Instagram users are flocking to a new Instagram Story filter with an infuriatingly addictive challenge. Dubbed the Six Second Blink challenge, the mini-game is the latest in a series of Augmented Reality (AR) filters to take the Facebook-owned social network by storm, including the 2020 Predictions (which cycles through options for your next twelve months in the style of a one-armed bandit machine) and Which Disney Character Are You (does the same thing but with, surprise surprise, Disney heroes and villains).
But the Six Second Blink challenge is a little different. It’s designed to be a competitive game.
The Instagram filter places a countdown timer above your head. Users have to try to blink their eyes when the counter hits 6 seconds – no mean feat given that the counter has three decimal points. If you hit the all-important 06.000 – you’ll receive a celebration animation (and bragging rights with your friends on the social network).
If you want to use the filter, you’ll need to make sure you’re running the latest version of Instagram. If you’re unsure, head to the Apple App Store (if you’re using an iPhone) or the Google Play Store (if you’re using an Android phone) and search for Instagram.
On the listing for the app, there will be an Update button if you’re not already using the most up-to-date version of the software.
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Next up, you’ll need to navigate to the creator of the “Six Second Blink challenge” Instagram filter.
Search for @yana.mishkinis, where the social media user has hosted a number of Augmented Reality filters to play with. You’ll find filters sandwiched between the IG TV and tagged photos tab. Press on the “6 Seconds” option and then tap on the “Try It” option in the left-hand corner.
Press and hold to record your outcome, which you can then share with your followers (if you’re happy with the result). If you’re planning to use the filter a few times, tap on “Save This Effect” to be able to access whenever you want from the in-app camera (which you can access at any time by swiping from left-to-right on your feed).
As always, you can enjoy the filter as many times as you like, saving the results to your camera roll, or sharing on your Instagram Story.