Snapchat is an image and short video sending social media service started by a trio (Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown) when they were studying at Stanford University. Even if it has only three years of age, Snapchat is being used by millions.
According to Snapchat themselves, nearly 2 billion photos and videos are sent every day as of May 2015. This ever-growing popularity made the Snapchat team thinks in an unconventional manner. That’s why they have come up with a new idea called the Snapchat lenses.
Snapchat lens nothing complex. It is simply a set of filters that can add beauty to your pictures and short videos. If you are a hardcore Snapchat user, you might have known about this. But the chances are high that you haven’t.
So today, I am here with a new post to let you know, how to use Snapchat filters.
How to Use Snapchat Filters?
You may know what a filter is. It’s some added effects we can insert into an image or a video. Filters make our graphics look stunning.
Do you want to know how to use filters on Snapchat? There are a few ways to do this. But here I am going to share the best method that’s using the inbuilt setting.
You need to keep some things in mind if you want to know how to use Snapchat filters. The following are the facts you should remember before using Snapchat filters.
#1. Some old phones do not support Snapchat lenses (filters). So, you have to make sure that your device not too old to run Snapchat filters.
#2. Filters in Snapchat is a new feature. So, you should update the app to the latest version. Otherwise, you may not find Snapchat Lenses on your phone.
You get two different options to use filters on Snapchat. One is to use Snapchat Lenses option, and the other is using the filter option. I will be describing both the options one by one.
How to use effects on Snapchat with Lenses?
Snapchat Lenses option is only for selfies. That means you can’t use this particular option with the rear-facing camera. So, you should be aware of this limitation.
Quite surprisingly, you can use Lenses with videos taken by the front camera. Follow the steps I have listed below to add effects with Snapchat lenses.
Step 1: Make sure that you have the latest version of Snapchat. To check it, you have to visit the Play Store. Then, go to My Apps section.
Then, choose Snapchat from the list of apps there. If any new version is available, you will get an update button. If you see an update button, don’t hesitate to tap it.
If you don’t see any, your app was already updated to the latest version.
Step 2: Open Snapchat on your device. If you have an Android device, you may have to tap on the app drawer button to get the list. (I recommend grouping the apps so that, you can find each one easily).
Step 3: Lenses only work real time. It morphs your face and adds effects only after recognizing your face. So, you have to switch the camera to selfie mode (I mean front facing camera).
Step 4: Never hold your phone too close to your face because Lenses need your face entirely to do magic with the filters.
Step 5: Press and hold on your face on the screen for a while. Then, Snapchat will scan your face, and you can see the Lenses option on the bottom of the screen.
Step 6: Swiping right and left will make you go through different filters. Snapchat updates them daily. So, you will have at least one thing new every day.
The popular options are crying, in love, zombie, screaming and puking rainbow. You may have to adjust your face as the effect needs. For example, you must open your mouth to get the best out of the puking rainbow filter.
You can also make use of Lenses option for short videos also.
How to add filters on Snapchat?
You can use another option to add filters on Snapchat. It will work out with a rear-facing camera as well. So follow the steps given below to know how to use effects on Snapchat.
Step 1: Make sure that your app is up to date. You can easily check it out on Play Store or Apple Store. Most of the filters work well with the latest version only.
Step 2: Some filters need location services. So you should enable it to use them.
On iOS, you can enable location services by going to Settings>> Privacy>> Location Services.
If you are an Android user, you can turn it on from notification panel or by accessing Settings>> Location.
Step 3: Open Snapchat. You will see a screen like an image given below.
From there, tap on the ghost icon on the top of the screen. It will lead you to the profile section.
Step 4: On the next screen, you will be able to see a gear icon. Tapping on it will bring you to the Settings page. It’s where you should come in order to make changes to Snapchat.
Step 5: You will see a set of option on the next screen. You have to tap on Manage (Under Additional settings) from all of them.
Step 6: On the next page, you can see a filters option. You can turn the same on or off. If you want to use filters for your photos, turn it on.
Step 7: Go back to the main app screen. Then access the camera section. You can swipe the photo left or right to change the filters.
And, the large white circle is the shutter button.
Don’t You Know How to Use Filters on Snapchat Now?
I have given you two different methods to add effects on Snapchat. Both of them need your app to be up to date. So consider updating your app if you have an older version.
Snapchat is a cool application. If you are still unaware of it, you can start using now.
Spread this post on social media if you love this. And, shoot me your doubts if you have any.