How to Make the Instagram Filter? Step-By-Step Guide

Instagram features thousands of effects or filters that you can use to modify your pictures and increase the engagement rate for your brand. This huge collection does not mean there is no room for more filters. You can also make your own Instagram AR filter, but the question here is how to make the Instagram filter.

You can create your AR filter using Spark AR Studio, a meta-owned AR filter creation app that you can download for free and use to create Instagram and Facebook filters at home.

Below is the step-by-step guide teaching you how to make and post your own Instagram filters using the Spark AR Studio. But, before stepping into the creation process, you need to get familiar with Instagram AR filter and Spark AR Studio.

Introduction to Instagram AR Filter

Instagram Augmented reality (AR) filters are special computer-generated effects that you can superimpose with your real-life images to make them look better. AR filters add a layer of imagery in the foreground or background of your camera image.

Instagram’s face AR filters; for example, the puppy filter superimposes a dog’s ears and nose over the top of your image. These digital effects show movements when you move. Another example includes the “Hello filter” that superimposes glasses onto your face, and digital balloons fall down the screen when you apply this filter. Also, check the What Is an Instagram Handle?

Remember, Instagram AR filters are different from their preset filters. The preset filters enhance the quality of your photos in one click; on the other hand, Instagram AR filters increase the interactivity of your photos on your Instagram Stories.

What is Spark AR Studio?

Spark AR Studio is Met’s AR tool that lets content creators craft AR filters for followers to use on Instagram and Facebook. The tool is easy-to-use and does not require you to be the master of it. Whether you are a newbie or an expert, you can easily use it to create image filters. Moreover, it features plenty of tutorials that you can see to go through the process step-by-step.

Spark AR Studio features several options allowing you to make an AR filter. For example, you can use it to make interactive filters that use 3D objects like animations offered on the program. Then you can sync these objects with users’ movements and use them in background or face filter effects.

After briefly introducing Instagram AR filters and Spark AR Studio, let’s discuss how to make Instagram filters.

How to Make Instagram Filter? Steps to Follow

Below is a step-by-step guide on creating your AR filter step.

1. Download Spark AR Studio

The first step towards making an Instagram filter is to download the Spark AR Studio, an easy-to-use, powerful tool that lets you create custom filters and effects. This program is currently available for Mac and Windows. After downloading it, give it a try. It will surely work.

2. Understand the Platform

After installing the Spark AR Studio on your device, see a few tutorials to get familiar with the platform. It features a helpful, welcoming tour lasting for five minutes and will help you know most aspects of the platform. Moreover, you can also get help from a Learning Center where you will see a collection of tutorials.

3. Get Started

The Getting Started section includes the basics of Spark AR Studio, helping you understand the features quickly and how to navigate this platform. It also features tutorials on creating face-tracking effects, previewing Spark AR Studio, using face reference assets, and using templates, features, and processes. Moreover, here you will also learn about the effect of lifecycle, policy, and many other things.

4. Add a 3D Object

After understanding the Spark AR Studio, select the specific AR filter you will make. For example, if you make a world object, you can place a 3D object to make it in a real-world setting.

To start the proceedings, select a project of your choice, and you will be shifted to Canvas, also known as the Viewpoint. Your object placeholder will be preloaded.

Note: if you are using the Spark AR Studio for the first time, you must accept their privacy policy before entering your canvas.

Using the Viewpoint may seem complex; therefore, use the tutorial section to seek guidance. When the Viewpoint asks you to add an object, you can import it from Spark Studio’s huge library of objects. To do this, open the Spark AR Studio, click on the File from the main menu at the top left corner of the application screen, and click Import from AR Library.

A new tab will open, featuring various options. Select 3D Objects using the left-hand menu.

After selecting an object, click on the Import Free Button. After that, you can add music or audio from the AR Library to your filter.

5. Add Different Effects

When your object is in the Viewpoint, you can add different effects. These effects will define how your object responds to user manipulation. Effects also define how your object will show movement and how it will look when placed at different angles in the 3D world.

The following example shows a 3D object without and with ambient light. You can easily change the color and intensity of ambient light.

With the Scene Panel on the left, you will see you can also:

• Give a 3D object more depth by changing the directional light
• Select whether you can use the effect for the front camera, the back camera, or both
• Change the animation of the 3D object
• Add extra elements like additional animations, textures, and materials.

6. Test Your Newly Made Filter

After finishing making an AR filter, you can test it by sending it to Instagram or Facebook. This will give you an idea or preview of how your new filter works on these platforms.

7. Publish Your Effect or Filter

After testing your effect, press the “Upload” button in the left-hand corner to publish your effect. Instagram or Facebook will review your creation before publishing it, ensuring it follows Spark AR’s policies and guidelines. This process may take a few days or could take a week. The Spark AR Leaning Center also guides you on submitting newly created effects for approval.

Final Thoughts

In today’s era of social media, using Instagram is a must to promote your brand to a larger audience. As this social media app has multiple photo and video-sharing features, Instagram AR filters are the top-notch features to leave a lasting impression on your followers. And it also helps you successfully increase your brand awareness. However, many IG users ask, “How to make the Instagram filter?” Using Spark AR Studio is the best route to get things started, as it helps you make an effective Instagram filter to advertise your product. Above, we have provided an optimal Instagram guide to create the perfect filter today. Thus, read this blog post carefully to create your own Instagram filter.