Snapchat’s camera flips images to mirror what you would see in a mirror, rather than how others see you in real life. This is a common question many Snapchat users ask when they first start using the app and notice the difference between their Snapchat camera and other camera apps.
How the Snapchat Camera Works
The Snapchat camera captures images differently than your smartphone’s regular camera app. When you take a selfie with the regular camera app, it shows an image oriented how others see you. Your part is on the right side just like how other people see you.
However, Snapchat’s camera shows a mirrored image, with your part on the left side as you would see in a mirror. This creates an image oriented from your own perspective, rather than how others see you.
In other words, Snapchat shows you what you look like to yourself in a mirror, while the regular camera shows what you look like to others in real life. This is why many are confused when they first start using Snapchat – it can take some getting used to seeing your mirror image on camera!
Why Does Snapchat Mirror Images?
There are a few reasons why Snapchat decided to flip the camera around:
- It’s what users are used to seeing. Most people are used to seeing their mirror reflection daily, so seeing a mirrored selfie on Snapchat seems more natural.
- It allows users to apply filters and lenses more accurately. When users want to put a funny lens or filter on their selfie, it’s easier to do when it’s oriented in the way they’re used to seeing themselves.
- Flipped images are better for selfies. Having the frontal camera image flipped helps guide Snapchat users to take better quality selfies compared to the regular camera app.
- It’s unexpected and unconventional. The flipped camera goes against what users are used to with other apps, making Snapchat more fun and quirky.
Overall, Snapchat wants the app experience to feel fun and unconventional. Flipping the camera adds uniqueness to Snapchat and makes it more intuitive when applying filters, lenses, and taking selfies.
Do Other Social Media Platforms Flip Images?
Snapchat popularized the flipped camera, but they aren’t the only social media platform to mirror images:
- Instagram: Instagram added the ability to flip the camera in selfie mode in late 2019. Front-facing cameras on Instagram now mirror images just like Snapchat.
- TikTok: The TikTok app camera also mirrors selfies, similar to Snapchat and Instagram selfie modes.
- Facebook: Facebook camera images are not mirrored. Both rear and front-facing cameras on Facebook will show an un-flipped image.
- Twitter: Twitter’s camera also does not mirror images. It functions like the native smartphone camera app.
In general, social media apps geared towards younger demographics and selfie-taking tend to use a mirrored camera to align with user expectations. Platforms used for more professional networking still stick with un-flipped images.
Do People Prefer a Mirrored or Unmirrored Camera?
Opinions are split on whether people prefer a mirrored vs. unmirrored camera experience:
- Some prefer mirrored as it’s what they’re used to seeing day to day in the mirror. It seems more natural.
- Others prefer unmirrored because that’s how they actually appear to others in real life. They want photos to reflect reality.
- Some have no preference and don’t notice the difference either way!
At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. You may have to try both mirrored and unmirrored camera apps to decide which you like better for your own selfies and photos.
Tips for Taking Selfies in Snapchat
It can take some adjustment to get used to Snapchat’s mirrored camera effect. Here are some tips for taking great selfies and photos even with the flipped image:
- Use the rear camera instead of the front camera. The image will appear unmirrored like on other camera apps.
- Use Snapchat’s lenses and filters after taking the photo. It’s easier than trying to apply them live.
- Play around with both the front and rear cameras to see differences in image quality.
- Tap and hold on the screen to lock focus and exposure for a crisp image.
- Make silly faces and experiment! The flipped camera lets you see what different expressions look like.
With some practice, you’ll get the hang of Snapchat’s unique camera. Take lots of selfies and share them with friends to show off your new selfie skills.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s flipped camera can be confusing at first, but has logical reasons behind the mirrored images. The intentional camera flip allows for a more intuitive selfie-taking experience and injects some unconventional fun into the Snapchat app. With time, the mirrored camera will start to seem totally normal. Understanding why Snapchat flips your camera image can help you master the art of the Snapchat selfie.