How to Add Instagram Filters to Existing Photos or Videos

Instagram offers a wide range of filters for both reels and stories. Some of these filters use augmented reality (AR) to add special effects to your face.

Filters can enhance the colors and overall look of your photos and videos. With these camera effects, you can create more fun and engaging content on Instagram.

As you may already know Instagram lets you apply filters to photos and videos captured using its built-in camera. Similarly, if you want to use AR effects, you usually have to record videos directly within the app.

However, many of us take photos or record videos using our phone’s default camera. So what if you want to apply Instagram filters to those?

In this article, we will show you how to add Instagram filters to existing photos and videos that are saved in your gallery or camera roll.

This is made possible through the effect feature in Instagram’s story and reels editor. You can use this feature on both iPhone and Android device. Let’s get started and see how it works!

Table of Contents

Add Instagram filters to your existing photo/video in story

Instagram has a variety of filters for stories that you can easily apply to any photo or video from your gallery or camera roll. This can be done by swiping left or right on the story editor screen.

Apart from the story filters, you can also add other effects that you have saved on your Instagram. This step-by-step guide will show you how to add Instagram filters to your existing photos and videos in story –

Open the Instagram app on your phone.
Tap + Your Story option at the top-left corner. Alternatively, you can click on plus (+) button and then choose Story option.
Load the photo or video from your gallery or camera roll on which you want to apply Instagram filters. Next, it will take you to the story editor screen.
Tap the Effects option (glitter icon) at the top as shown in the below picture. This will reveal various effects that you can choose from the bottom.
Select the filter you want to apply on your photo or video. Scroll left or right to change the effect. Tap the Done button to apply it.
Now you can post the photo or video on your Instagram story. Simply, click on Your Story option. If you want to save it on your phone, then tap the download icon.

Add Instagram filters to your existing videos in reels

There are so many camera effects and filters available for Instagram reels. While recording a video, you can choose from various effects, including the filters you have saved, as well as trending and suggested effects.

But what if you’ve already recorded a video on your phone and now want to add Instagram filters to it? Here’s how you can do that –

Open the Instagram app on your smartphone.
Tap the + plus button at the top and then go to Reels. This will take you to the reels camera.
Now load the video from your camera roll on which you want to add Instagram filter. After you have selected the video, click Add followed by tapping on Preview button. Next, you will move to the editor screen.
Click on the Effects (three stars) icon at the top.
You will see a number of effects at the bottom. Click on the effect to see the live preview. Scroll left to change to the next. Just choose the filter you want to use on your video.
Finally, you can post the video on your Instagram reels or save it on your phone by clicking on the download icon at the top. That’s it.

Fix Instagram not showing filters or effects

Some users have reported that they couldn’t find the effects option in the story and reels editor. If you’re facing the same issue, you won’t be able to add filters to your existing photos or videos.

There are several reasons why this happens, including an outdated app version, internet connection problems, or a technical glitch within Instagram. Here we will discuss each reason in detail and show you how to fix it quickly on your phone.

Update Instagram app – Instagram camera effects and filters are new features that may not be available in older versions of the app. If you’re using an outdated version, this could be why the effects option isn’t showing up. To fix this, simply update Instagram to the latest version from the App Store (iPhone/iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Check internet connection – Instagram filters and camera effects only works when you are connected to the internet. You can’t add filters on your existing photos and videos from Instagram if you are offline. So make sure that your mobile data or Wi-Fi is turned on and your internet connection is working properly.
Clear cached data – Sometimes Instagram may fail to show the effects option dfue to a technical glitch. This can usually be fixed by clearing the app’s cached data and restarting your phone. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram, then select Storage and tap the Clear Cache button. Afterward, restart your phone and try adding filters to your photos and videos from your camera roll or gallery again.

General FAQs

Can you add saved Instagram filters on your existing photos/videos?

Yes, you can add saved Instagram filters to photos and videos from your camera roll. When you add an effect in stories or reels, your saved filters will appear first.

How to download photo/video after applying Instagram filter?

After applying a filter to your photo or video, you may want to download it to your phone without posting it to your profile. To do this, simply click the download icon on the story or reels editor screen.

Can you add effects on reels after recording?

Instagram reels offer the option to add live effects while recording. But if you’ve already recorded your video using either the Instagram camera or your phone’s camera, you can still apply filters using the same method shared in this guide.

How to save filters on Instagram?

If you’re scrolling through Instagram reels and come across a camera effect you’d like to use on your existing photos and videos, you can easily save it. Simply, tap on the filter name at the bottom (It is available next to the reel’s audio name). This will take you to the effect page. Just tap the save button, and that filter will now appear in your camera effects for stories and reels.

Final thoughts

Many people prefer recording their reels using their phone’s built-in camera, so this feature is especially useful for applying filters to videos you’ve already recorded outside of Instagram. We have discussed almost everything on this topic. If you still have any question in your mind, you can share it in the comments below.

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Daksh Chaudhary
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Editor and Writer

Daksh Chaudhary is a passionate tech enthusiast and content writer at Geek Instructor. He enjoys sharing his knowledge through informative articles on various aspects of technology. He is also expert in video editing and graphic designing.