The "time warp scan" effect has enthralled TikTok audiences, warping reality in videos that have amassed over 16.8 billion views. While highly popular, actually finding the iconic effect to use can prove difficult.
In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll unlock insider tricks for accessing, optimizing, and uniquely applying time warp scan on both TikTok and Instagram. Soon, you too can master this viral video tool like an influencer!
Dissecting a Phenomenon: Why Time Warp Scan Dazzled Audiences
But first, let‘s break down why this one augmented reality effect captivated so many fans when numerous options exist:
The Science Behind the Memes
Human brains are hardwired to prioritize faces as critical identity markers. So when time warp scan comically distorted facial features in unexpected ways, our neural circuitry lit up!
As social psychologist Dr. Karen Sagun explains, "There‘s an inherent joy in seeing the familiar look unpredictable. It catches us off-guard but in a pleasant, absurd way. Laughing literally stimulates our reward centers."
So time warp scan hijacked our own face recognition systems to produce cognitive delight through funhouse warping.
Feeding the Algorithm Gods
Additionally, the effect operated like camouflage – concealing and revealing objects or scenes. This created anticipation and a hunger for ‘what happens next!‘.
TikTok‘s FYP algorithm promotes that tantalizing partial information, desiring you press play to satisfy your curiosity. So time warp scan‘s structure played directly into optimized engagement.
Memetic Transformation
Finally, as memes do, the effect took on meaning separate from its functional Purpose. The blue line itself indiciated something silly approaching.
Comedian Vick Verga explains, "Just flashing that line prepared audiences to expect ridiculousness. It became visual shorthand for ‘here comes a warp!‘" No surprise or humor required.
So through behavioral psychology and cultural context, time warp scan tapped the zeitgeist to deliver 16 billion laughs. Pretty innovative for AR! Now let‘s breakdown tips to utilize that power for yourself.
Step 1: Find Time Warp Scan on TikTok
TikTok has simplified access after noticing the trend explode:
- Open TikTok and tap the discover/search icon on bottom
- Type "time warp scan" in the search bar
- Select the first effect under "Effects" labeled TikTok official
- Heart/favorite it so it will be saved to your defaults
And that‘s it! The blue line awaits your command.
Pro Tip: Open your favorites via the effects tray in-camera to reuse without re-searching!
Troubleshooting Issues Accessing the Effect
If for some reason that official effect disappears or errors, try these fixes:
- Reboot the TikTok app and retry
- Ensure your app and phone OS are fully updated
- Google the effect name for media coverage detailing latest access info
- Inverse search by starting with popular example videos using it
Worst case, jump over to Instagram‘s vast effect library. TikTok trends start somewhere!
Step 2: Strategically Apply Time Warp Scan
Now for the fun part – getting creative! Avoid just rehashing what‘s been done. Win the algorithm and audiences by putting a novel spin, playing into people‘s predictive expectations.
Lead With Curiosity & Humor
Comedian Vick Verga viral TikTok beautifully demonstrates this principle using a scroll-stopping caption:
"When the edibles finally hit" 😳
We expect something trippy is imminent. That tension and anticipation skyrocketed engagement.
@vickverga
When the edibles finally hit 😳 #fyp #foryou #viral #timewarpscan
♬ original sound – Vick Verga
Remix With Other Tools
Leverage editing apps to splice together clips, captions, images, warp scans and more for maximum novelty. Short-form social media provides endlessly iterativity.
Here fitness influencer @gainwithcammie promotes her sponsor cleverly by "transforming" into the product mascot using time warp scans stitched together via Jumpcut.
@gainwithcammie
Magic powder to the rescue! @womenbesties #GetStrongchallenge #timewarpscan
♬ M to the B – Millie B
Progress A Theme
You can also string various warp scans into a continuous story or message.
For example, TikToker @kallmekris built an entire music video with scans unveiling new lyrics line-by-line. Cryptic at first, soon the words assemble into her song release announcement. Viral!
@kallmekris
Wanna hear the new song? 👀 #time #timewarp #timewarpscan
♬ original sound – Tik Toker
Attribute Creators
As with any effect or filter, crediting original creators boosts karma. The core time warp scan AR experience originated from Indonesian company Realroot; specifically creators @asepxxi, @mhaikkal, and @reyrnoldm.
So be sure to tag or mention them in your captions if you use their specific effect! Success never happens solo. Appreciate those who paved the way. 🙏
Step 3: Retrieve Time Warp On Instagram
Say the version on TikTok stops functioning. Instagram offers a bigger ocean of effects, with time warp scan definitely swimming amongst them.
- Open Instagram app, swipe left on your feed to access stories camera
- Scroll alllll the way right in effects tray, select "Browse Effects" option
- Search for the words "time warp scan"
- Pick effect by creator @asepxxi (under realroot)
- Record and save your video to camera roll
- Upload to TikTok as usual!
So whenever your desired effect gets discontinued or difficult to find elsewhere, check if someone already recreated it via Instagram‘s AR library!
Stage Your Own Time Warp
Trend inception begins with novelty. While time warp scan first achieved virality by happenstance in Indonesia, its global spotlight shows the power of unexpected cognitive joy.
Warp opportunity awaits. Harness behavioral psychology and algorithm patterns to craft the next sensation! Just ensure your content stays compliant and consensual. 😇
Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have some facial distortions to apply…for research purposes only of course!
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