Video Editing

How to add vintage filters to videos

Posted January 11, 2024

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An abstract image of adding 35mm and warm tone film filters to a video in Clipchamp video editor

Want to transport your video viewers back in time? Apply a vintage filter to your modern footage to create a throwback to a different era.

Lately, recreating the look of a Super 8 movie camera and old cassette tapes has been trending on Instagram Reels and TikTok videos. The grey or sepia colors, grainy texture and soft focus of the vintage video aesthetic can create a sense of nostalgia in any content. It adds warmth to video clips and can be applied to precious memories—think birthday videos, travel videos, and even before-and-after videos.  

It’s easy to add filters to videos using Clipchamp video editor. Explore our range of free vintage filters like retro, 35mm, black and white, and learn how to add filters to your video in this quick guide.  

How to add retro filters to videos 

Step 1. Add stock or import your own media  

Search through our royalty-free video library to find the right stock footage for your vintage video idea. Click on the content library tab on the toolbar and click on the visuals drop down arrow, then videos. You can search through the different stock categories using keywords in the search bar as well.  

Hình ảnh người dùng thêm video chuyên nghiệp.

To upload your own video or media, click on the import media button in the your media tab on the toolbar to browse your computer files, or connect your OneDrive to upload files from your cloud storage. 

Hình ảnh người dùng nhập phương tiện.

Step 2. Arrange your video clips 

Combine your selected videos, images and music in any sequence you’d like.

Arranging video clips in the timeline in Clipchamp

Step 3. Add vintage filters to videos 

Click on the video on your timeline that you would like to add a filter to, then click on the filters tab on the property panel. Preview a range of video filter options that suit your vintage video aesthetic.  

Hover your cursor on filters to preview them on your clip. Explore filters like retro, 35mm, old western and black and white which can achieve that vintage look and feel.

Preview any filter on a video clip in Clipchamp

Simply click on the filter to apply it. Edit the intensity of the filter using the intensity slider.   

Drag the slider to adjust filter intensity in Clipchamp

If you’re editing a long video and want to apply the same filter to more than one clip, Clipchamp has a simple hack for you. Hold down the shift key on your keyboard, then click on the assets on your timeline that you would like to add filters to at once. Your assets will be highlighted in green. Next, click on the filter to apply. 

Multi-filter editing in Clipchamp

Step 4. Edit and save your video 

You can add video background music, animated text, stickers and more video elements in Clipchamp. When you’ve finished video editing, click on the export button and select a video resolution. We recommend selecting 1080p video resolution for the best video quality. If your video includes any 4K video footage, save your video in 4K video resolution. 

Saving a high quality video in Clipchamp

Top vintage filters to try in Clipchamp 

Retro filter 

Make your video clips look aged with the retro video filter that increases the video's contrast and adds warmth to any video. Apply this to vlogs, travel videos or everyday memories.

Retro video filter example in Clipchamp

35mm filter 

Get that film camera look in your next masterpiece! The 35mm video filter can instantly make your footage more cinematic. This filter adds a grainy texture and a warm toned sepia look to your video clips. It's a great choice for YouTube and Instagram videos featuring travel highlights, or milestones like birthdays and wedding videos.

35mm example of video filter in Clipchamp

Black and white filter 

Create a timeless look to your videos with a black and white video filter. Finetune the brightness and contrast to emphasize visual elements in your video. This classic video filter can be applied to any life moment videos and montage videos.

Black and white video filter example in Clipchamp

Warm tone filter 

Add the warm tone filter to your next video to create a positive and cozy feel. This filter can really elevate lifestyle videos like fashion and cooking, where the warm tones can enhance the colors of the subject matter.

Warm tone film example video filter in Clipchamp

Old western filter

Achieve an old-fashioned and historical look in your video clips with the old western filter in Clipchamp. Whether it's aerial and landscape videos or timelapses, use this filter to add depth and character in your video editing.

Old Western video filter example in Clipchamp

Ready to create your vintage video? Try Clipchamp for free or download the Clipchamp Windows app to get started. 

If you want to polish your vintage video further, learn how to create the old-school typewriter text and find vintage music in our royalty-free stock library.

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