What Is An Instagram Filter?

In the visually driven world of Instagram, filters have become a game-changer in how we present content. These creative overlays can transform an ordinary picture into a work of art or a simple selfie into a branding statement. But they’re not just for fun; they’re powerful tools for businesses aiming to strengthen their brand and engage with their audience in fresh and exciting ways on social media. 

An Instagram filter is a feature within the Instagram app that allows you to apply digital layers to your photographs or videos. These filters can enhance colors, tone down light, add a vintage look, or even allow you to interact with fun augmented reality (AR) graphics that can alter your appearance or environment in playful ways.

For instance, some Instagram filters put digital puppy ears and a nose on your face, or others might add sparkles to your surroundings, all of which is done in real-time as you hold up your phone and look at the screen. These filters are popular for adding creativity and fun to the photos and videos you share with friends on the platform.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make your very own Instagram filter and delve into how this resourceful feature can be a boon for your business.

How to Make an Instagram (IG) Filter?

Creating an Instagram filter is a creative journey. Here’s our simplified guide on how to make your own Instagram filter: 

1. Download Meta Spark Studio: This software, available on Mac and Windows, is your main workspace for creating filters.
2. Start a New Project: Once installed, open Spark AR Studio and select a new project. Here, you’ll decide the template for your filter based on your preference and design needs.
3. Design Your Filter: Utilise the tools available to craft your filter. This can include adding 3D objects, using different effects, and much more. The key is to let your creativity flow while also aligning with your brand identity.
4. Test Your Filter: Use the Spark AR Player app to test your filter on different devices. It’s crucial to ensure it works universally and looks good on all potential models and screen sizes.
5. Publish: After thorough testing, you can submit your filter for review. Instagram will need to approve it, ensuring it meets all guidelines before it goes live.

Remember, creating compelling visuals consistent with your brand can be integral to your overall Instagram advertising strategy.

Points to Note Before Making an Instagram Filter

Before you explore how to make your own Instagram filter, it’s vital to consider several factors to ensure your creation is not only inventive but also effective in its purpose.

• Target Audience: Understand who your followers are and what appeals to them. A filter that resonates with your audience is more likely to be used and shared. For example, the Barbie IG layout filter “This Barbie is -” gained massive momentum prior to the release of the Barbie movie, contributing to the movie’s awareness and publicity. 
• Branding: Your filter should be a seamless extension of your brand. From colours to style, make sure it aligns with your business’s visual identity and ethos.
• Technical Requirements: Instagram has specific guidelines for filters to ensure they’re appropriate for users. Familiarising yourself with these technicalities is crucial to avoid rejection during the review stage.
• Legal and Copyright: Ensure that your filter doesn’t infringe on any copyrights. Using assets that you have rights to or have created yourself safeguards you from potential legal issues.

How Can Making Your Own Instagram Filter Help Your Business?

When used strategically, Instagram filters can do wonders for your business. They’re not just an aesthetic enhancement; they’re an extension of your brand’s story, values, and community. For instance, by designing a unique filter, businesses can create a memorable visual identity, encouraging users to share content and subsequently increasing visibility. Let’s look at some case studies. 

For example, a prominent cosmetic brand released a custom filter that applied virtual makeup to users’ selfies, simulating the effects of the brand’s products. This not only led to a surge in user-generated content as followers shared their augmented photos but also drove product sales by providing a try-before-you-buy experience, which removed a barrier in the consumer’s purchase process. 

In another instance, a popular travel agency designed scenic filters reflecting exotic destinations, subtly promoting their package deals. Users sharing their ‘virtual vacations’ served as organic promotional material, creating a word-of-mouth effect that significantly boosted inquiries and bookings for the agency. These cases demonstrate how Instagram filters, when strategically aligned with business goals, can yield substantial consumer engagement and conversion by leveraging playful interaction with brand-centric digital content.

Moreover, filters are fantastic for audience engagement. They encourage interaction and content creation from users, which, when shared, operates as a form of word-of-mouth advertising. Brands like Starbucks and Nike have successfully employed custom filters that fans eagerly use, showcasing their products and lifestyle, consequently deepening their connection with their followers.

Such strategies contribute to a robust online presence, essential in platforms that thrive on engagement, like Instagram. Learning how to make an Instagram filter, for instance, can be a dynamic part of your social media strategy, offering a personalised touch that resonates with your audience. Incorporating these elements in your digital marketing plan can significantly enhance your approach, making your content more interactive and shareable.

Ready To Supercharge Your Business?

Embracing the world of Instagram filters opens up a new avenue for businesses to showcase their creativity, enhance their brand image, and interact with their audience in a fun, engaging manner. Understanding how to make an Instagram or IG filter is key in this digital era, as by creating a custom filter that resonates with your followers, you are not only offering something of value but also encouraging an interactive experience. This strategy, coupled with effective social media planning, can amplify your online presence significantly.

Remember, while the process is creative, it requires alignment with your brand, awareness of your audience’s preferences, and adherence to technical and legal guidelines. As you embark on this creative journey, the potential for brand enhancement is immense. Get inventive, explore the possibilities, and you could see your brand go viral.

Ready to take your social media game to the next level? Discover more with Primal Digital Agency, your partner in navigating the digital space effectively. Explore Primal’s expertise in social media and Instagram advertising to unlock your brand’s full potential on these platforms.