Over the past year, the "crying filter" effect has become a phenomenon on social media, amassing over 50 billion views across platforms. As a leading social media marketing expert, I‘ve done extensive research into this viral trend to uncover why it resonates so strongly and how you can use the effect for your own content.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep on everything you need to know about attaining and applying crying filters for Snapchat and TikTok.
Why the Crying Filter Went Mega-Viral
To understand why the crying filter took off, we need to examine the social psychology behind its appeal:
As the above data indicates, content that elicits high empathy receives greater engagement. Seeing tears triggers our innate empathetic reaction, making us literally feel along with the crying individual.
Simultaneously, applying such an emotional display to unexpected or silly situations creates surprise and absurd humor. This discrepancy activates feelings of joy and amusement.
So content creators have expertly combined serious emotion with playful scenarios, generating that compelling blend of empathy and humor.
Additionally, behind the laughter lies cathartic connection. Crying remains universal – we all do it – so exaggerated digital tears form an odd bond.
This trifecta of empathy, humor, and connection made the crying filter a social media perfect storm.
Now let‘s examine how to access those viral tears yourself!
Acquiring the Iconic Snapchat Crying Lens
While TikTok may rule the crying filter game now, the iconic effect originated on Snapchat over 5 years ago.
To attain Snapchat‘s legendary crying lens:
- Open Snapchat and access the camera.
- Select the emoji icon to open available lenses.
- Choose "Explore" to browse additional lenses.
- In the search bar, type "crying" and select the aptly named "Crying" lens.
Demonstrating Snapchat‘s "Crying" Lens
As covered later, this lens provides the most iconic digital tears for optimal crossover viral potential between platforms.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Getting Snapchat‘s Crying Lens
Now let‘s explore the more robust crying filter offerings on TikTok.
Getting TikTok‘s Famous "Crying Eyes" Filter
After the crying filter exploded in popularity on TikTok over the past year, numerous variations emerged. But one effect stands above the rest in views and usage – the aptly titled "Crying Eyes."
To access this ultra-viral filter:
- Tap the create (+) button to open the video editor.
- Select "Effects" at the bottom of the screen.
- Search for "crying" in the effect search bar.
- Choose the "Crying Eyes" effect from the results.
As evidenced below, this iconic TikTok crying filter produces almost surreally large tears streaming down the cheeks. The amplified impact drives higher engagement and views:
Example Usage of TikTok‘s "Crying Eyes" Filter
For many, this filter defined the social media crying trend. Its prominence directly links to TikTok‘s rise as the top platform for viral crying content.
Comparing Snapchat vs. TikTok Crying Filters
Now that we‘ve unlocked tears on both apps, how do their offerings compare?
Snapchat provides the original crying lens that inspired TikTok‘s iteration. However, TikTok offers more filter varieties from different creators.
The effects also differ visually:
| Metric | Snapchat | TikTok |
|---|---|---|
| Tear Quantity | Moderate | Very High |
| Realism | Higher | Exaggerated |
| Recognition | Iconic | Widely Used |
Generally, TikTok filters skew more dramatic and absured, while Snapchat provides a touch more realism.
But the iconic Snapshot lens still remains widely recognizable, frequently replicated, and drives cross-app viral potential.
Maximizing Your Crying Filter Content
Now for the fun part – using these viral filters to create engaging social content!
Based on the emotional psychology behind their appeal, the key lies in applying filters to funny situations or cathartic moments viewers deeply connect with.
Some top-performing crying lens content formats include:
- Lip syncing to emotional audios
- Reacting to sentimental videos
- Crying meme skits poking fun at life problems
- Ironic situations like crying over minor issues
- Participating in cry-focused TikTok trends
Additionally, get creative with angles, cinematography, editing, captions, and sound design to take your crying clips up a notch. Zooming and close-ups tend to perform very well.
Review trending formats, borrow video ideas, put your own spin on them, and most importantly, don‘t be afraid to get silly! Situational humor reigns supreme in crying filter content.
Examples of Top-Performing Crying Filter Video Formats
So grab those digital tears and start taping! Leverage empathy, humor, and catharsis for maximum viral potential.
Future Emotional Filters
While predicting future viral trends proves notoriously difficult, emotional filters show no sign of slowing down.
If recent trends continue, we may see even more extreme effects testing the boundaries of emotional exaggeration. Absurdity appears endlessly entertaining when blended with human connection.
Additionally, augmented reality (AR) offers new opportunities for enhanced realism in facial emotional expressions. Imagine digitally imposed winces, grimaces, frowns, shouts and more!
As social media marketing consultants, our team constantly analyzes shifts in viral emotional content. We‘ll be sure to keep you updated on future viral emotional filters and best practices for capitalizing on them in your social strategy!
Final Takeaways
- The crying filter blends empathy, humor, and catharsis driving mega-virality
- Both Snapchat and TikTok offer iconic crying lenses
- Apply filters to funny situations or emotional moments
- Get creative with angles, edits, captions, and sounds
- The future looks bright for even more absurd emo-filters!
We hope this guide offered ample insights and instructions for accessing the beloved crying filters and using them effectively in your content. What emotions will you digitally conjure first? Happy fake crying!
