I’m not one to dive into conspiracy theories, but this is one that can’t be ignored. The spooky and paranormal side of TikTok is so fascinating to me, and it keeps me entertained.
TikTok has an effect known as the brush tool. It actually comes in several different options. In the effect with the red and blue border, there are images between the bands. And we’re not talking about innocent image. These images are just plain weird.
Since we’re talking about TikTok, check out my profile and follow me at @thespookystuff!
What is the TikTok Brush Effect?
The brush effect allows users to draw a 3D shape around them using AR. The effect adds a virtual 3D line that you draw with your finger on your phone’s screen. If you want to try the effect out for yourself, it will either be under “Trending” or “World.” You can see a step-by-step process in my YouTube video.
There are several different options for the Brush Effect, and you want to choose the one with the blue and red border. It seems that the other options don’t have these creepy photos in between the bands.
The Conspiracy Theory
From the basic research I’ve done through my own TikTok experiments and looking at other videos, they really remind me of Google Earth images. One of my followers said that the images were screenshots taken from other TikTok videos. I’m actually on board with this theory if there are sources to support it.
However, if this is the case, why is TikTok only pulling the creepiest images? They sort of look like they’re from abandoned places. But other images look like they were taken from dark and desolate rooms. Let’s check out these examples:
Another guy caught an image of what he thought were three people in a room.
Others have seen a psychedelic painting on the wall that they think looks like a creepy clown.
A Disturbing Theory
One of my other commenters wondered whether or not these were Easter eggs of child trafficking like the perpetrators are playing some sick game with TikTok users. This one…I have a hard time accepting because it’s just too disturbing, and it’s a little too “conspiracy theory” for me. But, I know there are people who believe TikTok is somehow involved in this, but there isn’t a lot of evidence to support it.
Experimenting With the Brush
If you watch the video, you’ll see my own attempts at trying out the brush effect. I keep seeing the same image, which looks like a tunnel. I’ve drawn different variations of the brush so I can get a better look. I either see someone crouched down with their hands on their face or a plague mask. It’s definitely me reading this through pareidolia and my mind is trying to make sense of the blurry images.
Should You Try the Brush Effect?
If you decide to try out the brush effect for yourself, definitely keep an open mind, but try to stay rational and don’t go off the deep end in the world of conspiracy theories. There is likely a logical explanation for these strange images in the effect. But I don’t know if we’ll have the answers anytime soon.