What optical illusion is causing TikTok users to see celebrity faces as monsters?

The "flashed face distortion effect" is the optical illusion that is causing TikTok users to see celebrity faces as distorted and monstrous.

Who shared the optical illusion on TikTok?

Magician Pete Firman shared the optical illusion on TikTok, describing it as "SO weird."

How does the optical illusion work?

The optical illusion works by causing normal human faces to appear disfigured and out of proportion when they flash in the viewer's peripheral vision, as the brain tries to fill in the blanks.

Home / Science / TikTok Users Stunned by Optical Illusion Distorting Celebrity Faces

TikTok Users Stunned by Optical Illusion Distorting Celebrity Faces

14 Nov

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Summary

TikTok users amazed by optical illusion that distorts celebrity faces
Illusion creates the appearance of disfigured, monstrous features
Magician Pete Firman explains the "flashed face distortion effect"

TikTok Users Stunned by Optical Illusion Distorting Celebrity Faces

On November 14th, 2025, TikTok users were left stunned by an optical illusion that transforms the faces of well-known celebrities into distorted, monstrous appearances. The illusion was shared by magician Pete Firman, who described it as "SO weird."

To experience the effect, viewers are instructed to focus their eyes on a cross between photos of Liv Tyler and Tom Cruise, keeping the images in their peripheral vision. Over the next few seconds, the faces shift to those of Kevin Spacey and Patrick Stewart, and then to Jennifer Lopez and Drew Barrymore. However, something strange then occurs - the features of the celebrities begin to appear disfigured and out of proportion.