Instagram’s filters – now called effects – change how your photos and videos look, from simple colour tones to face effects. This guide shows how to search for filters in Instagram Stories and Reels, how to find a filter someone else used, and what changed after Meta shut down third-party filters in 2025.
How do you search for filters on Instagram?
To search for filters on Instagram, open the Story camera, scroll the effects row at the bottom to the end, tap Browse Effects, then tap the search (magnifying glass) icon and type a filter name or theme such as “vintage”. These steps match walkthroughs from Business Insider and Guiding Tech.
- Open the camera. Swipe right from your home feed, or tap + and choose Story.
- Scroll the effects row. Swipe through the round effect icons next to the capture button to preview them.
- Tap Browse Effects. At the end of the row, tap the magnifying-glass tile to open the Effects gallery.
- Search. Tap the search icon at the top and type a keyword, for example “vintage”, “glitter” or “retro”.
- Preview and use. Tap an effect to preview it on your camera, then tap Try it.
- Save it. Tap the save icon so the effect stays in your camera’s effects row.
Screenshots were taken in an earlier app version, so buttons may look slightly different.
How do you search for filters in Instagram Reels?
In Reels, open the Reels camera and tap the effects (sparkle) icon to open the Effects gallery, then use the search icon at the top just like in Stories.
- Tap + and choose Reel.
- Tap the effects icon (sparkles) on the side of the camera.
- Browse categories such as Trending, or tap search and type a keyword.
- Tap an effect to apply it, then record your Reel.
Where are filters in Instagram Stories vs Reels?
In Stories, filters sit in the row of round icons beside the capture button; in Reels, you open them with the effects (sparkle) icon – and both lead to the same searchable Effects gallery.
| Stories | Reels | |
|---|---|---|
| How to open the camera | Swipe right from the feed, or + → Story | + → Reel |
| Where the effects are | Row of round icons beside the capture button | Effects (sparkle) icon on the side of the camera |
| Search available? | Yes – Browse Effects → search icon | Yes – search icon in the Effects gallery |
| Save effects for later | Yes | Yes |
How do you find a filter someone else used?
Tap the effect name shown at the top of their Story or Reel, then tap Try it to open the same filter in your camera. If you don’t see a name, the effect may have been removed, or they may have used an edit outside Instagram.
- Tap the effect name at the top of the Story, then Try it.
- Ask them. Send a DM and ask for the effect name, then search it in the Effects gallery.
- Check if it still exists. Third-party effects were removed in January 2025, so older Stories may show effects you can no longer use.
What happened to third-party Instagram filters?
Meta shut down Meta Spark – the studio creators used to build Instagram filters – on 14 January 2025, and removed third-party AR effects from Instagram, Facebook and Messenger. Meta’s own effects are still available. (Reuters via Nasdaq, Social Samosa)
| Before January 2025 | Since 14 January 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who made Instagram effects | Meta and third-party creators (via Meta Spark) | Meta only |
| Find filters by a creator’s name | Yes | No |
| Brands publishing custom filters | Yes, with Meta Spark Studio | No |
| Old Stories/Reels that used removed effects | – | Still viewable, effect can’t be reused |
Why can’t I find the search filter on Instagram?
Usually because the app is out of date, you’re in the wrong camera mode, or the effect you want was a third-party filter that has been removed.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| No Browse Effects tile | Update Instagram, then reopen the Story camera |
| Searching “filters” finds nothing | Search a theme or effect name instead, e.g. “vintage” |
| A creator’s filter is missing | Third-party effects were removed in January 2025 |
| Effects don’t load | Check your connection and storage, then restart the app |
| A Reels effect isn’t in Stories | Some effects are only offered in one camera – try the other |
Can you still create your own Instagram filter?
No. Since Meta Spark closed on 14 January 2025, individuals and brands can’t create and publish new custom effects for Instagram. Creators who still build AR effects now use other platforms, such as Snapchat’s Lens Studio or TikTok’s Effect House – but those effects only work on those apps.
How can brands stand out on Instagram without custom filters?
Brands can still build a recognisable look with consistent colour edits, Reels templates, branded stickers and highlight covers.
- Consistent colour edits: use the same in-app adjustments or editing preset on every post, so your feed looks like one brand.
- Reels templates: create a Reel your audience can reuse with their own clips.
- Branded highlight covers: design Instagram highlight icons in your brand colours.
- Interactive Stories: use polls, quizzes and Instagram story games to get followers involved.
- Creator partnerships: work with creators who already use a look that matches your brand.
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Frequently asked questions
Are Instagram filters and effects the same thing?
Yes. Instagram now uses the word "effects" for what most people call filters – the face filters, colour filters and AR effects in the Story and Reels camera.
Why can't I find filters by creators on Instagram anymore?
Meta shut down Meta Spark, its tool for third-party creators, on 14 January 2025 and removed third-party AR effects from Instagram, Facebook and Messenger. Only Meta's own effects remain, so searching for a creator's filter no longer works.
Can I still make my own Instagram filter?
No. Since Meta Spark closed in January 2025, individuals and brands can't publish new custom effects on Instagram. Creators who still build AR effects use other platforms, such as Snapchat's Lens Studio or TikTok's Effect House.
How do I find a filter someone else used on Instagram?
Look for the effect name at the top of their Story or Reel and tap it, then tap Try it. If the filter was a third-party effect removed in 2025, it can't be used any more.
How do I save an Instagram filter?
Open the effect from the Effects gallery or someone's Story and tap the save (bookmark or download) icon. Saved effects appear in your camera's effects row.