Facebook said earlier this year that its Spark AR platform for creating augmented reality effects would expand its availability to Instagram to let the community publish its own AR filters on the photo-sharing site. That tool already entered a closed beta program that started in October 2018, and today, the social networking giant is making good on its promise to release the platform for wider availability on Instagram.
Starting today, Instagram users can create their own filters and effects using Spark AR as Facebook kicks off the platform's public beta program on Instagram. In addition, there's a new Effect Gallery featuring AR effects from various creators. Users can search through this repository of filters in order to find new ideas from the community.
You can navigate to the end of your effects tray in Instagram Camera and tap the "Browse Effects" button if you want to check out new user-created effects. In order to start creating your own filters, simply download the Spark AR studio for macOS or Windows.
Of course, you can share your creations with your followers on Instagram. In return, they can share your effects as well with many other users on the site.
