How to Apply the Instagram Old Filter to Your Selfies (Free Tools Included)

Edited by Hazel Carter Aug 21, 2025 Age Filter

Do you scroll through your feed and see someone looking hilariously wrinkled or surprisingly realistic as an older version of themselves? Chances are, they’ve used the old Instagram filter! One of those fun, slightly addictive effects that instantly ages your face for a cool peek into the future. This filter has become a go-to for Instagram creators. However, the challenge is that not everyone knows where to source this. At its best, you might want a higher-res, more polished look that’s not limited to a story effect. For that reason, in this guide, I will take you through using the Instagram old filter step-by-step. Plus, I’ll introduce a free online alternative for when you want something a bit more realistic and editable. Let’s see what future-you looks like!

Part 1. What is Instagram Old Filter

The Instagram old filter is a fun and trending face effect that shows what you might look like decades from now, complete with wrinkles, grey hair, and a weathered look that’s equal parts impressive and hilarious. It’s one of those filters that takes over your feed every so often when creators start posting their aged selfies or doing "young vs. old" split-screen videos.

Even though the platform continually adds to its filter library, the old Instagram filter stands out mainly because of the speed with which it uses augmented reality to change your face. You can find it on Instagram Stories or Reels, and it's constructed using a third-party filter creator, just like any other filter available on Instagram.

Why It’s Popular

The old filter isn’t just for laughs. It's often used in:

• PReaction videos or duets

• PBefore-and-after trends

• PFun content during aging or nostalgia trends on social media

So, if you’ve seen your friends suddenly looking 60 and want to try it for yourself, you’re in the right place.

Part 2. How to Find Old Filter on Instagra

Since you are probably curious or even anxious to see your appearance in older age, let’s go through how to access the old filter on Instagram. It isn’t marked, but it is easy to find once you know where to look.

Here’s how to find the best old age filter Instagram users are loving, aka the one that gives you those “grandpa/grandma glow-up” results:

Steps to Find It

Step 1: Open Instagram and swipe to open the Story camera.

Step 2: Scroll through the filter carousel at the bottom until you see the magnifying glass. It opens the Effect Gallery

Step 3: In the search bar, type “old” to bring up options.

Step 4: Look for filters with names like “Old film”. Independent creators create many. Tap on a filter, try it out, and hit Save Effect so you can easily reuse it later.

The Instagram filter how old do I look trend comes and goes, but these filters usually resurface during aging challenges or viral trends. Be sure to follow creators who make fun filters. You’ll often find more versions or updates from them, too!

Part 3. Best Online Alternative: Picwand Free AI Age Filter

Can't find the aging filter on Instagram? Or would you prefer a more realistic, high-resolution view of your future self? Picwand Free AI Age Filter is a free AI-powered face editor. While Instagram filters work in real-time, Picwand is based on still photos, providing detailed aging effects that appear incredibly realistic. It's one of the easiest tools you can use, right from your browser - no app needed!

Key Features

• PAI-powered old age effect for photos

• PFree to use with no login required

• PUpload work from any device (mobile or desktop)

• PHigh-resolution download available

• PUser-friendly interface with fast processing

• PAlso includes other effects like cartoon and gender swap

How to Use Picwand Free AI Age Filter

Step 1: Visit the Picwand Free AI Age Filter website. Click Open an Image and select a clear selfie.

Step 2: Select the model that you prefer. Then select the Elderly option, and you can age or de-age your photo.

Step 3: Click Generate to allow the AI to process your picture. It only takes a few seconds. Download your older version and share it wherever you like!

Why Choose Picwand?

• No account or app is required.

• Realistic age changes

• Compatible with all devices

• Free to use, with upgrades available if desired

Whether you're joining a trend or just curious to see your future self in HD, Picwand Free AI Age Filter is a fun and powerful alternative to Instagram’s built-in filters.

Part 4. FAQs about Instagram Old Filter

How to do old person filter on Instagram ?

To use the old person filter on Instagram, open the Stories camera, tap the magnifying glass to access the Effect Gallery, and search terms like “Old”. Tap a filter you like, try it out, and record your video. If it's not available, you can use a free online AI tool like Picwand Free AI Age Filter to age a photo online.

Can I use the old filter on Instagram Reels?

Yes! After saving the filter to your camera, you can use it in both Stories and Reels by opening your camera and selecting the senior filter before recording.

Is the old Instagram filter the same as FaceApp’s aging feature?

Not quite. Instagram’s filter is real-time and usually more playful, while FaceApp’s aging tool uses more advanced AI to create highly realistic still photos.

Does the filter age only the face or the entire body?

It mainly affects the face, causing sagging, wrinkles, and grey hair. It doesn't alter posture, body shape, or attire.

Is the old filter available in all countries?

Not all the time. Certain effects may not appear in search results or may be restricted depending on regional settings. Investigating creator profiles or using a VPN could be beneficial.

Conclusion

The Instagram filter is a silly and fun viral way to get a small peek into your older, grey-haired, laugh-lined self. Whether you're hopping on a trend or just curious, using this filter is quick, easy, and free directly inside the app. Just search the Effect Gallery for something like "Old Age" or "Instagram filter how old do I look?", and just like that, you are converted! And if Instagram's filter doesn't provide you with the details you're looking for, there are tools like Picwand Free AI Age Filter that give a much better option! Simply uploading a photo will yield high-quality, shareable pictures that are flawless for sharing on social media or with friends for amusement. You have options, stylishly aged!!