Instagram Stories filters: how to get them and how to use them

On Instagram it is very common to use stories, those short and immediate videos, which are deleted 24 hours after publication. Along with stories, many users also use filters that make their content more interesting and visual. Do you want to know what Instagram Stories filters are, how to get them and how to use them correctly? Keep reading!

What are Instagram Stories filters: a brief overview of their origin

Instagram Stories filters are free effects that can be added to the stories of all Instagram profiles you want, both personal profiles and those of Creator or Company.

These effects consist of different changes to the lighting of the Instagram story, they can also contain modifications of the environment with 3D elements or also add effects and elements that match the detected faces of the video or image of the Instagram story.

Their origin on Instagram came along with the functionality of creating stories, in 2016. However, these filters could already be seen in another Social Network: Snapchat. Snapchat became famous, among other features, for its filters. However, Instagram, as a counter-attack, added the functionality of stories, very similar to what we found in Snapchat, and of course, did not forget the successful ones without filters.

In the case of Instagram, filters took a while to become more varied and viral. At first these were only created from Instagram. And it has not been until recently that the different users of Mark Zuckerberg’s Social Network have been able to create their own filters. Since this is possible, new filters have been created, more varied and of great quality in most cases.

How to get Instagram filters and how to save them

Getting new Instagram filters for your personal profile or that of your brand is very easy. To do so, you have three different ways:

Get filters from Stories

In this case, when you are viewing stories on Instagram, either from users you follow, such as those featured stories or those associated with a hashtag, if you notice a filter you like, you can try it by tapping below the name of the user who has uploaded that story. If you notice, under that name you will be able to see information such as what filter he is using, or sometimes what music he has added to the story. If he has added both, you will have to wait until you see all the information, which will be displayed.

Tapping will give you the option to test effect or save effect. You can try it first and then save it, or if you already know you love it, you can save it directly.

Getting filters from the filter browser

Although it is a bit hidden, in Instagram there is an explorer where you can find hundreds of filters, classified according to their category. To access the explorer you simply have to go to the story creator, and where the filters you already have appear, swipe from right to left until you find the filter explorer. Tap and you will be able to see the filters, select the ones you like, try them, and if they convince you, save them!

Get filters from the creators

Another option to find filters is from their creator’s profiles. You may have seen a filter that you really like and it wouldn’t be strange to think that whoever created that filter may have others that you also love, right?

When this happens to you, you simply have to look at whose filter you initially liked, go to their profile and see if they have more. If so, save all the ones you like and think about rewarding that creator with a follow or some likes, you will surely help him or her a lot in his or her work as a Content Creator!

How to use Instagram Stories filters

Now that you have all the filters you like the most, you may wonder how do I use them? It’s really very simple, if your profile is personal, we recommend that you use the ones that best fit your personal brand, keeping a line of continuity, that is, do not use a different one for each story, just as you would use a very different filter for each post in your feed.

If your profile is corporate, you will also have to maintain an aesthetic line. That is, select a few filters that have similar elements and use them in your Instagram stories.

Some filters have special functionalities, don’t forget them! They can give a lot of play to your stories.

Are you a brand? Here are some ideas of uses that brands give to Instagram filters

If you are taking advantage of all the benefits that Instagram offers to the Digital Marketing actions of your project, you can’t forget to take advantage of Instagram Stories filters. Here are a few examples to inspire you, be creative!

• Create a filter that identifies with a new product of your brand: for example, do you have a new cosmetics line to launch? If so, try a filter with the different colors of the new lipsticks, so your users can try them in virtual reality and also, by sharing it in their stories, they will increase the reach of your brand.
• Create a charity filter: many brands are very aware of their Corporate Social Responsibility actions, especially on Social Networks. Is there an important date coming up? You can encourage your followers to use this filter to either raise funds or give visibility to a specific cause.
• Take advantage of its comical use, make your brand fun and relatable. You can create a filter that has a closer and more colloquial tone. For example, one related to a meme.
• Take advantage of special celebrations like Halloween or Christmas. Not only will you be encouraging your followers to celebrate the holiday with you, but it is also possible that being a thematic filter, it will go viral!

In conclusion

Instagram filters are here to stay with us. They serve to help the profiles of the creators and the brands that create them to increase their reach and improve their digital presence. In addition, they help the rest of users and brands to have fun and communicate better in their stories, creating an aesthetic line close to their branding. Remember to take advantage of all the benefits they present and also have a good Management of your Social Profiles. Do you use Instagram filters? Did you know how to get them, take advantage of them and how to save your favorites?