TikTok filters are overlays that alter the look of videos on the platform. They can apply visual effects, change colors, add graphics, distort images, and more. Filters have become immensely popular on TikTok, with certain filters gaining widespread use among creators and viewers.
Some of the most popular TikTok filters include the Beauty filter for enhancing selfies, Fantasy for an ethereal look, Anime for turning videos into cartoons, and many more fun options. According to TikTok, filters were used in over 1 trillion videos in 2021.
Users love filters because they allow easy video editing and customization. Filters help videos stand out and go viral. For TikTok creators, having a signature filter can boost brand recognition. Overall, filters let users unleash their creativity and self-expression on the platform.
TikTok’s Default Filters
TikTok comes preloaded with a variety of filters users can apply to their videos. These default filters are categorized into Portrait, Landscape, Food, and Vibe [1]. Some of the most popular default filters include:
- Portrait: Fairytale, Brooklyn, and Sweetheart filters add a dreamy glow and rosy cheeks for selfies and portraits.
- Landscape: The Timelapse filter speeds up videos, while the Trianglizer filter adds cool geometric effects.
- Food: Yummy and Delectable provide increased saturation to make food videos pop.
- Vibe: The Echo filter duplicates and offsets your motions, while Glitch distorts the video.
TikTok is constantly releasing new creative filters in these categories. Users can scroll through the default filters when creating a video to find ones that match the vibe they want.
Creating Filters with Snapchat
One way to create custom filters for TikTok is by using Snapchat. Snapchat has an extensive library of filters and lenses that users can apply to their photos and videos in the Snapchat app. To use a Snapchat filter on TikTok:
1. Open the Snapchat app and browse the available lenses and filters. Select one you would like to use for your TikTok video.
2. Record a Snapchat video with the chosen filter applied. Make sure to save the video to your camera roll.
3. Open TikTok and start creating a new video. When you get to the editing screen, tap ‘Effects’ and select the video saved from Snapchat. This will apply the Snapchat filter to your TikTok video.
The key is saving the Snapchat video to your camera roll before importing it into TikTok. This allows you to essentially transfer Snapchat lenses and filters for use in TikTok videos. It provides an easy way to access a wide selection of filters without building them from scratch. You can get creative combining Snapchat effects with other TikTok editing tools for unique videos.
Using Third-Party Apps
Besides TikTok’s native editing tools, there are many third-party apps that allow for more advanced filter creation. Some popular options include:
Vita (https://vitamaker.io): This app provides a huge library of filters, effects, and editing tools. You can fully customize filters, add overlay effects, adjust colors, and more. Vita makes it easy to design creative filters from scratch.
VLLO (https://vllo.com): VLLO has a template library with hundreds of customizable filters. You can tweak colors, textures, and other elements. It’s also simple to animate filters and add your own branding.
POPCHOCOLATE (https://popchocolate.com): This intuitive app lets you hand-draw filters or use geometric shapes. The drawing tools allow for precision editing to design unique filters.
FaceDirector (https://facedirector.com): With FaceDirector you can transform faces with effects like face stretch, facial thinning, and animated facial expressions. The face-focused filters stand out on TikTok.
These third-party apps provide powerful customization options beyond TikTok’s default filters. Combining effects and animations, you can produce high-quality filters tailored to your brand.
Filter Creation with Spark AR
Spark AR Studio is an augmented reality platform developed by Facebook that allows users to create their own AR effects and filters. It can be used to make filters specifically for TikTok.
To create a custom filter with Spark AR:
- Download and install the Spark AR Studio app on your computer.
- Design the visual effects and interactions you want for your filter using the editing tools in Spark AR.
- Add facial tracking to your filter if desired, so the effects follow a person’s face.
- Test your filter thoroughly before exporting it.
- Once complete, export the filter from Spark AR and save it to your camera roll or computer.
- Open the TikTok app and go to the “Effects” tab.
- Click on the “+” button to upload your custom filter.
- Give the effect a title and description and set relevant tags.
- Publish your filter. It will now be available in your TikTok effects tray for you and others to use in videos.
Spark AR Studio provides a range of tools to create professional-looking filters and effects. With some AR design skills, you can make filters that stand out on TikTok using the platform. Refer to the Spark AR documentation for more detailed instructions on using the editor.
Uploading and Sharing Filters
Once you’ve created a custom filter in Spark AR, you’ll need to upload it to make the filter available for other TikTok users. Here’s how to upload and share TikTok filters:
In Spark AR, click “Publish” which will build and bundle your effect for uploading. Then go to the TikTok Effect House and click “Submit Effect.” You’ll need to give the filter a name, description, hashtags, and attribution.
TikTok will review the effect to make sure it complies with their policies. Once approved, the filter will be available for you to use in your own TikTok videos. Other users can search and find your custom filter using the name and hashtags you provided.
To share a filter directly with your followers, use it in a TikTok video then link to the effect in the caption. Your followers can tap the link to try the filter in their own videos. You can also share filters with friends directly through TikTok messaging.
Using relevant hashtags and promoting your custom filters on other social platforms can help them gain more visibility. TikTok features select effects on the Discover page which is another way users can find new filters to try.
Promoting Your Filter
Once you’ve created your custom filter, there are several strategies you can use to promote it and get more people using it. Here are some tips for getting more views and shares for your TikTok filter:
Use relevant hashtags in your caption when uploading a video with your filter applied. Popular hashtags like #filter and #tiktokfilter will help people find your video. You can also use more specific hashtags related to your filter’s theme or effect.
Engage with your audience in the comments. Ask people to try out your filter and use a specific hashtag when they create videos. This helps track engagement and spread awareness organically.
Promote your filter through other social platforms where you have an audience, like Instagram or Twitter. Let people know to check out your new TikTok filter.
Collaborate with TikTok creators that have a similar audience and aesthetic as your filter. Offer to let them test it out and potentially feature it in their videos.
Use TikTok’s built-in advertising tools like Promote to boost video views. This can help put your filter in front of fresh eyes and increase engagement quickly.
Analyze performance over time and iterate on hashtag strategy, captions, etc to improve reach. A/B test different approaches to see what resonates most with your audience.
Add captions, visual effects, and appealing audio to demo videos showcasing your filter. High quality, captivating samples will help convince users to try it.
Monetizing Custom Filters
Creators can potentially earn money from their custom TikTok filters in a few key ways. One of the most popular methods is through sponsorships. Brands often seek out TikTok creators with viral filters to sponsor and promote their products within the filter itself. For example, an energy drink company may sponsor a filter that makes users look like they have super speed or energy. The creator can display the brand’s logo or name within the filter in exchange for a sponsorship fee.
TikTok also launched an official $6 million fund in May 2023 to directly pay creators based on how often their filters and effects are used. This allows creators to monetize viral filters directly through TikTok based on their popularity and reach. The company has continued expanding this direct payment program to more creators as of October 2023.
Some filter creators also choose to sell access to their custom filters through third-party platforms or their own websites. This allows them to earn money directly from users who want exclusive access to their filters. However, creators need to be cautious of TikTok’s terms and avoid selling filters that violate copyrights.
Copyright and Ownership Concerns
When creating filters that incorporate branded content, music, or other copyrighted material, it’s important to be aware of potential copyright infringement issues. While TikTok’s default filters pose no concern, incorporating protected content into your own custom filters can potentially violate copyright law if done without proper licensing or permission.
For example, using a snippet of a popular song as background music in your filter likely requires acquiring synchronization rights from the sound recording copyright holder. Likewise, incorporating trademarked logos or branding into a filter without authorization could lead to trademark infringement claims.
TikTok’s copyright policy clearly states that the platform does not allow any content that infringes copyright, and will remove infringing material upon proper notice and validation of ownership claims (TikTok Help Center). Users who repeatedly infringe copyright risk having their accounts terminated.
To avoid legal risks, it’s advisable to only use original content you created or content that you have explicit permission to use within your custom TikTok filters. Consulting an intellectual property lawyer can also help clarify permissible uses of copyrighted material under principles like fair use.
Conclusion
Creating your own custom filters for TikTok can be a fun and rewarding way to engage with the platform. While TikTok’s default filters offer a good starting point, learning how to make your own unique filters allows you to showcase your creativity and personality. The process does involve some technical know-how, particularly if creating filters through platforms like Spark AR. However, beginners can start simple by using apps like Snapchat to test out basic augmented reality filters and effects.
The ability to upload and share your own TikTok filters opens up opportunities to grow an audience and potentially monetize your work. Keep in mind that you’ll want to avoid copyrighted material and give proper credit if you build upon others’ filter designs. Overall, rolling out personalized TikTok filters can be a great way to elevate your presence and stand out on the platform. With the right skills and strategy, you can share fun effects that capture people’s attention and imagination.