Are Face Swapping Apps Safe?
Face swap apps might be tons of fun, but are they safe? Following the Russian app FaceApp’s meteoric surge in popularity in recent years (first with its aging filter, then the gender-swapping one), questions regarding what the app was doing with all the information it collected quickly surfaced. Moreover, people wanted to know who had access to all the data and how could their personal information be deleted? Concerns were raised that the Russian application may be using the uploaded images to train facial recognition AI. Yaroslav Goncharov, FaceApp’s CEO, defended his app, saying the app only uploads photos that were selected by a user for editing, but most of these images are deleted from the servers within 48 hours. He also denied rumors that accused the app of exploiting data with malicious intent, such as sharing it with the Russian government, and said users are free to request that their data be deleted from FaceApp servers. The bottom line is this: the general consensus among experts is that FaceApp’s current privacy policy is largely reassuring, and the dangers of installing and using the app aren’t that great. The same mantra be extended to all apps we’ve included on the list.
1. Reface
Price: Free / $2.99 per week Reface (Android | iOS) is a great face swapping app that has tons of content to offer. It allows you to insert your face into almost anything from movie posters and vintage photographs to memes and GIFs. It’s all done very realistically, too, so you’ll be certain to surprise your friends. All you have to do to start using the app is take a selfie and upload it. Ever wanted to see how you’d look like with a wild African hairdo? This app can satisfy your curiosity. The only problem is that Reface is only free to use for three days, after which you’ll need to pay if you want to keep using the app. The Pro version unlocks the ability to upload your own videos, doesn’t have ads, and has new content every day. Privacy: facial features remain stored on the app’s servers for a maximum of 30 days. However, the data that would make users identifiable is stored only 24 hours after editing occurs in the app. Reface also includes the option to “Erase my personal data.”
2. Snapchat
Price: Free Snapchat (Android | iOS) is one of the original apps to offer this feature. The app is well known for allowing you to superimpose various filters on your face while taking a selfie. To start using the face swapping filter, you’ll need to search for it using the magnifying glass icon located in the upper-left corner right next to your profile photo. Look for “face swap,” and you’ll get various options to choose from. The most popular one (showed at the very top), lets you take a selfie with someone and instantly make the swap between the two faces. The next one in line uses any face pics you might have in your gallery and applies them on your visage. It’s a fun way to swap faces with friends who aren’t in the same room with you or with celebrities. If you want even more face filters, Snapchat offers a wide collection that allows you to enhance yourself. Privacy: according to the service’s privacy page, Snapchat servers are designed to automatically delete all unopened Snaps after 30 days.
3. FaceApp
Price: Free / $5.85 FaceApp (Android | iOS) needs no introduction, but if it’s your first time using it, then you’ll find the app offers a rich collection of filters on top of the ones that already made it famous. This is not a typical face swiping app in the sense that you swipe your face with another person’s. Instead, FaceApp lets you get makeovers via filters. It’s basically like getting a new face, but not exactly. The app does its magic using your selfies as a blueprint so that you can see how you’d look with a beard, bangs or a different hair color. There’s a library of celebrity pics as well, so you can have some additional fun. Many of the filters, however, are locked behind a paywall, so in order to take advantage of what the app has to offer in full, you’ll have to swipe your card.
4. B612
Price: Free B612 (Android | iOS) is mainly a filter and editing app that can help you take great selfies. It also comes with a face swap option which works pretty well. To gain access to it, you need to go to the “Effects” tab and tap on the FaceSwap icon. Unlike some of the apps in this post, however, this one works in real time, so you need to frame two people in the shot for it to work. If you’re looking for something more creative than that, we suggest that you take up one of the other options on this list. But if you just want to do a quick face swap with your friends for giggles, this app may be just what you need. On top of that, B612 includes a comprehensive beauty mode, which basically lets you sculpt and adjust your facial features however you’d like. Privacy: the app’s privacy policy doesn’t specifically state anything about deleting your data from its servers. Instead, it warns that if you deactivate your account, you should also delete the application, but note they may retain your information as required by law and for business purposes.
5. Cupace
Price: Free Cupace (Android) is an app with a more on-hands approach to face swapping. You don’t get to choose from a library of preset filters – instead, you get to make your own collage using the image gallery. The app lets you easily cut out faces from photos, then paste them on top of other images. There’s also a magnifying glass option, which lets you cut images more precisely. Once you’ve made your creation, you can add a funny caption or a sticker to enhance the comedic effect. Privacy: Cupace states on its own privacy page that it does not collect any personally identifiable user information for the purpose of the app.
6. FacePlay
Price: Free / $2.49 per week FacePlay (Android | iOS) is an interesting app that lets you superimpose your face (or anyone’s you have a picture of, really) on videos. The results are quite realistic, and at times, even borderline eerie, to be honest. If you’re curious to see how you’d look like in an geisha-inspired outfit, this is the app for you. FacePlay comes with a three-day free trial, after which you’ll need to switch to the paid version if you want to keep using it. If you decide to pay, you’ll have access to the app’s full library of videos, and it will also eliminate ads. With a free account, you’re only allowed to face swap eight times a day, so if you crave more, buying a subscription is probably worth it. Privacy: the app promises that after the synthesis process is completed, your pictures will be deleted immediately.
7. Jiggy
Price: Free / $0.99 Jiggy (Android | iOS) is another easy-to-use app which puts your face in funny GIFs and stickers. Just upload a bunch of images of yourself, then browse Jiggy’s gallery until you find a GIF you like. Next, select a pic of yourself and use it on the GIF. That’s it, you’re done. The results are quite hilarious, but Jiggy’s library is not as extensive compared to the other apps in this list – at least not at this point. The app also offers a paid subscription, which features unlimited access, and removes watermarks from GIFs as well as all the annoying ads. Privacy: Jiggy’s privacy page claims it will not share your information with third-parties.
8. FaceMagic
Price: Free / $11.99 per month FaceMagic (Android | iOS) is another app that allows you to swap your face into videos. It works pretty much like the other ones in this list. You upload your selfies, then select which videos (or photos) you want to paste your face in. The results are pretty good, although close-ups are a bit of a tricky business. The app also includes a multiple swap feature so that you can be in same video with a friend or colleague. Like the other apps on this list, you can use FaceMagic for free for up to three days, during which you have access to a limited part of the library. Once the trial expires, you can switch to Pro and unlock access to everything, get unlimited swaps, and remove watermarks and ads. The app has a rich database, so paying the subscription may be something you want to do. Privacy: FaceMagic notes that the photos with faces are deleted automatically once the new video is generated.
9. Reflect
Price: starting from $2.49/week This app (iOS) used to be available for Android, too, but currently you can only find it in the Apple App Store. According to the creators of the app, Reflect does not simply copy and paste a face from one picture to another. Instead, its system analyzes a face and saves all the emotions on an individual, swapping the face with realistic precision. Reflect includes an extensive library of images you can swipe your face into, including pics of celebrities, works of art, movies, and memes. You’ll have a blast becoming everyone you ever wanted to, including the Mona Lisa, the Night King and many others. Privacy: the official website is currently not functional.
1. Can face swap apps become dangerous?
AI-generated deepfakes videos are getting more realistic and convincing, to the point that we may reach a stage where we won’t be able to tell a real one from a fake one. This is why we encourage you to start cultivating a higher level of awareness when it comes to sharing your personal images/videos online. Anyone with a deepfake app can download your media and use them to create realistic deepfakes. Always use caution when uploading content online, and start protecting your social media accounts. You can find more information on how to do that on Facebook by reading our article on the matter. At the same time, knowing the signs of a deepfake is also important, which is why you should probably also educate yourself regarding the subtle clues that can give a deepfake away.
2. I used a face swapping app but am not happy with the result. What’s next?
Some apps are better than others at swapping faces, so if you’re not particularly satisfied with one, you can always try another. Alternatively, try putting your face in all kinds of pics and videos. Close-ups are particularly difficult to do in video face swap apps, especially if you’ve uploaded a low-res image of yourself. Try using a clearer picture or one that may be better suited for the angle at which the clip is shot. Face swapping apps are a great source of entertainment. If you’re looking to keep the fun atmosphere in your friends group, check out our list of the best sites to play online board games with friends or get up to speed on how to enhance your Netflix viewing for an incredibly improved experience the next time you put your favorite show on.
