We’ve been waiting for this — Facebook’s rollout of their new video profile feature. As Mashable first reported back in September, profile videos are the biggest update to Facebook profiles since the rollout of Facebook Timeline. Facebook’s video profiles allow you to replace your static profile photo with a 7-second looping video.

The possibilities are endless. A once static image, transformed into something unique, something with personality, something with a hint of movement that tells a much better story about a Facebook user. Instead of adding a video, why not get creative and replace your profile photo with a cinemagraph? It’s the perfect way to bridge the gap between photo and video, and add visual interest to your profile. And now, you can do it with Cinemagraph Pro for iOS.

How to Make Your Facebook Profile Video a Flixel Cinemagraph

With all of these possibilities bouncing around in our heads, our team in Toronto decided to create our very own Facebook cinemagraph profiles. A classic profile shot from the waist up, with a little pizzaz. Magical and Harry Potter inspired, they were also a ton of fun to create. In one day we made unique cinemagraphs for each Flixel team member. Check out our behind the scenes video to see the full experience. Beer, glitter, ping pong and bubbles; what more could you ask for?

 

With friends and family going bonkers over our updated profile cinemagraphs, (literally, I’ve never had so many comments on one post before), and some people even asking us to create one for them, we decided to share our tips with the world. It wouldn’t be fair if only Flixel had super-cool Facebook profiles.

In our quest to conquer the world, we’ve compiled some quick tips to get you started. Now, you too can surprise and mesmerize your friends on Facebook. Seriously, prepare for the influx of comments and likes. You’ve been warned.

We teamed up with Lee from Fstoppers to help create some awesome tutorials, teaching you how to shoot, edit, and export your video directly from our iOS app to your Facebook Profile. Check it out below!

Step 1:

When setting up your shot, choose what you want to have moving, and what you want still. Make sure you frame the scene like you would a photo. Then, record a short video clip on a tripod. Record a few clips, just like you would snap a few selfies — you want to get the best version possible.

Think of elements that will work nicely in a loop, such as bubbles, or hair billowing in the wind Beyonce-style.

Before you start to edit, make sure that you have your Facebook HD video settings on, so that your profile video looks as sharp as you do.

Go to Facebook on your mobile device, and follow these steps:

Profile –> Account Settings –> Videos & Photos –> Upload HD

Step 2:

Edit in Cinemagraph Pro for iOS. Cinemagraphs are looping animations, where part of the image is still, while the other is in motion. Comparable to GIFs in the sense that they repeat over and over, it’s important to choose the right element to “bring to life” in your cinemagraph.

• Choose your still frame with the white marker. This will be the image component of your cinemagraph.
• Trim your video to the desired length, looking at the motion you want to repeat in a loop.
• Mask the portion you want in motion using the paintbrush tool.

 

• Set the loop type, speed and crossfade. You can choose between a bounce or repeat loop.
  • Bounce loop will play the cinemagraph from the begining to the end, then bounce back to the begining in an endless loop.
  • Repeat loop will play the cinemagraph from beginning to end, then start at the beginning again. With a repeat loop, you will set the crossfade to determine how much you want to blend the end of the cinemagraph into the begining.
• Use the adjustments or add an effect for a more stylized look.

Step 3:

When you’re all finished editing your cinemagraph, tap export and select Facebook Profile Video. This will open up Facebook and allow you to post your Flixel cinemagraph to your Facebook Profile Video. Now sit back, and watch the likes roll in.

For some inspiration, check out another tutorial by Lee at Fstoppers, and start creating your own cinemagraphs today.