What are TikTok filters?
TikTok filters are effects that can be applied to videos recorded within the TikTok app to alter the look, feel, and aesthetic of the footage. Filters provide users with creative tools to enhance their content and make it more visually compelling. There are hundreds of different filters available in the TikTok app, ranging from subtle color grading tweaks to dramatic visual effects.
Some examples of popular TikTok filter types include:
- Beauty filters – These smooth skin, brighten eyes, adjust colors to be more flattering
- Duet filters – Add mirrored or kaleidoscope effects when using the Duet feature
- Face filters – Add graphics and animations that track to your face
- Color filters – Creatively alter the color scheme of your video
- Special effects – Filters like glitch, VHS, pixelation, etc.
- Time effects – Filters like slow motion or time echo
The key thing that sets TikTok filters apart is that they are dynamic effects that respond in real-time to motion and facial expressions. This allows creators to apply studio-quality post-production effects with just a couple taps in the app.
Why use filters on TikTok videos?
There are several key reasons why using filters can greatly enhance TikTok videos:
Filters allow creators to enhance their videos creatively. TikTok has a huge library of fun filters featuring 3D effects, makeup filters, cartoon effects, and more. Applying these effects is an easy way to add visual interest and take videos to the next level aesthetically.
Filters also help make videos much more engaging for viewers. Playful filters give viewers an interactive element to tap and engage with. This boosts overall watch time and retention.
Going viral and trending is much easier when leveraging popular TikTok filters. Using filters tied to viral memes or challenges gives videos a better chance of being noticed in the crowded TikTok space. This is key for growth.
Finally, branded filters can be a powerful way for businesses to improve brand identity on TikTok. An original branded effect helps companies stand out while also creating a fun, interactive brand experience for users. This aids brand building and awareness. Source
How to find TikTok filters
TikTok offers a variety of built-in filters and effects that users can easily browse and search for within the app. The main way to discover new filters is through the Effects tab at the bottom of the recording screen.
The Effects tab has options to browse filters by category, such as “Beauty,” “Funny,” or “Travel.” Tapping into a category shows a selection of relevant filters to swipe through and preview. This makes it easy to get filter ideas based on a certain look or theme.
Users can also search for specific filters by name. The search bar at the top of the Effects tab allows looking up filters like “beach day” or “puppy dog.” Typing in descriptive keywords is often the fastest way to find that perfect filter.
According to TikTok’s help center, the app has over 100 effects across categories like Face, Beauty, Trending, and more. New effects are added daily based on the latest viral video trends. Checking the Effects tab frequently can reveal fun new options.
Applying filters before recording
One option for using filters on TikTok is to apply them before you even start recording your video. This allows you to preview different filters and find the perfect one to achieve the look you want for your video.
To apply a filter before recording on TikTok:
- Open the TikTok app and tap the plus (+) button to create a new video.
- On the recording screen, tap “Filters” on the right side.
- Browse through the available filters and tap on different ones to preview how they will look.
- Adjust the filter strength if needed by dragging the slider below the filter preview.
- Once you’ve found a filter you like, tap the record button to start capturing your video with the filter applied.
Choosing a filter before recording allows you to test out different options and ensure the filter looks exactly how you want it to for the video. You can record and re-record until you get the perfect take with your chosen filter.
Some tips for applying filters before recording:
- Try out colorful, bright filters for an energetic, lively vibe.
- Use black and white or muted filters for a more sophisticated, artistic look.
- Adjust filter strength to soften or enhance the effect.
- Get creative and stack multiple filters for a unique combo!
Previewing filters before recording your TikTok video enables you to pick the ideal filter to match the mood and aesthetic you want. Take the time to try different options and adjust filter intensity to make your videos stand out.
Adding filters to already recorded videos
If your video has already been recorded, you can still add cool filters to spice it up. Here’s how to add a filter to an existing TikTok video:
First, open the TikTok app and go to the drafts tab where your already recorded video should be. Tap on the video to open the editing screen. Now tap on the ‘Effects’ tab at the bottom.
This will open up the effects gallery where you can browse through the different filters and effects TikTok offers. Swipe left and right to see all available effects.
Once you find a filter you want to use, simply tap on it to add it to your video. You’ll see the filter get applied to your video. Feel free to scroll through and preview other filters before settling on the one you want.
After adding the filter, you can further edit the video as needed. When ready, hit ‘Next’ and proceed to posting your video with the fancy new filter added!
As per TikTok’s help article, you can add multiple effects on a video, mix and match filters, and edit filters after applying them. Feel free to get creative and make that TikTok video stand out!
Editing filters on uploaded videos
If you’ve already uploaded a video to TikTok and want to edit the filter, you can easily do so by following these steps:
First, open the uploaded video in the TikTok app and tap ‘Edit’ in the bottom left corner. This will launch the editing screen.
Next, tap on the ‘Effects’ tab along the bottom. This is where all the filters and effects are located. You’ll see any filters currently applied to your video.
At this point, you can tap on a new filter to replace the existing one. You can also adjust the intensity of the current filter by dragging the dot on the intensity scale.
According to TikTok’s support page, this editing technique allows you to completely change the filter or modify its intensity even after uploading the video.
Once you’ve got the filter looking just right, tap ‘Save’ and the edited video will be updated with the new filter effect applied.
Recommendations for using filters
When selecting filters for your TikTok videos, it’s important not to go overboard. The key is choosing the right filter to match the concept and tone of your video. As the Effect House guidelines state, “Leverage different user positions such as standing up, sitting down, facial, and body movements. Take into consideration the environment the user is likely to use the effect in.”
While flashy filters can be eye-catching, using too many can diminish your video’s impact. As Later.com suggests, “use them intentionally, not just as a matter of routine.” The most effective videos use filters and effects strategically to reinforce the video’s purpose.
It can also help to leverage trending filters to increase visibility. As Later.com notes, filters like #Bling and #GreenScreen see heavy usage by popular TikTok accounts. Using relevant popular filters can help put your content in front of more potential viewers. However, avoid simply copying the latest trend without considering how it fits your brand and objectives.
With some strategic thought, filters can take your TikTok videos to the next level. Just be sure not to detract from your core content with excessive effects.
Popular accounts known for filters
Some of the most popular TikTok accounts that are known for their creative use of filters include:
@aestheticfilter – This account has over 800k followers and is dedicated to showing off fun and aesthetic filters. They regularly post compilation videos demonstrating new artistic filters.
@anishagarwal – With 1.4 million followers, this account features comedy sketches and videos with unique filters. Anisha Agarwal creates hilarious videos testing out the latest trending filters.
@arishayyy – Arisha posts fashion, beauty and lifestyle content. She has over 800k followers and is known for her videos showcasing glamorous filters and effects. Her videos focus on makeup, outfits and filter recommendations.
Finding the perfect filter for your brand
When selecting a TikTok filter to represent your brand, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your brand identity and resonates with your target audience. According to TikTok’s branded effects blog, branded filters should capture the essence of what makes your brand special. The colors, visuals, fonts, and overall look and feel of the filter should match your brand style guide.
Before deciding on a final branded filter, it’s a good idea to test out different options and get feedback from your audience. Run some sample videos with different filters and see which ones generate the most interest and engagement from your followers. You can post comparison videos or polls asking people to weigh in on their favorite filter. This can provide valuable insight into what aesthetics appeal most to your community.
According to Influencer Marketing Hub, you’ll also want to make sure the filter you choose complements the content you plan to create. Test it out with sample videos to ensure the filter doesn’t detract from or distort the messaging. The goal is to find a filter that elevates your content and creates shareable moments aligned to your brand.
Key takeaways
TikTok filters can enhance your videos and help them stand out. While filters can be applied before, during, or after recording, editing them onto already made videos is easy. Simply go to the effects tool while uploading or editing your video, browse the available filters, and add the one you want. You can refine it to get the look you desire. The key to utilizing filters is finding ones that fit your brand and creativity.
To summarize, you can add a TikTok filter to an existing video by opening the effects tool when uploading or editing your video in the app. Browse the available filters and select the one you want. You can then refine it as needed to get the right look and feel for your brand.
