What is the Golden Ratio Filter on TikTok?
The Golden Ratio Filter is a popular effect on TikTok that analyzes a user’s facial features and gives them a score based on how closely they align with the mathematical golden ratio. The golden ratio, also known as the divine proportion, is a mathematical concept that dates back to ancient Greece. It is represented by the number 1.618 and is said to be the ideal ratio between different dimensions for aesthetically pleasing faces and objects.
On TikTok, the Golden Ratio Filter uses advanced facial recognition technology to map key points on a user’s face. It then calculates the ratios between different measurements like the width of the eyes, length of the nose, and distance between the eyes. Based on how close these ratios are to 1.618, the filter gives the user a score between 0 and 100. The higher the score, the more the user’s facial proportions align with the golden ratio.
The filter not only provides a score but also highlights the user’s face with guidelines and measurements to show how their features stack up. While it’s meant to be fun, the filter has led to viral trends of people comparing scores and using it as a measure of conventional beauty standards.
The Golden Ratio Filter went viral in 2020 as part of the #HowBeautifulAmI trend on TikTok. It continues to be one of the most popular AR filters on the platform today. People use it out of curiosity over their score or to compare with friends and celebrities. However, the filter has also faced some backlash over promoting unrealistic beauty standards.
(Source: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/golden-ratio-filter-score-explained?lang=en)
The History Behind the Golden Ratio
Mathematically, the golden ratio refers to a special number called phi (Φ) which is approximately 1.618. It is obtained when you divide a line into two parts so that the ratio between the whole line and the large segment is the same as the ratio between the large segment and the small one (Euclid’s Elements, around 300 BCE according to https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/design/discover/golden-ratio.html).
The golden ratio has significance in art, architecture, and nature. In art, it is considered aesthetically pleasing and has been used intentionally in the design of artwork, like the Mona Lisa and Last Supper paintings. In architecture, the Parthenon in Athens has many examples of golden ratio proportions. The golden ratio can also be seen in nature, like the spiral arrangement of sunflower seeds and pine cones (https://www.goldennumber.net/golden-ratio-history/). It is thought to represent a naturally optimal balance and aesthetic.
How to Access the Filter on TikTok
Accessing the Golden Ratio filter on TikTok is easy once you know where to look. Here is a step-by-step guide to finding and enabling the filter:
- Open the TikTok app on your mobile device and go to the capture screen to record a new video.
- Before recording your video, tap on the “Effects” button at the bottom of the screen.
- This will open up the effects menu. At the top of the menu, tap on the “Filters” tab.
- Scroll through the different filters until you find the one called “Golden Ratio.” It will typically be towards the bottom of the list.
- Tap on the “Golden Ratio” filter to preview it on your face.
- If you want to apply the filter, tap on the check mark in the bottom right corner. This will enable the filter.
- You can now record your TikTok video with the Golden Ratio filter applied. The filter will slim and symmetrize your facial features.
The Golden Ratio filter is easy to find in the effects menu. With just a few taps, you can enable it and start using it in your videos. Experiment with the filter to see if you like how it enhances your facial features.
Source: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/how-to-use-Golden-Ratio-Face-Filter?lang=en
Trying the Filter for Different Face Shapes
The Golden Ratio filter can have varying effects depending on your face shape. Here’s how it looks on some common face shapes:
Oval Faces
The filter subtly enhances oval faces by accentuating the symmetry. It provides a harmonious effect by aligning the main features like eyes, nose and mouth along the central vertical axis. The result is a balanced and proportional look.
Round Faces
For rounder faces, the filter helps create the illusion of a more oval shape by visually lengthening the face. This helps soften the curvature of rounder facial features. The filter evens out rounded jaws and foreheads for a more contoured appearance.
Square Faces
On square face shapes, the filter softens harsh lines and angles. It does this by evening out the width of the forehead, jawline and cheekbones. The result is a softened and more oval appearance that takes away the boxiness.
Heart Faces
The filter balances heart shaped faces by visually widening the forehead and jawline. This creates better harmony between the top and bottom halves of the face. The filter also accentuates the eyes and evens out other facial features.
As you can see, the Golden Ratio filter adapts to different face shapes for a flattering, harmonious effect. It aims to create ideal facial proportions as defined by the golden ratio.
Using the Filter to Improve Your Selfies
The golden ratio filter can help you take more flattering and aesthetically pleasing selfies. Here are some tips for getting great results:
- Make sure you are in a well-lit area so the filter can scan and adjust your facial features accurately.
- Position your face so it takes up most of the frame—this will allow the filter to focus on your facial proportions.
- Angle your face slightly rather than taking a straight-on shot. Turning your face at a slight tilt often produces a more flattering perspective.
- Take multiple selfies and select the best one. The filter works best when you have multiple options to choose from.
- Consider combining the golden ratio filter with other filters like smooth or natural lighting filters for an enhanced effect.
- Don’t overdo it! The adjustments from the filter can be subtle, so apply it with a light touch for natural looking results.
With some experimentation, you can learn how to leverage the golden ratio filter to consistently take attractive, proportional selfies.
Viral Trends with the Golden Ratio Filter
The Golden Ratio filter has sparked several viral trends on TikTok where people use the filter in funny or creative ways. Here are some popular examples:
Videos testing the filter on random objects or animals rather than faces. For example, using the filter on fruits, shoes, or even dogs and rating their “golden ratio” score.
Challenge videos where people compare their score with friends or family members and see who has the highest rating.
Videos where people edit their photos to try to get a perfect 100/100 score using editing tools.
The filter has inspired a range of creative and funny content as people put their own spin on the viral trend.
Limitations of the Golden Ratio Filter
While the golden ratio filter can be fun to try, it’s important to understand its limitations. The filter only takes into account certain facial measurements and ratios to determine the “ideal” face shape. However, beauty and attractiveness are complex and subjective.
The filter doesn’t account for variations in lighting, angles, facial expressions, or individual features like eyes, nose shape, etc. It simply overlays a mask based on golden ratio proportions. So the filter may not actually enhance or beautify your natural features.
Additionally, the mask is two-dimensional while human faces are three-dimensional. The filter cannot account for subtle contours, bone structure, and other aspects that contribute to facial harmony and proportions.
Since the filter only examines specific ratios, it provides a very narrow definition of attractiveness. In reality, there are countless combinations of facial features that can create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Relying too much on filters like the golden ratio risks promoting unrealistic beauty standards. While the math behind it is interesting, human beauty depends on much more than a few perfect ratios. The filter should be taken lightly, not as a way to truly “improve” your face.
According to beauty experts, factors like skin texture, eye color, and having facial features that suit your ethnicity also impact attractiveness (source). The filter does not account for these nuanced elements.
Controversy Around Face Filters
Many experts have expressed concerns about how face filters like the Golden Ratio promote unrealistic and harmful beauty standards, especially for young people. One of the main worries is that these filters portray beauty as having perfectly symmetrical facial features and proportions, which not even models and celebrities actually have in real life. This can lead to body image issues as people compare their appearance to an artificial and unattainable standard (1). According to the BBC, “Evidence shows face-focused filters on social media exacerbate body image issues, especially in younger people” (2). Filters promoting one narrow definition of beauty have also been criticized as promoting unrealistic ideals, since true beauty comes in many forms.
Some studies have found face filters can lead to lower self-esteem and more anxiety about one’s appearance (1). There’s concern these filters encourage more focus on specific facial features and symmetry versus appreciating natural differences that make people unique. While filters can be fun, experts recommend being mindful of time spent using them and how they make you feel about your appearance without them. The debate around face filters on social media continues, but many argue they need more regulation to protect users, particularly teens and young adults more vulnerable to their impacts on self-image (1) (2).
Sources:
(2) https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230301-the-problems-with-tiktoks-controversial-beauty-filters
Alternatives to the Golden Ratio Filter
While the Golden Ratio filter is popular for enhancing facial features, there are other filters on TikTok that modify and enhance faces in different ways:
The Bold Glamour filter smooths skin, enhances eyes and lips, and adds an overall glow for a dramatic beautifying effect. This filter can be found by searching “beauty” in the Effects Gallery.
The Angel Face filter adds a radiant halo and angel wings. It creates an ethereal beauty look. Search for this filter under “Angel Face” in Effects.
The Puppy Face filter enlarges eyes, tints cheeks pink, and adds freckles for a cute, youthful look. Look for it under “Puppy Face” in TikTok’s Effects.
The Fantasy Beauty filter brightens eyes, evens out skin texture, and adds a sparkling glow. Search for it by name in the Effects Gallery.
The Fresh Face filter smooths skin, whitens teeth, and enhances eyes for a natural beauty boost. Find this filter by searching for “Fresh Face” in Effects.
So while the Golden Ratio filter may be trendy, TikTok has many options for modifying facial features and enhancing natural beauty in creative ways.
Summary
In summary, the Golden Ratio filter on TikTok allows users to edit their selfies and videos to align with the proportions considered most aesthetically pleasing according to the golden ratio. This filter can be found within TikTok’s Effects tab and applied to your own content or in Duets and Stitch videos featuring someone else’s content.
To use the filter most effectively, consider your face shape and the angle of your selfie or video. The filter works best on front-facing content and may not have the desired effect on profiles or tilted angles. Take some time to play around with the filter and see if it enhances your content. The key is using it subtly to improve your natural features, not relying on it heavily which may look unnatural.
While the origins of this filter are based on mathematical proportions, beauty is subjective. Focus on creating fun content that makes you feel good, rather than chasing perfection or comparing yourself to others online. The Golden Ratio filter can be a creative way to engage with TikTok’s tools, but it’s not required to make captivating videos.
