The face morph effect is a popular video editing tool on TikTok that allows users to seamlessly transition between two face images or videos. This creates a morphing or shapeshifting effect. One face transforms into another face by blending and warping the features.
This effect exploded in popularity in 2020 and continues to be widely used today. The seamless face morph transition provides an element of surprise and visual interest to short videos. It enables creators to transition between different characters or versions of themselves. The effect requires users to take two face images or videos from the same angle. When overlaid and morphed together using the effect controls, it provides an illusion like shape-shifting. This unique and eye-catching effect captivates viewers and makes videos more compelling to watch. It also enables greater creativity and variety for video content on the platform.
Prerequisites
To access the face morph effect on TikTok, you’ll need the latest version of the TikTok app as well as a registered TikTok account. According to TikTok’s Guardian’s Guide, you must be at least 13 years old to create a TikTok account. However, the minimum age varies by region – for example, it’s 14 in South Korea and Indonesia. Be sure to check your local laws and abide by TikTok’s Community Guidelines for age requirements before setting up an account.
Find the Effect
The face morph effect can be found in the Effects tab of the TikTok camera. Here are the steps to find it:
1. Open the TikTok app on your device. Tap on the ‘+’ icon at the bottom to open the camera.
2. On the camera page, tap on ‘Effects’ at the bottom. This opens up the Effects gallery.
3. In the Effects tab, tap on the ‘Face Effects’ category. Scroll through the effects until you find the ‘Face Morph’ effect.
The ‘Face Morph’ effect will have two circular outlines on it. Tapping on this effect will select it so you can use it in your video.
For reference, see: https://support.tiktok.com/en/using-tiktok/creating-videos/effects
Select the Effect
To select the face morph effect in TikTok, you first need to open the Effects tab in the app. This is where you can browse all of the available AR effects that TikTok offers. Search for “face morph” and you should see the effect appear as an option. Tap on the effect to select it. The effect will likely be called something like “Face Morph” or “Face Swap Morph.” Once selected, the effect will be ready to use in your video.
Here is an example of using the face morph effect in TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@queer.skies/video/7182967787407691051
When you have selected the face morph effect, you can move on to recording your video and applying the effect as desired. Make sure to adjust the effect properly so that it tracks your face accurately. With the right adjustments, it will look like your face transforms seamlessly into someone or something else for a unique TikTok video.
Record the Video
To start, open the TikTok app and tap on the plus icon to begin recording a new video. Make sure your face is centered and taking up most of the frame. Next, press and hold the record button to start recording a video of yourself making different facial expressions and movements. You want to capture a good variety of exaggerated expressions like smiling, frowning, looking surprised, and more. According to the TikTok Help Center, you simply press the record button to capture video content, then tap the check mark when finished. It’s important to record a video that clearly shows the details of your original face.
Source: https://support.tiktok.com/en/getting-started/creating-your-first-video
Split the Screen
Once you have recorded both videos that you want to apply the face morph effect to, the next step is to split the screen. This will allow you to show both videos side-by-side in the final video.
To split the screen:
- Tap the split screen icon at the top of the editing screen. It looks like two rectangles side-by-side.
- A dotted line will appear across the middle of the video preview. This separates where each video will display.
- Drag one video into the left side and the other video into the right side.
- Adjust the videos so the face is lined up on both sides.
- Pinch to zoom in so the faces take up most of each half of the screen.
You can now move on to applying the face morph effect across the split screen.
Apply the Effect
Once you have selected the face morph effect, you can apply it to your video. To do this:
1. Tap on the video timeline at the bottom of the screen to bring up the video editor.
2. Select the portion of the video you want to apply the effect to by dragging the handles on the timeline. Make sure to select the clip where both faces are visible that you want to morph.
3. Tap “Apply” to add the face morph effect to the selected portion of the video (TikTok, 2023).
The effect will process and morph the two faces in the selected clip. You can adjust the duration of the clip and placement of the effect as needed.
Adjust the Effect
Once you’ve added the face morph effect, you can customize it to get the look you want. TikTok allows you to adjust the effect strength and duration (https://support.tiktok.com/en/using-tiktok/creating-videos/effects).
To change the effect strength, tap on the effect icon at the bottom of the screen. Use the slider to increase or decrease the intensity of the morph. Dragging it to the right will make the effect more dramatic, while dragging to the left will soften it.
You can also lengthen or shorten the duration of the effect. Tap on the timer below the slider to select how long you want the effect to last. Choose a shorter duration for a quick morph, or extend it to several seconds for a more gradual transition.
Experiment with different effect strength and duration settings until you achieve the animated morph look you envisioned. The customizability gives you creative control over the final face warp effect in your TikTok video.
Add Music and Text
Music and text are great ways to enhance your face morph TikTok video. Here are some tips for adding music and text:
Choose music that matches the mood and pacing of your face morph. Upbeat, energetic music works well for faster face morph transitions. Slower, dramatic music builds suspense for slower morphs. Make sure to use music you have rights to use or public domain/copyright-free tracks.
Add text like captions, lyrics, or commentary to complement the visuals. You can add text directly in the TikTok app. Just tap on the text icon, type your text, adjust the font style and color, and drag the text box where you want it. Double-tap the text to add animations like fading in/out.
Time the text to match speech, song lyrics, or scene changes. Use captions to emphasize key moments or punchlines. Add lyrics to make singalong videos. Include commentary to share context, stories, or your thoughts.
Be creative and intentional with text placement, animations, and typography to make the video visually engaging. For example, bounce text with the beat or enlarge text on accented syllables.
Cite a source: https://www.flexclip.com/learn/how-to-add-lyrics-to-tiktok-video.html
Share the Video
Once you’re happy with your face morph video, it’s time to post it for others to see and try! On the editing page, tap ‘Next’ and add any text captions or sounds you want. When you’re ready, tap the ‘Post’ button. Your video will be shared on your profile page and the For You feed where others can view, like, comment and share it. Consider using relevant hashtags like #facemorph, #tiktoktransition or #tiktokeffect in your caption to help people find it. You may also want to @mention friends to challenge them to try the effect too. The more people who see and engage with your video, the more likely it is to go viral!
When posting any video on TikTok, always be mindful of your privacy settings. You can choose whether your videos are visible to just your friends or anyone on TikTok. Take a look at the audience selector when posting to set your preferred privacy level. Enjoy being creative and sharing fun face morph videos!
