You’ve probably seen some Instagram or TikTok users looking like they’re straight out of Dragon Ball Z or One Piece, thanks to a new viral filter that can transform any face into anime. And if you’re an anime fan, you might want to create your own anime avatar. So, where do you find Instagram’s new anime filter?
The anime filter isn’t a native effect on Instagram; it’s owned by Snapchat. However, you can use the “Browse Effects” option in your Instagram Story camera to find a list of similar anime filters. These include Anime Crying Face, Anime Hair, and Anime Face Parts.
Ever since Snapchat released the anime style lens in 2019, it’s practically taken over the internet. It instantly helps you create a real-life anime character with the same hairstyle and skin complexion as yours. Let’s get started so that you know where to find something similar on Instagram.
How Does the Anime Filter Work?
The anime filter uses advanced AI and face-mapping technology to render an avatar that looks exactly like you — but in anime style. The filter creates a character with a similar skin tone as yours, together with the hair color and facial shape. It uses many lens effects to achieve this feat, and it even matches a user’s unique hairstyle.
Your facial expressions and eye shape also play a crucial role in determining the appearance of your anime avatar. Generally, the filter reproduces eyes that are round and innocent-looking, as is typical of the anime style.
What’s more, the filter not only works on humans, but it’s also a favorite option for those who want to have fun playing with their pets. Its immense popularity has a lot to do with how it matches the physical attributes of animals, just like humans.
While the anime filter was originally Snapchat’s idea, you can also launch something similar on TikTok by navigating to the AI Manga filter from your Effects gallery. Alternatively, you can use it on any existing photo from your camera roll.
Notably, the filter went viral only a week after its launch. It has since swept across major social media platforms like a flood. So whether you’re on Snapchat, IG, or TikTok, you can always find a way to transform into a manga character.
How Do You Find the Anime Filter?
Sadly, the anime filter isn’t a native feature on Instagram yet, and it’s only available on Snapchat. The AR (augmented reality) tech was created by Snap’s team using Lens Studio, meaning you can’t easily convert it and use it on other social media apps.
The ideal option is to install Snapchat if you haven’t already and use the filter directly on the app. If this doesn’t sound like the best option for you, consider using the following techniques to get anime-like photos and videos on IG:
Use the ‘Anime Camera, Manga, Comics’ App
You can use the Anime Camera, Manga, Comics app to transform your images into anime avatars. It’s available for both iOS and Android users, and it’s packed with lots of features you can unlock for just under five bucks. But unlike Snapchat’s original anime-style lens, you can only use it to edit photos and not videos.
Use the ‘Selfie2Anime’ Online Tool
Getting the anime filter on Instagram doesn’t have to be a hassle, and you can leverage third-party online tools like Selfie2Anime. Once you upload a selfie to the website, it automatically transforms it into a character from the Ghibli Studio movies.
The caveat is that they only email you the final image, meaning you won’t get a preview of the result. You may find a collection of samples on the website’s homepage to decide whether it’s worth it.
Use the “Browse Effects” Option
Open your Instagram Story camera and navigate to the Browse Effects option by swiping the filter carousel to the left. Tap it and search “Anime” to highlight a list of anime filters that can turn your pics into fantasy characters.
These are the top picks among IG users:
Anime Crying Face from AKA.Anime.Bea
As the name goes, this filter turns your face into a crying anime character, which may be a little uncanny at first sight. But the more you look at it, the better it feels.
It can also transform your face into an angry character. By combining both ‘emotions’, the filter gives you a great creative space for producing fun and cute content.
Anime Face Parts from Malsaeed55
Unlike Anime Crying Face, this isn’t an AR filter, meaning it doesn’t change your face. However, it exposes what parts of your face would look like if you were an anime character.
It combines three images from real anime shows to produce a collage of your face. While it may not be as accurate as other options on this list, it does produce an image worth sharing with friends and family.
Which Anime Are You from Arkris_VFX
If you can’t change your face into an anime character, you might want to find one that at least looks like you. And that’s exactly what this Instagram effect does — it matches your face to popular Japanese anime personalities, ultimately settling on one you resemble.
With limited matches, it may not be super accurate, but it’s still an entertaining experience.
Anime Hair from Sasha_Soul_Art
Anime Hair from Sasha_Soul_Art is arguably the cutest and most realistic anime filter on IG. It changes your hair color and the appearance of your eyes, cheeks, nose, and lips. The end result is an adorable manga character.
You can choose from two modes: Anime hair and eyes. Since the eyes filter doesn’t change your hair color, it’s more realistic.
What to Do if You Can’t Find the Anime Filter
If you can’t find the anime-style AR Lens on Snapchat, you’re probably running an outdated version of the app. Your best bet is to download the latest version so the filter can be added to your Snap camera.
The anime style filter uses AR technology that won’t work unless you switch to a new device that supports augmented reality. As such, you can’t use it on devices like:
- Huawei Mate 7
- iPhone 5, 4, or 4S
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and older models
What Are the Best Instagram Filters Right Now?
These are the best Instagram filters that will help you create that stunning, cartoonish look:
Cartoon
Like Snapchat’s anime filter, the Cartoon effect from @anitaind transforms you into a simple animation without exaggerated features.
Catwoman
This filter from @paigepiskin makes you look like a comic book character in a vintage style animation.
Cartoon Grinch
A surprisingly realistic filter from @triutra, Grinch gives you a green face, hands, and hair that sticks straight up.
Cartoon Princess
Cartoon princess is another popular filter from @paigepiskin that has inspired many IG users to cosplay their favorite Disney princesses and other characters. The effect allows you to play around with rosy cheeks and your eye color, not to mention it contains sparkles for extra magic.
Princess Jasmine
With a single tap of the finger, Princess Jasmine provides the blue crown and signature features of Aladdin’s leading lady.
Cartoon Face
If you’re a huge fan of Disney’s Tangled, you might love Cartoon Face’s over the top-features that make you keep up with the animation. The filter allows you to change your eye color, and it’s packed with on-fleek makeup and sparkles.