How to Use Snapchat Lenses and Filters: Creative Guide 2026
Snapchat's lenses and filters are powerful creative tools that can transform your snaps into engaging, shareable content. Whether you want to add fun AR effects, change your appearance, or enhance your photos with filters, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about using these features in 2026.
Understanding Lenses vs. Filters
While both lenses and filters enhance your snaps, they work differently:
- Lenses: Augmented Reality (AR) effects that use face detection and tracking to transform your appearance or add 3D objects in real-time
- Filters: Overlays that add graphics, colors, text, or information (like time, temperature, or location) to your snaps
How to Use Lenses
Using lenses is easy and fun:
- Open the Snapchat camera
- Point the camera at your face (or the subject)
- Tap and hold on your face to activate face detection
- Swipe left or right to browse available lenses
- Tap the screen to take a photo or hold to record a video
Popular Lens Categories
- Face transformation: Change your appearance, add makeup, or swap faces
- 3D objects: Add virtual objects, animals, or characters to your environment
- World lenses: Place 3D objects in your surroundings
- Interactive lenses: Lenses that respond to your movements or expressions
- Branded lenses: Sponsored lenses from companies and brands
How to Use Filters
Filters add style and information to your snaps:
- Take a photo or record a video
- Swipe left or right on the preview screen to browse filters
- Tap to apply a filter
- You can stack multiple filters by holding and swiping
- Send or save your filtered snap
Types of Filters
- Color filters: Change the color tone and mood of your snap
- Geofilters: Location-based filters that appear when you're at specific places
- Time/weather filters: Add current time, temperature, or weather information
- Speed filters: Show your speed when moving (for vehicles)
- Special event filters: Holiday, birthday, or event-specific filters
Creating Custom Lenses with Lens Studio
Want to create your own lenses? Here's how:
- Download Lens Studio (free desktop app from Snapchat)
- Choose a template or start from scratch
- Design your lens using the built-in tools
- Test your lens in the preview window
- Submit your lens for review
- Once approved, publish and share your lens
Tips for Using Lenses and Filters Effectively
- Good lighting: Lenses work best in well-lit environments
- Face the camera: Keep your face clearly visible for face-tracking lenses
- Experiment: Try different combinations of lenses and filters
- Save favorites: Star lenses you like for quick access later
- Check daily: New lenses are added regularly, so check back often
- Use world lenses: Try lenses that work with your environment, not just your face
Frequently Asked Questions
Lenses are AR effects that transform your face or environment in real-time (like face swaps, 3D objects), while filters are overlays that add graphics, colors, or information to your snaps.
Tap and hold on your face in the camera view to see available lenses. Swipe left or right to browse different lens options.
Yes! Use Lens Studio (Snapchat's desktop app) to create custom lenses. Once approved, you can publish them for others to use.
While using a lens, tap the star icon to save it to your favorites. Access favorites by tapping the smiley face icon in the camera view.
Yes, most filters work on both photos and videos. Some filters are specifically designed for video content.
Location filters appear when you're at specific places. Swipe right on the camera screen to see available location-based filters.
Get Creative with Snapchat
Now that you know how to use lenses and filters, start creating amazing content! Explore more Snapchat guides to master the platform.
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