The TikTok “Moon” Trend: What It Is, How To Do It

Throughout history, people have believed that there’s a connection between the moon and love. It’s said to have originated with ancient myths that linked “Moon Goddesses” with fertility, beauty, and romance, and to have been reinforced by a perceived similarity between the moon’s cycles and the common “waxing and waning” of love and relationships.

Add to that the moon’s gentle light that’s often associated with peace and romance (not to mention the many songs connecting the moon’s glow with romantic love), and you have a connection that’s lasted for thousands of years.

But what does that have to do with TikTok?

The TikTok “Moon” Trend

The social media platform introduced a “moon phase test” video filter in 2022. It allows users to compare the phase of the moon on the day they were born with the moon phase of a romantic interest. If the two moons “align” to become a perfect fit, that supposedly means that the two people are soulmates destined for a successful relationship.

For some reason, TikTok videos featuring the moon phase test started trending the following year. Users have created more than 16 million TikTok posts utilizing the filter — and not just to see if they and their significant others are soulmates. Many have compared their birth moon with that of family members, friends, and even their dogs or cats.

There’s no scientific evidence that phases of the moon have any association with a couple’s compatibility, of course, but that doesn’t make the moon phase test any less fun to play with. If you’re so inclined, here’s how it works.

Joining In on the TikTok Moon Trend

There are thousands of filters and effects on TikTok, and finding the one you’re interested in can be difficult and time-consuming. It’s simpler to just search for the filter and add it to your favorites.

1. Tap the Search icon (a magnifying glass) on the top of the TikTok home page.
2. Type “moon phase test filter” into the search bar and start the search.
3. At the top of the search results, “Moon Phase Test” will be listed under “Effects.” Click on the camera icon next to the name, and the filter will appear full-screen.
4. You’ll see two calendars on the screen; adjust them to display the two birthdates that you want to compare.
5. Tap the “?” icon at the bottom of the screen, and you’ll see the two moons approaching and — hopefully — lining up.
6. If you want to upload the result as a TikTok video, tap “Next” and then “Post.”

Even though there’s no proof that the moon phase test has any validity, there’s no reason you can’t have a good time with it. You might even be able to convince a romantic interest on the app that a relationship is simply “meant to be.”