Sending snaps with filters is a fun way to express yourself and get creative on Snapchat. However, sometimes you might want to send a snap using a filter without letting the recipient know which specific filter you used. There are a couple tricks you can use to send filter snaps discreetly on Snapchat.
Quick Answer
The quickest way to send a snap with a filter without revealing the filter is to use the “No Filter” option. Here’s how:
- Open the Snapchat camera and take a snap with the filter you want.
- Before sending it, tap the filter icon at the top to bring up the filter tray.
- Scroll all the way to the right and select the “No Filter” option (it looks like a smiley face).
- This will remove the filter name while keeping the filtered effect.
- Send the snap as usual.
The recipient will see the effect of the filter you used, but there won’t be a filter name attached to indicate which specific one it was.
Hiding Filter Names in Chats
In addition to using the “No Filter” option, you can hide filter names when sending snaps directly to friends in chat. Here’s how:
- Take a snap with a filter as usual.
- Go to your chat with a friend and tap the snap to bring up the sending options.
- Tap the “Send Without Sound” option (it looks like a mute icon).
- This will send the snap without revealing the filter name. The filtered effect will still show.
This works because the filter name gets displayed in the same space where the audio icon typically appears. Tapping “Send Without Sound” simply hides that whole area, taking the filter name along with it.
Using Text or Stickers to Cover Filter Names
You can also cover up a filter name by adding text or stickers overtop of it:
- Take a snap with the filter you want to use.
- Edit the snap and select the text or sticker tool.
- Add text or stickers strategically over the area where the filter name appears.
- Make sure the filter name is completely covered.
- Send the snap as usual.
This prevents the recipient from seeing the filter name while keeping the filtered effect intact. Just be careful not to accidentally reveal the name if your text or sticker doesn’t fully cover it.
Using Emojis Creatively
You can also use emojis to creatively conceal a filter name:
- Take your snap with the secret filter.
- Edit the snap and select the emoji tool.
- Choose a visually large emoji, like a bear or elephant.
- Place the emoji over the filter name area.
- Resize the emoji to cover the name completely.
- Send your snap!
Large emojis work well for this technique because they take up a lot of visual space. Just be sure the emoji fully obscures the filter name underneath.
Sending From Saved Snaps
Here’s one more sneaky option – save snaps with filters applied, then send them later from your saved snaps:
- Open the Snapchat camera and take a snap with your filter.
- Before sending, tap and hold the snap to save it to your memories.
- Go to your saved snap memories.
- Tap and hold the filtered snap you saved to bring up the sharing options.
- Select “Send To” and choose a friend to send it to.
Because you’re sending the snap from memories rather than directly from the camera, the filter name won’t be attached. The filter effect will still display, keeping the recipient guessing which one you used!
Disabling Filter Suggestions
If you don’t want Snapchat to suggest filters for your friends to use in reply, you can disable that feature:
- Go to your Snapchat profile and tap the Settings (gear) icon.
- Select “Additional Services” under “Preferences.”
- Toggle off “Suggest Filters.”
With filter suggestions turned off, your snaps won’t prompt friends to try specific filters when replying. This adds an extra layer of mystery to your filter use.
Using Context Clues
Pay attention to any visible context clues that could give away which filter you used:
- Facial expression – A happy or smiling face makes a happy filter more obvious.
- Surroundings – Certain filters like the sky or beach options are giveaways if those settings are visible.
- Text/drawings – Any text or doodles you add could connect the dots to a particular filter.
Try to avoid obvious context clues by keeping a neutral facial expression, showing minimal surroundings, and leaving text/drawings ambiguous.
Asking Friends to Keep It Secret
If you want to build suspense and engage friends, you can always take a selfie promising not to reveal your filter if they promise not to guess! A little mystery can make the experience more fun and interactive.
Potential Drawbacks
Hiding your Snapchat filter use from friends isn’t always wise or ethical. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Overusing hidden filters can come across as deceptive over time.
- Friends may feel hurt if they think you don’t want to show them the “real” you.
- Excessive filter use promotes unrealistic beauty standards.
- Hidden filters on dating/social media profiles could be considered catfishing.
- It goes against Snapchat’s intentions of promoting authentic communication.
Make sure any filter use, hidden or not, aligns with your personal values and the way you want friends to perceive you.
When Hidden Filters Can Be Useful
There are also legitimate uses for sending snaps with hidden filters in moderation:
- Joking around with friends in a silly context.
- Surprising someone with an unexpectedly fun filter reveal later.
- Concealing blemishes or imperfect lighting in casual snaps.
- Avoiding distractions if you want focus on conversation.
- Emphasizing creativity over perfect selfies.
The main idea is to avoid misleading friends or projecting an unrealistic identity. Within reasonable limits, a few hidden filters here and there are unlikely to cause harm.
Other Snapchat Privacy Tips
In addition to hiding filters, you can use these Snapchat privacy settings and features:
- Enable Ghost Mode to stop sharing your location.
- Restrict story viewing to My Friends rather than everyone.
- Disable Snap Map location sharing or limit it to certain friends.
- Turn off Quick Add to prevent strangers from easily adding you.
- Block friends who share your content without permission.
Taking advantage of Snapchat’s privacy options helps customize your experience and protect your personal information.
Conclusion
Sending Snaps with hidden filters can be tricky but there are several effective techniques:
- Use the “No Filter” option.
- Hide names by sending from chat or memories.
- Cover the name with text, stickers, or emojis.
- Avoid context clues that could reveal the filter.
Be mindful of how excessive hidden filter use could be perceived. But overall, the ability to conceal filters on Snapchat gives you more creative flexibility if used wisely!