Snapchat’s Lenses allow users to augment their snaps with fun filters and effects. While typically only one Lens can be used at a time, Snapchat does provide the option to use two Lenses at once for even more creative snaps. Using two Lenses on Snapchat isn’t difficult, but does require changing settings and knowing the right steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to use two Lenses at the same time on Snapchat. We’ll cover:
- What are Snapchat Lenses?
- How to unlock the Snapchat double Filter/Lens feature
- Steps to use two Lenses on Snapchat
- Tips for the best double Lens snaps
- Troubleshooting double Lenses
Whether you want to layer multiple effects or get extra creative with your selfies, using two Lenses on Snapchat opens up new possibilities. Let’s jump in!
What are Snapchat Lenses?
For those new to Snapchat, Lenses are AR (augmented reality) filters that allow you to add effects and overlays to your snaps. Here are some things to know about Snapchat’s Lenses:
- Lenses add effects like smoothening skin, colorful makeup, face accessories, animal features, and more.
- There are Lenses created by Snapchat as well as ones created by third-party creators and brands.
- Lenses can transform the look of your face, surroundings, or both.
- Some Lenses include interactive elements you can play with.
- New Lenses get added all the time to keep things fresh.
Snapchatters use Lenses to take fun selfies and videos to share with friends. The Lenses available at any given time are displayed by swiping left or right on the camera screen.
Typically, only one Lens can be used per snap. However, an option to use two Lenses at once unlocks more creative possibilities.
How to unlock the Snapchat double Filter/Lens feature
The ability to use two Lenses at the same time is one of Snapchat’s lesser known features. Before you can start doubling up Lenses, you first need to unlock the capability.
Here’s how to unlock double Lenses/Filters on Snapchat:
- Open Snapchat and go to the camera.
- Swipe through the Lenses until you find one you like.
- Press and hold on the Lens thumbnail.
- Keep holding until a second Lens preview appears layered on top of the first Lens.
- When you see the double Lens preview, you can release your hold.
It may take around 10 seconds of long pressing on a Lens before the second Lens appears. Once unlocked, you’ll see an indicator in the top left corner with two circles indicating the double Lens/Filter mode is activated.
The ability to use two Lenses at once will remain available unless Snapchat removes the feature in future. Now let’s look at actually using two Lenses.
Steps to use two Lenses on Snapchat
Once you’ve unlocked the double Lens capability, using two Lenses is straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Open Snapchat and swipe through the Lenses to select your first Lens.
- Long press on the chosen Lens thumbnail until the double Lens preview appears.
- With one Lens still held down, use your other hand to swipe through the Lenses and select your second Lens.
- Position and arrange the effects how you want them.
- Snap your photo or video as normal.
When taking a snap with two Lenses, you’ll see one effect layered on top of the other. You can move each effect around or resize it to create the look you want.
Get creative with layering and combining effects! For example, you could pair a festive party hat Lens with a Lens that adds sparkles. Or layer a fun skin smoothing filter on top of the Lens that gives you animal ears. There are endless possibilities, so play around to see what works.
Tips for the best double Lens snaps
While using two Lenses opens up options for more creative expression, it can take some trial and error to get quality results. Use these tips for taking great snaps with doubled up Lenses:
- Pick Lenses that complement each other, rather than clashing effects.
- Resize Lenses so both remain clearly visible.
- Angle or position your face to get the full impact of both Lenses.
- Use one subtle Lens and one bold Lens for balance.
- Adjust the ordering of the Lenses to control which effect is most prominent.
- Tap and hold on a Lens to bring up extra options like rotating and scaling.
Finding Lenses that work well together just takes some experimenting. You’ll also get better at positioning the effects as you keep practicing with the double Lens feature.
Troubleshooting double Lenses
While using two Lenses together is meant to be easy, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips if doubling up Lenses isn’t working:
- Make sure you complete the unlocking process first. Long press on a single Lens until the double circle icon appears.
- Double check that you’re updated to the latest version of Snapchat.
- Force close and re-open the Snapchat app if it seems glitchy.
- Try unlocking double Lenses again by long pressing if the feature stops working.
- Report persistent issues through Snapchat’s support page so they can look into fixing any bugs.
The ability to use two Lenses at a time is meant to be a fun, creative feature when it’s working properly. With troubleshooting, you should be able to resolve most any issues that pop up with the double Lens tool.
Conclusion
While Snapchat Lenses already provide endless options for fun edits to photos and videos, the ability to double up on Lenses expands the creative possibilities even more. With a small amount of setup, you can unlock double Lenses and start overlaying effects for unique snaps. Have fun exploring all the combinations!
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Snapchat and go to the camera |
| 2 | Swipe through Lenses until you find one you like |
| 3 | Press and hold the Lens thumbnail until second Lens appears |
| 4 | Keep holding until double Lens preview shows |
| 5 | Release hold once double Lens unlocked |
| 6 | Swipe to select your second Lens |
| 7 | Position and arrange Lenses |
| 8 | Snap your photo or video |
| Troubleshooting Tips |
|---|
| – Make sure double Lens feature is unlocked |
| – Check Snapchat app is updated |
| – Force close and reopen Snapchat if glitchy |
| – Retry unlocking double Lenses |
| – Report persistent issues to Snapchat |