A new study from Yahoo and researchers from Georgia Tech found that adding a filter makes people more likely to engage with your photo – with certain filters more likely to boost those ‘likes’.
The study looked at the use of images on Flickr, analysing more than 7.6 million public photos uploaded by smartphone. More than half of these images were then uploaded to Instagram and contained a selection of selfies, location shots and general photography snaps.
While we’re all for natural beauty and rocking that #nofilter charm, the study showed that shots with filters are 21% more likely to be viewed, and 45% more likely to be commented on.
So how can you up your picture ante?
Well the most popular shots were those that had a filter that increases contrast, corrects exposure, and creates a “warmer” colour temperature to your snap.
And if in doubt, don’t forget to pout it out.
We’re totally kidding. This study did not support ‘duckface’.
