Some People Swear TikTok’s Red Filter Is Super Flattering (Others ... Not so Much)

When it comes to uploading videos to TikTok, it’s all about the filter. Well, OK, sometimes it’s about the specific trend, challenge, or TikTok Sound, but filters also play a vital role in many TikTok videos! Some filters are sort of a flash in the pan — they’re super popular for one week, and then they slowly fade into obscurity to make room for the next big deal. Others, however, have some serious staying power.

The Color Selector Filter is one that is sure to be around for quite a while. And the Red Filter specifically is the favorite of many TikTok creators. Here’s why (plus how to use the filter for your own uploads).

When you watch your first few red-filtered videos on TikTok, you might assume that getting the effect is somewhat tricky. Luckily for you, it’s actually very, very simple. You’ll want to select the filter before you start filming. Open up the camera, then tap the “Effects” option located at the bottom of the screen. From there, you can choose the Color Selector Filter (the icon looks like a gray face with a rainbow-colored bar in front of it).

If you don’t see the icon (searching for a specific filter on TikTok is honestly kind of the worst), try searching the #colorselectorfilter tag and then tapping the camera at the bottom of the results page to use the filter in your own creation.

Next, you want to tap on the red section of the rainbow bar to select the Red Filter. Then, simply start filming! It’s as easy as that.

Depending on the color and undertones of your skin, the Red Filter is surprisingly flattering on a lot of folks. And, as several people have pointed out, it makes your teeth look exceptionally white, which is a great bonus. On other people, the filter may be decidedly less flattering, but hey — not every video you upload to TikTok has to be flattering, right?

There’s also the Color Customizer Filter which functions pretty much the same way, only you get to adjust both the hue and saturation of the filter. Whereas the Color Selector Filter basically just turns everything gray unless it is naturally red (or has red or pink undertones), the Color Customizer Filter can turn your entire video feed red (or whatever color you want).

In addition to showing off their very white teeth, some people have used the Red Filter to make some decidedly spooky videos. There’s one trend in particular that involves turning your back to the camera and then using your fingers to create the appearance of devil horns on your head. Like we said, pretty spooky stuff. (BTW, it seems like these videos are definitely using the Color Customizer Filter rather than the Color Selector one.)

Really, you’re only limited by your own imagination when it comes to using the Red Filter to create unique content … and by the color of the things in your immediate vicinity. Why not give it a try and paint the town / your room red?