How to Create a Trippy Glow Effect in After Effects

Introduction

Trippy glow effects are great for music videos, experimental visuals, and psychedelic motion designs. In After Effects, you can create this look using a combination of built-in effects—no plugins required. This tutorial shows you how to stack and adjust effects to achieve a vibrant, surreal glow style.

Step 1: Import Your Video

Go to File → Import → File and select your video. Drag the video onto the timeline to create a new composition.

Step 2: Increase Brightness and Contrast

From the Effects & Presets panel, add Brightness & Contrast. Set:

Brightness: 70 – 100
Contrast: 60

This helps intensify highlights for the glow effect.

Step 3: Add CC Lens

Add the CC Lens effect from the Effects & Presets panel. Set:

Size: 190

This creates subtle lens distortion for a trippy look. Step 4: Apply Turbulent Displace

Add Turbulent Displace. Set:

Amount: 8

This introduces organic distortion and movement.

Step 5: Add Radial Blur

Add Radial Blur. Set:

Type: Zoom
Antialiasing: High

This creates a zoomed, energetic blur effect.

Step 6: Add CC Wide Time

Add CC Wide Time. Set:

Forward Steps: 0
Backward Steps: 5

This creates subtle motion trails for a dreamy effect.

Step 7: Add Channel Blur

Add Channel Blur. Set:

Red Blurriness: 22

This adds slight color separation for a psychedelic vibe.

Step 8: Add Glow

Add the Glow effect. Set:

Glow Threshold: 90
Glow Radius: 290
Glow Intensity: 1.5
Glow Dimensions: Vertical

This final step brings everything together with a strong glowing finish.

Step 9: Preview the Result

Preview the composition and fine-tune effect values to match your desired intensity and style.

Conclusion

By stacking distortion, blur, time, and glow effects, you can create a trippy glow look entirely inside After Effects. This effect works especially well for music visuals, abstract edits, and experimental motion graphics — and can be easily customized for different moods.