Meta has officially announced that starting January 14, 2025, third-party augmented reality (AR) filters will no longer be available across its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.

The decision marks the end of an era for AR filters that allowed users to enhance their photos, alter their appearances, and add creative flair to their content.

Meta Spark Update
Official statement from Meta.

Meta cites a focus on user well-being and a shift toward new company priorities, including artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, as the driving factors behind this move.

While Metaโ€™s own filters will remain available, the removal of third-party options has sparked debates about the future of creativity and expression on its platforms.

Millions of Filters Disappear Across Platforms

Custom AR Filters
Custom AR Filters|YouTube prinstscreen|Hue Dinh

Meta will remove over two million third-party filters from Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. Created by users and brands, filters have been a popular way to add creativity, fun, and unique effects to photos and videos.

For years, filters helped people customize their content and share memorable moments. The decision to eliminate them leaves many wondering how this change will affect their experience and the creative community that grew around it.

Why Meta Made This Decision

Meta explained that the removal of third-party filters is part of a plan to address mental health concerns and shift resources toward other priorities.

Research has shown that many beautifying filters contribute to negative body image, particularly among young women. By removing these tools, Meta aims to reduce the harmful effects they can have on users.

The company has also invested heavily in artificial intelligence, allocating billions of dollars to develop new technologies.

Shifting focus to AI seems to be another reason behind the decision, as Meta works to integrate more advanced features into its platforms.

While some applaud the effort to address mental health, others see it as a way for Meta to cut costs and centralize control over filters.

How Creators and Users Will Be Affected?

The removal of third-party filters will impact creators and users in significant ways. Many creators relied on filters to build their brand, engage audiences, and reach new followers. Without access to these tools, some may struggle to maintain the same level of creativity and interaction on Metaโ€™s platforms.

For everyday users, filters were a way to add personality and fun to photos and videos. Losing them means fewer options for self-expression and customization. Many are now considering alternative platforms like Snapchat and TikTok, which continue to offer a wide variety of AR effects and creative tools. The change may shift how users engage with social media altogether.

First-Party Filters Will Remain Available

Although third-party filters are being removed, Meta will continue to offer its own collection of first-party filters across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.

These include basic effects for enhancing photos and adding creative touches to content.

The current selection of first-party filters is much smaller compared to the millions of third-party options being removed.

Many users have noted that Metaโ€™s filters lack the variety and sophistication often seen in those made by creators.

As a result, some worry that the available options may not meet the diverse needs and preferences of the platformโ€™s global audience.

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Miloลก Nikolovski
I am Milos Nikolovski, a journalist with an insatiable curiosity for global affairs, cultural intersections, and the stories that define our time. My work spans continents, covering the pulse of international relations, the evolving dynamics between the United States and Brazil, the complexities of politics, and the deeper narratives found in travel, food, and everyday life. Every story I tell comes from direct experience, firsthand conversations, and an unfiltered approach to truth. I do not chase sensationalism or empty headlines. My focus remains on substanceโ€”on the issues that shape nations, the policies that drive decisions, and the cultural shifts that reveal where societies are headed. Whether dissecting diplomatic strategies, unraveling the economic forces linking Brazil and the United States, or walking through the markets of Sรฃo Paulo to uncover the hidden layers of a cityโ€™s identity, I believe in journalism that informs and challenges perspectives. Travel plays a crucial role in my work, not as an escape but as a means to engage with the world. The places I visit are not vacation spots; they are living, breathing spaces filled with voices, struggles, and triumphs. Whether exploring the political landscapes of Latin America, tracing historical legacies in Europe, or uncovering the latest food revolution in an unexpected corner of the world, my mission remains the sameโ€”to document, to report, and to bring forward stories that matter. Beyond borders and breaking news, my work is guided by core values: honesty, independence, and accessibility. Journalism must be fearless, unfiltered, and unbound by external pressures. I write for those who seek more than surface-level narratives, for those who value depth over distraction, and for those who refuse to settle for anything less than the full picture.