Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s key features is its filters, which allow users to alter their snaps in fun and creative ways. Among the many filters offered by Snapchat is the location filter, which displays the name of the location where the snap was taken. This filter has become incredibly popular among Snapchat users, especially for sharing vacations, events, and everyday adventures. But what exactly is the name of Snapchat’s location filter? Let’s take a closer look.
The Snapchat Geofilter
The official name of Snapchat’s location filter is the “Geofilter.” Geofilters allow users to add location-specific designs and text to their snaps. When users take a photo or video within Snapchat, if they are in an area that has a geofilter, the specific geofilter for that location will appear as an option to overlay on their snap.
Geofilters first debuted on Snapchat back in 2014, starting with major cities and tourist destinations. Since then, Snapchat has expanded geofilters to include countless locations globally, even allowing users to submit their own designs for lesser-known spots. Snapchat now has geofilters for everywhere from local neighborhoods, stores, restaurants, schools, stadiums, events, and more. Basically, if it’s a public location, there is likely some sort of custom geofilter available.
How Geofilters Work
So how exactly does Snapchat know where to show the right geofilters? Snapchat uses the GPS and IP address on your mobile device to determine your location. When you open the app to take a snap, it simply checks your current location against its database of geofilters to show you the filters that are applicable for that area.
If there is no geofilter designed for your precise location, Snapchat will provide a default geofilter simply showing the name of the city you are in. For example, if you are in Los Angeles, but not at a location that has its own special geofilter, the filter may simply show the name “Los Angeles” in Snapchat’s signature font.
This allows Snapchat to provide geofilters for popular destinations while still giving users something location-specific for their snaps even if they are just home or work. The reach of geofilters truly demonstrates the capability of Snapchat’s location technology.
On-Demand Geofilters
In addition to permanent geofilters for public places, Snapchat also offers customized and on-demand geofilters users can pay to access. Users can create and submit a geofilter design through Snapchat’s website for one-time events like weddings, parties, birthdays, graduations, and more. These special geofilters are available in specific locations for short designated blocks of time.
On-demand geofilters provide a great way for hosts to provide fun Snapchat engagement opportunities at their events. Rather than just showing the name of a city, the host can have an event-specific geofilter created to really excite guests. Snapchat approves each submission and provides set costs based on factors like time and location size. Overall, customizable and on-demand geofilters showcase the versatility of Snapchat’s location-based filters.
Using Geofilters
Using Snapchat’s geofilters to spice up snaps is easy. Simply open the Snapchat app and tap the camera icon to pull up the camera. Before taking a snap, tap the square smiley face icon at the top of the screen. This will open Snapchat’s “Lens Carousel” where you can swipe through the available lenses and geofilters.
If Snapchat detects you are in an area with a custom geofilter, it will appear in this section. Tap on the geofilter you want, and it will be applied to your photo or video. You can move and resize the geofilter before taking your snap. Once applied, the geofilter will remain on the snap even after you send it to friends. Your friends will know exactly where you are thanks to the location personalized geofilter!
Saving Geofilters
If you want to keep a geofilter you used, there are a couple of options. Within Snapchat you can replay snaps with geofilters and take a screenshot to save the image to your camera roll. However, the geofilter will not remain editable like when you first take the snap.
Alternatively, some third-party apps allow saving Snapchat photos complete with the interactive geofilter version. Apps like SaveMySnaps and SaveSnap let you download snaps as they appear in the app. So you can preserve that perfect geofilter in its original state.
Overall, reusing and saving geofilters provides a fun way for Snapchat users to hold onto their favorite location-based filters and memories.
Popular Uses of Geofilters
Snapchat geofilters have become popular for capturing and sharing a huge range of events and locations. Here are some of the top uses of Snapchat’s location filters:
Travel
One of the most common uses of geofilters is while traveling. Whether it’s a city skyline, famous monument, beach backdrop, or airport geofilter, travelers love using location filters to show off where they are visiting. It provides an easy vacation diary of sorts. Looking back on geofilters is a great visual reminder of past trips.
Life Events
Major life events like weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and graduations often have custom geofilters. These let guests document the celebration through a unique lens specific to the special event. It’s almost like a favor guests can “take home” in their snap memories.
Concerts & Events
Concerts, festivals, fairs, and other local events frequently have geofilters to immortalize your experience. Music venues, stadiums, convention centers, and similar locations often have permanent geofilters too. Location filters are a quick memento of attending major events.
Food & Nightlife
Restaurants, bars, breweries, and other nightlife hotspots commonly have geofilters for patrons to use. This provides a fun way to remember the vibe, drinks, meals, and overall ambiance of an establishment. Food and drinks always photograph well, so geofilters make them even more enticing snaps.
Hometown Pride
Hometown geofilters allow locals to showcase community spirit and pride. Whether it’s the name of your small town, high school, neighborhood, or community center, nothing shows off your roots like location-based filters. They provide a direct connection to your personal community.
5 Popular Geofilter Examples
To give you an idea of how brands and locations use geofilters, here are 5 popular geofilter examples:
1. Disneyland
The Disneyland geofilter features the iconic castle logo above the name of the park. This gets guests into the magical Disney spirit, letting followers know they are at The Happiest Place on Earth.
2. Coachella
Coachella’s geofilter changes each year but always includes the name of the festival with cool, artsy designs. The stylized logo fits the trendy vibe of this major music event.
3. Paris, France
Paris’ geofilter incorporates French flare with the Eiffel Tower and a bicycle design. The “Paris” text uses a sleek, modern font. This blend captures Parisian culture in a snap.
4. Starbucks
Starbucks often has geofilters at their locations with the green logo and coffee cups. Sometimes they change it up for the holidays or promotions. But the filters always reflect the Starbucks brand.
5. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge geofilter features a illustration of the landmark bridge name. The hand-drawn look and urban style reflects the artsy culture of NYC.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Snapchat’s geofilters provide a fun way for users to spice up their snaps with location-based designs. The official name for these location filters is quite simply the “geofilter.” Geofilters leverage GPS to unlock decorative overlays unique to the area where a snap is taken. Major destinations have permanent geofilters, while users can also submit custom geofilters for one-time events. Travelers, party hosts, foodies, athletes, artists, and community members alike all utilize geofilters to engage with Snapchat in a creative, visual way. Whether you are at a major landmark, restaurant opening, or best friend’s wedding, geofilters add local flair to your snap memories.