What are “slofies” on iPhone 11, and how do I take one?
If you’ve decided to splurge on the new iPhone 11, you may have noticed that it has the ability to take slow-motion video with its state-of-the-art, front-facing camera. Apple’s self-proclaimed “slofie” may not be the most exciting feature on iPhone 11, but it’s certainly entertaining.
Here’s what you need to know about slofies, including how to take them, why to take them, and whether they’re worth the extra effort.
What is a slofie?
Apple coined the term “slofie” during a marketing event in September of 2019 and applied for a US trademark on the word not long after. The term “slofie” is Apple’s name for slow-motion selfies, which are only available with the iPhone 11 and later models. Although Apple is hoping to control the usage of the word “slofie,” it doesn’t actually have a slofie mode on the iPhone 11. The slofie mode is simply called “Slo-mo” on iPhones that have it, and “slofie” refers to the finished product.
Current iPhones with slo-mo selfie modes include the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
How to take a slofie
If you have experience with taking selfies, you’ll find taking slofies pretty effortless. Here are some step-by-step instructions to make your foray into slofies even easier, plus some tips for taking fabulous shots.
- Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
- Tap the camera flip icon to switch from the rear-facing to the front-facing camera.
- Swipe through the shooting options above the shutter button and choose Slo-mo.
- When you’re ready, tap the red shutter button to start your slow-motion video. Tap the button again to stop.
- Your slofie will be automatically saved to your Camera Roll. The longer your video, the larger the file size.
Some tips for shooting your first slofies
Before you know it, slofies will be all over the internet. Here are some tips for shooting and sharing your best slofies.
- Remember that the audio will also be slowed down in your slofie, so be aware of background noise or music while shooting.
- As with regular slow-motion videos, you can edit your slofies using iMovie or the iOS 13 video editing tools.
- Slo-mo selfies are best used when filming a few seconds of fast-paced action. Examples include receiving a kiss from your dog or blow-drying your hair. Check out the #slofie hashtag on Instagram for more slofie ideas.
How slow are slo-mo selfies on iPhone 11?
Slow-mo selfies are captured at 120 frames per second. If played back at 30 fps, which is standard for iPhones, you will be watching your slofie at one-quarter of normal speed. You can also set your iPhone videos to playback at 60 fps, which will make your slow-motion video one-half of normal speed.
Are slow-motion selfies any good?
The slofie revolution may be getting off to a slow start, but it could end up being the most exciting Instagram trend of 2020. Slow-motion selfies are awesome for people who are tired of selfies and bored with slo-mo. Combined into a slofie, these two elements are new again and worthy of exploration.
As with any type of photo that is shared over and over again on Instagram, you’ll have to experiment to keep things
fresh. The iconic shot of your long hair blowing in the wind is probably good for a few shares, but you’ll be doing yourself a favor if you opt for a unique take on the slofie instead of the overplayed.
As for whether this trend will stick, that’s yet to be determined, but slo-mo selfies are certainly fun to create and share.
Shooting your own slow-motion selfies may not be the single most important reason to purchase the newest iPhone, but if you’ve already splurged, why not jump on the slofie bandwagon? And while you’re at it, tag your shots with #slofie on Instagram.
