What is the TikTok scan?
The TikTok scan is a viral trend on the social media platform TikTok where users upload a front-facing photo of themselves to a website that scans their face and generates various video effects and filters. The scan results provide a detailed analysis of facial features which can then be used to create fun and engaging TikTok videos.
This trend started gaining popularity in late 2022 when the website meow.com introduced their “TikTok Scanner” tool. People soon began uploading their photos to get scanned and receive a unique set of video effects tailored to their facial features. These personalized scan results allow TikTok users to make creative videos showcasing the contours of their face.[1]
The TikTok scan generally provides effects like smooth skin, enlarged eyes, defined jawline, fuller lips, and more. It analyzes details like face shape, nose width, eyebrow shape, eye color, and lip shape. The tool then suggests filters and effects that would look best for that person’s facial attributes. This helps TikTok users elevate the quality of their videos.
Step 1: Take a Front Facing Photo
The first step in creating a TikTok face scan is taking a good quality front facing photo of yourself. This photo will be uploaded and analyzed by the face scanning technology, so it’s important to follow some tips to get the best scan results.
Choose good lighting. A properly lit photo will help show off your facial features clearly. Natural sunlight is ideal, but if indoors, aim for soft, even lighting from the front to avoid harsh shadows. Avoid direct backlighting from a window or lamp (source).
Frame your face properly. Make sure your entire face fits within the frame with a bit of space around the edges. Center your face and look directly into the camera. Having your face turned or cut off may affect scan accuracy (source).
Check your angle. A straight-on, front facing photo works best. Tilting your head or shooting from a high or low angle can distort facial features. Keep your phone parallel to your face.
Use your rear camera if possible for higher resolution photos versus the front-facing camera. Make sure Portrait Mode is turned off.
Take multiple photos and choose the clearest, best lit image for upload. Having makeup on is fine but avoid filters.
Step 2: Upload Photo to Website
To upload your photo for the TikTok scan, you will need to go to the TikTok scan website. This is a separate website from the main TikTok app. The website will likely be www.tiktokscan.com or something similar.
On the website, there will be an option to “Upload Photo” or “Get Started.” Click this button and you will be prompted to choose a photo from your device. Select the front facing photo you took in Step 1.
The website will have photo requirements that your image must meet. According to TikTok’s Newsroom article, photos should be high resolution and well-lit. The passport style photo requirements suggest photos should be taken against a plain background with no obstructions on your face https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/product-tutorial-photos-on-tiktok.
Once you select your photo, the website will process and verify that it meets the requirements. Then you can move on to adjusting the scan settings in Step 3.
Step 3: Adjust scan settings
The TikTok scan allows you to customize your scan with various settings. Here are the main settings you can adjust:
Face Shape
This analyzes the structure of your facial features and gives style recommendations based on your face shape. Choose from round, square, oval, heart, or diamond. The scan will suggest hairstyles, makeup looks, and accessories suited for your face.
Skin Tone
Select your skin tone from the options so the scan can recommend makeup and colors that will suit and complement your complexion.
Eye Color
Pick your natural eye color so the scan can suggest eye makeup, liner, and shadow shades to make your eyes pop.
Hair Color
Choose your current hair color. The scan will then tailor hair style and makeup suggestions to flatter and enhance your hair color.
Hair Type
Indicate if your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily. This helps the scan recommend hairstyles and products optimized for your hair texture.
Hair Length
Select whether your hair is very short, chin length, shoulder length, long, or extra long. The scan will propose styles suitable for your hair length.
Customizing these settings ensures you get tailored, relevant recommendations from the TikTok scan to suit your unique facial features, complexion, and hair. Adjust the settings thoughtfully to get the best style suggestions.
Step 4: Download scan results
Once the scan is complete, you’ll be able to view and download the results. The website will show you a preview of the 3D model created from your photo. To download the full 3D model file, look for the “Download” button on the results page.
The 3D model file will likely be in OBJ format. This is a standard 3D file format that can be opened and manipulated in various 3D modeling programs. When you click “Download”, the OBJ file will download to your computer.
Be sure to save the OBJ file in a place you can easily access later, such as in a dedicated folder for your TikTok scans. The OBJ file contains the complete 3D model based on your face photo that you can use to create augmented reality effects in video editing apps.
Downloading and saving the 3D facial model file is an essential step in the TikTok scanning process. With the OBJ file, you have the foundation you need to take your videos to the next level with face tracking effects. Just be sure to save it properly on your computer so you can find it easily later when it’s time to put your creative skills to work!
Step 5: Review results
Once you download the TikTok scan results, take some time to carefully review them. The results provide a comprehensive snapshot of your online personality based on your facial features and expressions. However, it’s important to remember that these AI scans are not 100% accurate and should be taken with a grain of salt.
The results may categorize your personality traits, emotional tendencies, and interests into different groups. Make note of any categories that seem accurate or surprising to you. The scans aim to detect subtle cues in facial structures, but they cannot fully capture the complexity of human personality and behavior.
Look out for any obvious errors or unusual groupings in the results. The algorithms are constantly improving but can still make mistakes. Consider the TikTok scan results as an entertaining starting point for self-reflection, rather than definitive conclusions about who you are as a person.
Remember that your inner self is far more complex than what can be conveyed through a photo scan. Take any unlikely or unflattering results lightly. Focus more on any accurate or positive traits identified that resonate with your real personality.
Step 6: Create your video
Once you have your TikTok body scan results, it’s time to get creative and make your video. Here are some tips for making a compelling TikTok video using the scan:
Focus on one part of your body – Zoom in on one area like your abs or legs to show your progress. This creates a more engaging before and after.
Use creative angles and poses – Get creative with your poses and camera angles to show off your results. Shoot from below, above, or the side for a more dynamic video.
Add some outfit changes – Consider wearing tight/revealing clothes for the before and after to better showcase your physique changes. Outfit changes add interest.
Incorporate the scan graphics – Use overlays, splits screens, or picture-in-picture to display your actual scan results. This gives proof of the changes.
Tell a story – Use captions to share your fitness journey and how long it took to achieve your results. This personal touch connects with viewers.
Use trending audios – Pair your video with popular TikTok songs or viral audios. This increases the chance of your video being discovered.
Be expressive – Show off your confidence in the after shots with smiles, muscle flexing or dancing. Your excitement will excite viewers too.
Keep it short – TikTok videos are typically 15-60 seconds long. Keep yours concise while highlighting your best before and after comparisons.
Step 7: Add effects and filters
Once you have your video clips edited together, it’s time to enhance your TikTok video with creative effects and filters. TikTok offers a plethora of built-in effects ranging from subtle color changes to fun AR animations that track to your face. You can browse TikTok’s extensive library of effects by clicking the “Effects” icon while editing your video.
Some of the most popular effects to try include the Green Screen effect which allows you to place your video over custom backgrounds, the Anime filter that gives your video a cartoon makeover, and the Invisible Body effect to make parts of your body disappear. TikTok also has branded effects from Disney, FaceZoom, and more to transform you into a Disney character, animal, or other fun persona.
In addition to TikTok’s default effects, you can enhance your videos further by using third-party apps like CapCut, Vita, and FilmoraGo. These apps provide advanced editing tools, video filters, text animations, transitions and other elements to level up your TikTok videos. A vintage filter from CapCut or a glitch effect from FilmoraGo can give your TikTok a cinematic style.
Get creative and add multiple effects to achieve a unique look for your video. The right combinations of effects, filters, text, and animations can make your TikTok stand out on the platform and capture more viewers’ attention. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find an aesthetic that resonates with your brand and audience.
Step 8: Write engaging captions
The captions you write for your TikTok videos are crucial for grabbing attention and getting more views and shares. Here are some tips for writing effective TikTok captions:
Keep it short and catchy. Look for creative ways to summarize your video in just a few words. Some examples of viral TikTok captions include “This is not a drill,” “Run don’t walk,” and “Do you agree?” (Source: 100 TikTok Captions That Will Inspire Your Next Viral Post)
Ask questions to get engagement. Pose questions in your caption to encourage viewers to respond in the comments. This increases engagement on your video.
Use emojis and humor. Emojis help your caption stand out, while a bit of humor makes it more relatable and shareable.
Leverage trends and challenges. Connect your video to viral TikTok trends or hashtag challenges to increase its reach.
Customize for your brand. While you want to use relevant trends, also ensure your captions align with your brand voice for consistency.
Check what’s working. Look at captions on top performing videos in your niche and test similar language. This can reveal what types of captions resonate best with your target audience.
Try different formats. Experiment with different caption structures like lists, fill-in-the-blank statements, lyrical captions, etc. to stand out.
By taking the time to craft creative, engaging captions optimized for TikTok, you can get more eyes on your videos and achieve viral success.
Step 9: Post and promote your video
Once your video is complete, it’s time to post it and get it in front of viewers. Here are some best practices for posting and promoting your TikTok scan video:
Choose the right time of day to post. The best times to post on TikTok are early mornings and evenings when more users are actively scrolling through their feeds. Avoid posting in the middle of the night.
Use relevant hashtags in your caption so your video appears in searches. Include a mix of popular tags like #TikTokScan along with more specific ones related to your video topic.
Engage with your followers in the comments section. Reply to any questions or feedback you receive to build community.
Consider promoting your video through ads on TikTok. Their advertising platform allows you to target users by age, interests, and other factors.
Cross-promote your video on other social platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Share the video or a still image from it with a link back to TikTok.
Run TikTok contests and challenges to increase engagement. Ask viewers to duet with your video for a chance to win a prize.
Collaborate with other relevant creators to tap into their audience. Do “scan swap” videos or co-promote each other’s content.
Analyze your performance data in the TikTok app and refine your strategy over time. Pay attention to when your followers are most active.
With smart posting and promotion strategies, you can expand the reach of your TikTok scan video and inspire more people to try the trend.
