TIKTOK has introduced a new feature that animates users’ faces with a computer-generated filter.
The add-on is called “TikTok Avatars” and it’s available now.
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“To empower continued creative expression, we’re introducing TikTok Avatars – yet another way for people to showcase their individuality on TikTok,” the company said in a newsroom blog.
The feature uses motion detection software to map a user’s face and then overlay a customizable, animated Avatar.
The company will work with users to make Avatars more complex, more inclusive, and more fun over time.
TikTok Avatars will mimic your movements and gestures with accuracy – as you open your mouth to speak, so too will your Avatar.
Avatars are easy to use and creatively inspiring.
“To get started, open the effects section in the TikTok app and search for the Avatar effect. From there, you’ll be able to customize your Avatar to fit your preferences,” the company wrote.
Your Avatar can also become your page’s mascot – a miniature version of your Avatar can be subtly or noticeably laid over videos.
Mini-tars can be assigned six different emotive reactions – for example, the “love” reaction will superimpose cartoonish hearts over your miniature Avatar’s eyes.
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TikTok’s new Avatars are a natural rival to other brands that have explored the animate-your-face space.
Apple’s Memoji hit the market in 2018 with iOS 12 and is accessible for use in iMessages.
Apple platforms TikTok on their digital devices and Memojis will survive, but a different social media company could be truly stung by TikTok’s new feature.
Snapchat introduced its face-animation tool, called Lenses, in 2015 and reigned as the king of face filters and cartoon avatars for years – they even acquired the original Bitmoji developers for $100million in 2016.
But today, Snap’s stock price, and social value are all on a backslide, and TikTok mirroring one of their key features could make it harder to right the ship.
Thousands of videos using the new filters have been uploaded to the TikTok since the Avatars’ June 7 launch.
The hashtag #tiktokavatars already has 1.3billion views, though not every video that adds the tag actually uses the feature.
