How to use TikTok's viral 'Magic Animation' effects

January 2023 · 3 minute read

Ever wondered what you’d look like in Tangled or Frozen? Do you sometimes miss TikTok’s classic ‘cartoonify’ effect? Then you should probably check out the app’s ‘Magic Animation’ filter, which is the latest trend to take over your FYP.

Over the past year, several filters letting you to turn yourself into a cartoon have gone viral on TikTok, such as the Cartoon filter and Anime filter. Although these effects were popular among TikTokers, both of them were actually found on Snapchat, which meant that users would have to import their videos in order to use the effect on TikTok.

This is why so many users are excited by the new ‘Magic Animation’ effect because unlike other filters designed to ‘cartoonify’ yourself and your friends, this one can be found within the TikTok app.

@anna

Tiktok made it’s own cartoonify filter! 🤭😁💕 #filter #tiktokfilters

♬ original sound – ♡ Anna ♡

What are TikTok’s Magic Animation effects?

TikTok’s Magic Animation effect, which has already been used in over 141k videos, doesn’t just involve the one filter – it has four!

As well as having the main filter, which transforms your face into a Disney-style animation, users also have the option to add accessories and change their hair color to be an elf, magician or villain: all the characters you need to star in your very own fairytale.

@itshanice_

♬ favorite crime – Olivia Rodrigo

How to use TikTok’s Magic Animation effects

Before you are able to use the Magic Animation effect, you will need to update TikTok because this effect only works on the latest version of the app. Once you have updated TikTok, you will be able to apply the Magic Animation effect to your videos by following the steps below:

  • Open TikTok and make sure you are logged into your account.
  • Press the plus (+) symbol to create a new video.
  • On the left side of the camera button, click ‘Effects.’
  • Press either ‘Trending’ or ‘New’ effects.
  • For the core effect, press the pink cartoon face with an orange sparkly background. For other effects, search for the same face but with a witch’s hat, an elf crown and villainous face tattoos depending on what one you want to use.
    • @flutter.and.wink_clips

    This new effect is so cute🥺 #magicanimation #cartoon #cute #funny #magic

    ♬ SUNNY DAY – Matteo Rossanese

    How to activate the different effects

  • To activate the main effect or the elf effect, press on the filter and then press on the screen as directed.
  • To activate the villain effect, wave your whole hand in front of the screen.
  • To activate the magician effect, press the filter and simply wait for the golden ‘which magician are you’ plaque to play out at the top before being transformed.
  • Have fun and record your fairytale!
    • @alibendertv

    They grow up too quick don’t they? (Back to football content but I couldn’t resist this filter and sound) #workingmum

    ♬ Slipping Through My Fingers – From ‘Mamma Mia!’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – Meryl Streep & Amanda Seyfried

    More filters means more possibilities, so have fun exploring all the different filters the ‘Magic Animation’ effect has to offer!

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