Not currentBeauty · TikTok + Instagram Reels · US
catfish filter
15 creators in our sample · checked Jul 23 · observed Jul 21–23
Historical observations: Jul 21, 2026 – Jul 23, 2026. The previous receipt is no longer current. Assessment: Jul 23, 2026.
Creators use the “catfish” framing to reveal a makeup transformation or face reveal as if they’re exposing a fake version of themselves. The video usually starts with a heavily glam face, soft filter, or dramatic angle, then cuts to a more natural look or a “before makeup” reveal. Some creators add playful captions like they’ve been caught, making the reveal feel like a joke rather than an actual accusation.
Examples
How to film it
Suggested, not observed- Do a GRWM that ends with a sudden hard cut from no makeup to full glam and the caption “catfish?”
- Film a face reveal using front camera filters for the first half, then switch to unfiltered lighting for the second half.
- Make a split-screen comparison of “what I looked like in the selfie” versus “what I actually looked like in person.”
What we measured
15 distinct creator accounts in the observed sample. Use the examples to decide how this fits your channel.
- Counts are distinct accounts in our nightly sample, not platform totals.
Ideas to try
Suggested, not observed- Funny self-aware beauty creators doing a fake “exposed” reveal instead of a serious transformation edit.
Hashtags
Answers come only from this trend’s verified receipts — if the evidence doesn’t show it, it says so.
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