How to Make a Tiny Clone of Yourself: Easy Instagram Edits Tutorial

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately exploring new ways to push the boundaries of Instagram Edits video editing app.

Watch on YouTube… https://youtube.com/shorts/YIX1_SsbhI0

One effect that always gets a great reaction is the “tiny clone”—you know, that classic look where a miniature version of yourself is sitting on a table or being picked up.

I recently experimented with this using the Instagram Edits app, and I wanted to share the process with you.

It’s a fun technique that adds a storytelling element to your vlogs, and honestly, it’s much simpler than it looks once you understand how object tracking works.

The Secret is in the Prep

Before you even open an editing app, you need two specific shots:

• The “Giant” Shot: Record yourself pretending to pick up someone small from a surface and throwing it away.

• The “Tiny” Shot: Record yourself reacting as if you’re the one being picked up and tossed.

Pro Tip: Keep your camera on a tripod for both shots so the background stays perfectly still!

How to Edit Your Clone

Once you have your footage, here is the workflow I used to bring the two worlds together:

• Import Your Base: Open the Instagram Edits app and start a new project with your “normal-sized” video first.

• Layer the Clone: Use the Overlay tool to bring in your “tiny” footage on top of the first clip.

• Remove the Background: This is where the magic happens. Go to Cutout, select Custom, and use the Track Object feature to isolate yourself from the background.

• Position and Scale: Use two fingers to shrink your “clone” down and place him right on the table in your scene.

• The Hand-Off: Move the timeline to where your hand “picks up” the clone. Use Keyframes (the diamond icon) to reposition the tiny clone frame-by-frame so he stays locked in your hand until you throw him away.

Why Give This a Try?

As a creator, I’m always looking for ways to make my tutorials and reviews feel more engaging. This effect is a perfect example.

I’m curious—what other creative editing tricks have you been wanting to learn lately? Let me know in the comments!

~ Adrian Lee @adrianvideoimage