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TIKTOK is known for its strange and surreal trends, but the AI hugging trend is one of the most heartwarming crazes to hit the platform.

Users have been sharing AI videos of themselves hugging pets or loved ones who have passed away. But how does the trend work?

Users put two photos together to make them hug
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Users put two photos together to make them hugCredit: TikTok
AI then animates the picture so the two people embrace
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AI then animates the picture so the two people embraceCredit: TikTok

What is the TikTok hugging trend?

TikTokers have been sharing videos of them hugging loved ones, using pictures that have been animated by artificial intelligence.

The trend is meant to show loved ones how appreciated they are.

Some users have even created videos of them hugging their younger selves, in an effort to encourage self-love.

AI is regularly used on TikTok, which has caused concerns about trends involving "deepfakes".

Deepfakes are where AI has been used to generate videos that misrepresent something that someone has said or done.

For example, Elon Musk created a deepfake that depicted Kamala Harris acting out of character at a campaign rally.

Elon Musk drew criticism online after creating a "deepfake" of Kamala Harris
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Elon Musk drew criticism online after creating a ";deepfake" of Kamala HarrisCredit: Getty Images

Why is the TikTok AI hugging trend so popular?

The AI trend has been racking up millions of views on TikTok, across countries all over the world.

Many social media users have shared that it is a reminder for them to hug and appreciate loved ones that are still with them.

Other users have shared that it is a new way to see themselves beside loved ones who have passed away.

TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms
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TikTok is one of the most popular social media platformsCredit: Getty Images

How can you do the TikTok AI hugging trend?

Taking part in the TikTok trend is surprisingly easy and doesn't require you to have an advance knowledge of artificial intelligence.

All you need to do is find a picture of yourself and a picture of your loved one.

Then, insert the two pictures into a template that puts them side-by-side

An easy way to find a template is to use Instagram.

Then, upload the template to Luma AI's website and give it the prompt that you want to "make them hug".

The AI video website will whip up a video of the pictures hugging within minutes, which you can download and post on TikTok.

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