Wave Hand Gesture
Wave is a motion gesture: an open palm swinging left and right. Unlike the other signs, it is recognized from how your hand moves, not just its shape.
Try it on cameraSee it animated
How to make the Wave gesture
- Show an open palm
- Swing it left and right
- Keep waving
What it means
Waving says hello or goodbye in almost every culture.
How the camera recognizes it
The hand must be an Open Palm and change direction at least twice within about a second and a half, each swing wider than a set fraction of your hand size, so small jitter never counts.
Effect: Ripple
Ripple leaves water ripples and a flowing trail behind your waving palm.
Tips for reliable detection
- Swing from the elbow, not just the wrist.
- Keep all five fingers open while waving.
- Wave with both hands to make two trails.
Animated variations
The in-app guide demonstrates the Wave in 4 animations, including versions with both hands:
- Wave
- Hello
- Finger wave
- Wave both hands