TikTok is a popular short-form video app known for its fun filters and effects. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok has become a platform for creativity and self-expression.
One of the app’s most popular features is its array of filters that can transform your appearance or environment. The photo animation filter specifically takes a standard photo and animates it with effects like zooming, panning, and 3D motion.
This filter allows users to take ordinary photos and turn them into dynamic videos. By applying the photo animation filter, you can add life and motion to still images. The result is an eye-catching effect that makes photos more vibrant and engaging when shared on TikTok.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to use TikTok’s photo animation filter to creatively transform your photos into animated videos.
Accessing the Photo Animation Filter
To find the Photo Animation filter in the TikTok app, open the app and tap on the plus (+) icon to open the camera. At the bottom of the screen, tap on “Effects” and then tap on the magnifying glass icon to search for filters. Type “Photo Animation” in the search bar. The Photo Animation filter should appear as the first result. Tap on it to preview the filter.
The Photo Animation filter is available for free to all TikTok users with the latest version of the TikTok app. You’ll need to make sure your app is updated to the most recent version in order to use this filter. According to TikTok’s website, the Photo Animation filter was introduced in January 2022, so you’ll need version 24.7.0 of the TikTok app or later.
Taking a Photo for Animation
Taking a good photo is key to getting the most out of the TikTok Photo Animation filter. Here are some tips for capturing a photo that will animate well:
- Make sure there is plenty of lighting on your face. Side lighting or backlighting can create nice shadows and contours for the animation.
- Face the camera directly for the best results. Angled poses may not animate as cleanly.
- Frame your head and shoulders in the shot. Don’t cut your head off or have too much space above.
- Have a clean background free of clutter. A solid wall works best.
- Keep a neutral facial expression. Big smiles or exaggerated expressions won’t animate well.
- Take the photo from your chest up for ideal framing.
Here are examples of good photos to use with the TikTok Photo Animation filter:
- Facing the camera straight on with soft lighting on your face (Source)
- Clean background with subtle facial expression (Source)
- Portrait framing from chest up with solid backdrop (Source)
Applying the Photo Animation Filter
Applying the photo animation filter in TikTok is easy. Here are the steps:
- Open the TikTok app and tap on the ‘+’ icon to create a new video.
- Select ‘Upload’ and choose a photo from your camera roll to upload.
- Once your photo is uploaded, tap on the ‘Effects’ icon at the bottom.
- Search for ‘Photo Animation’ in the effects panel. Tap on the filter when you see it appear in the results.
- The photo animation filter will be applied to your photo. You can now customize the effect.
The photo animation filter allows you to customize the animation style, speed, and colors (Source 1). You can choose from different animation styles like sketch, comic book, and watercolor. The speed slider allows you to control how fast the animation plays. You can also select custom colors to change the look of the animated photo.
Adding Text
One of the best ways to enhance your TikTok photo animation is by adding text. You can add text before, during or after the animation to help narrate the story you want to tell. According to this YouTube tutorial, adding text at different times is easy to do within the TikTok app.
To add text before the animation starts, simply tap the + icon in the text tool and type your text. The text will appear on the first photo before the transition begins. To add text during the animation, tap the + icon at the point you want the text to appear and enter your text. The text will show up on that specific photo in the sequence. To add text after, tap + on the final photo and add your text.
TikTok provides several text customization options to make your words pop. You can change the text color, font style, size and more. Some of the built-in fonts like Serif, Typewriter and Neon offer a cool, stylized look. You can also drag the text box to reposition it and use the opacity slider to make the text more faint and blend into the background.
Adding the right text at key moments during your TikTok photo animation helps grab attention and clearly convey your story. Take advantage of the text insertion features and customizations to make your video stand out.
Adding Effects
One of the most fun parts of using the TikTok animation filter is adding effects to your photos. You can choose from a wide variety of transitions, stickers, emojis, and text effects to take your animated photos to the next level (Tiktok cartoon filter online). Some popular effects to try include:
Transitions – these allow you to switch between different photos with fun transition animations like spin, swipe, or zoom effects. Using transitions is a great way to tell a story or show a progression.
Stickers – TikTok has tons of animated stickers and emojis you can add to your photos. Try picking stickers that match the vibe or theme of your photos. Cute animal stickers are always a classic.
Text Effects – Customize your captions by adding text effects like bubbles, neon, or sparkles. This makes your words pop.
Filters – TikTok’s filters subtly alter the colors and mood of your animation. Vintage filters can give a nostalgic feel.
The most aesthetic effects tend to use soft pastel colors, subtle transitions, whimsical stickers, and light text effects. Keeping edits minimalist helps your original photos shine through (Tiktok effects list). Have fun trying different combinations to find your perfect style!
Adding Music
One of the most important parts of creating a compelling TikTok photo animation is choosing the right music. The music helps set the mood and pace of the animation. When browsing for music in the TikTok app, tap the search icon and enter keywords related to the theme or mood you want. You can also browse popular songs suggested for you on the Discover page.
When selecting a song, opt for tunes that are upbeat and energetic to match the quick pace of the photo animation filter. Songs with a strong beat or chorus tend to work best. Avoid slow ballads. The song should be around 30 seconds to 1 minute long at maximum for the length of a standard TikTok video.
According to TikTok creators, some of the most popular songs used for photo animations include fast-paced pop, dance, electronic, and hip hop tracks like “Photo” by JVKE, “Starlight” by Dave Rodgers, and “Love Tonight” by Shouse. Try songs already trending on TikTok for inspiration.
You can also use sounds and music clips created just for TikTok. Search “photo animation sounds” or browse the “Photo Animation” category on the sound page. These contain upbeat, catchy beats and melodies designed to complement a photo animation.
Preview the music with your photos first before applying the filter to ensure the pacing matches correctly. Edit the song length or time your photos appropriately. Having the right song that complements your photos is key for an engaging TikTok photo animation.
Sharing and Editing
Once you’ve created your animated photo using the TikTok filter, you’ll likely want to save it and share it outside of the app. Here’s how to save your creation:
On the preview screen after applying the filter, tap the share icon in the bottom right corner. This will bring up options for sharing the video. Select “Save video” to save it to your camera roll (source). The video will now be accessible in your phone’s gallery and camera roll.
After saving the video, you have some options for editing (source):
- Trim the start or end of the video if needed
- Add filters or adjust colors
- Include music or voiceovers
- Add text captions or stickers
Use your phone’s built-in editing tools or apps like VSCO to edit the saved TikTok video. Then easily share via text, email, social media, and more.
Best Practices for TikTok Photo Animation Videos
To create the best photo animation videos on TikTok, here are some do’s and don’ts:
- DO use high-quality photos that are well-lit and have good contrast. The filter will struggle with blurry or pixelated images.
- DO pick a single subject or scene for each animation. Hopping between multiple photos creates a jarring effect.
- DO keep your captions short, simple and synchronized with the photo changes.
- DON’T use too many photos in one animation. 3-5 images is ideal for smooth transitions.
- DON’T add excessive text, filters or effects. Let the animation be the focus.
- DON’T choose photos with subtle differences. The transition works best with noticeable changes.
Some common mistakes to avoid include:
- Using low-quality images that get distorted by the filter.
- Having unrelated photos that don’t tell a cohesive story.
- Adding too many effects that distract from the animation.
- Having text that doesn’t match up with photo changes.
- Picking photos with only minor differences between them.
Additional Tips
Here are some creative ways to use the Photo Animation filter for fun and engaging videos:
Try making accessories or background items move by zooming in on parts of the photo. This makes it look like certain objects are animated while you remain still.
Film your photo from different angles and distances to create a zooming effect. Move the camera towards and away from the photo for added dynamism.
Use editing features like voiceovers, text, and stickers to interact with the animated photo and enhance the storytelling.
Create seamless transitions by filming yourself moving into the same position as the photo at the end.
Make compilation videos combining multiple animated photos for engaging visual storytelling.
If having issues with the filter, check that your TikTok app is updated to the latest version. Close and reload the app if the filter isn’t appearing correctly. Ensure your photo is high quality with good lighting, as overly dark photos won’t animate well. Consider using portrait mode. If all else fails, delete and re-add the filter.
