TikTok Called Out for AI ‘Chubby Filter’ Videos Over Potential Body Negativity

An AI filter used on videos uploaded to TikTok that allows users to post videos or images of themselves and others as if they gained weight is increasing in popularity even as criticism and calls for it to be removed continue to grow.

The so-called “chubby filter” has been used on an undetermined number of videos using CapCut, an app owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance that offers video templates. But there have also been new videos generated criticizing the trend and asking TikTok to remove the filter (even though it’s not available as a filter option on TikTok) because it may be damaging to people’s body images, especially teenagers.

Media outlets are also taking notice. The Cut and the BBC have warned readers about the filter, and a writer for Cosmopolitan UK called out the technology, saying, “with filters like this popping up, it seems like the fight against body shaming is still on.” 

A spokesperson for TikTok told CNET that the CapCut template has already been removed from the video-editing app and that TikTok is not recommending videos using the filter or displaying the videos to users who are identified as teens.

Searching for the filter now generates a disclaimer at the top of the search results that reads, “You are more than your weight. If you or someone you know has questions about body image, food, or exercise — it is important to know that help is out there and you are not alone. If you feel comfortable, you can confide in someone you trust or check out the resources below. Please remember to take care of yourselves and each other.”

The disclaimer links to TikTok’s Safety Center resource page and a website to find local service providers who can help.