Science can finally tell us which photo filter we should choose

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If you've been spending too much time choosing the right photo filter for your brunch, these precious minutes have not been wasted.

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Science has spoken, and not only do filters give your photos a cool and unique look, but they also make your photo more engaging, according to a new study from Yahoo.

Researchers from Yahoo Labs and Georgia Institute of Technology analyzed 7.6 million mobile uploaded photos from Flickr and found that filtered photos are 21 percent more likely to be viewed than images without a filter.

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They are also 45 percent more likely to be commented on, for that extra punch of gratification.

Plus, the study offers some helpful advice on which filters to choose if you want to get some extra attention on your photos.

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Flickr images

David Shamma/Flickr

An example of a raw image, an engaging filter and a less-engaging filter. The photo in the middle had the most engagement.

Filters that are cooler and darker tend to be less-engaging, so opt for ones that introduce colors like yellows and reds (like the middle photo above).

"Specifically, we find that filters that impose warm color temperature, boost contract and increase exposure, are more likely to be noticed," said the report.

So, Instagram addicts, maybe opt for "Rise" over "Sutro." For Flickr users, maybe "Lighthouse" over "Pacific". That's our at least somewhat-scientific recommendation.

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