How to Add Filters to Videos and Slideshows

From neon-hued music videos to Snapchat puppies, we’ve all seen filters at some point. Arguably, nowhere are they more effective than in video editing. A black and white filter can give new footage a classic feel, while a blur filter adds a touch of mystery. Importantly, these tools achieve in post-production what lights and props alone cannot. They take your videos to the next level. Intrigued? Luckily, in this blog post we’ll be teaching you how to add filters to your own videos and slideshows in Clipchamp.

What are filters?

Online video filters originated from the real deal – physical camera filters. These are glass attachments that are placed on the end of a camera lens. However, not everyone has access to this luxury – camera filter lenses can be pricey and difficult to buy. Fortunately, we have created a Filter feature within our free to use editing tool offering a wide range of digital filters. Ranging from classic Black and White, Indoors and Outdoors, Scenery and Muted, to more creative filters such as Radial, VHS, Glass, Smoke and Glitch. Just to name a few. Filters are a great way to spice up a video clip. 

How to add filters to your project

Step 1: Create an account

Log into your Clipchamp account, or sign up for free to get started.

Step 2: Create a new project 

Select the ‘Create a video’ button on the left side bar. We offer five different formats to choose from. Select the video ratio that best suits your project. We recommend using widescreen 16:9 if you are wanting to upload to YouTube. 

Step 3: Add footage

Add stock footage by clicking ‘Stock’ and scroll through the endless videos, or search a particular subject. If you already have footage, click ‘Add Media’ and select the video footage from your files on your computer. You can add both stock and your own media to your library. 

Step 4: Drag and drop media to your timeline 

Drag and drop the clips you would like to add into the timeline from the media library. You can rearrange the clips if you put them in the wrong sequence. Our top tip is to crop the videos one by one, if you need to, to make the process easier. To crop the video, drag the green bar on the right side of the video clip to the length you desire. 

Step 5: Add filters to your video

To add a filter to a video clip, click the video you would like to edit, then click ‘Filter’ on the pop up box. Click the filter you would like to use and it will automatically be placed on your selected video clip. Click the ‘X’ when finished. 

Step 6: Review Video

Once you have finished editing your video, export your project. Save to a location or folder of your choice. You can directly upload and share to social media or embed the video to a document. 

Five filters you should try 

Our online video editor offers a whole range of filters to experiment with! Find a few of our favourites below.

Black and White

It’s the classic filter we all know and love. Black and White can give your video an old-world feel – great if you’re going for a neo-noir style or your film is set in a period from the past. Not happy with that red background in your video? You can solve that with Black and White. 

VHS

This throwback filter can give your videos a retro mood similar to 90s music videos. Looking to capitalise on your viewer’s nostalgia? Give your video a DIY home-movie feel with this filter.

Slow Zoom

Slideshow makers take note  – this filter is for you. Slow Zoom adds a subtle zoom movement to any video or picture it’s applied to. It’s a great way to make still images or stagnant videos feel more dynamic.

Disco

Looking to add some oomph to your video? Our disco filter adds flashes of bright colour to your footage. This filter is great for conveying a celebratory tone in your videos. On the same note, its fast flashing is sure to capture the attention of viewers scrolling on their devices. 

Colour Shift

If you’d like your video to feel otherworldly try the Colour Shift filter. This flashing filter inverts the colours of your video to show cool-toned blue, purple and green. 

Now it’s your turn

It’s time for you to try out video filters for yourself. To get started, simply upload your own footage to the editor or choose from our extensive Stock Video and Audio Library. Good luck!