Want to use the popular TikTok filters and effects without downloading the app? Here are some easy ways to access TikTok filters from your phone’s camera or through third-party apps.
Use Your Phone’s Default Camera App
Many Android and iOS devices now have TikTok filters built into the default camera app. Open your camera and look for the filters option – you should see popular TikTok filters like Bunny, Kitty, Rainbow, and more. Toggle through the filters and start recording videos with the TikTok effects applied.
On iPhone, open your camera app and swipe left on the screen to access filters. Android users can find beauty filters by swiping to the ‘More’ tab in the camera app. TikTok’s official filters are usually in a separate TikTok folder.
Download Third-Party Camera Apps
If your phone doesn’t have TikTok filters built-in, download third-party camera apps that offer the effects. Some options are:
- VSCO Cam – photo & video editor with classic film filters plus TikTok effects
- B612 – beauty camera with TikTok filters, AR stickers
- SNOW – camera app with TikTok filters, beauty effects
- Instacamera – offers TikTok filters without watermarks
These camera apps are available for both iOS and Android. After installing, open the app and browse the filter options to find TikTok effects like Time Warp, Night Vision, Rainbow, and more. Apply filters before recording videos in the app.
Use Snapchat
Snapchat now has an integration with TikTok, allowing you to apply TikTok filters to photos and videos. Open Snapchat and swipe to the explorer page where you’ll find a TikTok tab. Tap on a filter to preview it, then go back and access it from the camera lens. Record videos with TikTok effects through Snapchat.
Try CapCut Video Editor
CapCut is a popular video editing app from the makers of TikTok. While it doesn’t have filters you can apply live, you can import videos then add TikTok music and effects in post-production. CapCut has all the viral TikTok filters and songs available to enhance your videos after recording.
Use ZAO App for TikTok Face Filters
ZAO is a Chinese app that lets you apply TikTok’s facial filters and effects using deepfake technology. Popular effects morph your face to sing, dance, change gender, become younger, and more. Download ZAO to access coveted TikTok filters like Face Track and Face Zoom without an account.
Check Out Fragment App
Fragment has an ‘Effects’ tab with most of the trending TikTok filters available to users. You can record videos directly in the Fragment app and apply filters like Vintage, Night Vision, Pop Art, and other TikTok effects. Fragment also removes watermarks from TikTok filters.
Use Prequel App
Prequel is a photo & video editing app with a collection of TikTok filters to enhance your content. Record videos directly in Prequel or import clips to your camera roll to add effects. Try out filters like Fairy Dust, Sparkle, Light Leak, Glitch, and more without the TikTok logo.
Access TikTok Filters on Triller
Triller is a rival video-sharing app aiming to compete with TikTok. It features several filters and effects that resemble TikTok’s, including Time Warp, Night Vision, Beauty, and Slow Zoom. Download Triller to record videos with TikTok-esque filters applied.
Use the Reface App
Reface uses AI and deepfake technology to transpose your face onto celebrities and characters in filters and effects. Choose from options like Face Swap, Voice Swap, Dance Swap, and more to create dramatic TikTok-style videos with viral effects, no account required.
Try Snap Camera
Snap Camera is a free desktop app that brings Snapchat’s signature filters to streaming and video conferencing apps like Zoom, Skype, YouTube, and more. It features a dedicated TikTok filter category with effects like Time Warp Scan, Night Vision, Beauty, and Glitch. Use Snap Camera to go live or record videos with TikTok filters applied.
Use the TikTok Web App (with a VPN)
You can access TikTok filters by using the TikTok web app at tiktok.com. However, TikTok’s web platform is restricted in certain countries. Get around this by setting up a reliable VPN (virtual private network) to mask your location. Connect to a server in a region where TikTok web works, then visit tiktok.com to try out filters.
Import TikTok Filters into Instagram
You can gain access to TikTok filters within Instagram using third-party apps like Inshot. Simply record a video in Inshot with the TikTok filter applied. Save the video to your camera roll, then upload it to Instagram Stories or Reels normally. The filter will be retained after posting to Instagram.
Use Green Screen Effects
Many TikTok filters rely on basic green screen technology. Use a green poster board or cloth as a background, then record videos with a filter app that offers green screen or chroma key editing. This removes the green and isolates you with the desired filter applied. Popular options are VivaVideo, PowerDirector, and KineMaster.
Try Website Filter Generators
Some websites allow you to upload photos or videos to then apply a simulated TikTok filter. Sites like filtergen.com and filtercopy.com have effects inspired by TikTok. While results may vary, it’s an easy way to get the TikTok look without an account.
Use Emulators to Get TikTok on PC
Emulators like Bluestacks and NoxPlayer essentially create a virtual Android environment on your desktop. Install the TikTok APK in an emulator, then access TikTok filters through your computer. Recording requires an emulator that offers camera/microphone passthrough or the ability to sync Android audio and video.
Wait for TikTok Filter Approval
TikTok has an approval process for filters and effects to be featured in its app camera. If you have video editing or development skills, consider making custom TikTok-style filters to submit for approval. Filters that get accepted will be available in the main TikTok app for all users.
Follow Filter Creators on TikTok
Many creators on TikTok will post filter demos and split-screen tutorials. Follow hashtags like #TikTokFilters to find popular effects. While you can’t use the filters directly, you can recreate the videos using similar editing apps and tools based on their examples.
Consider Transitioning to TikTok
The simplest way to get access to all the latest TikTok filters is to just download the app and create an account. Consider giving TikTok a try if the viral effects are intriguing enough. The app makes it easy to find, use and share fun filters to make engaging video content.
So while getting TikTok filters without downloading TikTok does require some extra work, there are plenty of alternative apps and creative workarounds to achieve the same effects. With the help of third-party camera apps, editors, emulators and more, anyone can access the most popular TikTok filters to enhance their personal videos.
