Taking selfies with fun filters is one of the most popular uses of Snapchat. Snapchat’s lenses allow you to add effects like dog ears, flower crowns, makeup looks and more to your selfies. It’s a great way to spice up your photos and channel your inner goofball. While experienced Snapchatters will have no trouble snapping these creative selfies, it can be confusing for new users. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step how to take and send selfies with lenses on Snapchat.
Prerequisites
Before you can start taking filtered selfies, there are a few prerequisites:
- You’ll need to download the Snapchat app and create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Make sure your phone has a front-facing camera. This is necessary for taking selfies.
- You’ll need an internet connection in order to access Snapchat filters.
Assuming your phone meets these requirements, you’re ready to get started!
Access the Snapchat Camera
The first step is to open the Snapchat app and access the camera feature, as this is where you’ll take your selfie. Here’s how:
- Open the Snapchat app. You’ll see the camera screen by default when you launch the app.
- If you’re viewing Stories or Chats, tap the capture button in the bottom center to open the camera.
- Make sure you’re viewing the rear camera by default. Tap the arrows in the top right to switch to your front-facing camera.
You should now be viewing yourself through your front camera. This means you’re ready to take a selfie!
Choose a Filter
Now for the fun part – choosing a filter to spice up your selfie! Here are the steps:
- With your front-facing camera open, tap and hold on your face to scan it.
- Swipe left or right to view Snapchat’s available filters for you to try. There are hundreds to scroll through.
- Tap the filter you want to apply. It will show a preview on your face.
Experiment with the different options! Some popular categories include:
- Animal filters like dog or cat ears and noses.
- Flower crowns and other floral accessories.
- Makeup looks and beauty effects.
- Cartoon overlays that make you look animated.
- geospatial filters customized to your location.
Snapchat rotates its available lenses daily, so check back often to see new options. Once you’ve scrolled through and selected your filter of choice, it’s time to snap your selfie!
Take Your Selfie
Taking the actual selfie is easy. Just follow these steps:
- With your front camera and desired filter activated, frame your selfie by holding your phone at arm’s length.
- Tap the circular capture button at the bottom of the screen to take a photo.
- If you don’t like the first one, just retake it! There’s no limit.
A few tips for taking great Snaps:
- Make sure you’re in good lighting. Natural sunlight is best.
- Angle your phone slightly higher than your face.
- Open your eyes nice and wide.
- Give a fun smile or silly expression!
You can preview your selfies and retake them until you capture the perfect shot.
Save and Send
Once you’ve snapped the selfie you want, there are a couple options for saving and sharing:
- Save to Memories – Tap the downward arrow icon in the bottom left corner, then “Save to Memories.” This saves it to your camera roll.
- Send to Friends – Tap the arrow icon at the bottom to go to the send screen and select the friends you want to share it with.
The great thing about sending selfies on Snapchat is they disappear after being viewed. You don’t have to worry about permanent photos floating around. However, remind your friends not to screenshot!
Extra Tips
Here are some additional tips for taking your Snapchat selfie game to the next level:
- Try lenses that change your face shape, like big eyes or cheeks.
- Layer multiple filters for unique effects.
- Use the double tap feature to apply filters to existing photos in your camera roll.
- Save your favorites in Memories to reuse filters later.
- Switch between front and rear cameras to include friends in your selfie.
- Use the Timer setting to stabilize your phone for hands-free selfies.
With these tips, you can let your creativity run wild. Taking Snapchat selfies with fun filters is a trend that won’t get old anytime soon. So try out some new lenses and share your snaps – your friends will love them!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about taking selfies with Snapchat filters:
How do I get more filters in Snapchat?
Snapchat releases new lenses every day. To get new filters, make sure your app is updated. Open it throughout the day and swipe through options to unlock new lenses. Popular selfie lenses are usually saved in “Favorites” too.
Can I save Snapchat filters to my phone?
Yes! After taking a selfie with a filter, tap the download arrow in the bottom left. This will save the photo with the filter applied in your phone’s camera roll.
Why can’t I get filters to work on my selfies?
If filters aren’t scanning or showing up on your face, first make sure your front-facing camera is on. Hold your finger on your face to trigger the scan. Good lighting is also key. Move to a brighter area and try again!
Do Snapchat filters work on dogs or cats?
Absolutely! Snapchat’s animal lenses are famous for being applied to pets for hilarious effects. Open the camera, switch to the rear lens, and hold your finger on your cat or dog’s face to scan for filters specifically calibrated for their cute snouts.
Can I use Snapchat lenses on existing selfies?
Yes, Snapchat has a “Lens” feature that lets you double tap saved photos to apply lenses. Tap a photo in your Memories or camera roll, then tap the lens icon to scan your face and add effects.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Filters not scanning face | Hold finger on face until yellow scan lines appear. Good lighting helps. |
| Filters look wrong on face | Scan face again. Fully open eyes and have camera at eye level. |
| Can’t find new filters | Update app and swipe through options daily to unlock. |
| Filters keep disappearing | Tap screen while using to keep filter applied. |
Conclusion
Adding fun filters to your selfies is easy with Snapchat’s huge variety of lenses. Just open your front camera, select a lens, snap your photo, and share away. Saving your faves and checking for daily additions will let you always capture creative self-portraits to send to friends. With these tips, you’ll be a master of taking and sending hilarious, filtered selfies in no time!