Instagram Stories have become an extremely popular way for users to share photos and short videos. Applying filters to these Stories is a great way to add creativity and visual interest. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply filters to Instagram Stories videos before posting.
Table of Contents
Find and Browse Filters in the Effect Gallery
To search for and browse filters on Instagram:
- Open the Instagram app and swipe left to access the Stories camera
- Swipe left on the menu bar at the bottom until you reach the “Browse Effects” option (magnifying glass icon)
- Tap on “Browse Effects” to open the Effect Gallery
The Effect Gallery contains all available effects and filters you can apply to Stories.
- Scroll down to browse different categories of filters like “Trending”, “Travel”, “Food”, etc.
- Tap on a filter to preview it
- You can also use the search bar at the top to look for specific filters
Save Desired Filters to Your Camera
Once you’ve found filters you want to use regularly:
- Tap on the download icon in the bottom right corner of the filter preview
- This saves the filter so it’s quickly accessible from your Stories camera
- Saved filters will appear in your camera menu with a filled-in download icon
Saving frequently used filters makes it easy to access and apply them to new Stories.
Apply Filters to New Videos
To apply filters before posting a new Instagram Stories video:
- Swipe left on your Feed to open the Stories camera
- Tap the record button to capture a new video
- When finished, tap the smiley face icon above the record button
- This will open your saved filters – select one to apply to the video
- You can adjust the intensity of the filter using the slider
- Tap “Your Story” when finished to post the filtered video
Apply Filters to Existing Videos
You can also add filters to existing videos before posting to Stories:
- Swipe left to the Stories camera then tap the gallery icon
- Select a video from your camera roll to use for your Story
- Tap the smiley icon and choose a filter from your saved effects
- Adjust intensity and tap “Your Story” to post
Make sure the filter you select is enabled for video, or it may not work properly.
Best Practices for Using Instagram Stories Filters
Here are some tips for getting the most out of filters in Stories:
Match filters to your content
Pick filters that make sense for what you’re sharing vs randomly selecting them. A summery travel Story could use a bright, warm filter while a food Story may benefit from something more vibrant.
Don’t overdo it on the intensity
While filters can infuse great visual interest, going overboard can make your content seem overly processed or fake. Use subtle intensities.
Experiment with mixing and matching
Get creative by quickly switching between a couple filters to find the right balance for your content.
Use filters consistently
Sticking with one or two go-to filters for all your Stories helps develop your brand identity.
Preview filters before posting
Always preview how filters look on your actual content before posting to ensure it enhances rather than detracts.
Other Instagram Stories Editing Tips
In addition to filters, you can use other editing features to enhance Stories videos:
Text
Add engaging text captions, titles, subtitles, etc using the text tool. Keep font choices and sizing consistent.
Stickers and GIFs
Stickers and GIFs can infuse more personality. Use judiciously to avoid seeming unprofessional.
Drawing tools
Use the drawing tools to highlight parts of your video or get creative by doing handwritten captions.
Trimming
Trim longer videos to keep things concise. Instagram offers 60 seconds max per Story.
Music
Add popular songs or original audio to bring your content to life. Make sure audio enhances the video.
Tags and mentions
Strategically tag relevant accounts and use location tags to increase discoverability.
Link stickers
Direct viewers to take desired actions using link stickers like “Swipe Up”.
Key Takeaways
- Search and save desired Instagram Stories filters using the Effect Gallery
- Easily apply saved filters to new videos shot directly in Stories
- You can also add filters to existing videos before posting
- Use filters consistently and intentionally based on content
- Preview filters before posting to ensure they enhance your video
- Experiment with intensity levels and mixing different filters
Leveraging Instagram Stories filters effectively can take your content to the next level. Just be careful not to go overboard. With strategic use, filters can become a core part of your brand’s Instagram Stories aesthetic.
