How to use the viral gender swap filter on CapCut for fun face swaps in seconds
How to use the viral gender swap filter on CapCut for fun face swaps in seconds
Have you seen those viral videos on TikTok and Instagram where people magically transform into the opposite-gender version of themselves? It's an eye-catching effect that can add a fun, creative element to your social media videos. The good news is, that you don't need fancy desktop software or editing skills to try the gender swap filter effect yourself. In this step-by-step guide, I'll show you how to easily use CapCut's face swap filter to gender-swap your face in just a few taps.
What is the CapCut gender swap filter?
CapCut is a popular free video editing app for iOS and Android devices. One of its standout features is the "Face Swap" filter, which uses artificial intelligence to transform your face into another gender, age, or even a different person's face.
The gender swap filter specifically detects the facial features in your selfie or video clip and intelligently morphs them into a male or female version. For example, it may make your jawline stronger, lips fuller, or eyes wider to switch you from male to female or vice versa. The end result is a fun, convincing face swap that mimics what you'd look like as the opposite gender.
Step 1: Take a good selfie for the filter to work with
The key to making the CapCut gender swap filter look realistic is providing it with a high-quality selfie. This gives the AI filter a clear view of your facial features to transform.
Here are some tips for taking a good swap filter selfie:
- Frame your face in the center and up close. Leave some space above your head but make your face the dominant part of the photo.
- Look directly into the camera lens with a neutral facial expression. No smiling or raised eyebrows.
- Make sure you're in good, even lighting so all your facial features are clearly visible. Natural sunlight near a window is ideal.
- Take the photo at eye level or slightly above. Avoid low angles.
- Use the rear/selfie camera on your phone. It will be of higher resolution than the front camera.
- Make sure your hair is pulled back and no sunglasses are blocking your face.
Taking a crisp, well-lit headshot photo like this gives the filter the details it needs to transform your look convincingly.
Step 2: Import your selfie into CapCut
Open the CapCut app and start a new project. Tap the “Media” button at the bottom and select “Photo” to import your selfie.
Make sure to choose the actual photo from your camera roll, rather than taking a photo directly in the app. The full-resolution image will give you better results.
Tap on your photo after importing it to bring up the editing menu.
Step 3: Apply the gender swap filter
In the editing menu, tap “Filters” at the bottom left.
This will bring up CapCut’s filter library. Tap the “Face” category at the top to browse face filters.
Scroll down until you see the “Face Swap” filters. There will be several variants to choose from:
- Face Swap Female to Male
- Face Swap Male to Female
- Face Swap Age
- Face Swap With Photo (swaps with a photo from your camera roll)
Tap the gender swap filter you want to apply to your selfie. The female-to-male filter will transform your appearance to look more masculine, while the male-to-female filter feminizes your features.
After selecting the filter, you’ll see the swap magic happen! CapCut will automatically transform your face into the opposite-gender version of you.
Step 4: Adjust filter settings to get the best look
CapCut gives you a few settings to adjust to perfect the gender filter effect:
Face Position
If needed, use the X and Y axis controls to adjust the positioning of your swapped face. This ensures your new facial features are centered and aligned correctly.
Face Shape
Slide the bar left or right to change the face shape of your new look. Make the face slightly slimmer, wider, longer etc. until you get a natural effect.
Skin Smoothness
Adjust this to even out skin texture. Subtle smoothing makes the face swap look more authentic.
Confirm Gender
This confirms whether you want a male or female transformation. Useful if the filter misidentifies your starting gender.
Face Expression
Lets you tweak the facial expression from happy, sad, angry, etc. Stick to neutral for the most realistic look.
Play around with these settings until you achieve the most natural, believable gender-bent version of your face. The AI will automatically adjust and render the changes in real-time.
Step 5: Export and share your gender swap video
Once you’re happy with the gender swap effect, tap “Export” at the top right to save your video.
CapCut will process the effect and export a video file to your camera roll. You can then share the gender swap clip on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or any platform you like!
Some creative ways to use your transformed selfie include:
- Fun "Brother/Sister" duet videos with your actual sibling
- "Gender swap challenge" videos inviting your friends to try it
- Before and after transformation reveal videos
- "Day in the life" as the opposite gender videos
- "What I would look like as a guy/girl" comparison posts
The possibilities are endless! Get creative with CapCut's viral gender-bending filter.
Troubleshooting guide
Having issues making the gender swap filter look realistic? Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Problem: The filter isn't detecting your face or only swaps small parts of your face.
Solution: Make sure your entire face is clearly visible in the original photo. Check that hair, hats, or glasses aren't blocking facial features. Get closer and center your face in the shot.
Problem: The new facial features don't align properly, like eyes in weird places.
Solution: Adjust the face position using the X and Y settings. Play with smoothing and shape tools until it looks cohesive.
Problem: The skin texture looks obviously filtered and unnatural.
Solution: Try reducing the skin smoothing amount to soften the skin subtly. Avoid maxing it out.
Problem: Certain facial features still look more masculine/feminine than they should.
Solution: Use the face shape tool to balance out any remaining masculine or feminine traits. Make tweaks until your face looks convincingly swapped.
Problem: The overall effect just doesn't look believable.
Solution: Take a new selfie and make sure it's high-quality. Check for issues like bad lighting, obstructions, or poor framing that could be confusing the filter.
With a few usage tips, you can master the CapCut gender swap filter and fool your friends with your transformed selfies. This viral effect is a fun way to explore your inner male or female self!
