Creating Customized Ig Filters For Your Wedding Day

Instagram filters are a fun way to personalise your wedding and add a touch of elegance to your special day. From the bride's walk down the aisle to the first dance, a custom filter can capture every moment in style. You can create your own filter using programs such as Spark AR Studio, Photoshop, or Canva, or you can purchase pre-made filters from online platforms such as Etsy. These filters can be used on both Instagram and Facebook, and they can include personalised details such as the couple's names and wedding date.

Using Spark AR

Instagram filters, or "effects", can be created using Spark AR Studio. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own Instagram filter for a wedding using Spark AR:

Download and Set Up Spark AR Studio

First, download and install Spark AR Studio on your device. This software is user-friendly and will allow you to create Augmented Reality experiences for Facebook and Instagram.

Familiarize Yourself with the Interface

Explore the program's interface and get comfortable with the various panels and tools available. The main panels you will be working with are:

• Viewport (yellow): This is where you will preview your effect as you create it.
• Scene Panel (red): This is where you will add objects that form your effect.
• Assets Panel (purple): This is where you will add materials, scripts, animations, etc.
• Inspector Panel (green): This is where you can edit the properties of the assets or objects.
• Simulator (blue): This lets you preview your effect on different device screens.

Choose a Template or Start from Scratch

You can either choose a sample project as a template or start with a brand new project. Spark AR Studio provides a range of templates to choose from, or you can opt for a blank canvas if you want to start from scratch.

Create Your Filter

Use the 3D modeling platform to design and customize your filter. Define how it will interact with real-world objects, such as faces or other elements in the scene. You can add objects, materials, and patches to create the desired effect. Play around with the different options and tools available in Spark AR Studio to bring your wedding filter to life.

Test and Preview Your Filter

Before submitting your filter, it is important to test and preview it to ensure it works as intended. Change the test subject by clicking on the camera in the left panel and selecting "Facetime HD Camera". This will allow you to try the filter on yourself and make any necessary adjustments.

Export and Submit Your Filter

Once you are happy with your filter, it's time to export and submit it. Be sure to use your branding and logo for consistency. Go to Spark AR Hub to publish your filter.

Wait for Approval

After submitting your filter, it will go through a review process. Typically, it can take up to five days for your filter to be approved.

Promote Your Filter

Once your filter is approved, it's time to promote it! Share it on your Instagram and encourage your followers to use it. You can also repost your followers' stories or posts that use your filter to create a buzz and expand your reach.

Creating a wedding filter for Instagram using Spark AR Studio allows you to design a unique and personalized effect for your special day. With its user-friendly interface and a range of tools, you can bring your creative ideas to life and engage your audience in a fun and interactive way.

Adding assets and patches

First, you will need to choose your assets. Assets can be chosen from the Spark AR library or you can upload your own. Assets can include phrases, brand markers, or any other graphics you wish to include in your filter.

Once you have selected your assets, you can add patches to change the behaviour and interactivity of your filter. Patches are what make your filter interactive and allow users to engage with it. For example, you can add a patch to change the test subject so that you can try the filter on yourself.

To add a patch, simply click on the plus sign in the bottom left corner of the Spark AR interface and select "Add Patch". From there, you can choose from a variety of patch types, such as "Delay", "Pulse", "Switch", and more. Each patch type will allow you to customise the behaviour of your filter in different ways.

When you have added your desired patches, you can connect them to your assets to create the desired behaviour. For example, you can attach a delay patch to a video recording asset to create a delay between the user tapping the record button and the filter starting.

Play around with different combinations of assets and patches to create a filter that is unique and engaging. You can also refer to Spark AR's resources and tutorials for more guidance on adding assets and patches.

Submitting and exporting

Once you are happy with your filter, it is time to submit and export it. This process will differ depending on whether you created your filter using a third-party platform or built it from scratch using Spark AR.

If you used a third-party platform, follow their specific instructions for submitting and exporting your filter. Some platforms may allow you to submit your filter directly to Instagram or Facebook for approval, while others may provide you with a file that you can upload yourself. Make sure to review the platform's guidelines and requirements before submitting your filter.

If you used Spark AR to create your filter, you will need to export it and then submit it to Instagram or Facebook for approval. Here are the steps to follow:

• Review your filter: Before submitting, test your filter thoroughly to ensure it works as intended. Try it on different devices and in different lighting conditions to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Export your filter: In Spark AR, go to the "File" menu and select "Export". Choose an appropriate file format and save your filter to a desired location.
• Submit your filter: Go to the Instagram or Facebook Effect Dashboard and log in with your account credentials. Create a new effect by providing the required information, such as effect name, category, and platform. Upload the exported file and any additional assets, such as thumbnails or preview videos.
• Provide necessary information: During the submission process, you will be asked to provide details about your filter, including a description, tags, and a preview image. Make sure to use your branding and logo for continuity.
• Review and approval: After submitting your filter, Instagram or Facebook will review it to ensure it meets their guidelines and policies. This process can take some time, and you will be notified once your filter has been approved or if any changes are required.
• Promote and share: Once your filter is approved and live, it's time to promote it! Share the link and QR code with your followers and encourage them to use it. You can also repost their stories or content using your filter to showcase its usage and build engagement.

Remember to keep track of your filter's performance using analytics tools provided by platforms like Spark AR. This will help you understand how your filter is performing and what adjustments or improvements you can make in the future.

Promoting and sharing

Now that you've created your Instagram filter, it's time to get people using it. Here are some ways to promote and share your filter to ensure it reaches a wide audience:

• Owned channels: These are the channels you have direct control over, such as your social media profiles, website, and email marketing lists. Share your filter on your Instagram profile, and encourage your followers to use it. You can also embed the filter link or QR code on your website or in emails.
• Earned channels: This involves building relationships with influencers, the press, and partnerships to reach a wider audience. Consider reaching out to influencers or relevant media outlets to see if they'd be interested in featuring your filter.
• Paid channels: Utilise advertising channels such as Facebook Ads and Instagram Ads to reach your target audience. You can set a budget, target specific demographics, and choose the duration of your ad campaign.
• Instagram Reels: Share your filter on Instagram Reels, where your followers and non-followers can easily access and try it.
• Instagram Stories: Share your filter on your Instagram Stories, but keep in mind that non-followers rarely see these. You can also use link stickers on your Stories to promote your filter.
• Instagram Effects Gallery: Make sure your filter is included in the Instagram Effects Gallery, where users can browse and discover new filters.
• QR codes: When you publish your filter, you'll be given a URL that can be turned into a QR code. Share this QR code online, on physical materials, or at events to make it easy for people to access your filter.
• Competitions: Encourage people to use your filter by running a competition or giveaway. For example, you could ask people to share a video of them using your filter for a chance to win a prize.
• Influencer outreach: Collaborate with influencers or brands with a similar target audience to increase the reach of your filter.
• Facebook Pixels: Use Facebook Pixels to track and optimise your filter campaign. This will help you understand the impact of your filter and make data-driven decisions to improve its performance.

Tracking performance

Tracking the performance of your Instagram filter is a crucial aspect of understanding its impact and effectiveness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to track the performance of your wedding Instagram filter:

Utilize Spark AR's Analytics :

Log in to Spark AR, the platform you used to create your filter, and access the "Manage Assets" section. From there, log in to the Facebook account associated with your Instagram profile. This will allow you to access insights and analytics for your filter. These insights will provide valuable data on how your filter is performing and how your audience is interacting with it.

Monitor Instagram Insights:

Instagram Insights is a built-in feature that provides valuable metrics about your Instagram content and audience engagement. To access Insights, go to your Instagram profile, click on the three lines in the top right corner, and select "Insights" from the menu. Here, you will find various metrics such as reach, engagement, followers, and content interactions. Pay close attention to the "Accounts Reached" and "External Link Taps" sections, as they will give you an idea of how many people have seen your filter and interacted with it.

Analyze Follower Growth:

Tracking your follower growth over time is essential to understanding the impact of your Instagram filter. Monitor your follower count before and after releasing the filter to gauge its effectiveness in attracting new followers. While total followers might be considered a vanity metric, the growth rate is a better indicator of the success of your Instagram filter and marketing campaigns. A good Instagram follower growth rate typically falls between 2.5% and 5%.

Measure Engagement Metrics:

Engagement metrics will help you understand how people interact with your Instagram filter. Pay attention to likes, comments, shares, and saves. A high engagement rate indicates that your filter resonates with your audience. You can calculate the engagement rate by dividing the total number of engagements (likes, comments, shares) by your follower count and multiplying by 100. A typical Instagram engagement rate is around 1-3%, so aim for a rate above that.

Analyze Instagram Reels and Stories Metrics:

If your wedding Instagram filter is incorporated into Reels or Stories, analyze the performance of these content formats. Instagram Reels and Stories offer high engagement rates and are excellent for increasing brand awareness. Monitor metrics such as views, interactions (likes, comments, shares, saves), and completion rate (for Reels) or watch-through rate (for Stories). These metrics will provide insights into what content holds your audience's attention and what causes them to skip away.

Track Website Traffic from Instagram:

If your Instagram filter campaign includes a link to your website or a specific landing page, track the website traffic generated from Instagram. You can use Google Analytics (Reports → Acquisition → Traffic Acquisition → Organic Social) or Instagram Insights (go to your profile, click the three lines, choose "Accounts Reached," and scroll to "External Link Taps") to see how many people are visiting your website from your Instagram filter campaign.

Remember, tracking the performance of your wedding Instagram filter will provide valuable insights to optimize and improve your filter and overall Instagram strategy. By analyzing these metrics, you can understand what content resonates with your audience and make data-driven decisions to enhance your Instagram presence.

Frequently asked questions