Taking photos for Instagram, Twitter and Facebook is fun, but could get boring. Editing apps are becoming more and more popular, and even though apps like Instagram have built-in features and filters, there are apps that provide more effects. VCSO, Glitché, PicsArt, Camcorder and Afterlight are all editing applications that provide filters and cool effects to make feed colorful and fun.

VSCO is a free filter app that has pre-set filters and packages that can be bought. The filters range from black and white to neon colors and everything in between. The filters provided plus the standard effects can produce amazing photos, and creating multiple photos with the same effect can create a certain “theme” on one’s feed. A theme is when multiple photos on a profile have the same style in editing, so it gives the profile a clean and cohesive look and this can easily be achieved with the VSCO app.

PicsArt is everything one needs for photos and more. This free app has tons of filters, blur tools, general effects and art/painting filters as well. This app can also be used to correct photo errors like red eye and can be used to soften skin if needed. There is also a feature where you can cut out photos and add layers. This is a great, quick mobile alternative to big editing softwares like Adobe Photoshop. Aside from filters, there are so many other features like collages and drawing. This app is definitely a catch considering a lot of people download multiple apps just to have the features that PicsArt provides.

Glitché is a free app with effects made for people going for a more cyber look. This app has many effects including 3D movie-like filters, a pixelated effect, inversion tools, VHS screen filters and effects that bring out bright neon colors and shapes into the photo. These effects make photos look psychedelic and add a ton of interest to the photo. This app gives the photos more life and definitely looks cool on feed.

Afterlight is a free app that includes photo tools and filters. This app can be compared to VSCO but has more effects. Afterlight provides light leaks- a feature where beams of light are overlaid onto the photo, adding interest and pops of color to the photo. Dust effects and grain are a big part of this app’s makeup, there are dusty filters you can add and change the opacity and even flip where certain grains of dust are located. There are also tons of borders to choose from and different sizes within each border shape.

Camcorder is a free video taking app and even though it is a video app, the effect can be screenshotted. This app is super simple and straight to the point, causing no confusion for users. Camcorder provides a faded VCR tape look on a video, including the date and time in the bottom left corner like a classic tape. There is a zoom and flash tool built in and you can also add the effect to videos previously taken on other apps.

These five apps can be used to add dimension, life and interest to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter photos. They also have little to no ads, considering that they are free. Trying these apps out is definitely a way to find style in photography and editing and can give a person more likes in the process.

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VSCO