How to Add a VHS Video Filter & Effects to Your Video

The characteristic visuals of old VHS tapes, with their soft fog, static lines, and slight color distortion, bring back the charm of the 80s and 90s. Every time we see them, something triggers a sense of nostalgia, which is why many people still use videotape effects (VHS) to give their videos a retro and even emotional touch.

Today, you'll learn how to add VHS effects to your video. We'll cover everything from filters and overlays to VHS transitions, VHS titles, creating videos with VHS effects from templates, and recommendations for online VHS effects. You can achieve the perfect throwback look for your short film, music video, or social media content!

Part 1. Add a VHS Video Filter for the Base Look

Before creating an authentic VHS-style video, it's essential to establish a solid base. Basic filters set the overall tone, giving your footage the grainy texture and slight distortion characteristic of videotape effect.

To help you out, Wondershare Filmora offers a range of built-in VHS filters and visual effects, making this process easy, even for beginners. With just a few clicks, you can replicate the soft blur, faded colors, and static noise that instantly takes your audience back to the 80s and 90s.

Follow these steps to build your base look.

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Step 1. Head over to Filmora and start a new project

Import your video clips into the timeline. Filmora supports a wide range of formats, so you can start editing right away.

Step 2. Go to the Effects tab

Type “VHS” in the search bar. Choose a filter like VHS Film or VHS Distortion for a classic retro look.

Step 3. Apply the VHS effect to your video

Drag the selected effect onto your clip. Adjust the intensity, duration, and blending to achieve the desired level of distortion or grain.

Tip: Keep the base effects subtle to preserve clarity while achieving that classic VHS tone.

Part 2. Apply VHS Camera Effect & Overlays

After creating the basic look, you can make your video more realistic by adding VHS camera overlays and visual artifacts. Here's how:

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Step 1. Browse additional overlays in the Effects tab

Look for overlays such as Static, Old TV, or Grunge Film. Drag the overlay onto your video and adjust the opacity for a balanced and layered effect.

Step 2. Add a time overlay or retro text

• Open the Title tab and search for VHS presets.
• Find one that shows the time, then adjust it to how you want it to look.
• Change the color to white or yellow for an authentic vintage feel.

Step 3. Simulate camera movement

• Use keyframes to add subtle shaking, shaky zooms, or focus shifts.
• These small movements make your footage look like it was shot with a handheld camera.

Image Alt add keyframings

4. Add retro audio textures

• Add static noise, tape clicks, or mechanical hums from the Filmora sound library.
• Keep the volume low to enhance the atmosphere without overpowering your main audio.

Part 3. Improve the VHS Video Effect with VHS Transitions

After applying the basic VHS effect look and overlay, you can also add transitions. Transitions help connect your clips more smoothly while maintaining a consistent retro feel. Filmora offers a variety of VHS transitions that replicate the glitch effect when a VHS tape changes scenes.

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Step 1. Open the Transitions tab.

Head to the Transition tab and type “VHS” or “Glitch” in the search bar. Browse options like VHS and Glitch, Glitch Transition, or Static Jump.

Step 2. Drag the selected transition between your clips.

Place it at the cut point where two scenes meet. Adjust its duration on the timeline for a faster or slower transition.

Step 3. Adjust the transition style.

Select the transition track in the timeline to change its speed, direction, or intensity. Combine different VHS transitions throughout your project for a more creative look.

Step 4. Preview in real time.

Use Filmora's preview window to check how each transition blends with your effects and overlays. Ensure that the movement feels smooth and not too abrupt.

Part 4. Enrich Your VHS Footage with VHS Titles

When you want to create a vintage aesthetic and add a videotape effect, titles provide the finishing touch to your VHS-style video, giving it the feel of an old home recording or retro clip. Filmora includes ready-to-use VHS title presets that are simple to use and customize:

Step 1. Choose a VHS title preset

• Go to the Titles tab and type “VHS” in the search bar.
• Select a template with a timestamp, caption, or recording label design and drag it above your footage.

Step 2. Customize your text

• Edit the date, time, or message to match your video's style.
• Adjust the font, color, and size to mimic authentic VHS text.

Step 3. Customize the style and timing

• Use opacity and flicker effects to replicate the uneven look of old tapes.
• Position and trim the title on the timeline to appear at the right time.

Bonus: Make Videos with VHS Effects From Templates

Besides the methods we've discussed earlier, if you want to create a VHS video effect quickly, you can also try Filmora's VHS templates. These templates combine filters, transitions, titles, and overlays, so you can create a retro look in just a few steps.

How to Create Videotape Effects Using Filmora's Templates

Step 1. Go to Filmora and go to the Templates tab. Search for “VHS” to see the available templates.

Step 2. Choose a template that matches the style of your video and drag it to the timeline.

Step 3. Add your video clips. Replace the placeholder clips in the template with your own videos. Adjust the duration, overlay, or title if needed.

Step 4. Preview and export. Play your video to ensure all effects appear correctly. Click Export to save your retro VHS video.

Optional: Try a VHS Effect Online

Other than VHS effects from Filmora, if you want to expand your creative options, you can download ready-to-use VHS effects from online sources and integrate them into your Filmora project.

1. Mixkit

Mixkit is a popular free resource that offers a wide variety of VHS overlays and glitch effects. These effects are royalty-free and easy to download. You can find static noise, color distortion, and flicker animations that mimic the imperfections of analog tape.

2. Motion Array

Motion Array provides VHS templates and pro-quality video assets. Many of them are fully customizable, including glitch transitions, VHS titles, and animated overlays. This allows you to quickly add a polished vintage look without having to create each effect from scratch.

Tips: Import downloaded clips or overlays into Filmora and layer them over your footage. Adjust the opacity, blending mode, and timing to blend them naturally with built-in VHS video effect, transitions, and titles for a seamless vintage look.

Conclusion

We've discussed how VHS-style videos can add a nostalgic feel, some personality, and visual texture to your recordings, and how to include them in your videos. With Filmora's VHS video effects, overlays, transitions, and title presets, you can turn ordinary clips into retro-style videos in minutes.

For added creativity, you can also add ready-made VHS effects from sites like Mixkit and Motion Array. To get a vintage and cinematic feel to your videos, you can start by experimenting with filters, overlays, and subtle audio effects in Filmora's video editor, which makes it easy for anyone to get that polished VHS look.