Instagram effects are filters and visual tools you apply to photos and videos before posting, and you find them in the camera or editing screen

When you open Instagram's camera to take a photo or video, you'll see a smiley face icon at the bottom of the screen. Tap that icon and a menu of effects appears — these are Instagram's built-in filters and augmented reality (AR) tools. You can also access effects after you've taken a photo by tapping the smiley face icon again in the editing screen. The effects range from simple color filters that warm or cool your image to AR effects that add animated elements, face distortions, or background changes.

Effects work differently depending on whether you're using Instagram on a phone or a web browser. On mobile, the full library of effects is available in the camera. On a web browser, your options are more limited — you can apply basic filters after uploading a photo, but you cannot use AR effects like face filters or animated overlays. If you want the full range of effects, you'll need to use the Instagram app on iOS or Android.

Key Takeaways

  • The smiley face icon at the bottom of Instagram's camera opens the effects menu on mobile phones.
  • Instagram effects include color filters, face filters, AR backgrounds, and animated overlays, most of which only work in the mobile app.
  • You can browse effects by scrolling left and right through the menu, or search for specific effects by name or creator.
  • Effects created by other users are saved in a "Saved Effects" folder so you can find them again without searching.
  • Web browsers let you apply basic filters after uploading, but AR and animated effects are not available outside the mobile app.

Finding effects in the Instagram camera

Open the Instagram app and tap the camera icon at the top left of your home feed, or swipe left from the home feed to enter camera mode. You'll see a row of icons at the bottom of the screen. The smiley face icon (second from the left) opens the effects library. When you tap it, a horizontal menu of effect thumbnails appears at the bottom of the screen.

Scroll left and right through the thumbnails to browse available effects. Each thumbnail shows a preview of what that effect looks like. Tap any effect to apply it to your camera view in real time. You'll see the effect activate immediately on your face or surroundings, depending on what type of effect it is. If you don't like it, tap a different effect to switch, or tap the X icon to remove all effects.

Searching for specific effects by name

If you know the name of an effect you want to use, you don't have to scroll through the entire library. At the top of the effects menu, you'll see a search icon (a magnifying glass). Tap it and type the name of the effect. Instagram will show you matching results, and you can tap any result to apply it.

Effect names are often descriptive — "glitter," "vintage," "neon," "blur background" — so searching works well if you remember even part of the name. If you search for an effect that doesn't exist or has been removed, Instagram will show "No results." In that case, you can browse the full library again or try a different search term.

Saving effects you use often

When you find an effect you like, you can save it so you don't have to search for it again. While viewing the effect in the camera, look for a heart icon near the effect name or thumbnail. Tap the heart to save the effect. Saved effects appear in a dedicated folder at the beginning of the effects menu, labeled "Saved" or "Favorites" depending on your Instagram version.

Your saved effects sync across devices if you're logged into the same Instagram account. If you save an effect on your phone, it will appear in your saved folder on any other phone or tablet where you log in. If you unsave an effect by tapping the heart again, it disappears from your saved folder but remains available in the full library if you search for it later.

Using effects created by other users

Instagram lets creators design custom effects and share them with the public. When you find an effect you like in the library, you can see who created it — the creator's name usually appears below the effect thumbnail. Tapping the creator's name takes you to their profile, where you can follow them to see their other effects.

Some popular effects are created by Instagram's own design team, while others come from independent creators or brands. There's no difference in how you use them — tap to apply, and save if you want to use it again. If an effect has been removed or is no longer available, it's usually because the creator deleted it or Instagram took it down for violating community guidelines.

Applying effects after you've taken a photo or video

You don't have to apply an effect before recording. You can take a photo or video without any effect, then add one afterward. After you tap the capture button and your photo or video appears on the screen, look for the smiley face icon again. Tap it to open the effects menu and apply an effect to your already-recorded content.

When you apply an effect after recording, Instagram processes the effect and shows you a preview. You can tap different effects to see how each one looks on your specific photo or video. Once you've chosen an effect, tap "Next" to move to the editing screen, where you can add text, stickers, or other adjustments before posting.

Effects on web browsers versus the mobile app

If you use Instagram on a web browser (like Chrome or Safari on a computer), you have limited access to effects. You can upload a photo and apply basic color filters — Instagram calls these "Filters" — but you cannot use AR effects, face filters, or animated overlays. The web version of Instagram does not support the camera features that make those effects work.

To use the full range of effects, including face filters and AR backgrounds, you need the Instagram app on a phone or tablet. The mobile app has direct access to your device's camera and sensors, which AR effects require. If you're on a computer and want to use effects, you'll need to take the photo or video on your phone with effects applied, then upload the finished result to Instagram through the web browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find an effect I used before?

Effects are sometimes removed by their creators or by Instagram if they violate community guidelines. If you saved the effect, it will stay in your saved folder even if it's no longer in the public library. If you didn't save it, you can try searching by name, but if it's been deleted, it won't appear. Check your saved effects folder first — tap the heart icon in the effects menu to see your saved list.

Can I use effects on videos I've already posted?

No, you cannot edit a video after posting to add or change effects. You can only apply effects before you post. If you want to use an effect on an existing video, you'll need to download it, re-upload it to Instagram, and apply the effect during the upload process.

Do effects work on Stories and Reels the same way?

Yes, the effects menu works the same way in Stories, Reels, and regular posts. Open the camera, tap the smiley face icon, and browse or search for effects. The effect applies to whatever you're recording — a Story, a Reel, or a regular photo or video post.

What happens if I save an effect and then the creator deletes it?

The effect will disappear from your saved folder. Instagram doesn't keep deleted effects available, even if you saved them. If you want to use a similar effect, you can search for alternatives in the effects library or follow the creator to see if they release a new version.

Can I create my own effects?

Creating effects requires Instagram's Effect Studio, a tool available to creators with verified accounts or accounts that meet certain follower thresholds. If you're interested in creating effects, you can learn more through Instagram's Creator Studio or by visiting the Effect Studio section in your Instagram settings.