What is the bob filter prank?+
It's a TikTok trend from August 2026: an AI template converts one photo into a short video showing you cutting your long hair into a blunt, chin-length bob with scissors. People send it to partners or parents for their reaction, or share it with captions like "Pranking my friends with the bob filter".
Where does the bob filter come from?+
From AI templates on CapCut. The first appeared in early August 2026, with the major surge mid-August when clips from creators like @gracielazaihair gained millions of views. Brazil developed its own "trend do cabelo por IA" in early September, and US tutorials titled "Pranking my friends with the bob filter" sustained momentum through October.
How do I do the bob filter prank?+
Click "Create your own", select Haircut video or Bob photo, upload one photo with long hair and hit Generate. Smew AI produces the video or picture and saves it to your Library. No CapCut template or prompt needed.
Is it a real filter? Does anything get cut?+
Nothing is actually cut. The bob filter is an AI-generated video made from a still photo: the scissors, falling hair and finished bob are all computer-generated. That's why you should disclose it's AI when sharing.
Is this the CapCut bob filter?+
No. Smew AI has no connection to CapCut. Our Haircut video is generated by Seedance 2.5 from your photo, using a prompt based on the trend's signature moments, and the Bob photo by Nano Banana 2.1.
Is there a bob filter prompt?+
The CapCut templates are proprietary, and no creator or tutorial we reviewed shares a prompt for the video. So the Haircut video prompt is our creation, crafted from analyzing the trend videos frame by frame. The Bob photo uses the haircut prompt shared during Brazil's AI hair trend: modify the photo preserving the face while changing only the hair, styled as a classic bob, plus rules preserving your hair color and other photo elements.
Can I prank my mom or my boyfriend with it?+
Yes, as a harmless joke with someone who'll find it funny. Send the video or photo, catch their reaction, then quickly explain it's AI. Avoid anyone who might be genuinely upset.
Can I use a photo of my friend?+
Only with your friend's permission. Never use photos of children, celebrities or strangers, and disclose it's AI when posting the output.
Does it work with short hair, or on men?+
The cut requires hair below the chin, flowing over the shoulders. Short hair shows minimal change. Anyone with long hair can use it: the template preserves face, gender and hair color from the photo.
Does the video have sound?+
Yes. The Haircut video includes original audio: scissor snips, a soft gasp and laughter, without music. To share it trend-style, add a trending sound from the template videos on TikTok.
Does the bob filter cost credits?+
Yes. The Bob photo costs a few credits, while the Haircut video costs more as it's a video. The create page shows the exact cost on the Generate button before you commit, and failed runs refund your credits.
Is my photo private?+
Yes. Smew AI never posts your photo or the output anywhere or displays them to other users. The output goes to your private Library, where you can delete it anytime.
Is the bob filter the same as the AI haircut filter?+
Yes. People call it the bob filter, the AI haircut filter or the AI bob haircut. It originated as CapCut templates and spread through TikTok; here you create it from one photo, without CapCut.
What would I look like with a bob? Is there a haircut filter for that?+
Yes. Choose Bob photo, an AI hair transformation that modifies only your hairstyle, like a short hair filter. Requires hair below the chin in your photo.
What is a fake haircut prank?+
A haircut prank where nothing is actually cut: you send a video or photo showing a new bob, and the recipient believes you cut your hair. Reveal it's AI promptly after, and keep it lighthearted.
Can I try the bob filter online, on Snapchat or on Instagram?+
You can try it online here: upload one photo with long hair, and AI generates a haircut video or bob photo. It's not a Snapchat lens or Instagram effect, but you can share the result on Instagram or TikTok.
What captions do people use for the bob filter prank?+
The US tutorials use titles like "Pranking my friends with the bob filter". For your own post, try "Pranking my mom with the bob filter" or "Cutting my hair, AI trend edition".