Launched in 2016, TikTok has grown into one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2022 (source). The platform is known for its short-form videos and array of tools to help creators make engaging content. One of TikTok’s most popular features is its video filters, which allow users to easily apply color filters and effects to change the look and feel of their videos.
Color filters have become an essential part of creating captivating TikTok videos. They help set a mood, enhance visual appeal, and keep up with the latest trends. This guide will walk through how to access and use color filters on TikTok to take your videos to the next level. We’ll cover finding and using existing filters, creating custom filters, tips for choosing the right filter, and more. Follow along to learn insider techniques to make your TikTok videos stand out.
Accessing Filters on TikTok
TikTok makes it easy to find and use filters to enhance your videos. The main way to access filters is on the upload page when creating a new video.
On this page, tap the “Effects” button near the bottom – this brings up the filters menu. Here you’ll find popular filters like “beauty” and “trending” as well as a search bar to look for specific filters.
Filters can also be found on existing videos. Tap the filter name above the username on any video to bring up the effect gallery and save filters you like. You can also hold down on a video when browsing TikTok to bring up options to save sounds and effects.
According to this tutorial, the filters button while uploading a new video is the easiest way to browse and try out different filters.
Using Color Filters
Applying color filters to videos on TikTok is easy and fun. To start using filters, simply tap the filters icon at the bottom of the capture screen while recording or editing a video. This will open up the filters menu.
The filters menu displays a scrolling row of different color filters to choose from. Tap on a filter to preview it on your video. You can scroll through and tap different filters to see which one looks best.
Some popular color filters include the black and white filter, the vintage filter, and the bright color filters. As you scroll through, tap on a filter you like to apply it to the video. You can tap again to remove the filter if you want to try a different one.
Previewing the filters on your actual video footage is the best way to get a sense of how each filter affects the look and feel. Take some time to play around until you find just the right color filter for the mood you want to convey.
According to TikTok’s guide, color filters are an easy way to enhance your videos and make them stand out on the platform. So feel free to get creative and try different filters to find the perfect look!
Editing With Filters
TikTok allows you to apply multiple filters to the same video for a unique editing effect. You can layer filters, adjust their intensity, and combine them in creative ways.
After selecting a filter, you can tweak the brightness, contrast, saturation, and other settings. This lets you customize the filter look. For example, you could take a warm filter and increase the brightness to make it really pop.
Mixing and matching cool and warm filters is a popular technique. Using a cool blue filter on the background and a warm golden filter on the subject creates neat contrast.
Some creative filter combinations include:
– Vintage + Glitch for an old-timey flickering effect.
– Fairytale + Time Warp Scan for a fantastical strobe look.
– Brew + Cozy for a warm, inviting vibe.
The possibilities are endless when layering and adjusting multiple filters. Try combining colors and textures that complement each other. With practice, you’ll be able to develop custom filter combos for your brand.
Saving Custom Filters
One of the most useful features of TikTok’s filters is the ability to save custom combinations as favorites for later use. This allows you to recreate a specific look consistently across videos. To save a filter combination:
- After applying filters to your video, tap on the check mark icon in the bottom right.
- This will open your list of saved filters. Tap on the “+” icon at the top.
- Name your custom filter and tap “Save”.
To access your saved filters library, simply tap on the same check mark icon when editing a new video. Then select your saved filter. This makes it easy to maintain a consistent aesthetic or brand look across multiple videos (source).
Using favorites is an effective strategy for creators and brands seeking to build recognition. Viewers will come to associate your unique filter combinations with your content.
Choosing the Right Filter
When selecting a filter for your TikTok video, it’s important to consider factors like lighting, visuals, and mood. The filter you choose can dramatically impact the overall look and feel of your video.
Pay attention to the lighting when filming – a darker video may benefit from a bright, vibrant filter, while well-lit videos can handle more subtle filters. Consider the visuals in your video too. Filters with lots of textures and effects can distract from the main focus, so opt for simpler filters if you want the visuals to shine.
The mood you want to convey also determines what filter suits best. A fun, upbeat video could use a playful filter with saturated colors. For a more serious or moody vibe, faded, vintage filters complement the tone. Test out different options to see what complements your clip rather than clashing.
At times, it’s best to avoid filters altogether. Videos focused on conveying information clearly or demonstrating a skill don’t need effects that could be distracting. Minimal filters are ideal for an educational or informative style of video.
Take the time to experiment with different filters before posting your TikTok video. Applying a filter that suits the specific clip will elevate the quality and enhance your content.
Using Filters to Enhance Videos
Filters can be a great way to enhance the quality of your videos on TikTok. One of the main benefits of using filters is that they can help improve issues like poor lighting or color problems in your videos.
For example, if your video was shot in low lighting conditions, you could apply a brightness filter to make it look better lit. Or if the coloring seems off, you can use a filter to adjust the hues and saturation to get the right look.
Filters are also useful if you want to achieve a specific aesthetic for your video. Vintage, black and white, and other creative filters can set a certain mood or vibe. Just make sure the filter you choose matches the content and style of your video.
When applying filters, take some time to review the edited footage and make additional tweaks as needed. You may need to adjust the strength of the filter or make other edits so that the video footage matches the filter properly. The goal is to enhance but not overwhelm the original video.
With the right filter and some careful editing, you can take your TikTok videos to the next level visually. Filters open up lots of creative possibilities!
Source: https://support.tiktok.com/en/using-tiktok/creating-videos/effects
Filter Trends and Ideas
Some of the most popular filters on TikTok right now include the 1970s filter, which gives videos a retro vibe, the fairy lights filter that adds twinkling lights in the background, and the blush filter that applies a soft pink glow to the cheeks. These filters are trending because they help enhance beauty and set a particular mood or aesthetic.
You can use trends creatively by layering filters or combining them with effects. For example, apply the 1970s filter along with a vintage frame for a truly retro look. Or use the fairy lights filter with sparkle effects for a magical appearance. Get creative and make the trend your own!
For unique filter inspiration, browse the Discover page on TikTok or search hashtags related to your interest, like #bakingfilters or #workoutfilters. You can also check out profiles of popular creators in your niche to see which filters they use to stand out. Some overlooked filters to try are the paint drip filter for art videos or the butterfly filter for nature-themed content.
Do’s and Don’ts
When using filters on TikTok, there are some best practices you’ll want to keep in mind:
Do use filters to enhance your videos, not distort them. Subtle filters like black and white or light color washes can make your content more artistic and engaging without being overpowering. As this article notes, you want to “improve your content, not make it tacky.”
Do experiment with different filters before settling on one. See how various filters change the look and feel of your video and choose the one that best fits the vibe you want.
Don’t go overboard with too many filters on one video. Stacking a bunch of filters usually just makes the video look messy and overfiltered. Pick one quality filter and adjust the intensity if needed.
Don’t use filters as a crutch for low quality video. Filters can enhance great footage but won’t fix things like bad lighting or shaky camerawork.
When in doubt, do a test. Record your TikTok with and without a particular filter and watch both versions to see which looks better.
Mistakes to avoid include not checking the filtered video before posting, removing all filters at once instead of gradually, and failing to adjust filter intensity for the best effect. Overall, aim for subtle enhancement rather than dramatic distortions.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok’s filters allow you to easily enhance and customize the look of your videos. The wide selection of filters gives you creative options to set just the right tone and mood. Filters can make your content more aesthetically pleasing and help videos stand out in people’s feeds.
For even more tips, check out TikTok’s support articles on effects and the trending hashtag #TikTokFilters. There are new filters being added all the time, so continue exploring to find your favorites.
When using filters, aim for subtlety rather than overdoing it. The focus should remain on your content, with filters used to complement and polish your videos. With the right balance, filters can take your TikTok videos to the next level.
