video with phoneTime lapse videos are not only cool, they are a practical way to enhance a marketing strategy. Thanks to Hyperlapse, a free app by Instagram, a business of any size and budget can capture high-quality time lapse videos in an easy to use format.

Here are 7 tips for how to use time lapse videos for developing original marketing content with examples of how popular brands are putting the videos to best use.

1. Show off the product

The hyperlapse application has made it possible for businesses to display their products effectively without using professional video equipment. Instead of using a still image, pan around the product like Mercedes Benz did to show off the CLA 250.

2. Show how products are designed and produced

Don’t just show off the final product, show how it is created like Nickelodeon does with their SpongeBob artists at work. Give customers quick, behind-the-scenes views of processes to spark interest, appreciation, and awe.

3. Give tours and demonstrations

Videos that normally take a few minutes to watch now only take a few seconds. This is a great opportunity to give quick and interesting product demonstrations as well as tours of the office or an event you are participating in. The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver used hyperlapse to give a whirlwind glimpse of their casino.

4. Create hype

Add to the excitement around a new product or an upcoming event. The North Face shared hyperlapse videos about their mountain race in real time, so that even people not attending the race could get excited about its commencement.

5. Promote user generated content

Consider using time lapse videos to promote contest entries and engage followers on social media. Start a contest asking fans to film their own time lapse videos with the product. Share videos from fans unboxing the product, like Oreo did with their special mini Oreo deliveries.

6. Make announcements

Use time lapse videos to bring announcements to life. Show employees unpacking new products to announce their arrival or video the showroom floor to announce a sale or a new layout. Taco Bell used hyperlapse to creatively announce and raise awareness for their newly designed sauce packets.

7. Simply entertain

Time lapse videos are fun! Get the creative juices flowing and post a fun video like Mountain Dew and Naked Juice do to entertain your target audience.

Create compelling content that your audience will want to watch and potentially share by using time lapse videos and take your marketing mix to the next level.