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Text Glitch Effect Expression (Real-Time Character Corruption)

About This Expression

This expression creates a real-time text glitch effect by selectively corrupting characters every frame. Instead of distorting the entire word at once, it works character by character, which makes the glitch feel digital, unstable, and authentic.

The glitch is driven by probability, not looping animation. Each frame, characters may:

  • Turn into ASCII symbols
  • Swap into Unicode block characters
  • Duplicate unexpectedly
  • Randomly flip case

Because the corruption is randomized per frame, the result feels chaotic and aliveβ€”perfect for tech, cyberpunk, hacker, or horror visuals.

How the Glitch Logic Works

  • Frame-Based Randomization
    Randomness is recalculated multiple times per second based on time.
  • Corruption Probability
    Each character independently decides whether to glitch or remain normal.
  • Multiple Glitch Styles
    Different corruption types are chosen randomly to avoid repetition.
  • Whitespace Protection
    Spaces are preserved to keep the text readable and structured.

Expression

// Apply to Source Text
originalText = text.sourceText; // Replace with your text or use: text.sourceText
glitchSpeed = effect("Speed")("Slider"); // Glitch speed - Connect to a Slider Control for easier adjustments
corruption = effect("Corruption")("Slider"); // Corruption level (0-100) - Connect to a Slider Control for easier adjustments
corruptionLevel = corruption / 100; // 0-1
// Glitch character sets
glitchChars = "!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;':\"<>?,./~`";
unicodeGlitch = "β–“β–’β–‘β–ˆβ–„β–€β– β–‘β–ͺβ–«β—˜β—™β˜Όβ™ β™£β™₯♦";
result = "";
seedRandom(Math.floor(time * glitchSpeed * 10), true);
for (i = 0; i < originalText.length; i++) {
char = originalText.charAt(i);
if (char == " ") {
result += " ";
// Preserve spaces
}
else if (random() < corruptionLevel) {
// Apply corruption
corruptionType = Math.floor(random(4));
switch (corruptionType) {
case 0:
// Random ASCII glitch
result += glitchChars.charAt(Math.floor(random(glitchChars.length)));
break;
case 1:
// Unicode blocks
result += unicodeGlitch.charAt(Math.floor(random(unicodeGlitch.length)));
break;
case 2:
// Duplicate character
result += char + char;
break;
case 3:
// Random case change
result += (random() > 0.5) ? char.toUpperCase() : char.toLowerCase();
break;
}}
else {
result += char;
// Keep original character
}}
result;

How We Use This Expression

Step 1: Create a Text Layer

  1. Open your composition
  2. Select the Text Tool (T)
  3. Type your desired text

Tip: Use fonts like Arial, Roboto, or other system fonts that support a wide range of Unicode characters.

Step 2: Add Expression Controls

On the text layer, add:

  • Slider Control β†’ rename to Speed
  • Slider Control β†’ rename to Corruption

These sliders give you live control over the glitch behavior.

Step 3: Apply the Expression to Source Text

  1. Twirl open Text β†’ Source Text
  2. Hold Alt (Windows) / Option (Mac) and click the stopwatch
  3. Paste the full expression
  4. Click outside the editor to apply

The text will immediately start glitching.

Step 4: Control Glitch Speed

Adjust the Speed slider:

  • Low values β†’ slow, subtle corruption
  • Medium values β†’ classic glitch flicker
  • High values β†’ aggressive digital breakdown

Step 5: Control Corruption Intensity

Adjust the Corruption slider (0–100):

  • 10–25 β†’ light distortion
  • 40–60 β†’ heavy glitching
  • 80+ β†’ near-total text breakdown

You can animate this slider for glitch bursts.

Step 6: Combine With Other Effects

For stronger results, pair this with:

  • Opacity flickers
  • RGB split or displacement
  • Scanline overlays
  • Camera shake or blur
  • Glitch sound effects

The expression handles characters; effects handle atmosphere.

Best Use Cases in After Effects

  • Cyberpunk & hacker visuals
  • Horror or thriller titles
  • Tech UI animations
  • Error messages & system warnings
  • Music videos & trailers

Why This Expression Feels Authentic

Real digital glitches are inconsistent and uneven. By corrupting individual characters instead of the whole word, this expression avoids the fake β€œpreset glitch” look and feels genuinely unstable.

You get:

  • Organic randomness
  • Non-repeating motion
  • Full creative control
  • Zero plugins or keyframes

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