Snapchat lenses allow users to augment their selfies and videos with fun effects and filters. From dog ears to vomiting rainbows, lenses empower Snapchatters to express themselves in creative ways. But with hundreds of lenses available, which ones rise above the rest? Here is a look at some of the best and most popular Snapchat lenses that users are obsessed with.
Dog Lens
Arguably the most iconic Snapchat lens, the Dog Lens adds a dog nose, ears, tongue, and eyes to your selfie. It uses advanced facial tracking technology to follow your movements in real-time. This lens went insanely viral after it launched in 2015, with Snapchat reporting more than 60 million uses on the first day. What makes this lens so special is how it transforms your look in a cute and clever way. The Dog Lens is a classic that continues to be one of Snapchat’s most-used lenses today.
Rainbow Vomit
One of Snapchat’s wackiest lenses, the Rainbow Vomit lens makes it look like you’re puking an animated rainbow. With overbearing sounds of retching and gagging, this pop culture-inspired lens is equal parts gross and hilarious. It topped charts when it first debuted and continues to be a favorite today. The absurdity and over-the-top nature of this lens makes it endlessly fun to send to friends. It’s the perfect lens when you want to get a laugh or dramatically express your feelings.
Flower Crown
Channel fairy princess vibes with the magical Flower Crown lens. A ring of beautiful flowers appears on top of your head, instantly transforming you into a woodland nymph. Delicate and feminine, this lens is perfect for selfies and adds a touch of whimsy to any Snap. The 3D flower crown anchors to your head realistically, bobbing and swaying as you move. This lens created a huge buzz when it launched in 2016 thanks to its ethereal aesthetics. It remains one of the most artistic and popular lenses on Snapchat.
World Lenses
Unlike regular Snapchat lenses that augment your face, World Lenses add elements into your actual surroundings. From friendly spiders crawling on your wall to lush jungle settings, World Lenses integrate 3D objects and scenery into your Snaps. To use these lenses, switch to the rear facing camera to reveal your environment. Then browse the World Lenses and pick one you like. These innovative lenses take Snapchat magic to the next level, creating an immersive augmented reality experience. Viral World Lenses like the dancing hot dog and zombie invasion transport users to imaginative new worlds.
Time Machine
Blast into the past with the nostalgic Time Machine lens. This lens swiftly ages and de-ages your appearance, toggling between being a baby, adult, and senior citizen. See your wrinkles multiply before your eyes as you transform into a wise old grandma or grandpa. Then zap back to an infant version of yourself, wide-eyed and guileless. The Time Machine lens allows you to inhabit different stages of life and gives friends endless fodder for laughs. The aging effects are remarkably realistic on this hit lens.
Cat Lens
For feline fanatics, the Cat Lens should top your favorites list. Get whiskers, perky ears, and cute pink nose when you use this lens. An adorable facial tracking effect makes you look like an animated cat. This lens sparked a flurry of furry Snaps when it premiered in 2015 alongside the Dog Lens. Plus, the Cat Lens received a makeover in 2020 to enhance its realism and cuteness. Meow and swat playfully as this lens transforms you into a cuddly kitten. It’s the cat’s meow!
Face Swap
Hilarity ensues when you use the iconic Face Swap lens. This lens lets you swap faces with a friend in real-time or use previously captured photos. See yourself transform into your best friend or significant other with just a couple taps. The facial tracking stays sharp as you contort your features, making warped expressions for added comic effect. Face Swap’s popularity skyrocketed after its 2015 launch, with Fast Company calling it one of the most viral lenses ever. The humor and surrealism of Face Swap cement its status as an all-time great.
Gender Swap
The Gender Swap lens does exactly as its name implies, switching up your gender for fun transformations. See what you would look like as the opposite sex, complete with hairstyle changes and altered facial features. This lens sparked trending gender swap challenges and memes as users revealed their alternate identities. The realistic effects make you appear convincingly male or female. Gender Swap opens up positive conversations about beauty standards and gender perceptions. Plus, the results provide endless entertainment and “what if” possibilities.
Bob Marley
Channel carefree reggae vibes with the Bob Marley lens. This lens overlays Bob’s iconic dreads, hat, and colors onto your selfies for a trippy effect. Your face morphs into a painted, rainbow-hued portrait of the music legend. For best results, angle your camera lower to fit the tall, rasta hat graphics. The vivid psychedelic patterns and chill Marley imagery make this a mesmerizing lens. Since launching in 2016, it continues to spread mellow, feel-good energy through Snapchat. Ya mon!
Anime Lens
Embrace major manga makeover magic with the Anime lens. Transform into a wide-eyed, rosy-cheeked anime character with exaggerated features. This lens smooths skin, enlarges eyes, and adds dynamic anime effects. Its Japanese kawaii-style aesthetics allow you to become the main character of your own Shojo story. Plus, you can accessorize with freckles, glasses, and other customizable elements. Whether you’re already an anime aficionado or discovering it for the first time, this lens captures the Japanese animation art form perfectly.
Butterfly Crown
For ethereal beauty, try the Butterfly Crown lens. Fluttering butterfly friends land delicately on your head in this nature-inspired lens. Your crown of butterflies moves and interacts with you seamlessly thanks to clever facial tracking. Girly and glamorous, this lens channels both fairy and butterfly core aesthetics. It gained quick traction after launching in 2018 and continues to be a popular choice today. The Butterfly Crown lens provides an escape into an enchanted, whimsical world with each use.
Lens Name | Release Year | Notable Effects |
---|---|---|
Dog Lens | 2015 | Dog nose, ears, eyes |
Rainbow Vomit | 2016 | Puking rainbows |
Flower Crown | 2016 | Flower crown on head |
World Lenses | 2016 | 3D objects in environment |
Time Machine | 2017 | Ages/de-ages face |
Cat Lens | 2015 | Cat nose, ears, whiskers |
Face Swap | 2015 | Swap faces with friends |
Gender Swap | 2019 | Swaps gender |
Bob Marley | 2016 | Bob Marley hair and colors |
Anime Lens | 2018 | Big eyes, rosy cheeks |
Butterfly Crown | 2018 | Butterflies on head |
Conclusion
Snapchat lenses provide an endless array of fun and creative ways to visually express yourself. From cute animal lenses to mind-bending World Lenses, Snapchatters have tons of options for silly, joyful selfie enhancements. Time-tested favorites like the Dog and Cat Lenses show the viral power of these AR effects. Meanwhile, innovative lenses like Rainbow Vomit and Gender Swap keep things fresh and entertaining. Whether you want to be adorable, hilarious, or thought-provoking, Snapchat has lenses that transform your selfies into snapshots of art, humor, and discovery. So try out some new ones today and get snapping your most creative looks yet!