Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send disappearing photos and videos called “snaps” to their friends. One of Snapchat’s key features is the ability to add filters, lenses, and other effects to snaps before sending them. But what if you want to send a snap using a filter from a photo or video already saved in your camera roll, rather than taking a new snap? Fortunately, Snapchat provides a way to do this.
Applying Filters to Camera Roll Snaps
When you take a new snap in Snapchat, you can swipe through the available filters at the bottom of the capture screen and select one to apply to your snap. However, if you go to your camera roll to send a snap, the filter bar is not visible. So how do you add filters to existing photos and videos?
The process is simple: While on the camera roll screen, tap and hold on the photo or video you want to send. This will bring up an overlay with a list of options – select “Edit.” This will open the snap in the Snapchat editing screen, with the filters visible at the bottom, just like when taking a new snap.
From here, you can browse through and select the filter you want to use. Tap on a filter preview to apply it to the snap. You can tap through multiple filters to mix and match effects. Some popular filters you may want to use for camera roll snaps include:
- The Time Machine filter ages or de-ages faces in the image.
- The Gender Swap filter makes faces appear more masculine or feminine.
- Filters like Black and White, Vintage, and Noir create stylistic color effects.
- The Flower Crown and Butterfly Crown filters add floral headpieces.
- Geofilters specific to various locations can be unlocked and added.
In addition to filters, you can also utilize Snapchat’s other creative tools when editing a camera roll snap. These include:
- Lenses, which overlay animated effects and characters on faces.
- Stickers from Snapchat’s library to embellish your snap.
- Drawing tools to add freehand doodles or text annotations.
- Cropping and tuning tools to perfect the framing and look.
Saving and Sending Edited Camera Roll Snaps
Once you are satisfied with the filters and edits you’ve applied, tap “Done” to save the changes. If you want a copy of the edited snap saved to your camera roll, be sure to tap “Save” in the bottom lefthand corner.
With the snap ready, tap the arrow button to go to the sending screen. Here you can select which friends to send it to as you normally would an ordinary snap. Tap the ✔ button to send away your creative camera roll snap!
A few extra tips for working with camera roll snaps:
- You can also add filters to video clips from your camera roll using the same “Edit” method.
- If you save the edited copy to your camera roll, it will not save the filter itself but rather “bake in” the effect to the image.
- Edited snaps sent from your camera roll still disappear after being viewed once by the recipient.
- You cannot add filters from your camera roll if you are using Snapchat on an iOS device older than the iPhone 5s.
So the next time you want to reuse an existing photo or video from your camera roll but give it a fun new spin, use Snapchat’s editing tools to spice it up with filters. The editing process is quick and easy for adding some Snapchat flair to memorable pics from your camera roll before sharing them with friends.
Other Ways to Use Filters in Snapchat
In addition to adding filters to camera roll snaps, there are a few other ways to utilize filters creatively in Snapchat:
Lens Explorer
Snapchat’s Lens Explorer lets you browse and search through thousands of special lenses created by Snapchat and its users. You can access lenses directly from the camera screen by tapping the lens icon. From here, you can scroll through trending and recommended lenses with a variety of looks and effects. Favoriting lenses lets you access them quickly later. You can also search for specific looks like “flower crown” or “anime eyes” to find lenses matching that theme.
Geofilters
Geofilters are filters unique to specific locations and events around the world. You can browse and unlock geofilters for places you’ve visited or are currently at, giving snaps a touch of geographical context. Geofilters for significant events like concerts and sports games are also sometimes available for a limited time. Activating geofilters in the filter bar adds them to your repertoire of filters to choose from.
Creating Your Own Filters
Snapchat lets you create your own custom filters to share with friends or submit for public usage. You can make a community geofilter tied to a location or design an on-demand geofilter for events like weddings and parties. Businesses can also create branded geofilters to promote their locations. Custom filters let you put your own creative spin on the Snapchat experience.
Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps like VSCO allow you to edit Snapchat snaps using additional filters and editing tools. Apps may offer more precise control over things like color correction compared to Snapchat’s built-in tools. Keep in mind that third-party apps have to conform to Snapchat’s terms of service.
Using Filters to Enhance Different Types of Content
Filters can be utilized to enhance many different types of snaps:
Selfies
Applying filters to selfies adds some style and pizzazz to self-portraits. Try filters that smooth skin, create an artistic look, or overlay eye-catching animations or effects on your face.
Nature and Landscapes
Geofilters are perfect for augmenting outdoor scenery snaps from adventures in beautiful destinations. The right filter can enhance sunsets, forests, mountain peaks, and beaches.
Food Photos
Visually appealing filters make mouthwatering food pics even more enticing. Warm, saturated filters enhance the tempting qualities of recipes and meals.
Pet Photos
Dogs, cats, and other pets are adorable on their own but are extra cute with the right filters. Fun animated lenses turn furry friends into lions, deer, and more.
Event Photos
Add a touch of festive flair to event pics with party-perfect filters. Holiday filters, geofilters for venues, and celebration-themed lenses make photos more exciting.
Get creative with what types of content you enhance with filters. The possibilities are endless!
Pros and Cons of Using Filters in Snapchat
Here is an overview of some of the key pros and cons of using filters in Snapchat:
Pros:
- Filters transform the look of snaps in fun, creative ways.
- They can make snaps more visually appealing and interesting.
- Filters provide quick and easy editing for photos/videos.
- Geofilters add context connected to locations.
- Lenses enhance selfies with overlaid effects.
- Filters boost engagement when users enjoy the extra visual flair.
Cons:
- Too many filters or excessive use can make snaps look tacky.
- Overreliance on filters instead of quality content.
- Privacy concerns with facial recognition used for some lenses.
- Can be distracting or annoying if overused.
- Some dislike how filters alter the original look.
- Accidental filter choices can ruin intended snap aesthetic.
Overall, filters tend to add creativity and fun when used thoughtfully. But be wary of going overboard. The best approach is using filters to subtly enhance good content without letting them dominate the snap.
Maximizing the Impact of Filters
To get the most out of Snapchat filters, keep these tips in mind:
- Preview filters before applying to understand the effect.
- Be selective – choose filters that make sense for the content.
- Favorite often-used filters for quick access.
- Don’t go overboard – restraint is key.
- Use geofilters for location-specific relevance.
- Take time to find the best lenses for selfies.
- Save snaps without filters too in case you change your mind.
- Create custom filters for a personal touch.
- Let filters complement your content rather than dominate.
Using filters thoughtfully and purposefully maximizes their impact. The most artful snap masters understand that filters should enhance, not overwhelm, your content.
Troubleshooting Filter Issues
Filter not working properly? Try these troubleshooting tips:
Can’t find certain filter
- Ensure the filter still exists – some are removed over time.
- Check if the filter is limited to a specific location or event.
- For lenses, search alternative terms that describe the effect.
- Browse lenses category-by-category to try and locate it.
Filter glitches out
- Close and reopen the app – this often fixes temporary glitches.
- Enable device internet connection – filters require downloading data.
- Check for Snapchat or device app updates that could resolve bugs.
- Report the issue if it persists – tap filter and “Report”
Can’t add geofilters
- Enable location services for Snapchat in device settings.
- Be sure you’re within the geographic area for that geofilter.
- Try moving closer to the middle of the geofilter’s defined place.
- Check that the geofilter is still active in the Snapchat system.
Still having issues? Contact Snapchat support for personalized troubleshooting assistance.
Conclusion
Applying creative filters takes Snapchat snaps to the next level. Geofilters contextualize your content, lenses transform selfies, and color filters stylize any photo or video from your camera roll. With the tips covered here, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the options for adding flair to your Snaps throughfilters. So tap and hold on that camera roll snap, select a filter that matches the mood you want to share, then edit, save, and send away a fun, visually engaging Snap.