Full Guide to Add VHS Effect to Videos | Catch the Retro Trend

Hey, have you noticed that videos with noise, color distortion, and even a bit of a ‘cassette’ feel are becoming more and more popular recently? That's right, the VHS effect! This retro trend is sweeping back. Because it can instantly take us back to the era of watching movies on videotapes, evoking a full sense of nostalgia.

The best part? This guide will show you how to add VHS video effect to videos, which you can easily create using editing software, mobile apps, and even online tools. Make your videos both retro and full of modern creativity!

On This Page

• Take a Look at the VHS Effect Video First
• Why VHS Video Effect is Popular Today
• Quick Choose: 3 Ways to Add VHS Filter to Video
• Make VHS Effect Videos with Professional Video Editor 
• How to Add VHS Filter to Video with Mobile Apps 
• Add VHS Filter to Video Online for Free
• Bonus: Other Tool to Bring Old Image/Video Back to Life 
  The Bottom Line 

Take a Look at the VHS Effect Video First

If you don't know the characteristics of the VHS video effect, you can check out the style of the VHS effect video below, which is a Tokyo video generated by a VHS camera using the Dazz Cam app.

Why VHS Video Effect is Popular Today

VHS stands for Video Home System and was once the mainstream format for home videos. Imagine: the scene is a little blurry, the colors are blue or red, and there are those flickering scan lines and random noise. Many musicians also add VHS video effects to MVs. 

For example, The Weeknd's Blinding Lights used this style, which instantly made the whole song full of 80s retro atmosphere. Adding VHS effects to your video can better tell a story with a sense of time, create a nostalgic atmosphere, and attract more attention.

Quick Choose: 3 Ways to Add VHS Filter to Video

Now you can’t wait to try it out, right? Don’t worry, let’s first take a look at the tools that can help you achieve the VHS video effect.

Professional Editing Software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve) – For high-quality customization.

VHS Filter Apps (e.g., VHS Cam, Dazz) – For quick effects on mobile devices.

Online VHS Effect Tools (e.g., Veed.io, Kapwing, CapCut) – For browser-based editing without software installation.

Give a quick recommendation: If you're a beginner, an app or online tool is best. If you're a pro, go for professional tools.

Make VHS Effect Videos with Professional Video Editor 

If you want full creative control, using professional software is your best option. Here's how to create a realistic VHS video effect in Adobe Premiere Pro.

Step 1. Import your footage

Open Premiere Pro and import the video you want to edit.

Step 2. Adjust the color

• In the Project Panel, right click (Windows) or Command click (Mac) and choose New Adjustment Layer.
• Drag and drop your new Adjustment Layer directly above the clip where you want the effect added. Click to highlight it.
• Open the Lumetri Color panel.
• Under the Creative drop-down, set the Faded Film effect to 50 and sharpen to -50.
• Then search for the channel blur effect in the Effects panel to apply it to our adjustment layer.
• Set the Red Blurriness setting to 30 and in the Blur Dimension Drop Down menu, set the value to Horizontal.
• Add a second channel blur effect using the same process. Set the value of the Blue Blur Blurriness setting to 30 and the Blur Size value to Horizontal.

Step 3. Add noise 

Search for Noise in the Effects panel, and adjust the intensity to make the picture look a little "dirty".

Step 4. Add scan lines

Search for an effect called Wave Warp to add the scan lines seen in old VHS tapes. 

Use the following settings:

• Wave Type: Square
• Wave Width: Minimum of 600
• Wave Direction: 0
• Wave Speed: 0.1
• Pinning: All Edges

Step 5. Add sound effects

Don't forget the sound! Find some VHS tape noise sound effects and overlay them on the audio track.

Step 6. Export your video

After adjusting all the effects, export your retro masterpiece.

Also Read: 5 Best 4K Video Enhancer Online Free to Upscale Video Quality >>

How to Add VHS Filter to Video with Mobile Apps 

If you don't have the editing skills to edit manually, mobile apps such as Dazz or VHS Cam can help you add VHS effect to video in seconds. This method is quick and easy, no experience required. They offer VHS real-time recording and vintage photo filters like VHS effects. Check out how to add an old VHS video effect with Dazz Cam.

Step 1. Download Dazz Cam on your device from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Step 2. Open Dazz, Find VHS recorder. You can see the samples, and adjust the settings according to your needs. 

Step 3. Click the red button to record a VHS effect video or upload a video to add a VHS filter. 

Add VHS Filter to Video Online for Free

Don't want to install an app? Online editors like Veed.io, Kapwing and Clideo allow you to add VHS video effects online for free. It's quick and easy. You can add a grain filter to your video and make it a VHS look with just one click. Let’s see how Veed.io simplify the way to add VHS effect to video. 

Step 1. Go to Veed.io website and start to add VHS filter to video online for free.

Step 2. Upload the video to which you want to add the effect. Find Filters in the left menu bar, scroll down and find VHS. Click it to add it to your video.

Step 3. Adjust other settings to make your video look better. Then output it and share on your social channel.

Bonus: Other Tool to Bring Old Image/Video Back to Life 

In addition to using some retro filters such as VHS video effect to make pictures or videos full of nostalgia, are there any other tools to bring old-fashioned images back to life? Vidnoz Talking Photo is definitely worth a try. It can bring old 1930s-1970s style images to life. This innovative tool allows you to create realistic talking photos and fill your creations with nostalgia.

Vidnoz AI - Create Free Engaging AI Video with Talking Avatar

• Easily create professional AI videos with realistic avatars.
• Text-to-speech lip sync voices of different languages.
• 2800+ video templates for multiple scenarios.

Try It Free Now

How to get an old photo back to life with Vidnoz AI:

Step 1. Go to Vidnoz AI Talking Photo tool and create an account. The simple page allows novices to get started quickly.

Step 2. Upload the old photo you want it to speak like real. You can just the language, the mood as you like.

Step 3. Click Generate Video and wait for a second. You can share your creations across platforms to attract attention.

The Bottom Line 

Now you know how easy it is to add a VHS video effect to your videos. Choose from these 3 step by step methods to find the one that works well for you. The VHS effect is more than just a retro style; it's a creative tool that can give your videos personality and emotion. Whether you're making a nostalgic short film, a music video, or a fun Instagram edit, adding the VHS effect is easier than ever. Also give your old photos a new lease of life using Vidnoz free AI video generator.