Hey friend! Are your Instagram posts looking a little, well, bleh? I totally get it. With all the over-edited perfection on Instagram these days, it‘s hard to make your photos pop.
Luckily, there‘s an easy way to take your Instagram game up a notch: filters!
Filters can instantly transform your photos from drab to fab. But they do way more than add a quick retro effect. Used strategically, filters create cohesion for your Instagram aesthetic and help build your personal brand.
In this jam-packed guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know to take your Instagram to the next level with filters, including:
- The power of filters to boost your brand
- Step-by-step instructions to add filters to posts and Stories
- How to use pro-level presets for next-level editing
- Tips to pick the perfect filters for YOUR vibe and audience
Let‘s do this!
Contents
The Power of Filters for Your Brand
Over 500 million people use Instagram Stories filters every day. And influencer posts with filters receive up to 30% more engagement than unfiltered pics.
With stats like these, it‘s clear filters have a major impact. Here are some of the key benefits for your brand:
Save Time & Money
Editing photos can take hours and expensive editing software. Filters give you luxe effects in seconds, for free!
Create a Cohesive Look
Your feed needs flow. Using 2-3 go-to filters gives your grid a consistent, polished look. Think of filters like your Instagram color palette!
Help Build Your Brand Identity
Filters become part of your visual branding. After a while, people can recognize your posts just by your unique filter style!
Make Your Photos Pop
No offense, but your Insta pics could probably use a little oomph. The right filter amps up things like contrast and saturation to grab attention as users scroll.
Ideal for Beginners
Anyone can look like a pro editor with filters! They make great photos easy, without complicated editing skills.
Increase Engagement
Bright, vivid filters boost visual interest. Photos with that eye-catching filter appeal stand out and rack up more likes and comments!
See what I mean? It‘s crazy not to use filters if you want to grow your brand and engagement on Instagram.
Now let‘s talk about how to do filters like an Instagram rockstar…
Applying Filters to Your Instagram Posts
Adding filters on Instagram is super simple directly through the app itself:
- Upload a pic you want to share.
- Tap "Next" at the top right after selecting your photo.
- Scroll sideways through filter options at the bottom to preview.
- Tap a filter to apply it. Tap again to adjust strength.
- Organize by holding and dragging filters to customize your favs.
- Delete filters you don‘t use by dragging to the X icon.
- Hit "Next" again when you‘ve picked the perfect filter!
When it comes to choosing that perfect filter, here are some of the most popular Insta-filter effects right now:
- Clarendon – Boosts contrast and saturation for bold pop.
- Gingham – Gives pics that cool vintage, retro vibe.
- Juno – Infuses warm golden tones for richer landscapes.
- Lark – Desaturates images for a muted, moody effect.
- Reyes – Adds muted, faded film look. Perfect for that artsy elegance.
Pro tip: Go subtle with your filters! Overdone effects look cheesy. A light touch looks polished.
Filter All the Things: Instagram Stories
You can also filter up your Instagram Stories:
- Capture/upload a pic or video.
- Swipe right on the media viewer to browse filters.
- Tap a filter to apply it.
- Confirm with the ✅.
- Share away!
Fun effects to try for Stories:
- Juniper – For super brooding and dramatic shots.
- Ludwig – Dreamy light leaks give photos an ethereal vibe.
- Aden – Mutes images for a 90s-chic vibe.
And don‘t forget the Instagram face filters accessed with the 😃 smiley icon! These add graphics, text and animations to faces. Fun for silly selfies to show off your personality!
Take Editing Further With Presets
Filters are just the start. For pro-level editing effects, you need presets.
Presets are pre-configured edits and effects made in high-end editing programs like Adobe Lightroom. They allow you to achieve a signature style with just one click.
Many influencers sell presets matched to their Insta aesthetic. Prices usually range from $5 to $100+.
You can use presets on-the-go with the Lightroom CC app:
- Download Lightroom CC.
- Import any presets you bought.
- Add a photo to edit.
- Tap a preset to apply it.
- Make any other little tweaks you want.
- Export the final image and save to your camera roll.
Creating your own custom presets is a great way to get a cohesive grid. Experiment to find effects that complement your personal brand style.
Picking the Perfect Filters & Presets
With endless filter options, how do you choose the right ones for your brand? Ask yourself:
- What‘s your niche? Certain filters pair better with specific aesthetics (black & white for moody minimalism, faded film for travel diaries).
- What‘s your vibe? Bright, punchy filters fit a playful brand. Muted filters work for luxury/boutique feels.
- Who‘s your audience? Youthful audiences may prefer trendy filters while sophisticated customers want polished elegance.
- What‘s your color palette? Choose filters that enhance your overall grid color scheme.
- Look at your competition. Scope out what top influencers in your industry are doing filter-wise.
- Remember your brand. Filter to amplify your unique visual identity, not hide it.
- See them in action. Test filters on a variety of images to ensure it works across different settings.
- Get feedback. Ask friends or your audience what filters they think fit your brand best.
See? Picking the perfect filters isn‘t so hard with this handy checklist.
Ready, Set, Filter!
Alrighty Insta pal, you‘ve got all the filter know-how you need to seriously step up your Instagram game!
A few parting tips to leave you with:
- Find 2-3 go-to filters and use them consistently for cohesion. But mix it up sometimes so you don‘t get stale!
- Remember less is more. Subtle filters boost your images without overpowering them.
- Consider both built-in and imported presets to keep advancing your skills.
- Always preview with and without filters. Choose what makes each individual photo pop.
- Optimize for mobile since that‘s how most users view your pics on the go!
Now get out there and filter up a storm! I can‘t wait to see your newly filtered posts. Let me know if you have any other questions. Just holler!
