TikTok is a social media app for creating and sharing short videos that first launched in 2016. It has become extremely popular with over 1 billion active users globally, 672 million downloads in 2022 alone, and about 80 million monthly active users in the United States (Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/6077/tiktok/, https://wallaroomedia.com/blog/social-media/tiktok-statistics/). Key features include adding visual effects, music, and creative filters to videos.
One popular feature is the Disney character filter, which allows users to transform their appearance into a Disney character in their videos. This filter uses augmented reality to overlay animated Disney characters over a person’s face in real time. Some of the most popular Disney character options include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Elsa, Anna, and Stitch. The filter tracks facial movements and expressions to animate the character in a life-like way.
Enabling the Disney Filter
To access the Disney filter on TikTok, the first thing you’ll need to do is make sure you have the latest version of the TikTok app installed on your phone. TikTok often releases new effects and filters in app updates, so having the most recent version is key.
Once you have the latest TikTok version, open the app and tap on the plus (+) icon to go to the camera screen to create a new video. On the camera screen, tap on the “Effects” button on the lower menu. This will open up the Effects menu where you can browse through the available filters.
In the Effects menu, tap on the magnifying glass icon to search for a specific filter. Type in “Disney” and select the Disney filter from the results. It looks like the Disney logo with Mickey Mouse ears on it. This will enable the Disney filter. You can then tap “Try It” to see a preview of the Disney filter on your face.
If you don’t see the Disney filter, make sure you have updated to the latest version of the TikTok app. TikTok regularly adds, removes or updates its filter lineup so having the most recent app version is key for accessing all available filters.
The Disney filter allows you to transform your face into a Disney character look from classic films like Lion King, Princess and the Frog, Snow White and more. With the filter enabled you can record fun videos or take selfies as your favorite Disney character!
Selecting a Character
The Disney filter on TikTok offers a wide variety of classic Disney characters to transform into. Some of the most popular options include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Stitch, Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Elsa and Anna from Frozen, and more.
To scroll through and select your desired Disney character, simply tap on the Disney filter effect once it’s enabled. This will bring up a scrolling menu along the bottom of the screen showing thumbnail previews of the different character options. Swipe left or right to browse the characters, then tap on the one you want to apply to your selfie video. The filter will automatically detect your facial features and overlay the animated Disney character mask.
Taking a Selfie Video
To take a selfie video with the Disney filter, you’ll need to use your front-facing camera. Open the TikTok app and tap the camera icon to access the camera.
Make sure the camera is flipped to the front-facing option. You may need to tap the rotate camera icon in the top right to switch to the front camera.
When taking your selfie video, be mindful of lighting. Position yourself facing a window or bright light source to illuminate your face. Avoid backlighting from behind that will cast shadows on your face.
Consider your camera angle as well. Hold your phone slightly above eye level and angle down towards your face. This can help provide a flattering perspective. Frame your head and torso in the shot.
Once you are happy with the framing and lighting, you can press and hold the red button to begin recording your TikTok selfie video. Capture 3-15 seconds of footage of yourself. Remember to smile and have fun!
Check the footage and re-record if needed until you capture a selfie video you are pleased with.
Applying the Disney Filter to Your Video
Once you’ve recorded your selfie video, it’s time to apply the Disney filter and transform yourself into a Disney character. Tap on the filter icon at the bottom of the screen and select the Disney filter. This will bring up a list of Disney characters to choose from. Tap on the character you want to become. Your selfie video will now have a cartoon filter applied that makes you look like the chosen Disney character!
If you don’t like how the filter looks, you can retake your selfie video to try again. Simply tap on the X icon next to the recording button to delete your video. Then tap the record button again to take a new selfie video. Feel free to experiment with angles, expressions and lighting until you get a video selfie that you’re happy with. Once you have a video you like, apply the Disney filter and marvel at the Disney magic!
Adding Effects
In addition to the Disney character filters, you can enhance your TikTok videos by adding creative effects like stickers and text. Some popular options include:
- Stickers – TikTok has an extensive sticker library with animated options to decorate your videos. You can add multiple stickers and resize/reposition them.
- Text – Add text captions, titles, subtitles, thought bubbles, and more using the text tool. Customize the font, color, and placement.
- Filters – Tweak the strength of the Disney filter using the slider, and smooth your complexion with beauty filters.
- Face effects – Add sparkles, blush, eye shadow and more using the face effects menu.
Getting creative with stickers, text, filters, and face effects can take your Disney character videos to the next level. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a style you love!
Sharing the Video
Once you’ve applied the Disney filter and added any other effects or edits, you’re ready to share your video on TikTok. First, you can trim your video if needed to cut out any unwanted footage at the beginning or end. To trim, tap the “Trim” icon at the bottom and adjust the start and end points.
Next, you can add sounds or music to your video. TikTok has a large library of songs and sounds to choose from. Tap the “Sounds” icon at the bottom to browse options and select a song to enhance your video.
When ready to post, tap the “Share” icon. You’ll then see options for setting privacy and audience. Make sure to choose the desired setting for who can view your video. You can post it publicly, only to friends, or just to yourself. Tap “Post” when ready to publish your Disney filter video to TikTok!
Citations:
https://www.descript.com/blog/article/how-to-make-tiktok-video
Disney Filter Challenges
The Disney filter on TikTok has inspired many popular challenges where users create videos using their favorite Disney characters. Some trending challenge ideas include:
- Disney Duet – Users duet with the original Disney movie scene using the filter.
- Disney Song Challenge – Lip syncing or dancing to favorite Disney songs as a princess or other character.
- Disney Cosplay – Dressing up and acting out skits as Disney characters.
- Disney Line Recreation – Recreating iconic Disney character quotes or scenes.
Some examples of popular Disney filter challenge videos include:
- Emily Uribe’s video dueting Ariel from The Little Mermaid singing “Part of Your World” with over 5 million views.
- Makenna Kelly’s Belle cosplay and recreation of the “Bonjour” scene from Beauty and the Beast with 4 million views.
- Cindy Guendulay’s lip sync to Mulan’s “Reflection” in full cosplay with over 30 million views.
The Disney filter allows TikTok users to embody and pay homage to their favorite Disney characters through creative and imaginative challenges.
Creative Uses
The Disney filter on TikTok allows for much more creative use beyond simple selfie videos. Here are some ideas to take your Disney filter videos to the next level:
Duet with a friend or loved one using complementary Disney characters. Set up amusing interactions and conversations between the two characters. Play on their personalities for comedy or sweetness.
Apply the filter to your pets! Choose characters that match their personalities or physical features for fun results. Capture your furry friends’ reactions to seeing themselves transformed into Disney characters.
Film product demos using a matching character filter. For example, show Mickey Mouse enjoying a Disney toy or apparel item. This adds entertainment and personality to an otherwise ordinary product video.
Use the filter while acting out beloved Disney scenes or musical numbers. Get creative with costumes, props, and editing to make magical videos that Disney fans will enjoy.
Set up amusing skits and stories featuring one or multiple Disney characters interacting. Come up with fresh comedic or dramatic situations to bring the characters to life in new ways.
The possibilities are endless! With a little imagination, the Disney filter can transform from a basic selfie effect into an engaging, creative element for all kinds of TikTok videos.
Conclusion
The Disney character filter on TikTok offers a fun and creative way to transform yourself into a Disney character in your videos. By enabling the filter in the Effects menu, selecting your favorite character like Mickey Mouse or Elsa, and taking a selfie video, you can become immersed in the Disney universe.
While the current filter includes a limited selection of characters, TikTok is constantly improving its AR effects and adding new ones (Social Media Today). In the future, we may see an expansion to more obscure Disney characters, villains, and even Pixar and Star Wars characters. The possibilities are endless for enhancing creativity and fun on the platform.
Overall, the Disney filter demonstrates TikTok’s commitment to innovative AR technology that transports users into fictional worlds. As these effects continue to evolve, TikTok will provide an increasingly immersive and magical experience for Disney fans and creators alike.
