Using the right Instagram filters can make your content more sophisticated and in line with your brand. Here’s how to use these nine popular filters.

Want to stand out on Instagram? Filters are the way to go. Filters are presets that creators can apply to posts, Reels, and Stories to get an instant aesthetic. They also save you time because they reduce the need to use photo editing for lighting or contrast — just upload, tap to add a filter, and share your content with the world.

If you want an instant influencer-chic look, here’s how you can apply Instagram filters to your content, as well as the nine most popular Instagram filters of October 2022.

How to Apply Filters to Your Instagram Photos

Filters transform an everyday selfie into a true work of art that turns heads on social media. They’re available to Instagram users on both iOS and Android, so you should be able to use them regardless of your device. A whopping 62% of Gen Z use filters in their social media posts, so if you opt for an Instagram filter, you’re probably in the majority.

To use a filter:

• Upload your photo or video to the Instagram app.
• Tap Next, then choose from Instagram’s preloaded filters. If you have a custom filter (which we’ll cover in a sec), you can upload it to the Instagram app so it’ll be available for you here.
• Preview what the filter will look like. You can adjust the saturation to customize your look. Use the slider to increase or decrease the Instagram filter effect.
• Remember to add a caption, the all-important hashtags, and trending songs to your newly-edited content and then share it with your followers.

What About Instagram Stories or Reels?

Instagram has filters just for Stories and Reels, too. They’re not Instagram filters, per se, but augmented reality (AR) filters. Unlike Instagram’s filters of yore, AR filters add multimedia features like animations, stickers, or cool effects to your posts — they’re similar to Snapchat’s filters. Since 90% of Snapchat users use AR filters, they’re a popular option that’s gaining steam on Instagram now, too.

To use Instagram filters in a Story, open your app and start creating a Story. Go to Effects and tab through the different options.

For Reels, you can pick Trending Effects or Reel templates. Templates are other creators’ custom filters that you can swipe through and use for your own content. They’re a great way to preview what an Instagram filter will look like on your content — and you don’t have to fuss with creating your own filter.

You’re Allowed to Make Your Own Filters, Too

By the way, if you don’t like the filters Instagram offers out of the box, you can upload other filters or create your own custom filter. Plenty of creators want a unique look and feel, which they achieve with tools like Meta Spark (formerly known as Spark AR Studio).

Spark allows you to easily build custom presets and filters. You can even drop in advanced options like sounds, objects, and animations to make your Instagram filters really pop. Spark allows you to publish to Instagram through the app, so if you want to create your own AR face filter, this is the tool for the job.

The 9 Best Instagram Filters of October

While some creators like to use one filter for everything, it’s better to go with a handful of different filters based on your content. Like any good piece of art, filters should change depending on the subject. Whether you want to pump up the color or remove color entirely, filters change the focal point of your photos.

Tap through these nine popular Instagram filters to see what works best for your post:

1. Clarendon

Did you know that Clarendon is the most popular Instagram filter in the United States? Some studies say that it accounts for 24.6% of all filters used by U.S. Instagram users.

We’d love to say that it’s because the filter adds shadows and highlights that make images pop, but in reality, it’s the most popular option because people are lazy. Clarendon is usually the first Instagram filter to pop up when you’re adding a filter, so people are likely tapping on the first option they see. Regardless of why it’s number one, Clarendon is a solid filter for showing off your fall outfit or obligatory #PSL selfie thanks to its balanced, crisp look.

2. Juno

Juno is the second most-used Instagram filter that accounts for 8% of all U.S. Instagram filters. It may look similar to Clarendon, but Juno adds a warmer tone to photos that amps up the volume on warmer hues. It also mutes harsh edges and makes whites pop, too. If you’re looking for an Instagram filter that will really make your fall foliage photos stand out, Juno is a solid choice.

3. Lark

Lark adds a warm, beige tone over photos that gives visuals a flat, almost vintage look. Lark is an Instagram filter that makes jewel tones pop, so if you’re showing off a cobalt blue outfit, this filter will increase Instagram engagement to stop more thumbs.

4. Gingham

Gingham gives photos a warm, vintage look that mutes colors so they’re less saturated. Honestly, it’s screaming “fall vibes,” so use Gingham for your family pumpkin patch photoshoot.

A word of warning, though. Gingham can wash out white hues, so if you’re wearing mostly white in an image, it’ll blur the edges so much that you can’t see anything. This filter is better suited for posts that are full of color.

5. Mayfair

The Mayfair filter really accentuates shadows. But it’s nice because it doesn’t make the image too dark — this Instagram filter adds just enough contrast that you can make lighter objects pop without overdoing it on the highlights.

6. Sierra

With a name that’s reminiscent of the smoke on the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Sierra filter adds an almost ethereal glow to your content. It adds some light to photos and washes them out a bit, but if you want a warm, glowing look for your latest food post, this is the filter for you.

7. Valencia

Valencia increases the exposure of your Instagram posts, adding an oh-so-subtle tint of yellow to warm up your content. Valencia takes so-so colors and makes them vibrant without overwhelming the overall look of your photo. It emphasizes daylight and will make your pics look bright and inviting — so it’s a must for nature photography.

8. X-Pro II

X-Pro II is a little broodier than the other options on this list. It accentuates shadows, but it’s bright enough to still see what’s going on. This is the perfect Instagram filter if you want to subdue a super sunny outdoor photo and give it a darker, more chill vibe.

9. Nashville

Nashville is a retro-inspired filter that adds a haze of vintage glamor to your Instagram posts. We love using it for reminiscing about bittersweet memories. Why not use it for your next #ThrowbackThursday post?

The Best Instagram Filters for Stories and Reels

But what if you aren’t posting to your feed, but you’re filming an Instagram Story or Reel? We’ve got you covered. These are the most popular Instagram filters for Stories and Reels in October 2022:

• Kodak: Get an instantly retro look with this vintage-inspired filter.
• Summer: Sure, “Summer” might be its name, but the golden hues of this Instagram filter actually scream “Fall.”
• Iridescent Glitter: Some glitter filters are annoying and over the top, but this option is both magical and dreamy — just how glitter should be.
• Baddie: Just in time for Halloween, this filter will give your Reels and Stories an instant “bad guy” vibe.

Witch Alert: We love this Instagram filter for fall-themed photos. It washes out most color but gives your lips an enchanting boost of pink.

Amp up Your Content With the Right Instagram Filters

Instagram is all about visuals, so you need all-star content to stand out. The right filter will make your content shine, so if you want to stand out, try these nine filters:

• Clarendon
• Juno
• Lark
• Gingham
• Mayfair
• Sierra
• Valencia
• X-Pro II
• Nashville

Instagram adds new filters all the time, so stay active on the app to see what’s new.

But you aren’t on your own out there. Hype helps creators stay on top of the hottest Instagram news, monetization hacks, and content tips. Subscribe to our blog now to stay in the know.