How to use TikTok filters and effects for your social media marketing.

Summary/Overview

TikTok is one of the most popular social networks today, known for its short, creative videos. A big part of what makes content stand out on the platform is its wide range of filters and effects. In this guide, we’ll cover how to use TikTok’s filters and effects, why they’re useful, and how to include them in your social media marketing.

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What is a TikTok filter or effect?

Filters and effects on TikTok are in-app edits that can be applied to your videos, either as or after you record them. But what’s the difference between filters and effects?

What is a filter on TikTok?

On TikTok, a filter is a visual present that changes the tone or look of your video. A filter can tint or change the colour of your video, add a skin smoothing enhancement or alter the brightness and contrast. Traditionally, filters would be attached to camera lenses and would change the colour of light passing through to the film. Today, it’s possible to do this digitally and results in a wide range of colour and black & white filter choices.

What is an effect on TikTok?

Effects, on the other hand, are a little more powerful. Funny, exciting, and creative, effects can take your video and change it into something completely new. This could be digitally changing your face to make you look like an alien, swapping your head with the person sat next to you, or simply flipping everything upside down.

Why use TikTok filters and effects for your videos?

TikTok filters and effects are designed to be accessible—anyone can use them. But if you run a brand or small business, should you use them to promote yourself? We’ll explore a few reasons why these creative and engaging tools can benefit your business.

• Stay relevant – In the rapid world of TikTok, trends come and go at speed. If you can ride the crest of these trends, or even start one, then you’re far more likely increase your visibility as people engage with relevant material. Effects and filters offer an easy way to tap into trends and stay relevant on the platform.
• Create visually interesting content – If a user doesn’t like what they see, feels bored or disinterested, they can move onto the next video in seconds. Filters and effects, especially some of the more unconventional ones, can be an effective way of locking in viewers and holding their attention.
• Hide imperfections – One popular use for effects and filters is hiding or smoothing out imperfections in the environment. For example, if you’re promoting your café’s new outdoor seating but the weather is cloudy, an effect can brighten the scene and create the illusion of a sunny day.

How to find filters on TikTok.

Finding filters on TikTok is quick and easy. Look for the record button (+) at the bottom of your screen and press it. Then, on the right-hand side of the screen, look for the filter option which should look like a wand with sparkles.

If you plan on editing your video in Adobe Express, you can apply filters before the upload.

Free TikTok filter ideas.

How to use filters on TikTok.

1. Open the TikTok app.

Start by opening the app. If you don’t have TikTok downloaded you can do so on the App Store on Apple phones, or the Play Store on Android phones. If you don’t have an account already, you’ll need to make one.

2. Press the “Filters” icon.

Make your way to the Filter icon. To get there, press the create button at the bottom of the screen. After this, you should see the icon for filters on the right - it will look like a wand.

3. Pick the filter you want.

You can then turn filters on or off. Once on you can choose from the options available - these range from skin smoothing to lip colour to eye colour.

4. Adjust the filter strength.

Once you’ve picked your filter, you’re able to adjust the strength of it. Feel free to play around and see what looks best to you.

5. Start recording with the filter.

When you’re happy with your filter settings, you’re ready to press record and capture your video.

How to apply effects on TikTok.

Applying effects on TikTok is very simple. Start by pressing the create button at the bottom of the screen, the one that looks like a + symbol. Beside the capture button, you should see some effects already suggested for you. Swipe along and you’ll see your image change.

Depending on what you’re looking for, you might be happy with the suggested effects. But if you’re looking for something specific, or the ones you’re presented with don’t feel quite right, you should see the option to view all effects at the very bottom of the screen.

Here you’ll see a range of effects, broken down into categories (like trending or beauty) to help you find the right one. There’s also a search option to make it easier to discover effects, and a place to save all your favourites so you can come back to them whenever you want.

Adobe Express makes it possible to add effects to your images before uploading them to TikTok, providing an additional layer of editing to create the content you want.

How to add a filter to your TikTok videos for free with Adobe Express.

While TikTok offers effects in app, you might find it simpler to add effects to your videos with Adobe Express. Adobe Express is free and easy to use. You don’t need any previous experience editing or working with video.

You can add animated effects to make components move in and out of the video. Use a range of templates, assets and more to create unique videos for free. The best part is that it’s easy to get started, and once you’re happy with the results it’s easy to share through TikTok.

To start editing your videos with Adobe Express, go to the online video editor.

1. Click the upload option—you’ll be prompted to log in if you haven’t already.
2. Once logged in, use the upload button on the left to add your video.
3. After uploading, click on your video to open the editing panel, where you can adjust settings like opacity, add fun filters or colour-changing effects.
4. When you’re satisfied with your edits, simply download and share your video on TikTok.

Editable examples of TikTok video filters and effects.

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Useful things to know.

Can I use a TikTok filter without posting?

Yes, you can use TikTok filters without posting them publicly on TikTok. Many people use TikTok filters to share videos just with friends, or to post on other social media platforms. To do this, apply the effects or filters to the video or image you want and select save. The result should be saved to your device.

Are TikTok filters free?

Yes, the filters on TikTok are free. Similarly, using filters on Adobe Express is free. With Adobe Express you can also get access to stock images and videos, templates and effects all without a cost.

How do you use TikTok with no filters?

TikTok is set up with no filters by default. If you don’t add any filters, they won’t be applied to your resulting video or image. If you’ve added filters to your videos or images, you can turn them off by heading to the filter preset on the right and turning it off.

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