Looking at old Polaroid photos from the 70s, 80s, and all the way into the early 90s really brings back a nostalgic feel. The characteristic white edge and the slightly blurred look just bring out a unique aesthetic that you can't get with modern phone cameras.
That's why AI Polaroid Makers have become incredibly popular in recent years. They offer an easy way to get your images to look just like those old-school photos, and we'll show you how they work and when to use them.
In this article:
What is an AI Polaroid Maker?

Like many other classic styles from the past, Polaroid photos are making a big comeback on social media and in all kinds of marketing strategies.
An AI Polaroid maker is a program that uses specialized AI algorithms to turn any image you upload into a retro Polaroid picture. These tools take your image and give it the characteristic thick white borders and soft, warm look typical of this style.
They essentially mimic the little imperfections and lower level of detail that older cameras from the 80s and 90s produced due to their limitations.
Some AI Polaroid generators can even make short videos with a cute 3D cartoonish version of the subject in the original photo coming out of the white frame, and can have other useful editing features.
We'll go over all the details about how they work and how to use them, so that you can get started with your new projects right away.
Our Best Pick of AI Polaroid Generator: Filmora
While there are numerous options available online, Filmora is the best overall AI Polaroid Generator. It's a capable video and image editing software with several useful AI features. You can simply import your images and choose one of several Polaroid templates in the AI-powered Image to Video feature on both the mobile and the desktop version of Filmora. It will generate a cute short video of the person in the picture coming out of a classic Polaroid frame. There is also a built-in powerful AI Image generator that can create images in any style based on your prompts.
Apart from the templates and AI features, Filmora has lots of other perks, including vintage filters and Polaroid frame effects that give photos the perfect retro look.
It's also easy to create video collages by dragging several images to the timeline and adding transitions. You can modify each image or clip by changing the color palette and lighting, exposure, brightness, contrast, etc.
In short, it's a very versatile editing tool that has everything you need to make your photos and videos look perfect.
How to Use the Best AI Polaroid Maker
To use Filmora as one of the best AI polaroid makers, you can either transform your own image into a polaroid style with the Image to Video feature or create a completely new AI polaroid picture from scratch using the AI image.
Turn Pictures into 3D Polaroid Videos with AI
Step 1: Download and open the app, then tap Image to Video.

Step 2: Go to More Templates, then scroll down and tap the Photo to Figure option. When you choose Generate, you can pick out the image you want from your phone and wait for the AI to finish.



Step 3: When the AI process is complete, review the results and tap Save.

Check out the result.

Of course, if you prefer to work on your computer, you can use the desktop version of Filmora, which is available for both Windows and Mac.
Step 1: Run Filmora and start a New Project in the main menu.

Step 2: Go to Stock Media > AI Media > Image To Video > Blindbox&Toys then scroll down and click on Cutie Polaroid. Click the + icon to add an image from your computer.


Step 3: Choose the Portrait mode, adjust the selection window, and click Submit.

Step 4: Then tap on Generate to start the process.

Step 5: Wait until the process finishes, and preview the result under My Files, drag it to the timeline, and export it if you are satisfied.

Here's the result.

Generate AI Polaroid Images from Text

Those who just need a classic polaroid-style image for a project and don't want to use their own can turn to Filmora's AI Image feature. It will generate an entirely unique picture for you in just a couple of easy steps.
Step 1: Go to Stock Media > AI Media > AI Image.

Step 2: Click on General and scroll down to find the Portrait option. Then type out your prompt, remembering to stress that there should be a thick white border on all sides and an extra-wide border on the bottom, and click Generate.


Step 3: Click on the image you like the most out of the four versions and drag it to the timeline, then click the Camera icon to save the image.

Creative Uses of AI Polaroid Photos and Videos
We've looked at this process on a purely technical level up until now, but on a more creative note, there are lots of different things you can do with these stylized photos. Let's look at some of the best uses for them.
- 80s and 90s nostalgia projects: Whether it's a throwback to the old days with a bunch of friends from school, or a creative marketing project, these little images can really tug on people's heartstrings.
- Social media reels: If you need a creative way to tell a story on Instagram or other platforms, going through a bunch of neatly bordered Polaroids is a great way to move from scene to scene seamlessly.
- Digital photo albums: Turning a few of your favorite recent photos of your family, friends, or coworkers into old-school Polaroids makes for a lovely photo album, and it also works well for fun holiday photoshoots.
- Invitations and postcards: A couple of slightly faded images of the bride and groom can create a lovely atmosphere for a wedding invitation, while interesting photos of some local scenery, with a short "marker" inscription added to the bottom border, are a recipe for the perfect postcard.
These are just a few of the common ways people use AI-generated Polaroid photos, but you can get as creative with them as you like and find even more fun projects.
Conclusion
For most people, seeing the classic white borders and soft vintage tone instantly evokes happy memories and warm, fuzzy feelings. Even if you don't remember the decades of crazy hair styles and colorful clothes when Polaroids were all the rage, you can use an AI Polaroid maker to add some flair to different projects, albums, or social media posts.
Filmora makes it incredibly easy, and even lets you make short videos with a cute, cartoonified version of yourself coming out of the frame for that extra personal touch. Try it out and see where your imagination can take you.