Effect Design Intern (TikTok-Design) - 2027 Summer

About the role

TikTok Design Team provides first-class user experience for hundreds of millions of users worldwide, helping them create and express better, discover the diversity and beauty of the world, break down barriers, and build bridges between people. We are an international team of Product Designers, Creative Designers, Visual Designers, Content Designers, and Localization Experts working together to make every impossible possible.

Our internship program offers students hands-on experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while building a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. Interns will gain practical experience, explore potential career paths, and participate in social events, learning programs, and development workshops alongside industry professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead effect concepting and design for TikTok’s short-video and live streaming products, including dynamic typography, transitions, on-screen effects, filters, beautification, and retouching.
• Co-create effect product solutions with Product, Engineering, and Operations teams—translate creative concepts into feasible designs and follow through development, testing, and launch to ensure fidelity.
• Proactively identify emerging short-video trends, visual styles, and effect mechanics; actively participate in brainstorming sessions and drive high-quality proposals to execution.
• Monitor user feedback and performance data; iterate on effects based on user needs and market shifts.
• Integrate AIGC tools into daily workflows, leveraging AI capabilities to define and explore new effect features, and optimize effect toolchains.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing an Undergraduate or Master's degree in Arts, Design, HCI, Psychology, or a related discipline.
• Strong aesthetic sensibility with solid design fundamentals; proficiency in AE, C4D, Photoshop, and other design/video post-production tools, with proven animation and effect design abilities.
• Keen awareness of industry trends and AI advancements, with a sharp eye for post-production, visual styles, and motion design.
• Self-motivated, hands-on, and learning-oriented, with a habit of reflection and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, optimistic, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about motion design, intellectually curious, with a global perspective.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong portfolio of effects/motion design projects (AI-integrated work is a plus).
• Proficiency in AI tools such as Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, or ComfyUI; experience with LoRA training or workflow building.
• Additional skills in illustration, 3D, or motion graphics.

Pay

The hourly rate range for this internship position is $30–$30.

Benefits

• Day-one access to health insurance, life insurance, and wellbeing benefits.
• 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in the first half of the year, 40 if hired in the second half).
• Eligibility for housing allowance (for interns not working 100% remote).

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, with additional offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

We strive to create an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people globally, and so does our workplace. We are committed to celebrating diverse voices and creating an environment that reflects the communities we reach.