The Brief: The Time Warp Scan TikTok feature allows users to create videos and images with a staggered time-lapse effect.
DEEP DIVE
TikTok creators are using the Time Warp Scan Effect to make funny faces and creative image distortions. The effect adds a horizontal or vertical line that move slowly down or across the screen. When the line moves, it captures images as they are when the line is over it. At the end of each video, the effect features a still image of all the frames.
At the time of writing, over 812,000 videos using the effect have been posted to TikTok. The hashtag #TimeWarpScan was featured on TikTok’s discover page with over 2.7 billion associated views.
One popular video trend with this effect has people making it look like they’re smoking a pen or pencil, with varied outcomes.
@1m4p13ce0fsh1ttt #stitch with @you_taste_purple mom distracted me 👩🦯👩🦯
@urdr3amg0thbf I literally give up
In other videos, people open their eyes wide at the top for a strange-looking face.
@jamescharles I don’t think I did it right
Stars including Loren Gray, Noen Eubanks, and James Charles have tried the effect.
@lorengray HAHHA WHAT
@noeneubanks how do people do this and look pretty? I LOOK LIKE A MONSTER
TikTokers are also using the effect on their pets. Here’s a very long boy, aka “glizzy dog:”
@tollylarson6 Glizzy Dog #fyp
Another one:
@itsasmallterworld longest frown in the world ☹️ #brusselsgriffon #timewarpscan
What it’d look like to fight yourself:
@thewyen_ Wish I could square up with myself 😢
This TikToker uses the effect to make flags out of Among Us characters:
@catfish.hotline Reply to @i.am.alyne #TimeWarpScan
♬ CHROMANCE – Wrap Me In Plastic (Saucy Remix) – Grant Schaffer