TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms for sharing short videos. One of the app’s standout features is its vast collection of fun filters that users can apply to their videos to transform their appearance or surroundings. If you’ve ever watched a TikTok video with a cool filter effect, you may be wondering how you can use those same filters in your own videos. The good news is it’s easy to find and use filters from other TikTok videos. Here are some tips on how to do it.
Identify the filter used in the video
The first step is to find a TikTok video that uses a filter effect you want to try. As you’re watching videos in the app, pay attention to any cool filters that catch your eye. Often the filter name will be mentioned in the video’s caption or commented by the creator. You can also guess what filter it might be based on how it changes the look of the video.
For example, a filter that adds glittery makeup and butterflies floating around is likely an effect called “Glam.” A filter that overlays animation effects is probably called “Cartoon Face.” Look for context clues to make your best guess at the filter name.
Search for the filter in the Effects Gallery
Once you have an idea of what the filter is called, you can search for it in TikTok’s Effects Gallery. Open the TikTok app and navigate to the capture screen to record a new video. Before recording, tap on the “Effects” button at the bottom and select the “Effects Gallery” tab at the bottom.
This will open the gallery where you can browse or search for filters. Tap on the search bar at the top and type in keywords for the filter name you want to find. For example, searching “glam” or “butterfly” may help you locate the Glam filter. “Cartoon” would pull up the Cartoon Face effect.
Scroll through the results and tap on filters to preview them. Look for the one that matches what you saw in the other TikTok video. You may need to test a few similar effects before you find the exact match.
Save the filter to your Favorites
Once you’ve identified the correct filter in the Effects Gallery, tap on the bookmark icon to save it to your Favorites. This makes it easy to access that same filter again later when making your own TikTok videos.
To view your favorite filters, go back to the Effects Gallery and select the “Favorites” tab. You’ll see all the filters you’ve saved, including the new one you just added. Tap on any fave filter to immediately add it to your video.
Use green screen filters
Some of the trendiest TikTok filters rely on green screen technology to place you into a virtual background scene. Examples include filters that transport you into a video game, a trippy landscape, or a musical performance.
To use these green screen filters, you’ll need to set up a solid green backdrop when filming your video. This could be a green poster board, green wall, or wearing all green clothes. The filter removes the green and inserts the special effect background.
Search for the green screen filter you want in the Effects Gallery using keywords like “green screen” or the specific scene name. Favorite it so you can easily access it whenever you have your green screen setup.
Try Duet or React modes
In addition to searching the Effects Gallery, there are a couple other ways you can gain access to filters used in other TikTok videos.
If you press and hold on a video, you’ll see options to Duet or React to that video. Selecting either creates a new video where your selfie camera recording is shown beside the original video.
When you Duet or React, the filter from the original video will automatically be applied to your side-by-side recording as well. Just press and hold record to save your Duet or Reaction using the same fun filter.
Use creative recording tricks
Some TikTok filters don’t show up in searches because they aren’t official effects. Creative users have come up with clever tricks to produce unique filters looks.
For example, recording your video while a filtered Snapchat lens is activated on your face. Or applying an Instagram filter to a video before uploading it to TikTok. Other DIY filters involve props like color-tinted glasses.
Pay attention to videos that seem to use homemade filter techniques. Look for users explaining their tricks in captions or comments. Mimic their setup when making your own videos to borrow unofficial filters.
Consider licensing unique filters
While many filters are free to use, some of the most premium effects are only accessible if you pay to license them. This includes hugely popular branded filters tied to big blockbuster movies or video games.
If you see a very unique filter you can’t seem to find in the database, it may be a licensed effect. You’ll have to contact the creator to buy a license to use it in your own content.
Licensing filters can be expensive, but provide more exclusivity. Big brands or influencers may find it worth the cost for certain marketing campaigns or content initiatives.
Use Face Tracking filters
Face tracking filters use AR technology to overlay animations that follow your facial movements. For example, filters that put virtual snouts, ears, and tongues on you as you talk or make expressions.
To try face filters from other videos, enter the Effects Gallery and browse under the “Popular” tab. Many trending face filters float to the top. Tap on them to see how they work.
Pay attention to how people position and move their face when using the filter. Mimic their motions and facial expressions while recording to properly activate the animations.
Browse trending sounds and hashtags
Hopping on trending sounds and hashtags is a key way to discover what filters are going viral. Sounds and hashtags often tie directly to filter effects gaining popularity.
For example, the “HeeHeeHeeHaw” sound went viral alongside a filter that placed a 3D animated jester’s hat on your head. The #RainbowVision hashtag features videos with a filter that covers your eyes in rainbow effects.
Keep an eye on trending sounds and hashtags for the latest filter inspiration. Try searching the tied filters and using them in your own content.
Follow filter curators
To stay on top of the newest fresh filters, follow TikTok creators that specialize in curating filters. These accounts search for, test, and share new and trending effects on a daily basis.
Look for accounts with handles like @filtersforu, @dailyfilters, @filterfinesse. Their content will showcase the latest fun filters so you can try them yourself.
You can also check out compilation videos that round up top filters of the week. This makes it easy to find new effects in one place.
Save effects others are using
As you’re scrolling through your For You Page feed, press and hold on any video using a cool filter you want. Select “Use This Effect” from the popup menu.
This will instantly save the filter that video is using to your Favorites. You can then access it from your Effects tab to use in your own content.
If you aren’t sure what a filter is called, this is the easiest way to grab and save effects you like. It only takes a couple quick taps.
Browse by category
The Effects Gallery has categories to narrow your search when exploring new filters. Select a category like “Beauty,” “AR,” or “Animals” to see filters tailored to that theme.
This helps quickly pull up filters for a certain vibe vs. having to search generic terms. Tap filters to preview and favorite any that catch your eye.
Check back regularly, as trending categories change frequently. You may discover unique filters you otherwise would have missed.
Use TikTok’s editing tools
In addition to AR filters, you can use TikTok’s built-in editing tools to enhance your videos with special effects.
Options like color filters, text overlays, and distorted temps offer creative ways to style your content beyond typical AR filters.
Browse the editing features and test how other creators are using them for unique visual styles you can mimic in your own videos.
With all these tips, it’s easy to find and use the same popular filters you see in other TikTok videos. Exploring trending effects is a great way to keep your content looking fresh, stylish, and on-trend.
So tap through those Effects Galleries, Duet with filter videos, and bookmark the ones you like. Get creative blending filters with editing tools to produce next-level videos your followers will love. Have fun putting your own spin on popular TikTok filters to make content that pops!
