How to Make a Custom Instagram Filter for Business

As an entrepreneur, you are always looking for new ways to market your business and gain exposure. And with a platform like Instagram, with over 800 million monthly active users, you’re certain to have a great tool to get noticed. Provided you know how to use it correctly, that is.

Custom Instagram filters can help your business attract new customers, stay relevant to trends, and build brand awareness. But unfortunately, business owners often have to spend large amounts of money advertising on Instagram to reach their ideal customers. 

For some, this can be cost-prohibitive. However, suppose you’re willing to invest some time into making your own custom filter. In that case, you can reap the benefits of free Instagram promotion while also giving your extra business exposure through the hashtag used by others to find your new filter.

This article will guide you through creating a custom Instagram filter that you can use on your account to increase engagement with your followers and create more brand awareness!

What is an Instagram Augmented Reality Filter?

An Augmented Reality (AR) filter lets users view their photos through an additional layer. For example, users can transform their pictures into dog-related scenarios like playtime in the park with a dog AR filter.

AR filters are personalized and enhance photographs—they’re perfect for businesses that want to differentiate themselves from competitors on social media. If you’re just getting started, here’s how to make an Instagram filter for business.

Know What You Want to Achieve 

To start making your custom filters, you’ll need to know how Instagram works. The platform has gained massive popularity over recent years, and business owners are beginning to see its value.

The first step is figuring out your goals and what metrics you want your posts to achieve, such as generating website traffic or increasing followers on other social media accounts.

It can also help to get inspiration from other brands that have already started experimenting with a Instagram AR Filter. Once you know what you want to do, then create a list of ideas that will work for your brand.

Download Spark Augmented Reality Studio

Spark Augmented Reality Studio is a powerful desktop application that comes in at 464 MB in size, which is relatively small for what it does. It may seem a little challenging to use at first, but the more you use it to create various projects, the easier it will be.

Unfortunately, the app is only available for Windows and Mac, with no mention of a version for Linux users. If you are a Linux user, you might consider WineHQ, a compatibility layer designed software that allows Linux users to install Windows applications.

Once you download the software, you will be prompted to enter your email address and agree to Spark’s terms of service before proceeding. Next, create Your First AR Effect: Click on Create New Project in the upper left-hand corner of Spark AR Studio.

This will take you to a new screen where you can choose what type of project you want to create. For now, select AR Effect (the first option). Next, give your effect a name (this doesn’t have to be exact—you can change it later) and click Next. 

Get Familiar With the Platform

When you install Spark AR Studio, you may want to take a few minutes to follow some tutorials to be more familiar with the platform. In addition, Spark Augmented Reality Studio comes with a helpful welcome tour. 

The tour takes about six minutes and is designed to provide tips on navigating most aspects of the site. For more information on navigating the platform, go to the learning center and watch some tutorials. 

In this part of the documentation, you will find the basics and some essential information about getting started with Spark Augmented Reality Studio. In addition, this section has tutorials and guides on designing a fact tracking effect, previewing the effects using different templates, and more.

Add Your Preferred Object

Before uploading your photo, select an object in your image that defines your business. For example, if you’re creating a filter for an ice cream shop, click on an ice cream cone in your photo.

The Augmented Reality Library allows you to add options like sounds to your filter and import different clips. Once you’ve uploaded your picture/clip, click Edit Photo on your screen.

Then, scroll down to Effects and select your preferred. Here is where you can add filters or adjust existing ones by clicking on Create New Effect. Next, scroll through Instagram filters until you find one that fits your brand identity and double-click on it to apply it to your image.

Test the New Effect on Instagram and Facebook

When you’re finished building your custom filter, click Preview, and see how it looks in action. If something isn’t going as you imagined, don’t give up! In most cases, it only takes a few minor tweaks to get your custom filter looking just right. Next, send the test file to Facebook or Instagram to preview the result. 

Add Hashtags to the Publish Effect 

Hashtags are a great way to generate traffic, increase engagement, and enhance your content. Business owners looking to launch an Instagram filter should follow these simple steps: 

Next, search for #Filters: The easiest way to get started is by searching hashtags related to your business. Try using terms like #Food, #Restaurant, or #Bar. Use them along with filters or any variation of those words that may appear in searches.

Final Thoughts 

Using Instagram is a must for entrepreneurs who want to scale their business in today’s social media and technology-driven world. While the platform offers several video and photo sharing features, Augmented Reality filters are a trend to leave your followers with a lasting impression and exponentially scale your brand awareness.

Spark Augmented Reality Studio presents one of the best ways to get started and provides you with the right resources and information to create an effective Instagram filter for your ad campaign.

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