TikTok Faces Backlash Over Viral AI ‘Chubby’ Filter Controversy

Recently, an AI-generated filter known as the “Chubby” filter has taken TikTok by storm, generating a substantial amount of controversy and critique. Many users assert that this filter presents a harmful representation of body image and potentially reinforces negative stereotypes about body types.

This filter, developed within the CapCut video-editing app, alters an individual’s appearance to exaggerate weight gain. Although some TikTok users find humor in this trend, a significant number have voiced their concerns, labeling the phenomenon as both insensitive and offensive.

The typical format of these TikTok videos begins with users showcasing their unmodified looks before the filter is applied, resulting in a transformed image that appears “chubbier.” Many participants accompany this visual change with light-hearted commentary about exercising, regretting food choices, or laughing at the results, which often leads to millions of views and aspires to dominate users’ For You Pages.

@dennismccann_
Ffs shouldn’t of had that takeaway last night @Kathleenxrooney on insta 🧡🍒 😳🍕

♬ original sound – Riley2612

The Backlash Against the AI Filter

Despite some defending the trend, insisting that it’s merely a joke, others maintain that this viewpoint downplays its potential harm. One user pointedly asked, “Why is body shaming still a thing in 2025?” while another remarked, “This is so insanely offensive and insensitive. People are literally turning a struggle or an insecurity into a trend.”

Content creators on TikTok have also raised their voices against the use of this filter. For example, user stellasolodventures posted a reflective video enjoying a beach day, addressing the trends with the message, “Nah, just my real life body that you’re taking the mick out of.”

@stellasoloadventures
It’s giving mean girl and it needs to stop ✋ #chubbyfilter #body #bodyconfidence

♬ Father Figure (Featured in ‘Babygirl’) – George Michael

Likewise, another creator, sadiebass16, expressed her frustration: “This is people’s reality, and you’re taking the p*ss out of it. Why have we gone back so many years? Are we going back to the 2000s?”

Critics continue to argue that this trend perpetuates detrimental stereotypes and fosters insecurities, particularly among individuals whose natural body types mirror the exaggerated effects created by the filter.

@sadiebass16
Literally when did we start body shaming again? Why are we going backwards in 2025!!! #chubbyfilter #bodyshaming #bodyimage

♬ original sound – sadiebass

Even with the ongoing backlash, the “chubby” filter alongside a corresponding “skinny” filter continues to rise in popularity, both serving to alter user appearances in controversial ways. This incident is not unique to TikTok; in 2023, the platform also faced criticism for the “Bold Glamour” filter which many creators felt promoted body dysmorphia.

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