The stroboscope unit emits strong flashes of bluish light in rapid succession. The effect is usually used in conjunction with movement, which must be carefully coordinated with the strobe, in order to be effective.

The strobe cuts the movement into a rapid sequence of frozen poses which, based on the principles of persistency of movement, make the movement seem slower and jerky. By controlling the rate of the strobe, the quality of the apparent movement can be controlled.

Overuse of stroboscope effects can cause the viewer an uncomfortable feeling, sometimes even nausea. Stroboscopes must be used with care as at certain frequencies they may bring on epileptic attacks in people with epilepsy.

Stroboscopes are often used in discotheques as well as in stage performances.