Why You Can’t Smile in Passport Photos (Inspired by @zackdfilms)

Details

Description

Ever wonder why they won’t let you smile in your passport photo? Like, what’s the big deal with showing a little joy? Turns out, there’s actually a real reason — and it’s all about how your face is scanned and recognized by machines.
In this video, I break it down in my own words and thoughts, inspired by @zackdfilms, who covers cool facts like this all the time. When you smile, you shift your facial muscles — and that makes it harder for facial recognition software to match your photo to your actual face, especially at airports.
Governments need your passport photo to look as neutral and natural as possible, so even if you’re tired, jetlagged, or not looking perfect, the tech can still recognize you. Smiles mess that up — especially big, toothy ones. So yeah… that’s why everyone looks like they’re having the worst day ever in their passport.
But hey — it’s for security, not style. And once you know why, it actually makes a lot of sense.