Tech Desk 
Apr 20, 2026
Instagram has officially launched a new filter, named 'Flash', designed to mimic the digital camera effect, offering images a high-contrast, vintage digital-camera feel that users highly appreciate while uploading their story.
Meta-owned social media platform stated that 'Flash' is an AI-powered filter that uses machine learning to enhance images. While the filter was primarily developed to add lighting effects and contrast, it often adjusts features and subtly reshapes that leave users looking noticeably different in the edited photo.
How to use 'Flash' filter on Instagram?
If you're confused about how to get viral 'Flash' filter on Instagram, while you're uploading a story, don't worry, Gadinsider has a guide to ease your confusion.
Users mostly edit the photo via the “Restyle” button. Restyle is an AI-powered feature that enables Instagram to automatically apply flash to the photo.
Instead of opting for restyle, search the “effect library.” To do so:
- Tap the effects.
- Click the magnifying glass to browse effects.
- Search for 'Flash' or 'Flash III'.
- Select the filter and save it.
- Post your image and apply a filter.
It is important to note that always try to apply the filter to darker photos. The filter is designed for low-light images. Therefore, in dark photos, it focuses on brightness and contrast rather than detecting and altering facial features.
