How to Find and Search Filters on Instagram

You’ll often hear people say, “Instagram is not real life.” It is an argument that reminds us not to allow this massive social media platform to affect our self-esteem by comparing ourselves to others.

But choosing to augment and alter your appearance with Instagram filters can also be a fun way to take a break from the mundanity of everyday life.

Have you seen those Instagram filters that give you angel wings, a cool mustache, or freckles? That’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to explore Instagram filters but aren’t sure where to start, we offer this handy step-by-step guide.

How to Search for Filters on Instagram on an iPhone

If you’re an iPhone user and want to find a perfect Instagram filter for your next Story, the solution is only a few taps away.

Instagram offers several integrated filters as soon as you open the camera within the app, but you don’t have to use any of those if you don’t want to. There are a couple of ways you can find Instagram filters using your iPhone.

Method 1 – Borrow From a Friend

One of the best shortcuts for finding an Instagram filter is to use one you’ve seen on Stories from people you follow. Perhaps your friend has used a voice-altering filter and you want to try it. Here’s how to grab it.

1. Go to the Instagram user’s Story.
   
2. Tap the filter’s name in the top-left corner of the screen.
   
3. When a pop-up box appears, select “View effect.”
   
4. Select either “Try it” or “Save effect.”
   

Keep in mind that a single Instagram Story lasts 24 hours, so if it has expired, you might not be able to find the exact filter. You can try browsing the Instagram filter database instead.

Method 2 – Search by Category

This is probably the most fun way to search Instagram filters. But be warned that if you don’t know precisely what you’re looking for, you might spend hours trying out filters—and having a fantastic time.

Here’s how it works.

1. Launch the Instagram app on your iPhone.
   
2. Swipe right to open the camera.
   
3. Browse through integrated filters at the bottom of the screen. To find more, swipe left until you see a magnifying glass icon.
   
4. Tap the magnifying glass icon to open “Effect gallery.”
   
5. Use the search bar icon to enter specific terms, such as “glasses” or “elf ears.”
   
6. You can also move the tabs at the top of the screen, which offers several categories.
   

One of the categories is “Following,” which are Instagram filters created by the people you follow. For example, if you follow the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Instagram, you’ll notice they have many custom filters available.

How to Search for Filters on Instagram on an Android Device

Android users can also enjoy various Instagram filters, augmenting pictures and videos for their followers.

The Instagram app for Android is virtually the same as the one iOS users have, so finding filters is a breeze. There are two ways to go about this quest.

Method 1 – Borrow From a Friend

Has one of your friends used a funny Instagram filter and you want to try it out too? As long as the Story containing the filter is still active, you’re in luck. You can try or download a specific filter from another person on Instagram in no time.

Follow these steps to learn how.

1. Open the Story with the filter you want to copy.
   
2. In the top-left corner of the screen, tap the filter’s name.
   
3. A pop-up box will appear. Make sure to tap “View effect.”
   
4. Choose between “Try it” or “Save effect.”
   

By choosing the Try it option, you can test the filter on the spot and see if it’s the right fit. If you select Save effect, the Instagram filter will be downloaded and saved. You can access it every time you open the camera on Instagram.

Method 2 – Search by Category

Thousands of filters are available on Instagram, and more are added daily. You can find the filter you enjoy either by going through different categories or searching by keywords. The process is pretty straightforward.

Here’s everything you need to do.

1. Open the Instagram app on your Android device.
   
2. Swipe right to open the camera.
   
3. There are several built-in filters on the left and right sides of the shutter button.
   
4. Swipe left to find the magnifying glass icon.
   
5. Tap the magnifying glass icon to open the “Effect gallery.”
   
6. Tap the search icon in the top-right corner to search for specific terms and keywords.
   
7. Move through existing tabs to choose a category of Instagram filters you want to explore.
   

To check out Instagram filters designed by people you follow, select the “Following” category when browsing the “Effects gallery.”

The Incredible World of Instagram Filters

Indeed, some Instagram filters are designed to hide certain skin imperfections or change the color of your eyes. But most of the available filters are clearly created for laughs, or to create a particular aesthetic.

Nearly all social media platforms offer filters to users because they’re easy to use and people enjoy them. Instagram has elevated its filter game to another level, and searching through and trying out the available options is a great way to show off creativity and connect with friends.

What is your favorite Instagram filter? Let us know in the comments section below.