TikTok is a social media platform known for its short-form videos. With over 1 billion monthly active users in 2022 [1], TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular apps for creating and sharing content.
One of TikTok’s key features is its extensive library of filters and effects that can be applied to videos and photos. TikTok offers hundreds of different filters that alter the look of photos in creative ways, from subtle color changes to fun distortions and animations. Filters have become hugely popular on TikTok, with many videos showcasing the transformative effect of different filter options.
TikTok filters allow users to stylize and enhance their photos before sharing them. The filters can turn photos into everything from retro-inspired polaroids to fantasy landscapes. This provides a way for users to get creative with their content and self-expression. Overall, TikTok’s photo editing capabilities through filters contribute to its popularity as a dynamic platform for creating fun short-form video and photo content.
Accessing the Camera in TikTok
To take photos using TikTok filters, you first need to access the TikTok camera within the app. Here’s how to open the camera on TikTok:
Open the TikTok app and tap the “+” button at the bottom of the screen. This will open up the TikTok camera interface so you can start taking photos or videos.
Alternatively, you can swipe right from the main TikTok feed. Swiping right will take you directly into the TikTok camera.
On iPhone, you may need to allow TikTok access to your camera in order to use the in-app camera. To do this, go to Settings > Privacy > Camera and toggle on TikTok. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > TikTok > Permissions and enable Camera access.
Once you’ve allowed camera access, you can open the camera as described above by tapping the + icon or swiping right from the main feed. The camera is the gateway to taking photos with filters in TikTok.
Taking a Photo
Once you are in camera mode within the TikTok app, taking a photo is very simple. Just tap the large circular shutter button at the bottom of the screen to capture an image1. When you tap the button, it will turn into a smaller circle briefly to indicate the photo has been taken.
You can also hold down the shutter button to take burst photos in quick succession. Just press and hold the button and it will rapidly capture multiple photos. This is useful if you want to get a variety of shots to choose from.
Choosing a Filter
After taking a photo, tap ‘Filters’ at the bottom. This will open the filter tray. Scroll through and select a filter to preview it. TikTok offers a wide variety of filters to choose from, including color filters, beauty filters, and creative effects. You can tap on a filter multiple times to adjust the intensity. Swipe left and right to preview different filters. When you find one you like, tap on it to apply it to your photo.
Some popular filters on TikTok include:
- Vintage – gives photos an old-fashioned look
- Pink – creates a pink tint
- Teal & Orange – stylish color effect
- Sharpen – enhances details and sharpness
- B&W – classic black and white effect
The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding the perfect filter to elevate your photos on TikTok!
Editing With Filters
Many of TikTok’s filters have additional editing options to customize the look even further. After selecting a filter, tap and hold on the screen to bring up the editing tools. You’ll see options like brightness, contrast, saturation, warmth, and more. Play around with these editing options to create a unique look with each filter.
For example, after choosing the “Beauty” filter, you can use the editing tools to increase the brightness and warmth to give your photo a brighter, warmer tone. Or if you select the black and white “Noir” filter, try decreasing the brightness and increasing the contrast for a dramatic high contrast black and white look.
Each filter will have slightly different editing options to explore. Take some time to test out adjusting the different settings so you can learn how to customize your filter’s appearance. Finding the right editing tweaks can take a basic filter and transform it into something special and one-of-a-kind.
Using Multiple Filters
One of the great features of TikTok is the ability to stack multiple filters on a single photo. This allows you to get really creative with your edits and achieve unique effects by layering different filters.
After you’ve taken a photo and applied an initial filter, you can add more filters by tapping ‘Filters’ again. This will bring you back to the filter selection screen, where you can choose another filter to apply on top of the first one.
TikTok allows you to stack up to three filters total. Each additional filter layers on top of the previous one, transforming the look of your photo even further. So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what interesting edits you can come up with by combining multiple filters!
Some popular filter combinations include using a color filter followed by the Vintage filter for a nostalgic look, or trying the Beauty filter along with Soft for a dreamy effect. Just tap through the different filter options and preview how they overlay to create unique photo edits.
Saving and Sharing
Once you’ve taken a photo and edited it with filters on TikTok, the next step is saving and sharing it. When ready, tap ‘Next’ to go to the sharing screen. Here you can add captions, sounds, etc. (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/how-to-save-picture-video-tiktok?lang=en). Tap ‘Post’ to share the photo to your profile or friends.
On the sharing screen, you’ll also see options to save the photo to your camera roll or gallery. Tapping ‘Save to Device’ will download the photo without watermarks. This allows you to save TikTok photos for use outside the app.
You can also download your TikTok photos by going to your profile, tapping on the photo, and then tapping ‘Save Video.’ This downloads the photo or video to your camera roll.
Saving photos allows you to have a copy of your favorite TikTok images to share across other platforms or keep forever, even if you later delete them from your TikTok profile.
Discovering New Filters
One of the joys of using TikTok are the endless possibilities with filters. Here are some tips to discover new filters:
- Tap the filter icon in the top corner to browse filter types. The filters are organized into categories like “Beauty,” “Fun,” and “Trending” to help narrow your search.
- Use the search bar to find something specific. Just type in keywords related to the look you want, like “space” or “retro.”
- Follow creators who use unique filters to find new ones. Their videos will showcase filters you haven’t discovered yet.
TikTok is constantly adding new filters based on the latest trends and creative innovations from the community. So check back often to find fresh options. With thousands of filters available, you’re sure to find the perfect creative touch for any video idea on TikTok.
Creating Your Own Filters
TikTok provides a tool called the Filter Studio for designing your own unique filters (https://effecthouse.tiktok.com/). With the Filter Studio, you can customize colors, objects, text, backgrounds and more to create totally personalized filters unlike anyone else’s. The possibilities are endless with all the editing options available to make the filter match your brand or creative vision. Once designed, your custom filter can be published and shared on TikTok for others to use and engage with. Creating your own filters allows you to stand out on TikTok with original effects and gives your content a customized, signature look.
Conclusion
TikTok filters offer a fun and creative way to enhance your photos. We covered the key steps of accessing the TikTok camera, taking a photo, choosing filters, editing with multiple filters, and saving and sharing your photos. With the huge variety of filters available, you can find the perfect one to match your style or mood.
Filters transform an ordinary photo into a work of art. Get creative and let your personality shine through in your filter choices. Try combining multiple filters for truly unique effects. The possibilities are endless!
We hope this guide provided helpful tips for taking pictures with TikTok filters. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what cool effects you can create. Share your filter photos online and inspire others with your creativity. Happy filtering!