Social media filters have become one of the best ways to entertain your followers and express yourself online. Among the most viral AR effects to sweep on Instagram Stories is the gay meter filter a fun, randomly generated score that rates 'how gay you are' on a scale of 0–100%. The score means nothing scientifically; it is entirely random and meant for laughs.
In this blog, you will learn what the gay meter filter is, how to find it on Instagram, and what to do if the original filter is no longer available. We will also cover the best alternative filters for TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. The filter itself might seem to be a mockery of homophobic people, but instead of being a satire, I would say it's just another filter designed to make us laugh.
What Is the Gay Meter Filter? Mockery of Homophobes!
The gay meter filter is an augmented reality (AR) effect for Instagram Stories. It uses your front camera, scans your face, and displays a fun percentage score. The gauge runs from 0% to 100%, and wherever it lands is completely random. There is no algorithm analyzing your appearance or data.
Many LGBTQ+ creators and influencers adopted the filter as a playful way to show community pride. Straight users joined in for the laughs. The filter went viral in 2020 and remains one of the most searched Instagram AR effects even today. One of the best example is soulmate filter on instagram.
Gay Meter Filter on Instagram
The gay meter filter has been on Instagram for a few months; you might have seen your friend's feed littered with several filters, and this could be one of them that made you laugh so hard. It's simply because the filter is just so hilarious beyond words. So many straight people are also using the gay meter to find where they sit on the spectrum from super gay to extremely gay. It may sound silly to let an application like Instagram score you for your gayness when you are straight in real life. This is a true example of how social networks evolve with time to entertain their users, offering some giggles and laughter. There's nothing wrong with that.
There's nothing wrong with that or maybe it's just an Instagram strategy to attract more users just like you Instagram comments to get more engagement rate. This filter will bring engagement to your photos or videos.
Gay mater filter on Instagram was not much popular months ago, but now people are using it just for fun. And this is what it is there for as well, to offer some fun in order to make you and your friends laugh. There's no hidden agenda and scheme behind creating the filter, so all the controversies surrounding it hold no reality or truth whatsoever. Fortunately, as an Instagram user, you can use the gay meter effect as well on Instagram and add it to your stories for your friends to see and try it too.
How to Get the Gay Meter Filter on Instagram
An Italian filter developer created the best gay meter effect filter. Below are the step-by-step instructions.
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Open the Instagram app on your phone and tap the camera icon (top-left corner) to enter Stories mode.
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Look at the filter tray along the bottom of the screen. Swipe all the way left until you see a magnifying glass icon labeled 'Browse Effects.' Tap it.
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In the Effect Gallery search bar, type 'gay meter' or enter one of the creator usernames below.
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Select the filter from the results and tap 'Try It' to preview it live.
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Hold down the record button. The meter will spin and land on your score.
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Tap 'Your Story' to share, or tap the download icon to save the video to your camera roll.
Filter Creator Accounts to Search
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@francescomazzinii — The original and most popular version. Created by an Italian AR developer. Highly recommended.
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@raushsham — An alternative gay meter filter with a similar percentage-based scoring format.
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@ofek.kantargi — Another variation. Note: the account is private but the filter is still accessible via search.
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@carmen.queen_ — A popular creator with a similar filter; account may be private.
Is the Gay Meter Filter Still Available?
Some versions of the original gay meter filter have reportedly been removed from Instagram. If your search returns no results, Instagram likely removed the effect from its gallery. This does not mean you cannot still enjoy the trend see the alternatives section below.
If the filter is not showing on your device, try these troubleshooting steps first:
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Close Instagram and relaunch the app.
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Update Instagram to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
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Make sure your account region settings are not restricting certain content.
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Try searching for the creator username directly instead of the filter name.
How to Get Gay Meter on Snapchat and TikTok?
The original gay meter effect was built for Instagram Stories only. It was never created natively for Snapchat or TikTok. However, you can still share your results on those platforms:
Use the filter @_fernanduh on Instagram and save the video to your phone's camera roll.
Open your Snapchat and create a new post.
Gay Meter" (Snapchat/Taimi): Similar to the viral trend, Snapchat offers various user-generated "Gay Meter" filters that scan faces to display humorous percentages (e.g., 1000%).
On TikTok Upload the saved video from your gallery.
TikTok has also developed its own range of gay meter-style effects. Search 'gay vibes' or 'gay meter' in the TikTok Effect Gallery to find current options.
Best Gay Meter Filter Alternatives (2026)
If the original Instagram filter is unavailable, these alternatives are currently active:
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@antostone Rates you on a 1–10 scale. Very popular and regularly updated.
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Pride Month filter: A Pride Month celebration filter with a colorful meter display.
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The Campy Diva Pop-Star: Assigns you a gay icon archetype — fun and highly shareable.
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@_fernanduhRandomly assigns you a Pride flag. Great for stories and reels.
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PFP.lgb: Apply a customizable LGBTQ+ rainbow frame to any profile picture across platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the gay meter filter homophobic?
No. The filter was created to celebrate LGBTQ+ identity and is widely used within the queer community as a fun, inclusive tool. The score is random and has no real-world significance.
Can I use the gay meter filter on Android and iPhone?
Yes. As long as you have the latest version of Instagram installed, the Effect Gallery and all AR filters are available on both Android and iOS devices.
Why is my gay meter filter not working?
First, make sure your Instagram app is fully up to date. If the filter still does not appear, it may have been removed from the Effect Gallery. Try searching for the creator username directly, or use one of the alternative filters listed above.
Grow Your Instagram Beyond Filters
Viral filters are a great way to get noticed. But consistent growth requires more than a trending effect. If you want to build a real audience on Instagram, explore our guides on.how to get more Instagram followers and best Instagram engagement strategies.

