In a nutshell
- TikTok’s rotoscope filter creates vibrant cartoon outlines of those who use it
- Most of the time, creators pair the filter with some text
- It’s quite similar to TikTok’s Disco effect
TikTok is unlike any other social media app that features video; when creating content for TikTok, the possibilities are endless. There are tons of filters, effects and sounds for creators to choose from. All’s to say, there’s never a dull moment or lack of options available. Earlier this year TikTok released the rotoscope filter, a filter that transforms creators on screen into colorful, cartoon-like outlines. A big hit upon its release, rotoscope even trended on the app for a hot minute. It’s no surprise — TikToks with the rotoscope filter deliver a cool vibe that’s as fun to watch as it is to use.
We’re going to talk a little bit more about the rotoscope filter, how creators are using it and how to take the rotoscope filter off of a TikTok.
What is the rotoscope filter?
As mentioned, the rotoscope filter is an effect on the TikTok app. The filter allows creators to transform their content by turning themselves into dynamic, vibrant cartoon outlines of themselves. So, if you’re looking for a fun effect to use on your TikToks, the rotoscope filter definitely delivers. It features bright, eye-catching colors and puts sunglasses over the subject’s eyes.
With the rotoscope filter, you can also tap the screen to change your sunglasses and other features.
There are several ways to find the rotoscope filter. Creators can locate it by starting the filming process (selecting the plus symbol on the bottom TikTok menu). Next, click the effects button on the bottom left of the screen to find the rotoscope filter. Creators can also find the rotoscope filter using the search option, which is the quickest and easiest way to find it. From there, creators can use it as they would any other effect.
To follow the trend with other creators using the rotoscope filter, try recording your TikTok on a timer using the camera on your phone. That way you can be hands-free and really have fun with it.
If you pre-record and upload your video to TikTok, there is a similar effect to rotoscope in the effects section on the right-hand menu. Click on the Motion category, where you’ll find an effect called Disco, which is almost identical. However, one of the main differences with the Disco effect is that you can’t change the look of the sunglasses or other features.
How are creators using the filter?
As with most visual effects and sounds on TikTok, many creators using the rotoscope filter on the app seem to follow a trend — although that’s not to say that you can’t do whatever you want with the filter. Many creators start the TikTok without the filter with some sort of text. The rotoscope filter then appears partway through, usually indicating that the creator is celebrating something. It’s frequently used in a humorous light.
But once the rotoscope filter is applied, can you remove it? Can the rotoscope filter be removed from other creators’ TikToks?
Can you remove the filter from a TikTok that’s already posted?
Once you share a TikTok, there is no way to remove a filter. This includes the rotoscope filter. Unfortunately, creators can’t edit videos that have already been published.
So if you want to remove the filter from your TikTok, you’ll have to delete the TikTok from your profile and reshare the video to your profile. If you’ve just posted your TikTok, this shouldn’t be too bad.
Many users on the app wonder if they can remove the filter from someone else’s TikTok. To be totally clear, users can’t remove any kind of filter used by creators on the app.
How to remove a filter from a TikTok that isn’t posted
As with all TikTok videos, you can make any changes to your TikTok while it’s still in your drafts or while you’re still editing.
Changing filters or removing them is simple. If you change your mind and want to remove the rotoscope filter, simply go back to the filter options and select the no symbol — the circle symbol with a slash through it — to remove the filter.
If the TikTok you want to change is in your drafts, the process is the same as when you’re in the editing process. Head to your drafts page and choose the TikTok video you want to change. From there, you can change your filter or remove it.
Rotoscope away
Filters like the rotoscope are what keep TikTok fun, fresh and interesting to all users on the platform. Also, if you use filters when they are trending, they are particularly useful. Using trending filters gets your content on more screens, and from there, you’ll likely receive more follows and great engagement.