Welcome to 2000s! Using Best 6 Y2K Filters to Decor Photos

The Y2K retro trend is back in fashion, makeup, and social media. More people are now looking for filters that bring back the 2000s visual style. Inspired by millennial aesthetics, the Y2K filter recreates the unique look of CD covers, MTV music videos, and early digital cameras from that era. If you want to give your photos a 2000s vibe, don't miss the 6 Y2K filter tools recommended in this article. Next, we'll introduce these tools and explain how to use them.

The Y2K filter recreates the visual style that was popular around the year 2000. It often includes metallic shine, glossy makeup, blue and purple tones, bubble fonts, mirror effects, tech-inspired designs, and low-resolution grain. The Y2K Photo filter blends retro charm with a futuristic, sci-fi feel. In recent years, it has gained strong popularity among Gen Z and become a symbol of trendy aesthetics.

The Y2K filter is not a single style, it's a retro aesthetic that blends multiple elements. Here are some common types:

• Y2K Metallic Gloss Filter: Features silver and blue-purple tones, creating a shiny look like a CD's surface.
• Y2K Vaporwave Filter: Uses purple-pink colors and VHS-style distortion for a dreamy, nostalgic feel.
• Y2K Cyber Filter: Adds strong contrast and chrome tech effects, giving a bold visual impact.
• Y2K Neon Style Filter: Mixes pink-blue gradients with glowing fonts for a trendy, colorful vibe.
• Y2K Nostalgic Pixel Filter: Mimics the look of old TVs with grain, scan lines, and low resolution.
• Y2K Bubble Text and Sticker Filter: Includes popular 2000s fonts and cute stickers, full of playful energy.

Different 2000s photo filters can be freely combined, from fresh campus style to fashionable MV feeling, easily creating a variety of visual effects.

Canva is a popular online graphic design platform that provides thousands of Y2K-style templates and filters. You can apply a Y2K filter to your photo with one click, and add stickers or lighting effects to create a retro-style poster with ease.

Step 1: Open the Canva website or app, then search for "Y2K filter".

Step 2: Choose a template you like and upload your photos to apply it.

Step 3: You can adjust the details as needed and add some Y2K-style stickers and decorations.

Step 4: Try adding light gradients, shadows, or mirror effects to enhance the Y2K vibe.

Lenslist is a tool for adding AR filters to photos and videos. It stays updated with the latest trends and regularly refreshes its filter library. Therefore, you can easily find popular Y2K aesthetic filter on the platform. It also works with other apps, allowing you to use your favorite Y2K filters on third-party platforms.

Step 1: Open the Lenlist website or app and go to the Y2K filter section.

Step 2: Upload your photo or video, then choose a Y2K style template you like.

Step 3: You can also customize special effects according to your preferences, such as mirror reflection, grainy feeling, retro border, etc.

Step 4: Finally, click "One-click Generate" to create a high-quality image that you can download instantly.

Snapchat focuses on video and photo functions. It not only offers self-destructing messages, but also continuously launches various interesting filters. In the app, you can use the Y2K camera filter to give your selfies a retro, early-2000s music video vibe. It also lets you add Y2K-style effects like neon lights, flash overlays, or vaporwave designs to your photos.

Step 1: Open Snapchat and click the "Filter" icon next to the camera button.

Step 2: Type "Y2K" in the search bar, browse, and select the filter you like.

Step 3: After selecting the filter, take a photo or record a video of up to 15 seconds.

Step 4: You can also add text, stickers, and other effects, and then export and share them to other platforms.

TikTok is the main video platform behind the rise of Y2K filters. Its built-in filter library offers a wide range of popular Y2K camera filters. Whether it is millennial makeup, retro backgrounds, or unique light and shadow effects, you instantly step back into that stylish era.

Step 1: Open the TikTok app and go to the creation page. Tap the "Effects" button.

Step 2: Enter "Y2K" or "2000s" in the search box to find relevant filters.

Step 3: Choose a filter and start recording. The filter will automatically add retro effects like flash and mirror reflection.

Step 4: After recording, you can add text, music, or layer more filters to keep the style consistent.

WebCam Toy is a retro-style online camera simulator that recreates the feel of early digital cameras. Here, you can take classic Y2K selfies. Its Y2K camera filter has typical millennial elements such as scan lines, flash effects, neon borders, and bubble stickers. The interface is designed to feel nostalgic and playful.

Step 1: Go to the WebCam Toy website and allow camera access.

Step 2: Click "Ready? Smile!" to take a photo.

Step 3: Click "More effects" to browse and apply your favorite Y2K filter.

YouCam Makeup blends Y2K makeup with filters. It lets you change your photo background to the classic Y2K style, and can add neon eyeshadow, bubble lips, and silver highlights to your photos, making the overall look more trendy.

Step 1: Open the YouCam Makeup app and take a photo or upload one from your gallery.

Step 2: Go to the "Real-Time Makeup" or "Photo Beautify" feature and choose the Y2K style under theme makeup.

Step 3: You can also apply filters, change your hair color, or add Y2K-inspired makeup.

Y2K is more than just a filter, it's a visual style and a tribute to millennial culture. From easy tools like Canva to popular platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, everyone can find their own Y2K vibe. Now choose a favorite Y2K filter, let your photos instantly return to the 2000s, and feel the unique aesthetic charm of that era!

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Article by

Heather Marston

Heather Marston is passionate about AI technology. She dedicates herself to writing technical articles on AI, covering new AI products, and sharing her firsthand experience with AI tools in a more engaging and informative way.