What Is the "Flip the Camera Trend" on TikTok?

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Trend expert Jemaree Jay explains why this viral TikTok trend is controversial

Co-authored by Jemaree Jay and Bertha Isabel Crombet, PhD

Last Updated: December 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Trend Explained
|
• Why It’s Controversial
|
• Impact of Cyberbulling
|
• Final Takeaways

|Show more |Show less

If you’re on TikTok, you may have stumbled upon the latest trend taking the internet by storm: the “Flip the Camera” trend. As popular as it is, this trend has sparked some controversy among the chronically online masses. So, what exactly is the “Flip the Camera” trend, and why is it so controversial? We talked to trend expert Jemaree Jay to learn all about this TikTok trend and why you may not want to participate.

What is the “flip the camera” trend?

Trend expert Jemaree Jay says that this trend involves a group of friends asking a stranger to film them dancing. Then, one group member clicks on the phone to flip the camera to record the stranger's face. Then, they post the video so others can poke fun. Many users have opposed this trend, calling it cyberbullying.

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Section 1 of 4:

“Flip the Camera” Trend Explained

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1. 
   This trend involves a group of people asking a stranger to film them. Jay explains that in the “flip the camera” trend, “a group of people asks a stranger to record them doing a dance for TikTok.” They ask the stranger to hold the phone with the screen facing forward and the camera backward “so the people dancing can stop midway and flip the camera [so it’s] facing the stranger’s face at an unflattering angle.”

   • The trend emerged on TikTok in October 2025, with @jaycrudddy posting one of the first examples. In the video, he and his friends perform a short dance. Then, one of them approaches the phone and reverses the camera. This captures the reaction of the innocent bystander who agreed to record them.
   • The trending TikToks that followed used the same formula. To take part in this trend, teens ask a classmate or a stranger to film their friend group dancing. Then, one of them flips the camera to record the stranger’s up-close-and-personal reaction.
   • The stranger usually has no idea what is happening and likely believes they’re still recording the friends’ dance moves. Later, the video is uploaded to TikTok so that people in the comments can make fun of the unsuspecting stranger.
   • Users have added their own creative spin to this trend. For example, this TikTok from @nyahhh1230 shows the camera being reversed on the user’s teacher, and this TikTok from @justamandawhere shows the camera being flipped on a family member. However, the most popular version of this trend features teenagers flipping the camera on their classmates, like in this TikTok from @yesimafreaklover.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Jemaree Jay is a trend expert and content creator based in Miami, Florida who uses comedy to explore pop culture and social dynamics. He shares his content on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube under the handle @jemareejay.
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Section 2 of 4:

Why the “Flip the Camera” Trend is Controversial

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1. 
   Many people consider this trend to be cyberbullying. Jay says that the “flip the camera” trend is “controversial and facing criticism at the moment because it’s seen as a form of bullying.” The main goal is to embarrass the unsuspecting person filming. Even worse—the stranger’s face is often posted online without their consent.

   • Jay points out that it’s especially mean-spirited since it frequently targets “strangers or people who are generally not included in [the joke].”
   • The original video posted by @jaycrudddy’s video has over 200K likes, but the comments have been turned off after people started calling the prank cruel.
   • In this TikTok from @hhyy1037, she strongly opposes the trend, explaining why she finds it mean-spirited. She calls it “disgusting” and empathizes with the person filming, who generally seems “sweet” and “introverted.”
   • In this TikTok from @mellodysilvaa, the user tearfully calls the trend “rude” and “so mean.” In this TikTok from @brookemonk_, she acts out both parts of the trend and looks visibly upset after the camera flip.
   • While some users claim that they got consent from the stranger who filmed them to post their faces online, many others don’t.

Section 3 of 4:

The Impact of Cyberbullying on Mental Health

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1. 
   Cyberbullying can cause depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Research shows that cyberbullying can lead to a number of mental health issues, and students are usually the most affected group. Students who are victims of cyberbullying tend to already be suffering from low self-esteem and isolation from their peers. This puts them at risk of developing depression, anxiety, and heightened feelings of shame.

   • For these students, a cyberbully who calls them names, encourages self-harm, or otherwise teases them can leave long-term emotional wounds.
   • Statistics show that about 21% of all bullying is cyberbullying, with girls being twice as likely to be harassed. Girls are also at a higher risk of developing suicidal ideation.
   • School counselors, therapists, and mental health professionals are all instrumental in spreading awareness about the dangers of cyberbullying.
   • Empathy training coupled with exercises like group counseling and role-playing can help prevent cyberbullying. It also provides victims with the tools to heal. Limiting online anonymity may be another deterring factor for cyberbullies.
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Section 4 of 4:

Final Takeaways

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1. 
   Even without ill intent, the “flip the camera” trend can be humiliating. While many users have playfully participated in the trend, the overwhelming online response is that this trend needs to go away. Viewers generally don’t enjoy watching the faces of the people filming once the camera flips. It feels like an invasion of privacy as they have no idea their reactions are being broadcast for views.

   • Turning a stranger’s kindness into content feels icky at best, and exploitative at worst— especially if they don’t even know their face has gone viral.
   • If you or someone you know is being cyberbullied, it’s best to block the person and gather evidence to show to a trusted adult.
   • If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation, call or text the Suicide and Crisis hotline by dialing 988. Call 911 if they seem like they’re an immediate danger to themselves.

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