How do you explore Lenses on Snapchat?

Snapchat Lenses allow users to augment their Snaps with fun filters and effects. Lenses make Snapchat pictures and videos more engaging and entertaining. There are different ways to find and explore Lenses on Snapchat. Here is a guide on how to discover new Lenses and use them to enhance your Snaps.

What are Lenses on Snapchat?

Snapchat Lenses, also called filters, are special effects and animations that you can add to your Snaps. Lenses overlay graphics, sounds and distortions onto your selfies, surroundings, or friends’ faces. Some examples of Lenses include:

• Fun face filters that add animal features, accessories or colors to a person’s face
• Background filters that change the environment in a Snap
• Filters that alter voices or add sound effects
• 3D augmented reality filters that scan and interact with the surrounding area

Lenses make Snaps more fun, wacky and creative. Snapchat releases new Lenses every day, many of which are tied to seasonal events, holidays, or trending memes in pop culture. There are hundreds of Lenses available in the app at any given time.

How to find Lenses

There are a few ways to explore, discover and access Lenses on Snapchat:

Lens Carousel

The main way to browse Lenses is through the Lens Carousel, located in the Snapchat camera. To find it:

1. Open the Snapchat app and swipe right or tap the camera icon to open the camera.
2. Tap the smiley face icon in the top right of the capture screen.
3. This will open the Lens Carousel, which displays a scrolling row of available Lenses.
4. Swipe left and right through the carousel to preview the different Lenses.
5. Tap on a Lens to select it. The Lens will apply to your camera view.

The Lens Carousel is updated daily with new options. Swipe through it often to see fresh Lenses.

Search bar

You can search for specific Lenses using the Lens search bar:

1. Open the Lens Carousel.
2. Tap on the magnifying glass icon at the top of the carousel.
3. Type a keyword or phrase into the search field, such as “dog”, “flower”, or “rainbow”.
4. Relevant Lenses will appear in the results below. Browse the results and tap one to select it.

Searching makes it easy to find a particular Lens you want to use.

Lenses from friends

You may receive Snaps from friends that feature fun, creative Lenses. You can try out and save Lenses that your friends send you:

1. When you view a Snap from a friend with a Lens, press and hold on the screen.
2. This will bring up a “Try Lens!” button – tap it.
3. The Lens from your friend’s Snap will open in your camera so you can use it too.
4. To save the Lens, tap the downward arrow icon while previewing it. It will be added to your Favorites.

Snapchat Explore page

The Explore page in Snapchat also features some of the most popular Lenses being used. To find it:

1. From the Snapchat camera, swipe down or tap the emoji icon in the top right corner.
2. This will bring you to the Explore page. Scroll down and look for the “Popular Lenses” section.
3. Browse through the trending Lenses that other Snapchatters are using frequently.
4. Tap on a Lens thumbnail to preview and use it in your camera.

Sponsored Lenses

Sponsored Lenses are created through partnerships between Snapchat and various brands. They are integrated into ad campaigns and promotions. You may encounter sponsored Lenses related to holidays, movies, TV shows, brands and events. These can offer fun effects to spice up your Snaps.

How to use Lenses

Once you’ve found a Lens you want to apply, using it is simple. With the Lens selected in your camera view:

1. Aim your camera at a subject, whether it’s yourself, a friend, pet or any object.
2. The Lens graphics or effects will overlay onto the camera view based on where you point it.
3. Tap the shutter button to take a Snap with the Lens applied.
4. Adjust your shot and apply the Lens multiple times until you get the desired effect.
5. Edit the Snap as desired by adding text, stickers, drawing, etc.
6. Send the fun Snap to friends or add it to your Story!

Lenses are easy to use. Just browse the options, select your favorite, point the camera and Snap away! The Lens does the rest of the work overlaying graphics and effects onto your Snaps.

Save favorite Lenses

Rather than browsing for a Lens each time, you can save favorites for quick access:

1. Find a Lens you want to save from the Lens Carousel, search results, friend’s Snap, or Explore page.
2. With the Lens previewed in your camera, tap the downward arrow icon in the bottom right.
3. This will save the Lens to your Favorites section.
4. To access Favorites, tap the smiley face icon to open the Lens Carousel.
5. At the bottom, tap the heart icon to open your saved Lenses.
6. You can quickly add any of these to your camera.

Fun ways to use Lenses

Need inspiration for how to use Lenses creatively? Try out these fun ways to enhance your Snaps:

• Selfies: Lenses are perfect for selfies! Add virtual accessories, makeup or funny faces.
• Pet Snaps: Use animal Lenses to give your dogs or cats a silly voice or identity.
• Scenery: Liven up nature shots by adding weather effects, 3D objects or custom skies.
• Friends: Augment friends with filters that distort faces or features for hilarious group selfies.
• Food: Make yummy dishes more appetizing with food-themed Lenses.
• Parties: Get festive at celebrations and events with party-themed Lenses.
• Holidays: Mark holidays like Halloween, Christmas or New Year’s with holiday filters.

Get creative and use Lenses to enhance all kinds of Snaps. The possibilities are endless!

Uploading custom Lenses

In addition to using existing Lenses, Snapchat allows you to create and upload your own custom Lenses to share:

1. Use Snapchat’s Lens Studio desktop app to build your own Lens, adding desired visuals, effects and capabilities.
2. Finish creating your Lens in Lens Studio and submit it for review.
3. Snapchat will review the Lens to ensure it meets content guidelines and terms.
4. After approval, the Lens will be added under your profile so friends can find it.
5. Friends can search for your custom Lens using your username and add it to their saved Favorites.
6. You can also promote your Lens by sharing Snaps that feature it or posting the preview link.

Custom Lenses allow you to get really creative and design specialized effects tailored to your interests or sense of humor.

Important Lens rules

When using Lenses, keep in mind:

• Lenses should not promote violence, illegal activities, bullying, nudity, or hate speech.
• Custom Lenses must be your original work and not violate copyright laws.
• Lenses meant to deceive people will be prohibited.
• Lenses must perform as advertised or described.
• Abide by Snapchat’s Community Guidelines when creating Lenses.
• Custom Lenses go through an approval process and must follow Snapchat’s Lens Developer Agreement.

Stay safe and respectful of others when browsing, sharing or creating Lenses. Abide by Snapchat’s rules outlined in their Terms of Service.

Conclusion

Snapchat Lenses provide fun ways to enhance your Snaps and self-expression. The Lens Carousel, Search and Explore make it easy to find new Lenses every day. Save favorites for quick access anytime. Get creative with Lenses on selfies, friends, pets, activities and more. You can also design custom Lenses with specialized capabilities. Follow Snapchat’s content policies when using Lenses to keep the platform safe and positive for everyone.