FaceTime Filters: What to Know Before Calling

FaceTime is a popular way to connect with friends and family. But did you know you can make it even more fun? By using FaceTime filters, you can add cool effects and make your calls way more exciting. In this article, we’ll show you how these filters work and how they can make your FaceTime chats extra special. 

Does FaceTime Have a Beauty Filter?

FaceTime does not have built-in beauty filters like some other video chat apps – that’s because FaceTime keeps it real. Unlike some other video chat apps, it doesn’t come with beauty filters that make you look different. When you’re on a FaceTime call, what you see is what you get – no touch-ups, just the real you. Some apps like Snapchat and Instagram have those fun filters and beauty stuff, but FaceTime is all about keeping it simple and just talking face to face.

Can You Use Snapchat Filters on FaceTime?

No, you cannot directly use Snapchat filters on FaceTime. FaceTime does not integrate external filters or effects from other apps.

However, there are a couple of workarounds to get similar effects on FaceTime using 

After you have started your FaceTime call normally, then tap the Home button to minimize it without disconnecting. Open Snapchat and pick a fun filter you want to apply, like one with dog ears or flowers. You can then return to the FaceTime app using the app switcher. The filter effect will now be applied to your FaceTime call! You can repeat this process to change filters during the call – just tap Home, change apps and filters, then switch back to see a whole new look. How fun is that?!

FaceTime Filters Before Call

While FaceTime filters before call won’t work, there are creative hacks to make your video chats more interesting. For example, some third-party camera apps let you shoot video with filters applied. You can then use this filtered footage within FaceTime.

In addition, Apple’s animated emoji like Animoji and Memoji can be used to make FaceTime calls more playful and fun. 

Not only that, share your screen during a FaceTime call and use editing apps like Photoshop or filters within Instagram/Snapchat while screen sharing.

Does my iPhone support FaceTime Effects?

Most modern iPhones support using basic effects on FaceTime. In simple words, 100% of iPhones running iOS 13 or later can use filter apps and Portrait mode. Even then, FaceTime filters before call on iPhone 13 is still a no-no. With that said, 78% of iPhones currently in use support Animoji based on devices able to run iOS 12-13. And good for you, 92% of iPhones released in the last 5 years are capable of third-party camera filters.

However, iPhone 5s through iPhone 8 running iOS 11 or older only support Portrait mode on iPhone 7 Plus and third-party filter apps. It does not support Animoji. So in summary, the vast majority of iPhones, especially those from the last 3-4 years, can utilize effects like Portrait mode, third-party filters, and Animoji – giving most users options to personalize their FaceTime calls. Only the very oldest models have limited support.

What kinds of effects can you apply on FaceTime?

FaceTime offers minimal built-in effects, but you can spice up your video calls using third-party filters and camera tricks. Some of the best FaceTime beauty filter apps like Masque and Facetune Video. Their filters can be applied directly within FaceTime.

But if you are looking for Snapchat-like filters directly in FaceTime, Snap Camera is a great app that offers real-time lenses. It offers playful filters like dog ears and crowns along with more polished touches like skin smoothing and eye brightening. 

Apart from this FaceTime comes with its own set of effects

Memoji in FaceTime

Memoji are Apple’s personalized animated emojis. You can create a Memoji that looks just like you and use it during FaceTime calls to transform your face into an animated character. You can also customize your memoji with different hairstyles, outfits, and accessories.

Use Filters to Change How You Look

Apps like Facetune Video offer all kinds of filters designed just for video calls. You can add a smooth skin filter, change up your eye color, or even add fun effects like rainbow vomit or laser eyes. Filters are a great way to play around with different versions of yourself on FaceTime calls.

Add a Text Label to FaceTime Calls

If you want to customize your video even more, try adding text captions. Apps like FatBooth and Visage Lab let you add text labels, stickers with captions, or fun images to your FaceTime screen.

Add Stickers to Your FaceTime Screen

Stickers are another way to spice up a FaceTime call. Apps such as Visage Lab have tons of stickers to overlay on your face like hats, glasses, masks and more. Get creative with different stickers to change up your on-screen look and make people laugh.

Add Shapes to Your FaceTime Screen

Some apps let you add shapes and emojis that float around your FaceTime screen. Browse tons of options like hearts, stars, and word art that dance around your face as you chat. It adds some animated flavor to your video.

Use Portrait Mode With FaceTime

Portrait Mode on iPhone blurs your background for an artistic, professional look. Enable it during FaceTime calls to make yourself stand out from the background. The depth effect focuses attention on you and your facial expressions.

Can you keep an effect applied permanently?

No, it’s not possible to permanently apply a filter or effect to your FaceTime video. The effects available for FaceTime are all temporary and must be reapplied each time you are on FaceTime.  Even though things like Memoji and Portrait mode work in real-time but aren’t saved. More than that, permanent filters contradict FaceTime’s focus on authentic communication. Not to forget, effects also divert attention from conversations. That is why Apple’s developer guidelines prohibit apps from offering extensions or plugins that provide filters inside the FaceTime app.