How to Search Filters on Instagram

Swipe to the camera and tap the magnifying glass icon to add effects to your Instagram stories and posts

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on April 3, 2024
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
Jessica Kormos
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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What to Know

  • Open the camera, then swipe left on the icons at the bottom. Tap the Browse effects icon.
  • To find filters from a specific creator, tap the stars on their profile, select a filter, and then tap Try it.
  • To send an Instagram filter to a friend, tap the filter's name at the bottom and then choose Send to.

This article explains how to search for filters on Instagram using the mobile app for iOS and Android.

How to Search for Filters on Instagram

Instagram filters use augmented reality to add special effects to your Instagram stories and posts. Several filters are built-in to the app, but there are lots more available. Here's how to look up Instagram filters:

Instagram filters and effects, although different, are often used interchangeably in this context. These directions help you search for Instagram effects.

  1. Open the camera in the Instagram app and swipe left through the icons at the bottom until you reach the very far right. Tap the magnifying glass (called Browse effects).

  2. Tap one of the filters you see or swipe through the categories to find other filters. To search for an Instagram filter by name, tap the small magnifying glass.

  3. Tap a filter to instantly begin previewing it.

  4. Select the preview window at the top of the app to exit the filter gallery and continue with your post.

    Searching for Instagram effects in the Android app

    On this screen, if you tap the name of the effect at the bottom, you can bookmark it to easily locate it again later.

How to Find Instagram Filters by Creator

Instagram users can create and upload their own filters for others to use. If you want to download a filter from a specific creator, follow these steps:

  1. Find the creator's profile and tap the stars above their grid.

  2. Tap the filter you want, then tap Try it, or select the down arrow to download the filter.

    A list of effects on an Instagram user's profile

  3. Snap a photo or record a video with the filter, then share it with your friends.

Get Instagram Filters From Friends

See a cool filter on your friend's Instagram that you want to try for yourself? Have them send it to you or go to the post with the filter you want and tap the filter's name at the bottom of the screen. You can then tap Try it to instantly apply the filter.

FAQ
  • Why can't I find filters on Instagram?

    If the Instagram filters feature isn't working, close and restart the app. You might need to force stop the app on Android. If you're still having problems, update the app or redownload it.

  • How do I use face filters on Instagram?

    To use face filters on Instagram, tap the Camera, then tap the Smiley Face. Start recording, then select a filter.

  • What are the most popular filters on Instagram?

    The most popular Instagram filters include Clarendon, Juno, Ludwig, Lark, Gingham, Lo-Fi, Valencia, Aden, and X-Pro II.

  • How do I make filters on Instagram?

    Use a program like Spark AR Studio to create filters on a Windows or Mac computer. Such programs will also help you export the filter and upload it to Instagram.

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