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What you need to know about the gay meter Instagram filter

closeup of fist wearing rainbow wristband

As TikTok consumes the world, the gay meter meme has been seen on the feeds of both straight and queer influencers. This is courtesy of the gay meter effect on Instagram. But is this “gay-o-meter” all for fun or harmful? And how does it work? Keep reading to find out.

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How To Get The Gay Meter Filter On Instagram

Unfortunately, Instagram has deleted the gay meter filter from its website and app. The reason why is still unknown. However, you can still see creators using the Instagram test on TikTok as it’s still available in TikTok’s beta version.

Since the gay meter effect is no longer on Instagram, you can opt for similar effects such as “which gay” from @nonfineary and “which pride flag” from @_fernanduh.

To find filters on Instagram and use them, follow these steps:

  1. Create a new Instagram story.
  2. Swipe through the recommended effects. 
  3. Find “Browse Filters”.
  4. Type the name of the filter you want to use.

Girl pointing to TikTok on her phone

How To Do The Gay Meter On TikTok

The best alternatives to the gay meter filter are the “Gay Vibes” and “LGBTIQ+ Vibes” filters by @antostone__ on TikTok. 

The premise of the “Gay Vibes” filter is the same as any other gay meter effect. However, instead of a percentage, it rates you on a scale of 1 to 10. Meanwhile, the “LGBTIQ+ vibes” filter is a gay meter filter that tells you how much “gay vibes” you give off in percentages.

To do the gay meter effect on TikTok:

  1. Go to the Discover page. 
  2. Search for the filter you’d like to use
  3. Tap on the effect and press, “Try this effect” or “Use effect”.
  4. When the effect appears on your head, tap the screen to activate the filter.
  5. Video your reaction and post it for everyone to see.

Gay man wearing multicolored shadows on eyelids blinking at camera

Is The Gay Meter Homophobic?

It’s not hard to imagine that Instagram filters like these can be taken too far. After all, it’s easy for a homophobic user to report the filter and the video itself or create Instagram stories that undermine gay issues and rights. 

One can also argue that homophobes can hijack the trend to show a disgusted reaction if they get even just 1% gayness. Plus, the idea that an algorithm can determine your sexuality based on how you look promotes stereotypical ideas about the physical qualities of the LGBTQ+ community, when in fact the community is extremely diverse.

However, the filter itself shouldn’t affect your own perception of your sexuality. Whether it’s a filter, friends, straight people, those in the spectrum, or society in general, nothing should get in the way of how you want to express yourself.

Conclusion

Even though Instagram’s original gay meter filter is no longer available, that doesn’t stop people from creating fun content and joining in on the trend. Fortunately for the fans of this effect, other filters can produce the same outcome on both TikTok and Instagram’s effect gallery. Give these funny gay meter filters a try now!

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