and share on Instagram and other social media.

Instagram said that they hope to create the Android version soon, but it will take many changes to the camera and gyroscope APIs on Android.

Instagram software engineer Thomas Dimson said his inspiration behind Hyperlapse was Baraka, a collection of epic tracking shots of people around the world.

Dimson admitted that at first, Baraka was unappealing because of its lack of plot or narration. But the photos later captivated him and stuck with him since.

When he joined Instagram in 2013, he had the chance to use his Baraka ideas with the first image-stabilization technology for smartphones created by Alex Karpenko and Luma, his firm.

Dimson and Karpenko were friends at Stanford, where many start-ups and tech ideas began.

TagsInstagram, Hyperlapse, time-lapse, App Store, Thomas Dimson, Alex Karpenko, Luma, Baraca