The AI Filter On TikTok: Uses And Cautions

Artificial intelligence has invaded, and its effects are almost impossible to avoid.

People fear that AI may take their jobs. Students are using AI to write their papers (and teachers are going crazy trying to detect AI use). Experts are both praising and denouncing the potential benefits or negative effects of AI. You can’t do a web search without first seeing AI-generated results, or ask for help on a website without first dealing with AI “agents.”

And AI is now being used all over social media platforms.

It’s being used to create funny memes and fake news. It’s now available to verify “facts” posted on social apps, often providing less reliable information than random posters do. It can be used to control what surfers see in their feeds,

TikTok users, however, can also have fun with AI. More specifically, the app’s AI filters allow content creators to use AI to give themselves any look they’d like, put them into any imaginable situation, or transform themselves into completely different characters.

How do you use TikTok’s AI filters? Read on.

Changing Your TikTok Posts With AI

The app’s AI filters have become so popular that more and more are being added. As you explore the possibilities, you may find options that weren’t available when this article was written.

The basic approach to TikTok’s AI uses the “AI Self” filter.

1. Open the app and tap the “+” button to go to the “Create” screen. Choose “photo” in the menu above the “Record” button.
2. Switch to “Create” in the bottom menu.
3. At the top of the next screen, click “AI self.” (If you want to choose a different AI-generated effect, look for the “AI” option under “Templates” and scroll down to the effect you want to use; there are dozens of alternatives.)
4. The AI will take a photo to use for your generated image. Be sure to have your face centered for the camera, as instructed.
5. Once the photo is done, you’ll see a wealth of choices for your AI template; tap on the one you want to use. You can also tap on “Custom style” at the top and then tell the AI the exact look or situation you want your photo to show.
6. When your choice of template opens (or you’ve entered a custom style), tap “Generate” and you’ll be put into the AI queue. 
7. After a minute or so, your AI-generated photo will appear. You can use the other editing tools available on the screen if desired, or you can move on and upload your AI TikTok post.

TikTok’s “AI Alive” feature, located in the TikTok Stories section, allows you to take a photo and turn it into an AI-generated video determined by the prompts you provide. If you want to create a more full-featured AI video, though, right now you have to use a third-party app to create it and then upload it to the platform.

AI is also used by TikTok to create the narration or voiceovers available in the system’s video editing tools — and behind the scenes, artificial intelligence determines which TikTok content you see in your For You Feed. Expect more robust implementation of AI in the years to come.

TikTok does have a warning for users who choose to use the app’s AI features.

How You Can Get into Trouble Using AI on TikTok

Violating TikTok’s terms and conditions or Community Guidelines can get you penalized or even banned from the platform, and the app does have rules that AI users must adhere to.

Essentially, it comes down to this: realistic-looking AI-generated photos and images must be labeled as AI, and may not:

• Falsely show public figures making an endorsement (or being endorsed by others) or involved in other activities prohibited by TikTok, including bullying and sexual activity.
• Falsely portray supposed authoritative sources or crises.
• Spread misinformation or hate speech.
• Use the likenesses of private figures without their content, or of anyone under the age of 18.

TikTok strongly recommends identifying AI content that you post(meaning that they want you to do it). The app automatically labels AI-generated content created on the app and provides labels and stickers that can be added to AI posts. Including text or graphics indicating that a video or photo was AI-generated also qualifies as a label.

In short, have fun — but be careful!