How to Add Filters to Instagram Stories – Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into a multifaceted platform where users express creativity through various tools, including filters. Filters are an easy and effective way to enhance the quality of your Instagram Stories, giving them a polished and engaging look. Whether you want to improve your selfies, add some quirky effects, or simply make your content more aesthetically pleasing, filters can do wonders.
In this article, we’ll take you through the entire process of adding filters to your Instagram Stories, along with a few tips and tricks to make the most of this feature.
Table of Contents
- What Are Instagram Filters?
- Why Use Filters on Instagram Stories?
- How to Access Filters for Instagram Stories
- How to Add Filters to Instagram Stories
- Popular Filters to Try Out
- How to Save and Share Instagram Filters
- How to Discover New Filters
- Advanced Tips for Using Filters in Stories
- Conclusion
1. What Are Instagram Filters?
Instagram filters are special effects and enhancements you can apply to your photos and videos in Stories. These filters can range from simple color adjustments to more complex effects like adding sparkles, animations, or augmented reality (AR) objects. Originally, Instagram offered basic filters for photos, but over time, it expanded into a wide array of artistic and interactive options, especially with the introduction of AR filters.
Filters allow you to:
- Enhance image quality by adjusting lighting, contrast, and colors.
- Add fun elements like emojis, rainbows, sunglasses, or even animal faces.
- Apply AR effects that interact with your surroundings in real-time.
- Set a specific mood or aesthetic for your content.
2. Why Use Filters on Instagram Stories?
Using filters on your Instagram Stories offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Visual Appeal: Filters can instantly elevate the quality of your images or videos, making them more visually appealing.
- Creativity Boost: With thousands of filters available, you can easily get creative with your content. Whether you want to appear like you’re in a cartoon world or use AR elements to enhance your surroundings, the possibilities are endless.
- Better Engagement: Unique filters can capture the attention of your audience and help you stand out. Users are more likely to engage with content that is interesting and visually pleasing.
- Brand Consistency: If you’re using Instagram for business, filters can help maintain a consistent aesthetic for your brand. Many brands create custom filters that resonate with their audience, reinforcing brand identity.
3. How to Access Filters for Instagram Stories
Before diving into the actual process of adding filters, it’s essential to know where and how to access them on Instagram:
- Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app on your smartphone.
- Swipe Right to Open Stories: On the home screen, swipe right or tap on your profile picture to access the Stories camera.
- Access the Filter Carousel: Once the camera is open, you’ll see a row of circular icons at the bottom of the screen. These icons represent different filters, and you can swipe left or right to preview them.
Instagram provides a collection of default filters, but you can also discover new ones created by users and brands. Let’s move on to how you can actually add these filters to your Stories.
4. How to Add Filters to Instagram Stories
Adding filters to your Instagram Stories is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open the Instagram Stories Camera
- Open the Instagram app and swipe right from the main feed to access the camera for Stories. Alternatively, tap on the plus sign (+) on your profile picture at the top of your feed.
Step 2: Select a Filter
- As soon as the camera is open, you will see the carousel of filters at the bottom of the screen. Swipe left or right through the filter options to preview how each one looks. The preview will apply in real-time to whatever you’re pointing the camera at, whether it’s a selfie or your surroundings.
- If you’re taking a photo or video, the filter will adjust accordingly.
Step 3: Capture Your Story
- After selecting your preferred filter, tap the white circle button to take a photo or hold it down to record a video. The filter you chose will automatically be applied to the content you capture.
Step 4: Edit and Post Your Story
- Once you’ve taken your photo or video with a filter, you can add other elements like text, stickers, music, or drawings.
- When you’re happy with your Story, tap “Your Story” at the bottom of the screen to share it with your followers. Alternatively, tap “Close Friends” if you only want to share the Story with a select group.
5. Popular Filters to Try Out
If you’re unsure where to start, here are some popular Instagram filters that are trending:
- Paris: A classic filter that smooths your skin and adds a subtle glow, making it perfect for selfies.
- Clarendon: Adds brightness and contrast, making colors pop while still looking natural.
- Retro Film: A nostalgic filter that gives your photos a vintage look with faded colors and grainy textures.
- AR Filters: Instagram offers a variety of augmented reality filters that can transform your face into different characters or add fun effects like rainbows, hearts, or sunglasses.
You can find these and more in the filter carousel, or search for them using the “Browse Effects” option.
6. How to Save and Share Instagram Filters
Once you’ve found a filter you love, you can save it for future use. Here’s how:
- When you discover a filter, either through another user’s Story or by browsing the carousel, you’ll see a down arrow with the text “Save Effect” on the filter preview. Tap it to add the filter to your collection.
- Saved filters will appear in your filter carousel for easy access.
To share a filter with a friend:
- Open the filter and tap the name of the filter at the bottom of the screen.
- From there, tap “Send to” and choose the friend or group you want to share the filter with.
7. How to Discover New Filters
Instagram offers endless possibilities for filters, and discovering new ones is half the fun! Here are a few ways to find new filters:
- Browse Effects Library: Swipe to the very end of your filter carousel, where you’ll find the “Browse Effects” icon. This will take you to Instagram’s library of filters where you can search by keyword or category.
- Explore Other Users’ Stories: Often, users will share unique filters in their Stories. If you like one, tap the filter name at the top of the Story to try it out or save it to your collection.
- Follow Creators: Many Instagram users specialize in creating filters. By following these accounts, you’ll be able to access their latest creations.
8. Advanced Tips for Using Filters in Stories
Now that you know the basics, let’s explore some advanced tips to enhance your Instagram Stories using filters:
Mix and Match Filters with Other Effects
You don’t have to rely on just one filter for your Story. After applying a filter, you can add additional effects like text, stickers, or music to create layered, complex visuals.
Use Filters Sparingly
While filters can significantly improve your Story, overusing them can make your content feel artificial. Try to find a balance between enhancing your photos and keeping them authentic.
Create Your Own Filters
Instagram allows users to create and upload custom AR filters through the Spark AR Studio. If you have a creative idea and the know-how, you can design filters that reflect your unique style or brand identity.
9. Conclusion
Filters are a powerful tool in the Instagram Stories feature, allowing users to express their creativity, enhance their photos, and engage their audience in fun, visually appealing ways. Whether you’re using a simple color adjustment or an elaborate AR effect, filters can help elevate your Instagram game.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to easily add and experiment with different filters on your Stories. Explore the wide variety of options Instagram offers, and don’t hesitate to get creative—your followers will surely appreciate the extra effort you put into your content.
