What is Filter? - Social Media Glossary

What are Social Media Filters?

Filters are digital overlays or effects that can be applied to photos and videos on social media platforms. They range from simple color adjustments that enhance visual appeal to complex augmented reality effects that transform faces, backgrounds, or add interactive elements.

They’re commonly used on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok to make content more eye-catching and entertaining. For example, someone might use a bright, colorful filter to make a sunset photo pop or a humorous AR filter that turns their face into a cartoon. Filters can help creators establish a consistent aesthetic and attract more engagement.