How to Add Filters on IG: Boost Your Instagram Effects

More than 500 million people across the globe use Instagram Stories! And one of the most popular features in IG Stories is filters! We’re talking about those fun AR effects and dreamy overlays. They’re a huge hit for capturing attention and boosting engagement. 

Of course, this isn’t the only space on Instagram to use filters! You can also add them to the posts in your Instagram feed. While you might not be able to add AR effects and stickers to your posts, you can still give them a little something extra to create a cohesive look across all of your images.

If you want to learn how to add filters on Instagram, discover trending effects, and level up your IG content strategy, keep reading.

Instagram Filters Could Be The Key to More Engagement

It's not enough to open your camera and snap a photo anymore to grow on Instagram. You gotta give your followers a little something extra. The best Instagram app creators know this.

That's where Instagram filters can help. It's what will give your content a boost.

Instagram filters and IG effects allow you to:

- Enhance the visual appeal of your photos and videos 

- Maintain a consistent aesthetic and build brand recognition

- Save time editing and perfecting your content

- Increase engagement and make your posts pop

Plus, with the ability to browse the Effect Gallery, follow creators, and even design your own custom AR filters, the creative possibilities are endless. Whether you're growing a personal account or managing a business profile, mastering Instagram effects is key to standing out in the feed.

Adding Filters to Your Instagram Posts

When it comes to your regular feed posts, adding filters is a breeze. Here's how to do it:

1. Select the photo or video you want to post

2. Tap "Next" and then scroll through the filter carousel at the bottom 

3. Tap on a filter to preview how it looks on your media

4. Use the slider in the bottom left corner of the filter to adjust its strength, and click the checkmark to apply it 

5. When you’re happy with your image, click “Next” again, and then you can add your caption and other details before clicking “Share” to post it on your Instagram feed. 

Related: Learn how to schedule photos and videos on Instagram

Discovering and Using Instagram Story Filters

While post filters are awesome, Instagram Story effects take things to a whole new level. With Story filters, you can add animated overlays, interactive AR effects, color grades and more. Here's how to find and use them:

1. Open the Instagram Stories camera and snap a photo or video (or load one from your camera roll)

2. Swipe left or right to browse the filters that are similar to those for your Instagram posts

3. To explore more things to add to your stories, click the icons at the top of your screen. 

You’ll see icons for Instagram effects like “Text” overlays, stickers and link buttons, effects, and music.

4. Tap on any button to add it to your story. 

If you don’t like a sticker or link button, drag and drop it to the trash icon. If you don’t like an effect or music you’ve added, simply scroll back to the icon that features a circle with a line through it to remove the effect/sound. 

5. When you're happy with your Story creation, post it or save it to your camera roll

You can also discover new Instagram Story effects by watching other people's Stories! If you spot a filter you love, just tap on the effect name at the top of the screen to save it for later. Building a collection of your fave filters makes it easy to create on-brand, engaging Instagram Story content.

Creating Professional Content with Instagram Filters

For businesses and brands, incorporating filters into your content strategy is a smart move. Consistent use of certain filters can create brand recognition and make your content instantly identifiable. For example, you might choose a signature color palette or style of effect to use in your Instagram Story Highlights or campaign content.

When selecting Instagram filters for your brand, consider:

- Your overall aesthetic and visual identity

- The type of content you post (ex. product shots, tutorials, behind-the-scenes)

- Current Instagram filter trends and popularity

- Accessibility - make sure text is legible and effects don't obscure important info

It's also a good idea to test out filters before committing to using them in a campaign. Make sure the effect enhances your photos and videos and aligns with the vibe you want to create.

Also See: 26 Social Media Post Ideas for Business To Get More Sales  

Maximizing Your Filter Content

To get the most mileage out of your filter-enhanced content, you need a solid plan. Start by creating a content calendar that outlines your posting schedule and themes. You can plan out filter sequences to use in your Stories and feed posts, ensuring a consistent aesthetic.

Another way to maximize your Instagram filter content is by repurposing it into different formats. For example, you could turn a series of filtered Story posts into a Highlight on your profile. Or you could create filter tutorial videos to share with your audience and showcase your creative process.

This is where Castmagic can be a huge help. Castmagic's AI-powered tools can transcribe your videos, identify key moments and quotes, and generate written content like captions and descriptions. By using Castmagic to streamline your content creation process, you can focus on developing amazing filtered visuals while the AI handles the rest.

Related: How to Add Captions to Instagram Stories and Increase Engagement

Creating Custom Filters for Instagram

Instagram has long been a platform that encourages creativity and self-expression, and one of the most popular ways to enhance your content is by using filters. While Meta's Spark AR Studio has been a go-to tool for creating custom AR filters on Instagram, the recent announcement of its shutdown in January 2025 has left many users seeking alternative solutions. 

Below, we'll explore various methods for adding filters to your videos before uploading them to Instagram, ensuring that your content remains engaging and visually appealing.

Alternative Tools for Adding Filters to Your Videos (Outside of the Instagram App)

1. Adobe Creative Cloud

   - Adobe Premiere Pro: Professional video editing software with a wide range of built-in filters and effects

   - Adobe After Effects: Motion graphics and visual effects software for creating custom filters and animations

2. Canva

   - User-friendly graphic design platform with a selection of video templates and filters

   - Easily customize filters to match your brand identity

3. iMovie (for iOS and macOS users)

   - Apple's free video editing software with a variety of built-in filters and effects

   - Intuitive interface for beginners

4. FilmoraGo (for Android and iOS users)

   - Mobile video editing app with a collection of filters, effects, and overlays

   - Supports 1:1 square ratio for Instagram posts

5. InShot (for Android and iOS users)

   - All-in-one video editing app with a wide selection of filters and effects

   - Offers features like video trimming, splitting, and merging

Best Practices for Uploading Filtered Videos and Photos to the Instagram App

1. Ensure your video/photo is the correct size and aspect ratio for Instagram

2. Optimize your video/photo for mobile viewing (e.g., use captions, keep it short) 

3. Use relevant hashtags and engage with your audience in the comments

4. Monitor your video's/photo’s performance using Instagram Insights

While the sunset of Meta Spark's AR platform may seem like a setback, there are still plenty of opportunities to create captivating, filtered content for Instagram. And, you can always add additional Instagram effects in the app if you feel your content needs more pizazz.

By exploring alternative tools and following best practices, you can continue to engage your audience and grow your presence on the platform.

Tips for Instagram Filter Success

As we wind down this guide, here are some key tips to keep in mind as you embark on your Instagram filter journey:

- Less is often more. Avoid over-filtering your content or using too many effects at once.

- Pay attention to filter trends and popular effects, but don't be afraid to put your own spin on things.

- Make sure your filter use aligns with your overall brand aesthetic and target audience.

- Use Instagram Insights to tap into how your filtered content performs and adjust your strategy accordingly.

- Regularly clean out your saved filter collections to keep things organized and up-to-date.

Optimizing Your Filter-Enhanced Content with CastMagic

Creating scroll-stopping, filter-enhanced content for the Instagram app can be time-consuming. Then, you have to spend time writing captions too? It’s just too much work! But, that's where CastMagic comes in! 

Our AI-powered tool helps you automate content creation, so you can focus on the fun part - filming and editing.

With Castmagic, you can:

- Generate Instagram captions, hashtags and post descriptions to pair with your filtered media 

- Create transcripts and identify key quotes from your videos to repurpose into feed posts

- Use the "timestamps" feature to locate your most impactful moments in long form content to quickly repurpose into shorter, Instagram-friendly moments

By combining the power of Instagram filters with Castmagic's AI tools, you can take your content to the next level and grow your engagement. It's a match made in IG heaven!

Get Your Filter Game On!

Now you have everything you need to know about how to use Instagram filters to make your content shimmer and shine. From the built-in effects on post edits to the treasure trove of Story filters, you can start creating impactful, on-brand content.

Keep experimenting with new filters and effects to find your signature style. And don't forget to use tools like Castmagic to streamline your caption and Instagram Reel process, so you can pump out impressive posts and Instagram Story sequences that much faster.

Your audience won't be able to resist the mesmerizing allure of your filter game. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and create some Insta-magic!

And, if you wanna try Castmagic, click here for a free trial!