What is the Symmetrical filter on TikTok?
The Symmetrical filter on TikTok creates a mirrored or symmetrical effect on videos and photos. When applied, it splits the image or video vertically down the middle and duplicates one side to the other, creating perfect symmetry (1). This filter went viral in 2021 as part of a “symmetrical face” trend where people used it to see how symmetrical their faces were (2).
The Symmetrical filter is essentially an inverted or flipped version of the original image or video. Everything on one side gets mirrored onto the other. This creates an artificial symmetry that may or may not accurately reflect the real symmetry of the subject. The filter exaggerates any existing asymmetries by duplicating them on both sides (3).
By applying the filter and comparing the original image to the symmetrical version, TikTokers can analyze the natural symmetry of their face, body, or other subjects. The trend sparked discussions about beauty standards, perceptions of symmetry, and self-image (1).
Why use the Symmetrical filter?
The Symmetrical filter on TikTok can add a fun, creative effect to your videos. By splitting the screen and mirroring each side, the filter creates a visually striking symmetrical look. This effect allows you to make interesting transitions and visuals in your videos.
For example, you can start with just one side of your face or body on screen. Then when the beat drops or you make a dance move, the filter transitions to reveal your full symmetrical self. This unexpected reveal can up the entertainment value and wow factor of dance trends, outfit changes, product reveals, and more.
Beyond just faces, you can get inventive with landscapes, patterns, movements, and other asymmetrical subjects. The mirrored doubling effect puts a stylized spin on everyday videos. Overall, the Symmetrical filter opens up creativity and provides an eye-catching option for adding production value to any TikTok video.
How to find the Symmetrical filter
The Symmetrical filter is easy to locate within the TikTok app. Follow these steps:
1. Open the TikTok app on your mobile device. The app icon looks like two sideways musical notes in black and white.
2. Once the app is open, tap on the plus (+) icon at the bottom of the screen to start creating a new video.
3. On the video capture screen, tap on the “Effects” icon on the bottom left. This looks like a magic wand.
4. This will open the Effects menu. At the bottom of the screen there are tabs labelled “Trending”, “Filters”, and “More”. Tap on the “Filters” tab.
5. Scroll down through the filter options until you see the “Symmetrical” filter. It will be labelled and have an icon preview of a split face.
Once you locate the Symmetrical filter in the Filters tab, you can tap to select it and apply it to your video or photo.
Using the Symmetrical filter on photos/videos
The Symmetrical filter allows you to split any photo or video into two identical halves. Here’s how to apply it:
First, select a photo or video from your camera roll that you want to edit. This can be a selfie, landscape photo, video clip, or anything else.
Next, tap the filters icon at the bottom of the editing screen. This brings up the filter menu.
Scroll through the filters until you find Symmetrical. Tap on it to apply the effect.
By default, the filter will split the image or video frame precisely down the middle into two matching halves. You’ll see your photo or video instantly become symmetrical!
The split line is adjustable, so you can play around with placing it off-center if desired. This creates an asymmetrical mirrored effect.
Once applied, you can adjust the Symmetrical filter’s intensity with the slider tool below the preview. Lower intensity keeps more of the original details, while higher intensity mirrors it more starkly.
The filter works great on faces, buildings, patterns, or any photo or video with interesting symmetrical attributes. Get creative with your shots before applying it!
For reference, see this example of using the Symmetrical filter: https://www.tiktok.com/@tiktok/video/7057224105559969029
Applying the Filter Before/After Shooting
The Symmetrical filter can be applied either before or after shooting your TikTok video. There are pros and cons to each approach:
Applying the filter before shooting:
– Lets you see the symmetrical effect in real time as you’re recording. This makes it easier to position yourself in the center of the frame and finesse your poses/expressions to look best with the effect.
– Requires some pre-planning to have the filter already selected. You can’t swap between filters mid-recording.
– Limits you to that one filter for the entire video.
Applying the filter after shooting:
– Allows you to record naturally without worrying about a filter. You can review and pick the best take first.
– Gives you the flexibility to apply different filters to different clips in an edited video. Get creative!
– Requires editing your clips in the TikTok app after recording.
Some TikTokkers recommend shooting without a filter first to get the best takes, then going back and re-recording select clips with the Symmetrical filter for the desired effect (source). This gives you both original footage and stylized clips to work with.
Ultimately both approaches work! Choose the one that best fits your creative vision and process.
Adjusting the Symmetrical filter
The Symmetrical filter allows you to adjust the intensity and position to customize the effect. Here are some tips for fine-tuning the filter:
To adjust intensity, drag the slider left or right after applying the filter. Dragging left decreases the intensity for a more subtle look, while dragging right increases intensity for a more dramatic mirrored effect. You can also tap on the intensity percentage to type in a specific amount.
To adjust position, tap on the axis icon after applying the filter. This allows you to slide the vertical line left or right to center the symmetry over different facial features. For example, you may want to center it over your nose versus having it split your face in half.
Try slight adjustments to both the intensity and position to find the look you want. Subtle changes can make a big difference! For those new to the filter, start with lower intensity around 30-50% to preview the effect.
You can also adjust the filter before or after recording your video clip. Applying before shooting lets you preview the effect in real-time. However, adjusting after gives more flexibility, as you can tweak multiple short clips differently.
For more creative ideas on fine-tuning the Symmetrical filter, check out this example:
https://www.tiktok.com/@dillon.latham/video/7288409219399994670?lang=en
Combining with other filters/effects
One of the best things about the Symmetrical filter is that you can combine it with other filters and effects to create unique and creative videos.
The Symmetrical filter works well layered on top of other filters. For example, you could first apply a color filter like Vintage or Island, then add the Symmetrical filter on top. This enhances the vintage or tropical look by making it perfectly symmetrical. See an example of layering Symmetrical over Island filter here.
You can also combine the Symmetrical filter with other effects like slow motion or voice effects. Applying slow motion with the Symmetrical filter creates an elegant, mesmerizing video. The symmetrical movement looks almost magical in slow motion. Using a voice changer effect while the Symmetrical filter is on can also make your voice sound more melodic and soothing.
When combining filters and effects with Symmetrical, play around to find unique combos that make your content stand out. The symmetrical doubling coupled with other stylized effects can produce truly eye-catching results!
Troubleshooting Issues with the Symmetrical Filter
Sometimes you may run into problems when trying to use the Symmetrical filter on TikTok. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common issues:
If the filter is not showing up at all, first make sure your app is updated to the latest version. You can check for updates in the App Store or Google Play Store. Restarting your phone can also help refresh the available filters.
If the filter applies unevenly or seems blurry, try adjusting the intensity slider. Lower intensity can result in a more subtle, natural effect. Very high intensity may distort the image.
Check that you are applying the filter properly for photos vs videos. For videos, tap the filter icon after shooting. For photos, tap the icon before taking the picture. Mixing up the order can lead to poor results.
Make sure there is sufficient lighting and your camera lens is clean. Poor image quality can negatively impact how well the filter renders symmetrical effects.
If part of the face is cut off, try moving back from the camera and framing your whole face clearly in the center. Standing too close can prevent the filter from detecting facial symmetry.
As a last resort, delete and re-install the TikTok app if the Symmetrical filter has stopped working entirely. This will reset all filters and settings to their defaults.
For more troubleshooting help, check TikTok’s support page on the Symmetrical filter.
Creative ideas and examples
TikTok is a platform known for creative, unique, and fun user-generated content, so the Symmetrical filter offers lots of possibilities for making innovative, engaging videos. Here are some creative ways TikTokers have used the Symmetrical filter:
Make transition or “wipe” videos showing the filtered and unfiltered halves of your face side-by-side, then seamlessly transitioning between them. Add text or effects to highlight the changes. See an example in this TikTok video.
Use the filter on a photo or video of an object, pet, or scene to create an abstract, artsy effect. Splitting non-faces in half with symmetry can make for an eye-catching image. Check out this creative use of the filter on food.
Make a “expectation vs reality”-style video, showing your perfected, filtered face on one side and silly exaggerated expressions on the unfiltered side. Or vice versa for a humorous effect. Like in this funny TikTok video.
Use it while doing a makeup look or outfit transition video to show half your face made up flawlessly or wearing stylish clothes, contrasted with the other half bare or dressed casually. This creative TikToker applied the filter while doing half horror makeup.
The Symmetrical filter opens up lots of possibilities for creative experiments and artfully playing with contrasts. Explore using it in new ways to make your TikToks stand out!
Summary
The Symmetrical filter on TikTok allows users to easily create mirrored or kaleidoscopic effects in their videos and photos. By applying the filter before or after capturing your content, you can make creative videos that highlight symmetry and patterns.
To use the filter, first locate it in the TikTok editing screen by tapping ‘Effects’ and searching for ‘Symmetrical.’ You can then adjust the effect’s strength and position to achieve the desired look. Combining Symmetrical with other filters and effects can produce even more unique results.
With some practice and experimentation, the possibilities are endless for eye-catching videos with the Symmetrical filter. The key points are learning where to find the filter, how to apply and adjust it, and thinking creatively about how to incorporate symmetry into engaging TikTok content.
