TikTok is a popular social media app that allows users to create and share short videos. It currently has over 1 billion monthly active users globally (Source). One of the key features of TikTok is its library of diverse filters that can be applied to videos to change their appearance and add creative effects.
TikTok has an extensive collection of filters ranging from subtle color filters to fun augmented reality effects. While some filters are available for all users, others can be searched for and added to enhance your content. This guide will discuss how to find and use specific filters on TikTok to take your videos to the next level.
Understanding TikTok Filters
TikTok filters allow users to alter and enhance their videos in creative ways. Filters can change the color tones, add visual effects, modify facial features, and more. When creating a new video, users can browse and select from a wide variety of filters available within the TikTok app.
After recording a video, the filters menu appears and lets you preview how each filter will look. Tapping on a filter will apply it to your video. Multiple filters can be stacked to mix their effects. There are filters that add makeup, change hair color, generate rainbows or sparkles, distort images, swap genders, and much more.
TikTok’s technology detects faces and applies filters in real-time. The effects track facial movements and stay pinned to your face as you move. This creates an immersive filtering experience compared to static photo filters on other platforms. TikTok is continuously expanding its filter library, partnering with brands and creators to launch new innovative filters regularly.
According to one source, the vast number of facial filters on TikTok may contribute to issues like facial dysmorphia, especially among teen users (https://stingerehs.com/15941/oped/tiktok-harms-teen-mental-health/). While fun to use, filters present an altered reality and users should keep in mind these effects are not realistic.
Searching for Filters
The easiest way to search for filters is by using the filter search bar on TikTok. To find it, tap the camera icon when creating a new video. At the bottom left of the screen you’ll see a magnifying glass icon – tap that to open the filter search bar.
When searching, try using descriptive keywords related to the filter style or effect you want. For example, searching “space” will bring up starry and galaxy filters. Other ideas are searching by color like “pink” or “neon”, aesthetic styles like “vintage” or “fairy”, or descriptive words like “sparkle” or “trippy.” You can scroll through the results or tap “see all” to browse even more filters.
According to this Bustle article, some of the most popular filters are under broad categories like “holiday” or “makeup.” So don’t be afraid to try broad search terms to discover a wide variety of trending filters.
Applying Filters to Videos
TikTok makes it easy to add filters to give your videos a unique look and feel. There are two main ways to apply filters on TikTok:
Select a Filter Before Recording
To add a filter before recording your video:
- Open the TikTok app and tap the plus (+) icon to start recording a new video.
- Tap ‘Effects’ on the bottom.
- Browse the available filters by swiping left and right.
- Tap the filter you want to preview it.
- Tap the record button while the filter preview is shown to capture your video with the filter applied.
Doing this will automatically add the filter to your video as you record it. It’s the easiest way to get the filter look you want.
Add a Filter to Recorded Videos
You can also add filters to videos you’ve already recorded:
- After recording your video, tap ‘Effects’ on the bottom.
- Browse filters and tap one to preview it on your video.
- Tap ‘Confirm’ to apply the filter.
This allows you to try different filters on your video and choose the one you like best. The original video without the filter is unaffected.
Experiment with TikTok’s wide selection of filters to make your videos visually appealing! Let your creativity run wild.
Saving and Organizing Filters
Once you find a filter you like, you’ll probably want to save it so you can quickly access and reuse it in the future. TikTok makes it easy to favorite and organize your filters.
To save a filter, simply tap the bookmark icon on the filter preview screen. This adds the filter to your favorites. You can access all your favorite filters from the effects tray by tapping the bookmark icon.
TikTok also allows you to create custom folders to organize your favorite filters. To create a new folder, tap the “+” icon at the top of your favorites list, name the folder, and tap “Create.” You can then tap and hold on any favorited filter and select “Add to folder” to file it away.
Creating custom folders is great for organizing different types of filters, like “Travel filters,” “Pet filters,” or “Meme filters.” This makes it easy to find the perfect filter for any video you create.
You can access and manage all of your favorited filters and folders in the effects tray under the “Favorites” tab. Keeping your filters organized is key to creating great videos quickly and efficiently on TikTok.
Sharing Filters
If you want to share a fun or unique filter you found with friends, TikTok makes it easy. When viewing a video with a filter applied, tap on the filter icon to pull up the effect info. Then tap the paper airplane icon to share it via Direct Message with friends or to your own feed. You can type a message and select the friends you want to share it with (TikTok Support).
Another way to spread the word about cool filters is to recommend them in your own videos. Simply use the filter and tag the creator in your caption. Your followers can then check out the effect for themselves. Some creators even collaborate by using each other’s filters and co-promoting them. This helps up-and-coming effects gain more exposure (Effect House).
Sharing filters you enjoy is a great way to support fellow creators and spread joy on TikTok. Recommending effects can introduce your friends and followers to new filters they’ll love using in their own videos.
Finding Trending Filters
TikTok makes it easy to find the latest trending and viral filters. Simply tap the discover icon on the bottom toolbar and select “Effects” to browse a curated selection of popular filters.
The “Trending” tab showcases filters that are going viral and being widely used by the TikTok community. This is a great place to find fun new effects and creative video ideas. As an example, the “Cartoon” filter was a huge trend, generating over 204.7 million views for videos using it (Source).
TikTok also curates special filter packs in the Discover section, such as “Beauty” and “Travel” packs. Browsing these packs can reveal filters tailored to specific interests and use cases. The “New Year” pack, for instance, offered festive filters perfect for New Year’s Eve videos (Source).
Staying on top of trending filters is a great way to create fun, relevant videos that tap into current trends. It’s easy to find the latest viral effects right within the TikTok app by exploring the “Effects” section of Discover.
Using Filters Creatively
TikTok filters can take your videos to the next level when used creatively. Here are some tips for using filters in new and innovative ways:
Try layering multiple filters for unique effects. For example, you can apply the Glitch filter and then add the Pixel filter on top. The combinations are endless for producing cool results.
Flip filters upside down or sideways for an unexpected look. After selecting a filter, tap the rotate icon to rotate the filter effect.
Use filters against unorthodox backdrops. Throw off viewers by using the Green Screen filter against a red background, or apply the Anime filter while filming your pet. Unexpected pairings grab attention.
Invert filters to give them a whole new vibe. Select a filter and tap the invert icon to switch up the colors and look.
speed up or slow down filters. Tap the speed option on selected filters and adjust faster or slower for quirky videos.
Try filters during transitions between clips. Quickly insert strobing filters as you switch scenes to add more dynamics to your editing.
Use creative props and costumes take filters to the next level. The Office filter transforms you into a stapler or coffee mug, for example.
Play with perspectives such as worm’s-eye view or bird’s-eye view when using filters to make the effects more dramatic.
Thinking outside the box with filters can pay off hugely inViews and followers. With some trial and error, you can find unexpected and unique ways to use filters.
Troubleshooting Filter Issues
If you are having trouble getting a filter to work properly on TikTok, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
A common problem many users face is that a certain filter is not showing up for them. This could be because the filter is restricted in your region or device type. TikTok sometimes limits filters based on location or if you are on Android vs iOS. Checking for updates to the app or trying on a different device like a friend’s phone can help isolate the issue.
Another problem users run into is that filters briefly work, but then stop working. This is likely an issue with the cache or data within the TikTok app. Try clearing the cache and data for the TikTok app in your phone’s settings which will reset things. Also make sure you have the latest version of the app as outdated versions can cause filter problems.
If no troubleshooting steps solve your filter problem, you may need to contact TikTok support directly. Within the TikTok app, go to your profile, then tap the three dot settings menu and choose “Report a Problem”. This will let you explain the filter issue and include details like your device, TikTok version, and any error messages. TikTok support can then investigate and provide guidance to restore your filter functionality.
Some useful references:
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/why-is-my-filter-not-working-on-tiktok
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok offers an extensive library of fun and creative filters that can enhance your videos in many ways. The key is finding filters that match the vibe of your content or video style. Search for specific filters using keywords, browse trending effects, or tap the filter icon when recording a new video to explore TikTok’s filter gallery.
Once you find filters you like, favorite or bookmark them so they are easy to find and reuse later. You can also use multiple filters on one video for a unique look. With some creativity, TikTok’s diverse filters can take your videos to the next level and help them stand out on the platform. The possibilities are endless!
TikTok’s constantly expanding filter options give creators an easy way to add polish, style, and creativity to their videos. So explore all the features TikTok offers to make fun, engaging videos that showcase your personality.
