Halloween
Shadow Swallow video effect
Inky darkness creeps in and swallows the scene. Upload a photo and press Generate.
Free accounts get 3 effects a day, with a small PixelDojo watermark.
What Shadow Swallow does
Black, inky smoke curls in from the edges of the frame and blooms across the room. As it spreads, the light falls away until only your face is lit, glinting at the camera.
Inky darkness creeps in and swallows the scene
Black inky shadows creep in from the edges and swirl around you until only your face is lit in the dark. Waist-up photos work best.
Still looks like you
The video opens on your exact photo, so the face, hair, outfit and surroundings carry through the whole effect.
Ready for spooky season
A costume-free Halloween look for posts, party invites and profile videos. Spooky and fun, never gory.
How to make a Shadow Swallow video
- Upload a photo, or pick one from your library.
- Press Generate. There is no prompt to write; the effect is already set up.
- Your 5 second HD video is ready in a minute or two. Save it to your library or download it.
Tips for the best photo
- Use a waist-up photo with a clear face. The final frames light your face, so avoid sunglasses or hats.
- Mid-toned or light backgrounds make the darkness spread more visibly.
- Stand straight to the camera with your arms down.
Ideas for using it
- A spooky Halloween profile video for a gamer or streamer.
- A teaser for a haunted-house event or party invite.
- A short trick for a horror writer promoting a story.
More effects
Shadow Swallow FAQ
Is it gory?
No. It is playful and moody, with smoke and darkness only.
Will my face stay recognizable?
Yes. Your face remains lit and clear while the room goes dark.
Do I need to write a prompt for Shadow Swallow?
No. Shadow Swallow is a ready-made effect: upload a photo and press Generate. The directions for the motion, camera and lighting are already built in.
How long is the Shadow Swallow video, and how long does it take?
Every effect makes a 5 second HD video that matches the shape of your photo, portrait or landscape. Most are ready in one to three minutes, and you can leave the page while it renders.
Does the video have sound?
Yes. Each clip comes with matching ambient sound effects. It does not add music, so you can lay your own track over it in any editor.
Can I use a photo of someone else?
Only photos of adults, of yourself or of people who agreed to it. Every upload goes through the same safety checks as the rest of PixelDojo.