How to find and use Instagram filters

Instagram filters have become an incredibly popular way to enhance and customize photos posted to the platform. With just a few taps, users can transform their images with eye-catching effects and give their posts a polished, professional look.

But with so many different filters to choose from, it can be trying to find the perfect one to fit your aesthetic. Luckily, Instagram makes it easy to browse, search for, and save filters so you can quickly access your favorites.

Applying filters to photos is important for many reasons:

Filters make photos more vibrant and eye-catching which results in more likes and comments.
They allow users to add their creative touch and style to images.
Filters can conceal imperfections and flaws in photos.
Using popular filters that are trending can help attract more engagement.
Filters transform photos to match different aesthetics like light and airy, moody, retro, etc.

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How to Find Instagram Filters

Using the camera in the app

The easiest way to find filters is directly within the Instagram app itself. Here’s how:

Open the Instagram app and tap the camera icon to access the Stories camera.
At the bottom of the capture screen, tap on the emoji icon to open the filter tray.
Swipe left and right to scroll through the available filters.
Tap on a filter to preview it on your image.

Browsing popular filters

Instagram suggests the most popular filters first based on current trends. You can also discover new filters to try out by browsing the selections.

In the filters tray, swipe all the way left until you see the magnifying glass icon.
This will open the “Browse Effects” tab showing different categories like Trending, Beauty, Travel, etc.
Tap on any category to view recommended filters.
Use the search bar to find specific kinds of filters to use.

Searching for specific filters

If you already know the name of a particular filter you want, you can search for it by following these steps:

Open the “Browse Effects” tab.
Tap on the magnifying glass icon to access Search.
Type the name of the filter in the search bar.
Select the filter when you see it appear in the results.
Tap “Try It” to preview it or “Save” to save it to your camera.

Saving filters from other users’ stories

You can discover new filters from posts by other accounts and easily save them for yourself.

When viewing someone’s story, tap on the name of the filter shown underneath their username.
Select “Try It” to preview the filter or tap the arrow icon to save it.
Saved filters will now show in your camera filters tray for easy access.

Saving filters from a specific creator

Many popular Instagram creators design custom filters for their followers. Here’s how to find and save those filters:

Go to the creator’s Instagram profile and tap on the sparkle icon above their posts.
This will open a feed of their created filters which you can scroll through.
Tap on any filter video then select “Try It” or tap the arrow to save it.

How to Use Instagram Filters

Using filters on a new post

Adding filters to your Instagram posts is just as easy as using them for Stories. Just follow these steps:

Capture or select a photo for your post.
Before sharing it, tap “Edit” at the bottom.
Tap the magic wand icon to open the filter tray.
Browse filters and select one to preview it.
Adjust the intensity with the slider if desired.
Tap “Done” then next tap “Share” to post the photo.

Adjusting filter intensity

You can control the strength of any filter for the perfect customized look:

After selecting a filter, use the slider below it to adjust the intensity higher or lower.
Lower intensity for a subtle, soft effect. Higher for more dramatic results.
Combine multiple filters and adjust them individually for more creative effects.

Exploring different effects and options

Instagram filters can do more than just change colors and tones. Many add creative elements like:

Text overlays
Doodles and handwriting
Sparkles and glitters
Frames and borders
Geometric shapes
Augmented reality effects

The possibilities are endless when you explore all the options. So get creative and let the filters enhance your photos.

Conclusion

Don’t be afraid to explore all that Instagram filters have to offer. There are thousands to choose from, so take risks and step outside your comfort zone to find captivating new styles.

It helps to save the filters you love to your camera roll so they’re always on hand whenever inspiration strikes. Take your time playing around with editing. Combine filters. Adjust intensity. Layer on creative effects.

The most eye-catching Instagram photos often use filters in imaginative ways to transform ordinary shots into something truly special. So tap into your artistic side and let the filters spark your creativity.