The moving filter on TikTok is a popular augmented reality effect that animates and distorts a person’s face in real-time as they move around. It uses advanced facial tracking technology to identify key facial landmarks and apply effects that resize, shift, warp, and bend facial features in response to even subtle head turns and changes in expression. This creates a dynamic, animated effect where a person’s face seems to morph and stretch in exaggerated yet natural-looking ways.
The effect attained prominence in 2022 as one of the platform’s top augmented reality filters. It rose to popularity thanks to the uncanny, surreal effects it produces with just a few turns of the head or changes in facial expression. TikTok creators have embraced the filter’s unique face-distorting capabilities to produce eye-catching videos that play with perspective and facial dimensions in new ways. It demonstrates the creative possibilities enabled by TikTok’s real-time augmented reality technology.
To use the filter, users simply access it through the Effects menu while recording a video selfie, then move and pose as desired to see their facial features shift and transform before their eyes. The technology tracks even subtle motions to animate the 3D effects mapped to the face. This interactivity makes the filter a versatile tool for fun facial transformations and dynamic video effects.
History of the Moving Filter
The moving filter on TikTok first gained popularity in late 2019. It was one of the platform’s early augmented reality effects that allowed users to upload a photo into the filter, and it would come to life and move around on screen. According to TikTok, the filter was introduced in October 2019 as part of the app’s Halloween effects line-up.
The filter went viral that fall when users started uploading old photos of historical figures and events, bringing them to life in an amusing way. Some of the most popular early uses were old photos of Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out and winking, or video clips of wars with soldiers marching around. The effect of seeing static old photos move and come to life resonated with users, sparking a flurry of creativity.
By early 2020, the moving filter was one of TikTok’s top augmented reality effects. Its rise coincided with the app’s growing popularity, especially among Gen Z users. The filter created a new way for people to engage with historical photos and moments in a playful, 21st century context. This innovative use of technology is part of what propelled TikTok to mainstream success.
Source: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/old-picture-filter-moving
Popularity and Impact
The moving filter has become one of the most popular filters on TikTok, with millions of videos being created using it. It first gained major popularity in late 2021 and has since grown into one of the app’s most used filters.Filter That Can Move There’s even a dedicated page on TikTok now for videos using the moving filter, showcasing its popularity.
The filter allows users to move their heads around while keeping their facial expressions frozen. This opens up creative possibilities for sketch comedy, surreal videos, and optical illusions. The impact has been massive, with top creators like @mack.tana attracting millions of views on moving filter videos.PACKING MY BAGS AND GOING TO NEVADA BABYYYYY It has inspired its own dance trends, memes, duets and more. Overall, the moving filter has had a profound impact on TikTok culture and creativity.
How to Use the Moving Filter
Using the moving filter on TikTok is easy to do. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Open the TikTok app and go to the camera to create a new video.
2. Tap on the “Effects” button at the bottom and search for “moving face” or “face tracking.” The specific filter is called “Moving by @mo_officiall.”
3. Tap on the filter to add it to your video.
4. Position your face in view of the camera and make sure it is clearly visible. The filter will automatically detect and track your face as you move.
5. Record your video as normal with the filter applied. Your facial movements will be enhanced by the animated effects.
6. You can also use the filter on existing videos or photos by selecting them from your camera roll instead of taking a live video.
7. Edit the video if desired and post it for your followers to see!
The moving filter takes your videos to the next level. Follow the steps above to easily apply it and make engaging, dynamic content. For more guidance, check out this tutorial video: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/face-moving-filter-tutorial
Popular videos using the filter
The moving filter has been used in many popular and viral videos on TikTok. Here are some examples:
User @josrosie6 posted a video showing silly poses using the filter that has over 231,000 likes (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/funny-filter-moving). The filter allows the video to show the user’s face sliding around the screen in funny ways.
@filomentsofficial posted a tutorial on how to use the filter that has over 2.1 million likes (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/moving-filter-effect-dance). They demonstrate how you can make your face move in time with the music and create a dance effect.
Overall, the moving filter lends itself well to humorous and creative videos. Its versatility and viral popularity have made it a staple effect for many top TikTok creators.
Creative uses of the filter
The moving filter on TikTok has sparked people’s creativity, leading to innovative and entertaining videos. Users have found clever ways to incorporate the filter into skits, dances, optical illusions, and more. One of the most popular creative uses isusing the filter while wearing masks or other face coverings to make it look like parts of the face are moving independently. For example, some users have worn masks with faces printed on them and used the filter to make the mask’s features dance around.
Others have gotten creative with camera angles and editing to make body parts or objects appear to move along with their faces. Slow motion, zooms, and perspective tricks add to these optical illusions. Using the filter while wearing elaborate makeup or costumes is also a huge trend, as it brings cartoonish or fantastical elements to life. Even using the filter on pets or babies can be highly amusing and adorable.
Overall, the moving filter opens up many possibilities for TikTok users to express creativity through visual humor and fun. From choreographed dances to mini comedy sketches, the playful, animated effect inspires all kinds of innovative videos.
(Source: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/face-moving-app-ad)
Controversies
The moving filter has been involved in some controversies related to inappropriate use. Some users have applied the filter to videos in questionable taste, like pranking others by making it look like objects are falling or moving unexpectedly. For example, one controversial video showed a woman using the filter to make it appear as if she was dropping her baby (though it was edited and not real) [1]. Another video involved making it look like an Elf on the Shelf doll was moving due to the filter [2]. These types of prank or shock videos using the filter have caused concern among some viewers.
Some critics argue the moving filter could promote harmful pranks or inappropriate content. TikTok has faced scrutiny in the past over moderating and removing problematic videos using effects or filters irresponsibly. However, defenders of the moving filter say the controversies are overblown and that inappropriate use is not the norm. They argue the filter itself is neutral and that most users apply it harmlessly in fun or creative ways.
Future innovations
The moving filter on TikTok has plenty of room to evolve and improve in the future. Here are some potential innovations:
More facial tracking capabilities – The filter could become even more advanced at tracking subtle facial movements like blinking, smizing, and morphing different parts of the face individually.
AR integration – The filter could blend with augmented reality features to make it appear as if the user’s whole head is moving beyond just their face.
Multi-user videos – Group videos where the filter tracks and morphs multiple people’s faces in the same video could become possible.
Customization – Users may get options to tweak the filter’s effects and customize how it responds to their facial movements.
Enhanced realism – With improvements in AI and graphics, the filter could become nearly photorealistic in its ability to transform faces.
Platform expansion – The filter’s technology could expand beyond TikTok to other social platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.
Physical device integration – The effects could sync with a physical augmented reality headset or other wearable device.
Overall, as technology progresses, expect the TikTok face moving filter to leverage innovations in areas like computer vision, graphics, AR and AI to create novel experiences.
Similar filters
While the moving filter on TikTok has blown up in popularity, there are several other fun and creative filters that users love.
One similar filter is the moving frame filter, which allows users to move and resize a frame around their video. This creates a dynamic and visually engaging effect. The moving frame can highlight certain elements, track motion, or add a creative border to videos.
There are also many filters that add augmented reality effects like falling snow, sparks, or confetti. The snow filter is a wintery favorite, while the glitter filter adds shiny specks. These overlay effects immerse viewers and make videos magical.
For beauty and cosmetic filters, the anime filter transforms videos into an animated style. The cat face filter adds adorable feline ears and nose. There are even filters that give an antique, vintage look through retro colors and film grains.
While no filter has matched the exact popularity of the moving filter, TikTok has endless options for creative personalization. The variety of filters keeps the platform fun and engaging for users.
Conclusion
The moving filter on TikTok has become a viral sensation, allowing users to create fun and engaging videos. Its popularity stems from its versatility – the filter can be used in creative and unique ways for comedy, challenges, transitions, and more. While some controversies have emerged, the filter has largely been a positive force on TikTok, enabling viral trends and showcasing users’ creativity.
In summary, the moving filter demonstrates the power of TikTok to drive viral content and impact culture. It has evolved past just a social media filter into a cultural phenomenon. The filter will likely continue spreading joy and inspiring new trends, as developers build upon it with new innovations. However, the human imagination and creativity that users bring to the filter is what truly makes it captivating. The moving filter shows that a simple effect can go a long way in the right hands.