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best instagram story filters,Elevate Your Instagram Stories: Best Filters for Stunning Visuals

Discover the top 15 Instagram Story filters to enhance your posts and engage your audience. Learn how to use filters effectively and make your content stand out.

Written By

Nitin Mahajan

Published on

January 9, 2025

Here are the top 15 Instagram Story filters to make your posts stand out:

Retro Cam: Old-school look
Vintage Vibes: Faded, nostalgic effect
90s Camcorder: Home video style
Mint Filter: Soft, calming green tint
Cream: Natural, subtle enhancement
Fresh: Bright and lively colors
Summer Mood: Warm, golden glow
Pumpkin Latte: Cozy autumn feel
Scotland: Dreamy, misty atmosphere
Rainbow: Vibrant color boost
Coconut Cream: Soft, sunny look
WHITE LIGHT: Clean, bright effect
Beauty Filter: Face-enhancing features
Freckles: Adds cute facial spots
Caramel Latte: Warm, cozy tones

Tips for using filters:

Match filters to your content
Adjust filter strength
Use filters consistently for a cohesive look
Try new filters regularly

FilterBest ForEffectRetro CamTravel, foodWarm, grainy, fadedVintage VibesFashion, landscapesLow brightness, dark edges90s CamcorderCasual momentsGrainy, fuzzy, VHS-likeMint FilterNature, fashionLight green tint, smoothCreamEveryday life, beautySoft, natural, warm

Using these filters can improve engagement, create a consistent look, and help your content stand out on Instagram.

1. Retro Cam

Visual Effect

The Retro Cam filter gives your Instagram stories an old-school look. It makes photos warmer, adds some grain, and makes them look a bit faded. This filter helps your pictures feel like they're from the past.

Use Case

Here's how you can use the Retro Cam filter:

PurposeExampleTravel photosMake your vacation pics look like old postcardsFood picturesGive your meal shots a classic diner feelFashion postsAdd a vintage touch to your outfit photos

This filter is good for people who want their Instagram stories to look different from others. It can help make your posts more interesting to look at.

Tip: Using the Retro Cam filter might make more people like and comment on your posts because it gives them a special look that stands out.

2. Vintage Vibes

Visual Effect

The Vintage Vibes filter makes your Instagram stories look old-fashioned. It:

Lowers color brightness
Adds dark edges
Puts focus on the middle of the picture

This filter is good for making photos look like they're from the past.

Use Case

Here's how to use the Vintage Vibes filter:

What to use it forHow it looksTravel photosMakes trips look like they happened long agoFood picturesGives meals an old diner lookFashion postsMakes outfits seem from another time

This filter helps your Instagram stories look different from others. It can make more people look at and like your posts.

Tip: Try changing other photo settings with this filter to make your pictures look even more special.

3. 90s Camcorder

Visual Effect

The 90s Camcorder filter makes your Instagram stories look like old home videos. It:

Adds grain to your photos
Makes the image look a bit fuzzy
Uses colors that look like old video tapes

This filter helps make your stories feel like they're from the past.

Use Case

Here's how to use the 90s Camcorder filter:

What to use it forHow it looksTravel photosMakes trips look like old family videosFashion postsGives clothes a 90s lookFood picturesMakes meals look like they're from home videos

The 90s Camcorder filter can make your Instagram stories more fun. Try changing other photo settings with this filter to make your pictures look even more special.

Tip: Use this filter to make your posts stand out and get more likes.

4. Mint Filter

Visual Effect

The Mint Filter makes your Instagram stories look soft and calm. It:

Adds a light green color to your photos
Makes the image look smoother
Gives your pictures a nice, clean look

This filter helps make your stories feel peaceful.

Use Case

Here's how to use the Mint Filter:

What to use it forHow it looksNature photosMakes outdoor pictures look calmFashion postsMakes clothes look niceFood picturesMakes food look fresh

The Mint Filter can make your Instagram stories look different from others. Try changing other photo settings with this filter to make your pictures look even better.

Tip: Use this filter to make all your posts look the same. This can help people know your posts when they see them.

5. Cream

Visual Effect

The Cream filter makes your Instagram stories look soft and natural. It:

Makes photos a bit softer
Keeps pictures clear
Adds some warmth to the image

This filter is good for making your photos look nice without changing them too much.

Use Case

Here's how to use the Cream filter:

What to use it forHow it looksJewelry photosMakes jewelry shine and look fancyEveryday lifeMakes normal photos look betterFamily picturesMakes family moments look warm and happyBeauty postsMakes makeup and skin look smooth

You can use the Cream filter for many types of photos. Try it with different settings to see what works best for you.

Tip: This filter can help make all your posts look the same. This way, people can easily know it's your post when they see it.

6. Fresh

Visual Effect

The Fresh filter makes your Instagram stories look bright and lively. It:

Makes colors stronger
Makes the picture brighter
Gives your stories a young and happy look

This filter works well for summer pictures, outdoor activities, or any moment you want to look full of life.

Use Case

Here's how to use the Fresh filter:

What to use it forHow it looksSummer photosMakes summer days look brighterOutdoor activitiesMakes your outdoor fun look more livelyTravel postsMakes your trip photos look happyFood postsMakes food look good to eat

You can use the Fresh filter to add more color to your Instagram stories. Try different settings to find what looks best for your posts.

Tip: This filter can help make all your summer posts look the same. You can also mix it with other filters to make your own special look.

7. Summer Mood

Visual Effect

The Summer Mood filter makes your photos look warm and bright, perfect for summer Instagram stories. It:

Adds a soft, golden look to your pictures
Makes colors brighter
Makes photos feel happy and relaxed

Use Case

Here's how to use the Summer Mood filter:

What to use it forHow it looksBeach photosMakes beach days look sunnyOutdoor funAdds warmth to outdoor picturesTravel postsMakes travel photos look bright and happyFood postsMakes summer food look tasty

You can use this filter to make your Instagram stories feel like summer. Try different settings to find what you like best.

Tip: Use this filter with other summer filters to make all your posts look the same.

8. Pumpkin Latte

Visual Effect

The Pumpkin Latte filter makes your Instagram stories look warm and cozy, like fall. It:

Makes photos softer
Makes warm colors (like orange and yellow) look stronger
Adds a light golden glow

Use Case

Here's how to use the Pumpkin Latte filter:

What to use it forHow it looksFall photosMakes pictures feel like autumnOutdoor photos with warm lightMakes warm colors look betterFall food postsMakes food look good to eat

You can use this filter to make your Instagram stories feel warm and cozy, which is good for fall. Try using it with other fall filters to make all your posts look the same.

Tip: This filter works well for making your fall posts stand out and look nice together.

9. Scotland

Visual Effect

The Scotland filter makes your Instagram stories look dreamy and misty. It:

Makes photos softer
Makes blues and greens look stronger
Adds a light fog effect

Use Case

Here's how to use the Scotland filter:

What to use it forHow it looksNature photosMakes outdoor scenes look calmPeople picturesGives a magical look to facesTravel postsMakes trip photos look more exciting

You can use this filter to make your Instagram stories look special. It works well for outdoor pictures. Try using it with other filters to make your own look.

Tip: Use the Scotland filter on pictures with lots of green or water to make them look really good.

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10. Rainbow

Visual Effect

The Rainbow filter adds bright colors to your Instagram stories. It:

Makes a rainbow effect on your photos
Makes colors look stronger
Makes your stories look fun

Use Case

Here's how to use the Rainbow filter:

What to use it forHow it looksBright photosMakes them even brighterOutside picturesMakes nature look specialFun postsFits with happy, playful content

You can use this filter to add color to your Instagram stories. It works well for outside pictures, sunny days, or pretty views.

Tip: Use the Rainbow filter on pictures that already have bright colors to make them stand out more.

11. Coconut Cream

Visual Effect

The Coconut Cream filter makes your Instagram stories look soft and sunny. It:

Makes photos look warm
Adds a light glow
Makes pictures feel calm

Use Case

Here's how to use the Coconut Cream filter:

What to use it forHow it looksSummer photosMakes them look beachyOutside picturesMakes nature look niceCalm postsFits with relaxing content

You can use this filter to make your Instagram stories feel warm and nice. It works well for summer photos, outside pictures, or calm posts.

Tip: Use this filter on bright photos to make colors stand out more.

12. WHITE LIGHT

Visual Effect

The WHITE LIGHT filter makes your Instagram stories look bright and clean. It:

Makes photos have a white background
Gives pictures a clean look
Makes colors stand out more

Use Case

Here's how to use the WHITE LIGHT filter:

What to use it forHow it looksPhotos with white backgroundsMakes them look neatSimple postsGood for plain, nice-looking contentBright photosMakes colors look stronger

Tip: Use this filter first, then change other settings if you need to. This helps make the white look just right.

13. Beauty Filter

Visual Effect

The Beauty Filter changes how you look in Instagram stories. It:

Makes your eyes bigger
Changes your face shape
Adds longer eyelashes
Adjusts your bone structure

Use Case

Here's how to use the Beauty Filter:

When to useWhat it doesQuick morning postsMakes you look ready for the daySelfiesMakes your face look betterDays without makeupGives you a nice look without makeup

Tip: Try different looks with this filter to see what you like best.

This filter is good for when you want to post a quick Story but don't have time to put on makeup. It makes you look like you spent a long time getting ready, even if you only used the filter for a few seconds.

14. Freckles

Visual Effect

The Freckles filter adds small spots to your face in Instagram stories. It:

Puts freckles on your skin
Makes your face look different
Gives you a young and fun look

Use Case

Here's how to use the Freckles filter:

When to useWhat it doesQuick selfiesMakes your face look funSummer postsFits with a happy summer feelingDaily storiesMakes your stories look young

Tip: Try taking photos from different angles and in different light to make the freckles show up better!

15. Caramel Latte

Visual Effect

The Caramel Latte filter makes your Instagram stories look warm and nice. It:

Makes photos feel cozy
Makes colors look stronger
Gives pictures an old-time feel

Use Case

Here's how to use the Caramel Latte filter:

When to useWhat it doesFood postsMakes food look yummy and warmMorning selfiesMakes you look comfy and relaxedFall or winter postsFits with cold weather feelings

Tip: Try using this filter in different lights to see how it changes your photos!

Tips for Using Instagram Story Filters

Here are some tips to help you use Instagram Story filters well:

Pick Filters that Match Your Content

Choose filters that make your content look better. For example:

Content TypeGood Filter ChoiceSunny day photoWarm, bright filterSelfieSkin-smoothing filterFood pictureColor-enhancing filter

Change Filter Strength

You can make filters stronger or weaker. Try different levels to find what looks best. You can also use more than one filter at a time.

Use the Same Filters Often

Using the same filters can make your posts look alike. This helps people know it's your post when they see it.

BenefitExplanationConsistent lookYour posts all have a similar styleEasy to recognizePeople can tell it's your contentBrand buildingHelps create a unique look for your account

Try New Filters

Don't be afraid to use new filters. Instagram adds new ones often. You can also make your own filters with Instagram's tools.

Ways to Find New FiltersHow to Do ItCheck Instagram updatesLook for new filter options in the appBrowse popular filtersSee what others are usingMake custom filtersUse Instagram's filter creation tools

Making Your Instagram Look Consistent with Filters

Using the same filters can help make your Instagram posts look alike. This makes it easy for people to know it's your post when they see it. Here's how to make your Instagram look the same:

Choose Filters That Match Your Brand

Pick filters that fit your brand's look and feel. For example:

Brand TypeFilter ChoiceVintage furniture companyFilters with yellow tint and less colorModern brandFilters with blue tones and bright colors

Use the Same Look in All Posts

To make your Instagram look the same:

Use the same filters
Pick the same colors
Use the same fonts
Choose similar pictures

For example, if your website has lots of plants, use plant pictures in your Instagram Stories too.

Why It's Good to Look the Same

Having a consistent look on Instagram:

BenefitExplanationEasy to spotPeople can tell it's your post quicklyLooks professionalMakes your brand seem well-plannedBuilds trustPeople get used to your style

Finding New and Popular Filters

Here's how to find new filters for your Instagram stories:

Browse Effects

Open Instagram camera
Swipe right to "Browse Effects"
Look through categories or search by name

Search for Filters

Use the search bar at the top of the screen. Type words like "summer" or "glow" to find filters.

Get Filters from Friends' Stories

To save a filter you like from a friend's story:

Tap the filter name (bottom left of screen)
Tap "Save Effect"

Follow Filter Creators

Find new filters by following their creators:

Search for creator names or usernames
Follow their accounts

MethodHow to Do ItWhat You GetBrowse EffectsUse Instagram cameraSee many filters at onceSearchUse search barFind specific types of filtersFriends' StoriesTap filter name and saveGet filters you've seen in useFollow CreatorsSearch and follow accountsSee new filters when they're made

Wrap-up

Instagram Story filters can make your posts look better and get more people to like them. There are many filters to choose from, so try different ones to see what works best for you and your followers. Here are some tips:

TipWhat to DoMix filtersTry using more than one filter on a photoChange filter strengthMake filters stronger or weaker to get the right lookUse editing toolsAfter using a filter, try other tools to make your photo even better

It's good to use the same filters often. This helps people know your posts when they see them. Here's why:

ReasonBenefitSame lookYour posts will look alikeEasy to spotPeople can tell it's your post quicklyBrand buildingHelps make your Instagram account special

Don't be scared to try new filters. Instagram adds new ones all the time. You can also make your own filters with Instagram's tools.

Remember:

Pick filters that fit your brand
Use the same filters often
Try new filters sometimes
Change filter settings to get the look you want

FAQs

What is the most popular Instagram filter?

Some of the most used Instagram filters are:

Filter NameWhat it DoesClarendonMakes colors brighterGinghamGives a soft, dreamy lookJunoMakes cool tones popLarkBrightens and adds warmth

These filters are often used because they make photos look better.

What is the most used filter on Instagram?

Clarendon is the filter most people use on Instagram. Here's why it's so popular:

ReasonExplanationWorks on many photosGood for people, places, and thingsMakes colors look niceAdds warmth and makes colors strongerEasy to useDoesn't change photos too much

People like Clarendon because it makes their photos look good without trying too hard.

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Nitin Mahajan

Founder & CEO

Nitin is the CEO of quickads.ai with 20+ years of experience in the field of marketing and advertising. Previously, he was a partner at McKinsey & Co and MD at Accenture, where he has led 20+ marketing transformations.

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