TikTok is a popular short-form video app that allows users to create and share 15-60 second videos. The app has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide and is especially popular among Generation Z. One of the features that made TikTok stand out when it first launched in 2016 was its library of augmented reality filters and effects that users could apply to their videos.
TikTok filters alter the appearance of users by applying different visual effects like adding animal ears or changing facial features. Some of the most iconic TikTok filters include the Cartoon filter that makes you look animated, the Time Warp filter for slow motion or speed ramping effects, and popular beauty filters that smooth skin or enlarge eyes. TikTok’s filters help creators transform their videos in creative ways and are a core part of the TikTok experience.
Some of the most used and famous filters on TikTok have shaped viral trends and popular aesthetics. Understanding which filters gain widespread popularity provides insight into youth culture and what resonates with TikTok’s young userbase.
The Dog Filter
The Dog Filter became one of TikTok’s most popular and iconic filters when it was introduced in late 2019. The filter uses augmented reality to overlay a dog’s face, ears, and tongue onto a person’s face in real-time. When a user opens their mouth or sticks out their tongue, the filter mimics a dog’s panting and tongue expressions.
The filter went viral almost immediately after its release, with millions of videos being created using the Dog Filter within the first few weeks. Its popularity was driven largely by the humor of seeing people transformed into dogs, as well as the irresistible urge to see one’s own face with canine features. Part of its charm was the ability to still see the person’s eyes and facial expressions under the dog overlay.
Citing: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/dog-filter-effect-on-tiktok?lang=en
The Cat Filter
The cat filter is another hugely popular filter on TikTok that gives users cat-like features. This includes cat ears, whiskers, and a cute little nose. Much like the dog filter, the cat filter uses AR technology to realistically superimpose the cat features onto a person’s face.
While the cat filter is wildly popular, it doesn’t quite reach the fame and ubiquity of the original dog filter. Part of this is because the dog filter was first, so it has the first-mover advantage. The dog filter is also included in TikTok by default, while users have to seek out and add the cat filter themselves.
However, the cat filter certainly gives the dog filter a run for its money. Many users argue it’s even cuter and more appealing than the classic dog filter. It produces some very adorable and fun videos. Overall, the cat filter is a huge hit in its own right, even if the original dog filter still wears the crown.
The Disney Filter
The Disney filter is one of the most popular filters on TikTok, with over 12.7 billion views for videos using it. This augmented reality filter was created through a partnership between Disney and TikTok, and it adds Disney character features to a user’s face.
When the filter is enabled, it will transform the user into a random Disney character. Some of the characters it can turn you into include Elsa from Frozen, Stitch from Lilo & Stitch, Simba from The Lion King, and Mickey or Minnie Mouse. The filter uses advanced facial recognition technology to add the character’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth over the user’s real facial features.
Part of what makes the Disney filter so popular is its magical ability to turn users into their favorite Disney characters. People love seeing themselves transformed into classic Disney characters or modern favorites from newer movies. It allows them to briefly inhabit the world of Disney and channel the personality of an iconic character.
The Disney filter has been used to create all kinds of fun and creative TikTok videos. Many videos show people surprising their friends and family members by suddenly switching on the filter. Other popular video ideas include duets with the filter enabled, Disney dance challenges, and scenes reenacted as Disney characters. Its magical transforming powers make it one of TikTok’s most beloved filters.
The Angel Filter
The angel filter became popular in 2019 and gives users an ethereal, angelic look. When used, the filter places a glowing halo above the head, with an effect similar to sunbeams radiating outwards. It also adds angel wings on the sides of the face and sparkling stars in the eyes and background. The overall look is magical and heavenly.
This filter flatters most faces by brightening the complexion and softening features. The glowing halo and twinkling stars create a dreamlike aesthetic. It allows users to transform into angelic versions of themselves. Many use this filter for fun holiday photos or while lip-syncing to religious music. Its popularity demonstrates how filters allow creativity and imagination to shine on TikTok.
The angel filter provides an illusion of purity and innocence. It’s playful and whimsical nature makes it appealing for those looking to add some magic to their videos. As one of the most popular filters on TikTok, it exemplifies how filters have become integral for expression and entertainment on the platform.
The Old Person Filter
One of the most popular filters on TikTok is the Old Person filter, which artificially ages users dramatically. This filter has gone viral, with the #agefilter hashtag gaining over 288 million views (source). The filter uses advanced augmented reality technology to transform users’ appearance, adding wrinkles, sagging skin, liver spots, and white hair. When applied, the filter convincingly ages users by decades in just seconds. Many TikTokers express shock at how different they look after the filter transforms them into elderly versions of themselves. The app’s uncanny ability to realistically age users has sparked debate about society’s obsession with youth and beauty standards. Some find seeing their older selves empowering and touching, while others feel disturbed and saddened by the filter. Regardless, the Old Person filter’s viral popularity speaks to people’s morbid fascination with the aging process.
The Beauty Filter
The beauty filter is one of the most popular filters on TikTok, known for smoothing skin, removing blemishes, enhancing eyes and lips, and generally beautifying facial features (Xu 2023). This filter uses advanced machine learning algorithms to detect facial features and apply subtle retouching and edits to create an idealized version of the user’s face. According to a 2023 study, 79% of Americans believe beauty filters like those on TikTok have changed beauty standards by promoting unrealistic and often unattainable looks (StyleSeat 2023).
The beauty filter smooths skin, evens out complexion, enlarges eyes, plumps lips, slims jawlines, and gives an overall enhanced and airbrushed appearance. Some critics argue these filters promote harmful beauty standards, especially among young users. However, supporters say they can boost confidence and allow creative expression. The impacts are complex, but the beauty filter remains one of TikTok’s most used for its ability to quickly transform faces into idealized beauty shots.
The Cartoon Filter
One of the most popular filters on TikTok is the Cartoon filter, which turns users into animated cartoon characters. This augmented reality effect uses advanced facial tracking technology to transform users’ selfies and videos into a cartoon fantasy world. The filter has exploded in popularity, with over 5 billion views on videos using #cartoonfilter (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/cartoon-filter?lang=en).
The Cartoon filter adds animated eyes, rosy cheeks, and bold outlines to give users a fun, animated look. Some of the available styles include classic hand-drawn cartoon, anime, Disney, and more. It works by tracking facial movements and expressions so the cartoon avatar mirrors the user’s motions. This creates an immersive, magical effect that transports users into their favorite cartoons.
Part of the appeal is seeing real people get transformed into fantastical characters. It allows users to roleplay and inhabit different personas. The filter also taps into the nostalgia of beloved cartoons and animations. Overall, the playful novelty has made the Cartoon filter go viral on TikTok, becoming one of the app’s signature effects.
Impact on Beauty Standards
TikTok’s beauty filters allow users to alter their appearance significantly, often promoting unrealistic beauty ideals. The “Bold Glamour” filter, for example, slims the face, enlarges eyes, plumps lips and smooths skin (The problems with TikTok’s controversial ‘beauty filters’). A study by the Boston Medical Center found that frequent and prolonged use of these filters can negatively impact mental health and self-esteem, especially among teenagers (Beauty filters on TikTok may be damaging to your mental health: study). However, some argue these filters can also have benefits in allowing creative self-expression (Beauty filter critics are missing why people use them). Overall, TikTok’s beauty filters promote an unrealistic and often unattainable standard of beauty, which can negatively impact users’ self-image.
Most Famous Filter
Based on data and trends, the most famous TikTok filter is the Cartoon Filter. This augment reality filter allows users to transform themselves into various cartoon characters with just a tap. According to Popsugar, the Cartoon Filter was the 2nd most popular TikTok filter in 2022. It continues to rank highly in 2023 as one of the most fun and hilarious filters on the platform.
The Cartoon Filter’s popularity stems from its versatility and entertainment value. Users love being able to transform into their favorite cartoon characters, from Mickey Mouse to Homer Simpson. It allows creativity and imagination to run wild. The filter smooths skin, enlarges eyes, and morphs facial features in humorous ways. This combination of augmented reality technology and nostalgia has captured the hearts of TikTok users.
While beauty and makeup filters remain ever-popular on TikTok, the Cartoon Filter stands out for bringing pure fun and amusement. Its ubiquity and influence have cemented its status as the most famous filter on TikTok.
