Alexis Kestler
Snapchatters love using fun filters to customize their snaps and join in on viral meme trends. The ability to create your own custom Snapchat filters took off when the app introduced Lenses back in 2015. Since then, rolling out your own unique Geofilter or Community Filter on Snapchat has become a popular way to engage with friends or promote your brand in a creative, eye-catching way.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk through everything you need to know about how to make a Snapchat filter. Whether you want to submit a community geofilter or design personalized AR lenses, we‘ll cover it all. Let‘s dive in!
An Introduction to Snapchat Filters
First, let‘s start with the basics – what exactly are Snapchat filters? Snapchat filters apply overlays and visual effects to your photos and videos before sending to friends. Some examples include:
- Basic color filters – B&W, vintage, high contrast
- Fun augmented reality lenses that transform your face – puppy dog ears, flower crowns, anime eyes, etc. These are Snapchat‘s signature AR filters.
- Location-based geofilters – Unlockable filters specific to cities, landmarks, businesses
- Caption stickers and drawings you can layer on top of your snap
- Timed event filters for holidays like New Year‘s Eve or 4th of July
Snapchatters can tap through these filters at the bottom of the camera screen to find the perfect one for their selfie, video, or photo they want to send. Filters help you customize your snaps in a more personalized, creative way.
According to Snapchat statistics, over 70% of daily active users play with lenses and filters before sending their snaps. Augmented reality lenses see over 250 million plays per day!
People love expressing themselves with fun filters whether it‘s just to make friends laugh or participate in a viral meme trend. Snapchat has democratized self-expression by letting any user submit their own custom filters.
How to Make Your Own Custom Snapchat Filter
Okay, now that you‘re an expert on what Snapchat filters are, let‘s get into how to make your own! There are a few different options depending on what style of filter you want.
Option 1: Editing Filters Directly In the Snapchat App
The easiest way to customize a filter is directly within the Snapchat mobile app itself. You can put your own spin on their default filters before sending a snap.
Here‘s how:
Step 1: Open the Snapchat app and go to the camera screen to take a snap. Make sure your face is visible, as you‘ll want to see the filter preview.
Step 2: Tap on the ‘Filters‘ icon at the bottom and select the ‘Create‘ button in the top left corner.
Snapchat‘s ‘Create‘ option for editing filters.
Step 3: You‘ll now see all of Snapchat‘s default filters. Choose the one you want to customize and tap on it.
Step 4: With the filter activated, tap the sparkle icon at the top. This will open editing tools to alter the filter.
Editing tools for customizing a filter in the Snapchat app.
From here, you can:
- Add text like captions or usernames
- Draw or doodle on top of your image
- Sticker emojis and bitmojis
- Alter lighting and colors
- Add additional graphical overlay frames
Feel free to get creative with drawings, text effects, and emojis to make the filter your own before sending or saving!
Option 2: Submitting a Community Geofilter
Now let‘s talk about how to create a completely new filter to submit for approval. Snapchat allows you to submit original geofilter or moment filter art to their platform for a chance to be added as an official Community Filter.
If approved by their team, your custom creation will be available globally on Snapchat for all users for a limited time.
Here is the process:
Step 1: Read Snapchat‘s full Community Filter guidelines and rules. Your submission needs to be completely original art, free of logos or offensive content, and relevant to the community.
Step 2: Head to Snapchat‘s Create website and log in to your account. This is where you‘ll submit new lenses and filters.
Step 3: Click ‘Create Filter‘ on the left side menu, and select ‘Community Filter‘.
Step 4: Pick whether you want your art to be a Geofilter or a Moment Filter.
Geofilters are location-based, meant to represent different cities and landmarks around the world. Moment Filters are tied to specific events rather than locations.
Step 5: Design your filter artwork using Photoshop, Illustrator, or other graphic editing software. Make sure to follow Snapchat‘s specific template guidelines and specs.
Step 6: Upload your filter design and provide relevant details about why your filter should be approved. Keep it fun and engaging!
Step 7: Submit your filter and wait for Snapchat‘s team to review it. The review process can take 1-2 weeks in some cases as they get a high volume of submissions.
Step 8: If approved, Snapchat will notify you and your filter will now be available on Snapchat for all users to access for a limited time! Note payment is not involved here.
Check out examples of some trending community filters below:
Option 3: Paid Custom Geofilters
The third option is to pay to create your own custom geofilter targeted to a specific location of your choosing. These paid geofilters can be used for:
- Weddings
- Parties and events
- Conferences and conventions
- Store/business locations
- Birthdays
- Graduations
- Prom proposals
Basically any private or public event you want to theme with a custom Snapchat filter, you can pay to geo-fence it for that location.
Here is how to make your own paid geofilter in Snapchat:
Step 1: Head to Snapchat‘s Create site again and this time choose ‘Create a Filter‘ followed by ‘Geofilter‘.
Step 2: Design your filter with the event/location in mind. Geofilters perform better when they integrate local flair.
Step 3: Plug in the dates + locations you want your geofilter active along with your design. You can select specific streets, venues, cities or regions.
Step 4: Review the pricing based on your geofilter size and timeframe, then submit your order! Geofilters usually run $5-20 per day.
Step 5: Your custom geofilter will now be unlockable by Snapchat users when they are within your paid geo-fenced area!
Check out examples of business geofilters below:
Now that you know how to make filters directly in Snapchat as well as submit them to be approved as official Community Filters, let‘s go over some pro tips for designing ones that will get engagement.
Tips for Designing Engaging Snapchat Filters
Snapchat‘s Community Filter and Geofilter platforms see thousands of submissions every day. Standing out with your designs and getting them approved isn‘t easy.
Here are pro tips for designing Snapchat filters that are creative, fun, and most likely to be approved:
Use Original Artwork and Creations
Filters featuring your own illustrations, drawings, and designs have a much better chance than generic text overlays or reused clipart. Show off your artistic skills!
Localize Geofilters
Geofilters tend to be more popular when they integrate local elements – city names, landmarks, sports teams, cultural references, etc. Make yours location-specific.
Leverage Trending Memes and References
Injecting trending memes, pop culture references, or current events into your filter can help it go viral.
Use Pops of Color
Vibrant colors and whimsical themes tend to catch the eye. But don‘t go overboard. Find a color balance that excites without overwhelming.
Keep It Relevant
Community Filters should feel inclusive to all Snapchatters. Geofilters are meant for specific events and locations. Stay on topic.
Follow Size and Spec Guidelines
Snapchat‘s templates and specs exist for a reason. Filters too small or too detailed won‘t get approved. Follow their recommendations.
Allow Plenty of Review Time
It may take days or even weeks sometimes for Snapchat to review and approve newly submitted filters as volume is high. Be patient.
Have Fun with Text
Don‘t rely just on text, but adding some creative captions or words into your filter can make it more compelling.
Creating custom Snapchat filters is an awesome way to share your creativity, make friends laugh, and get more engaged with the app. We covered all the options – from tweaking their default filters to submitting completely original artwork.
Hopefully this guide inspires you with ideas to create filters that will make your snaps stand out! What are you waiting for? Open up Snapchat‘s Create page and bring your own filter vision to life now.
