How to Create a VHS Effect in After Effects

The VHS effect is a popular retro style that mimics the look of old analog tapes – complete with noise, color distortion, scan lines, and flicker.

There are two main ways to achieve this effect in After Effects:

Manual method – more control, but takes time
Using a plugin (AEJuice) – faster, easier, and more polished

Below, you’ll learn both approaches step by step.

Method 1: Create VHS Effect Manually in After Effects

Step 1: Import Your Video

Go to File → Import → File, then drag your video onto the timeline to start working.

Step 2: Add Grain

From the Effects & Presets panel, apply Add Grain to your video. In the Effect Controls panel, set:

Viewing Mode: Final Output
Preset: Kodak Vision 250D
Intensity: 1.8
Size: 1.2

This simulates analog noise found in VHS footage. Step 3: Pre-compose and Duplicate

Right-click the video layer → Pre-compose. Then duplicate the pre-comp twice so you have three identical layers.

Step 4: Split RGB Channels

Apply Shift Channels to each pre-comp and configure:

Layer 1:

Red → Red

Green & Blue → Full Off

Layer 2:

Green → Green

Red & Blue → Full Off

Layer 3:

Blue → Blue

Red & Green → Full Off

Select all three layers and set Blending Mode → Add. Press P (Position) and slightly offset each layer to create RGB separation. Step 5: Create Adjustment Layer

Go to Layer → New → Adjustment Layer and place it above all layers.Step 6: Add Scan Lines

Apply Venetian Blinds to the adjustment layer:

Transition Completion: 14
Direction: 90
Width: 36
Feather: 23

This creates classic VHS scan lines

Step 7: Add Distortion

Apply Turbulent Displace:

Displacement: Horizontal
Amount: 5
Size: 48
Complexity: 6

This simulates tape warping and signal instability.

Step 8: Add Second Adjustment Layer

Create another Adjustment Layer above everything.Step 9: Add Flicker

Apply Opacity Flicker preset, or manually animate opacity to simulate brightness fluctuations. Step 10: Reduce Frame Rate

Apply Posterize Time and set:

Frame Rate: 10

This gives a more “dirty” and old-school VHS feel. Result & Difficulty

This manual method gives you full control, but it takes around 20–30 minutes to set up properly.

 

Method 2: Create VHS Effect Using AEJuice (Fast Way)

Step 1: Open AEJuice Pack Manager

After importing your video, go to: Window → AEJuice Pack Manager 4Step 2: Find VHS Pack

In the AEJuice window, search for a VHS pack and download it.Step 3: Apply Effect

Choose a VHS preset or color correction effect. Move your CTI (playhead) to the beginning of the video and click Import.Step 4: Open Settings

Select the imported layer on the timeline. In AEJuice, click the Edit button (icon with three sliders).

Step 5: Customize the Effect

Adjust parameters such as:

Look Intensity
TV Lines
Blending ModeStep 6: Add More Overlays

Enhance the VHS look by adding extra elements like:

Tape functions
Distortions
Glitches

Step 7: Preview

Preview your composition and tweak settings if needed.

Compared to the manual approach, using AEJuice is much faster and easier in practice – you can get a solid VHS look in seconds instead of spending 20–30 minutes setting everything up. There’s no need to deal with complex effects or layer setups, and the results usually look more polished right away. On top of that, it’s easy to experiment with different styles and quickly find the look that fits your video.

Conclusion

You can create a VHS effect in After Effects either manually for full control or by using AEJuice for speed and convenience. If you enjoy fine-tuning every detail, the manual method is a great learning experience. But for most workflows, using AEJuice is the fastest way to achieve a professional VHS look.