TikTok is a popular short-form video app that allows users to create and share 15 to 60 second videos. The app features a variety of filters and effects that users can apply to their videos for creative and entertaining results. One of the filters that has recently gained popularity on TikTok is the so-called “ghost filter.”
The ghost filter uses augmented reality technology to overlay a spooky, ghostly figure over a person in the video. When activated, the filter shows the ghostly figure mimicking the movements and actions of the person in real time. Videos made using the ghost filter often show the virtual ghost dancing, walking around, or even seeming to interact with the physical environment.
While similar augmented reality filters have been available before, the TikTok ghost filter specifically seemed to capture the imagination of users. It rapidly gained traction in 2022 as more and more videos using the filter went viral. The ghostly figure rendered by the filter has a creepy but playful vibe that resonated with many TikTok users. As a result, the ghost filter has become one of the app’s most popular effects.
What is the Ghost Filter?
The “Ghost Filter” refers to a filter on TikTok that shows a “ghostly” double exposure effect. Its official name is the “Spooky Ghost” filter. It went viral in mid-2022 when TikTok users began using it to freak out viewers and play pranks.
The filter uses augmented reality to overlay a ghoulish figure over a person’s body or surroundings. When activated, it shows a blurry, somewhat transparent silhouette of a ghostly person behind or around the subject. This makes it look like a paranormal spirit is photobombing the video or hovering around the user.
The Spooky Ghost filter took off in popularity when people started using it to scare friends and family. TikTokers would secretly film their loved one’s reaction to seeing themselves or their home invaded by a ghostly apparition. The convincing效果 and genuine startled reactions in these videos helped propel the filter into the mainstream. Soon it became one of the app’s most used special effects.
History of the Filter
The ghost filter on TikTok, often referred to as the “AI manga” filter, first gained popularity in December 2022. It was introduced as an effect that gave users an anime-inspired cartoon look. However, TikTok users soon realized that the filter seemed to highlight and detect ghostly shapes and figures within their environment. This sparked a viral trend of people using the filter to try to uncover paranormal activity or spirits within their homes.
The ghost filter went hugely viral in mid-December 2022, with many TikTokers posting reaction videos of themselves detecting alleged supernatural beings with the filter. Hashtags related to the ghost filter began accumulating billions of views, as people tested out the filter in haunted locations or their own homes. Some skeptics tried to debunk the concept by showing the filter highlighting normal objects, but many remained convinced by videos that seemed to reveal unexplained shapes and figures. This launched an ongoing debate about whether the filter really detects spirits or is simply an overactive pattern recognition tool prone to false positives. But the hype around the ghost filter persisted, elevating it to a massively viral sensation on TikTok within a matter of weeks.
Using the Ghost Filter
The ghost filter on TikTok, also known as the “Reality Ripple” effect, allows users to add a spooky distortion to their videos. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to find and use this viral filter:
1. Open the TikTok app and tap on the plus icon to create a new video.
2. Tap on the “Effects” icon at the bottom and search for “Reality Ripple” in the search bar. The ghost filter should appear as the first result.
3. Tap on the filter to add it to your video. You will see the ghostly distortion applied to the viewfinder.
4. Record your video as usual with the filter enabled. Get creative and use props or costumes to enhance the creepy vibe.
5. Once recorded, you can adjust the filter strength and position. Drag your finger on the slider below the filter name to increase or decrease the intensity.
Here are some tips for getting the best effect with the ghost filter:
– Use low lighting and flashlights pointed upwards to create an eerie atmosphere.[1]
– Make slow, deliberate movements to let the distortion envelop you fully.
– Pair it with scary audio clips or unsettling music for added creepiness.
– Film in spooky locations like old buildings, forests, or graveyards.
– Surprise viewers by having the distortion reveal something shocking or scary at the end.
With some creativity, the TikTok ghost filter can take your videos to the next level of viral scary content.
Popular Trends with the Filter
The Ghost Filter has inspired many viral videos and popular trends on TikTok. Comedy sketches using the filter show terrified reactions to a “ghost” suddenly appearing. Dance trends have emerged trying to mimic ghostly or silly movements when the filter activates. Even ordinary activities like cooking or cleaning become humorous with an unexpected “ghost” popping in. Some of the most popular trends include:
The #GhostChallenge asks users to record normal videos while waiting for the filter to activate, capturing genuine surprised reactions. Videos with the hashtag have over 3 billion views. Many find using the unpredictable filter leads to funny or scary moments.
Dance challenges like #ghostdance encourage users to freestyle a ghostly dance when their alter ego appears. Videos showcase creative dance moves, with the two figures dancing beside each other. The viral hashtag has over 4 billion views.
Prank reaction videos also use the element of surprise from the filter. Friends or family are recorded unaware until the ghost seems to photobomb them, eliciting shocked responses. Pranks with the Ghost Filter have gained over 12 billion views on #ghostprank.
Comedy sketches add a storyline around the ghost, with recurring characters reacting to the sudden appearances. Skits play up being scared by the filter or telling the “ghost” to go away. Hashtags like #ghostskit have received over 1 billion views.
The Ghost Filter lends itself well to trending content on TikTok through its unpredictable and mysterious nature. Users continue finding new ways to create shareable moments using the popular effect.
Artistic Uses of the Filter
The Ghost filter on TikTok has inspired many creative artists and photographers to utilize it in unique ways. The filter’s ability to transform faces into spooky, translucent images lends itself well to artistic projects and photo manipulations.
Many digital artists have used the Ghost filter as the starting point for creating original characters and illustrations. By running portrait photos through the filter and then editing the results, artists can design ghostly manga-style avatars. According to one report, “The AI transforms your selfie into what looks like a spectral apparition from a horror manga or anime” (https://piunikaweb.com/2022/12/19/tiktok-ghost-filter-ai-manga-used-to-detect-paranormal-activity/). Artists have full creative control to take the filtered images and customize the characters with additional elements like clothing, hair, and backgrounds.
Photographers also utilize the Ghost filter for creative photo manipulations and illusions. Applying the filter to subjects in intriguing settings or positions can produce an otherworldly vibe. For example, photographers might have models pose partially obscured behind objects or fading into fog, and then run the photos through the filter to increase the mysterious, phantom-like appearance.
Overall, the unique spectral effect of the TikTok Ghost filter has inspired artists and photographers to incorporate it into impactful, original projects across multiple creative disciplines.
Controversies
The TikTok ghost filter has sparked some controversies and concerns. Some users worry that the filter promotes supernatural beliefs or leads people to mistake filter glitches for real paranormal activity (Source). There are also concerns that the filter could be used to scare or prank unsuspecting people, especially children.
For example, in August 2022, influencer Naomi Neo faced backlash for using the filter to scare her young son in a TikTok video (Source). Many accused her of traumatizing or emotionally harming her child just to create content. Neo later apologized and removed the video, but it sparked debate about proper use of filters around children.
Overall, while many find the filter fun and harmless, some argue it promotes questionable beliefs or behaviors. Proper discretion is advised, especially for content creators and parents.
Impact and Legacy
The ghost filter has had a lasting cultural impact since it first went viral on TikTok. Though initially intended as a fun special effect, the filter took on a life of its own as users got creative with scare prank videos. According to one report, over 400 million views were racked up within the first few weeks of the filter’s release.
The ghost filter remains popular today, with new videos still being created using the effect. As evidenced by compilations like this viral video, people continue to have fun surprising each other and conjuring up creative ways to use the filter for comedic or spooky effect. Even years after its initial explosion, the ghost filter continues to be a staple effect for creating engaging videos on TikTok.
Similar Spooky Filters
The Ghost Detector filter isn’t the only spooky filter that has gone viral on TikTok. Here are some other popular filters that add ghostly or horror effects:
The Reality Ripple filter adds a glitchy ripple effect, making it look like reality is being distorted. This filter is popular for creating an unsettling, surreal vibe in videos.
The Creepy filter has a dark vignette and red glowy eyes. Many use this filter to transform into various creepy creatures and monsters.
The Horror filter adds an eerie green hue and can make eyes look sunken. This filter creates an unnatural, zombie-like appearance.
While not as popular as the Ghost Detector filter, these are some other options for adding a dash of horror to TikTok videos and pictures.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ghost filter on TikTok allowed users to create an illusion of disappearing or having a ghostly presence in videos. Its viral spread across the platform demonstrated people’s fascination with special effects and altering reality through technology. The filter resonated due to its uncanny, surreal nature and the creativity it enabled for humorous and artsy videos. Even though some criticized it for potentially insensitive uses, the Ghost filter made a cultural impact for its part in popularizing augmented reality and “ghosting” effects on social media.
By overlaying a ghostly figure that could be manipulated to appear and disappear within the frame, the filter tapped into the human imagination and desire to defy physics. It went viral not only because of the novelty and fun, but also because of the deeper themes of mortality and the supernatural it evoked. Overall, the Ghost filter showed how a simple AR effect can capture the public’s interest and inspire trends that spread rapidly online.
