How To Use TikTok Filters vs. TikTok Effects

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Carolyn Howell

Last Updated: May 21, 2024

TikTok 101
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TikTok’s wide selection of editing features can be overwhelming. You can create an amazing video in a jiffy when you’re already familiar with the tools, and you’ve picked your favorite effects. Otherwise, you might spend considerable time just trying out various options until you figure out an editing formula that works for you. TikTok filters are among the quickest ways to edit a video and produce something visually striking. Here’s everything you need to know about how to use TikTok filters and how they’re different from effects. 

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TikTok Filters vs. Effects

What’s the difference between TikTok filters and effects? Filters typically only alter the basic properties of the colors of an image, such as the hue, brightness, and saturation. Layering these preset filters over the video makes subtle changes to its visual quality.

Effects, on the other hand, make more significant changes to the visual elements of a video. Effects can manipulate and enhance existing imagery or add new imagery that blends seamlessly with the video.

Examples of popular filters include Portrait and Landscape, which simply produce altered colors. TikTok Effects offers a more expansive array of options, such as Transition, Motion, Green Screen, and Voice effects.

Another major difference between these two is their availability during the video creation process. You can only add a filter after you record/upload a video or image. On the other hand, you can apply an effect before or after you record/upload a video or image. The effects tab is immediately available after you tap the Create button.

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How To Use Face Filters on TikTok

You only have minutes of sunset to capture that stunning golden afternoon glow on your skin. But when your camera’s just not up to the task, no matter how many angles you try for your selfie, what do you do? When you’re making a video for a makeup tutorial, and you want to add some drama to the visuals, what are your options? You can try TikTok filters! Here’s how to use face filters on TikTok.

How To Use Two Filters on TikTok

Do you want to know how to use two filters on TikTok? Yes, you can layer two filters when editing your video. Here’s how:

  1. Tap the Create button. 
  2. Select your video length and start recording, or upload a video or image. 
  3. When you’re ready to edit, tap the down arrow among the editing tools on the right side. 
  4. Select Filters. 
  5. Select your first filter and adjust its strength. 
  6. When you’re happy with your selection, tap the video to exit Filters. 
  7. Tap Save to save your edited video to your device. 
  8. Tap the Back arrow, then either tap Discard or Save draft. Go back to Create mode. 
  9. Tap Upload and select the saved video. 
  10. Open Filters again and select your second filter. 
  11. Finish editing your video.

How To Use Multiple Filters on TikTok

Yes, you can also use more than two TikTok filters. Here’s how to use multiple filters on TikTok:

  1. Tap the Create button. 
  2. Select your video length and start recording, or upload a video or image. 
  3. When you’re ready to edit, tap the down arrow among the editing tools on the right side. 
  4. Select Filters. 
  5. Select your first filter and adjust its strength. 
  6. Exit Filters and save the video. 
  7. Go back to Create mode and upload the saved video to add another filter. 
  8. Keep repeating to add multiple filters.

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How To Use TikTok Filters Without Posting

TikTok allows users to save the videos created within the app before posting them. Recently, the platform also allowed users to save TikTok videos without a watermark. This means people can use TikTok as an editing app and not have to share their finished videos on the platform. Here’s how to use TikTok filters without posting:

  1. Tap the Create button. 
  2. Select your video length and start recording, or upload a video or image. 
  3. When you’re ready to edit, tap the down arrow among the editing tools on the right side. 
  4. Select Filters. 
  5. Select your first filter and adjust its strength. 
  6. Exit Filters and tap Save to download your video to your device.

If you haven’t turned on the option to save videos without the TikTok watermark, here’s what you should do:

  1. After exiting Filters, tap Next. 
  2. On the Post page, tap More options. 
  3. Under Advanced settings, toggle the Save posts without watermark option to turn it on. Tap X to exit. 
  4. Tap the back button. 
  5. Tap Save.

Depending on the creator’s video settings, you can also save other people’s videos.

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How To Use TikTok Filters on YouTube Shorts

Wondering how to use TikTok filters on YouTube Shorts? With the option to save videos you create on TikTok without the watermark, you can easily post the videos on other platforms.

Just follow the steps above and then upload your video using the TikTok filters to YouTube Shorts. Easy peasy!

Because of TikTok’s popularity, every social media platform has created its own version of the short-form video. However, none of these come close to TikTok when it comes to their editing tools. There are tons of innovative editing apps you can use to create professional-quality videos you can share on different channels. But if you prefer TikTok’s offerings, the best alternative you can try is CapCut — TikTok’s official third-party editing app.

Get Your TikTok Game Face On

When you have to be in front of the camera to deliver content, you need to get your TikTok game face on. If you’re a beauty or fashion influencer, this could mean having perfect lighting, knowing your angles, and using the right filters. Using transitions and snappy editing tricks is helpful when creating travel or food content, Duets, or Stitches.

Fortunately for all aspiring content creators, video-making know-how is not required to get started on TikTok. The platform’s full suite of editing tools and features can help just about anybody produce beautiful clips with just a few clicks. You can familiarize yourself with nifty video tricks by watching TikTok tutorials or analyzing videos by other creators. After only several posts, you’d be surprised how far you can develop your video skills!

When good lighting evades you, or you need simply color adjustments to highlight certain elements in your video, knowing how to use TikTok filters can help. Make sure you’re connecting with audiences who can genuinely appreciate what you have to offer. Sign up for a High Social plan to leverage their advanced, proprietary AI-powered audience-targeting technology. Deliver your videos to more users who are genuinely interested in your message and are likely to become lifelong fans. Start growing your TikTok today!

TikTok 101