Augmented Reality (AR) filters have transformed the way users engage with social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, allowing for creative expression and enhanced user interaction. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to use AR filters on both platforms, covering everything from finding and applying filters to creating your own.
Understanding AR Filters
Before diving into the specifics of Instagram and Snapchat, it’s important to understand what AR filters are. These filters utilize computer-generated graphics to overlay images, animations, or effects onto the real world as viewed through a camera. This technology blends digital content with the physical world, providing a fun and interactive experience for users.
Using AR Filters on Instagram
1. Navigating Instagram Filters
Instagram has a wide array of AR filters available for its users. Here’s how to find and use these filters:
Step 1: Open the Instagram App
Make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed on your mobile device. AR features are only available within the app, and it works best on supported devices.
Step 2: Access the Camera
To access Instagram’s camera feature, tap on your profile picture in the top left corner of your feed or swipe right from anywhere in the feed. This will open the camera interface, where you can create stories, reels, and posts using your camera.
Step 3: Explore Filters
At the bottom of the camera screen, you will see several filter icons. Swipe left or right to navigate through the available filters. If you want to explore more options:
- Tap on the “Browse Effects” (or “Effects Gallery”) icon located at the right end of the filters bar (the smiley face icon). This will take you to a gallery of all the AR filters available.
Step 4: Search for Specific Filters
If you know the name of a specific filter, you can use the search bar at the top of the Effects Gallery to find it. Just type in the name or the creator’s name, and the relevant filters will be displayed.
2. Applying Filters to Your Photos and Videos
Once you find a filter you like, here’s how to apply it:
Step 1: Select the Filter
After exploring the available effects, tap on a filter to see a preview. You will notice how the filter interacts with your environment through the camera feed.
Step 2: Take Your Photo or Video
Position your camera to frame your shot. If you want to capture a video, hold down the capture button for as long as you’d like to record. For a photo, tap the capture button once.
Step 3: Adjust the Filter
Many filters allow you to adjust the intensity or other features. Look for icons or sliders on the screen to customize the effect according to your preference.
Step 4: Share Your Creation
After taking your photo or video, you have the option to edit it further using Instagram’s in-built tools, such as adding stickers, text, or music. Finally, tap “Your Story” to share it or choose “Send To” to send it to specific users or a close friend’s story.
3. Saving and Managing Filters
Sometimes, you may want to save your favorite filters for easy access later on.
Step 1: Save the Filter
While exploring filters in the Effects Gallery, tap on the three dots or “Save Effect” to add it to your favorites. This allows for quick access in the future.
Step 2: Access Your Saved Effects
To view your saved filters, go back to the camera interface, swipe across the filters, and go to the section labeled “Your Effects”.
Creating Your Own AR Filters on Instagram
If you feel adventurous and want to create something unique, Instagram allows users to design their own AR filters using Spark AR Studio.
1. Download Spark AR Studio
Visit the Spark AR website and download Spark AR Studio for your computer (it’s available for both Windows and macOS).
2. Follow Tutorials
Before diving into creating your own filter, you might want to follow some beginner tutorials that Spark AR provides. These tutorials will guide you through the basic features of the software.
3. Create Your Filter
Once you feel confident, you can start creating:
Step 1: Start a New Project
Open Spark AR Studio and select “Create New”.
Step 2: Design Your AR Experience
You can add 3D objects, animations, sounds, and various other effects. The software provides a user-friendly interface, allowing you to manipulate different elements easily.
Step 3: Test Your Filter
Before publishing, use the built-in test features to see how your filter works in real-time.
Step 4: Publish Your Filter
Follow the instructions to publish your filter to Instagram. After approval, your filter will be available for everyone on Instagram.
Using AR Filters on Snapchat
Snapchat is known for its innovative use of AR technology, and it offers a plethora of filters known as Lenses.
1. Accessing Snapchat Filters (Lenses)
Using filters on Snapchat is straightforward:
Step 1: Open the Snapchat App
Ensure your Snapchat app is updated to the latest version.
Step 2: Access the Camera Screen
The main screen of Snapchat is the camera interface. Tap on it to access.
Step 3: Choose a Lens
To access different lenses, tap on the smiley face icon located on the right side of the screen. A menu with various lenses will appear. You can swipe left and right to explore them.
Step 4: Discover More Lenses
Tap on “Explore” in the bottom right to access a wider selection. You might find community-created Lenses here as well.
2. Using Lenses on Your Snap
To apply a lens:
Step 1: Point the Camera
frame the camera towards yourself or the object you want to capture. Many lenses are designed to detect facial features or specific actions.
Step 2: Apply the Lens
Tap on the lens you want to use. You’ll see how it transforms your face or surroundings in real-time.
Step 3: Take a Snap
Once the lens is applied and you’re satisfied with how it looks, tap the circular capture button to take a photo or video.
Step 4: Modify Your Snap
You can add additional elements such as text, drawings, or stickers to your Snap before sharing it.
Step 5: Share Your Snap
After editing, tap the blue arrow to send your Snap to friends, add it to your story, or save it to your device.
3. Creating Your Own Snap Lenses
Snapchat allows designers to create and publish their own Augmented Reality lenses.
Step 1: Download Lens Studio
Visit the Snapchat website to download Lens Studio, a free software for crafting custom lenses.
Step 2: Explore Templates
Lens Studio provides several templates to help you get started quickly. Templates can guide users in designing Lenses tailored to specific functionalities.
Step 3: Develop Your Lens
Use the template or start from scratch to create your lens. You can work with 2D and 3D elements, add interactive components, and much more.
Step 4: Preview and Test
Use the preview feature in Lens Studio to test your lens in real-time to ensure it works properly.
Step 5: Submit Your Lens
After finalizing your Lens, follow the submission guidelines on Snapchat and submit your creation for approval.
AR filters on Instagram and Snapchat offer exciting ways to express creativity and engage with content. Whether you’re applying existing filters or creating your own, understanding the steps to navigate these platforms can enhance your social media usage.
From the intuitive interface on Instagram that lets users apply and save filters effortlessly to Snapchat’s robust lens creation and exploration features, both platforms have tailored their AR experiences to cater to diverse user needs. As you dive into these features, consider experimenting with various filters, and when you feel ready, unleash your creativity by designing your AR filters using Spark AR Studio and Lens Studio. The world of augmented reality is at your fingertips—enjoy exploring it