What’s the anime filter you see on Instagram and to get it? Here’s all you need to know about the new camera effect that turns everyone into Japanese anime characters.
By the end of the post, you’ll learn:
- What’s the anime style filter.
- How to get it on Instagram.
- How to turn your pictures into anime scenes without IG or Snapchat.
- Why the filter might not be working on your phone.
The Origin Story of the Snapchat Anime style Filter
Snapchat introduced the anime style lens in 2019 that could turn your face into an anime-like character. Soon it took over the internet. And users start sharing photos and videos of themselves as worryingly real-looking 2D characters. But thanks to the TikTok challenges, the filter quickly found its way into other social platforms, becoming a popular augmented reality (AR) tool.
The Bad News: The Filter Is Snapchat-Exclusive
You might be looking for ways to get the anime filter on Instagram. But sadly, it’s only available for Snapchat users. The AR was created by the Snap team using the Lens Studio. So, it cannot be converted and used on other social media apps.
The Good News: There’re Some Workarounds
Although you cannot have the anime style on IG, there’re other methods to turn yourself into cool Japanese animation characters. Below you can find three of them.
3 Ways to Get the Snapchat Anime Style Filter on Instagram
Honestly, the easiest way is to install Snapchat (if you haven’t already) and just use the filter directly. But if that’s not an option, use one of the following techniques to get anime-like images or video.
#1. Use the Browse Effects on IG.
Open the Instagram Story camera and swipe the filter carousel to the left until you see the ‘Browse Effects’ option. Tap it and type ‘Anime’ in the search box above. This will show a list of anime filters that can turn you into fantasy characters.
If your camera is not working, see our blog on how to fix Instagram camera not working.
Here’re are our top picks:
1. Anime Hair from Sasha_Soul_Art
None of the anime filters on Instagram are as cute and realistic as this one. The filter changes your hair color, eyes, nose, lips, and cheeks, making you a girly adorable manga character. Even better, it comes in two different modes, Anime hair & eyes. The latter, eyes filter, does not change your hair color, so the outcome is more realistic.
2. Anime Crying Face from AKA.Anime.Bea
The filter turns your face into a crying anime character. It might look a bit weird at first glance. But the more you use it, the better it feels. Like the previous pick, Anime Crying has another version that makes you an angry character. The combination of both could give you some creative space for creating fun and cute content.
3. Anime Face Parts from Malsaeed55
This one does not change your face. So, it’s not an AR filter. Instead, it exposes what your face parts would look like if you were an anime character. The effect combines three images (of real anime shows) to create a collage of your face. It’s not as accurate as other options. But the outcome image is worthy of sharing with friends.
4. Which Anime Are You from Arkris_VFX
If you cannot turn your face into an anime character, at least find out which one looks like you. This Instagram effect matches your face to famous Japanese animation personalities, finding one you resemble. Again, it’s not accurate enough, and the matches are limited. But it’s an entertaining experience, anyway.
#2. Use the online tool ‘Selfie2Anime.’
One way to get the anime filter on Instagram is using third-party online tools like Selfie2anime.com. The website asks you to upload a selfie and turn it into a character of the Ghibli Studio movies.
The only downside is that they email you the final image. So, you don’t get to see a preview of the result. But you can find samples on their homepage to decide whether it’s worth it or not.
Note: uploading your selfie to random websites is not a wise action. So, use the mentioned tool at your own risk.
#3. Install the ‘Anime Camera’ app.
iOS and Android users can use Anime Camera, Manga, Comics app to turn their images into anime characters. The application currently has 3.7 stars in the overall App Store review. And it comes with lots of free features. (You need to pay $4.99 to unlock all the features, though).
The downside is that it only edits your photos. So, unlike the original Snapchat anime-style lens, it won’t work for your videos.
Is the Snapchat Anime Style Filter Available on TikTok?
No. The anime-style lens is exclusive to Snapchat, and you cannot have it on TikTok.
But you may wonder how other users create videos with it. The answer is straightforward, they record their videos on the Snapchat app using the original filter and post them on TikTok.
How Do I Get the Snapchat Filter that Turns Pictures into Anime?
- Go to your Snap camera.
- Tap the Search icon (magnifier).
- Type ‘Anime Style.’
- Tap the first lens that shows up.
- Select ‘Unlock for 48 hours.’
- Record your video or take photos.
Note: Snapchat grants you to use the lens for two days only. So, you better plan for your content before activation.
I Can’t Find the Lens on Snapchat. What Do I Do?
You can’t find the anime-style AR lens because you’re using an older version of the app. Download the latest update, and you’ll see the filter added to your Snap camera.
Snapchat Anime Style Lens Doesn’t Work. What Do I Do?
Snapchat lenses use AR technology that is incompatible with older phones. So, the anime style and other filters won’t work unless you upgrade to a new device that supports augmented reality.
Some examples of devices that don’t support AR:
- iPhone 5 or older versions.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 or older models.
- Huawei Mate 7
Here’s a Quick Recap
- The only way to get the anime style filter on Instagram is by searching the IG effect section for similar filters.
- The anime filter everyone uses on TikTok and IG is exclusive to Snapchat.
- There’re online tools like Selfie2anime.com that turn your images into anime characters.
- You can search App Store or Google Play Store for apps that do the same thing.
- The original Snapchat anime filter uses AR to function. So, it won’t work on devices that don’t support the technology (e.g., iPhone 5).
- If you see any errors on Instgaram, check this blog on how to fix Instagram couldn’t refresh feed.
