How to Make a Snapchat Filter
One of the things that Snapchat users love the most about the platform is Snapchat filters.
Filters are what give life to Snapchat while making the community join together in new trends and fun filters.
Most filters that you can find on the Snapchat app are there to be used by everyone, but some others have specific purposes.
The integration of new features, such as Snapchat Lenses, gave users the tools they needed to create their own personal filters on the platform.
But if you want to create your own Snapchat filter, then there are several things you must take into account.
That’s why in today’s blog post, we will be talking about these topics:
- How to make a Snapchat Filter;
- What to know before you create your own custom filter on the platform;
- Everything you need to know about creating Snapchat filters.
What Are Snapchat Filters?
Snapchat Filters are several editing effects available on the platform that lightly or heavily change the outcome of a Snap video or image.
Snapchat offers many options to chat with other Snapchatters. From sending pictures as Snaps to sending GIFs on Snapchat, filters are just another way to customize a rather normal video and turn it into a special one.
Therefore, you might want to create a Snapchat filter for fun, or to highly recommend a special event.
How to Make a Snapchat Filter
There are three types of Snapchat filters that you can make:
- Editing current Snapchat filters;
- Community Filters on Snapchat;
- Snapchat Geofilters, which also apply to businesses.
Whether you have a private or a public profile on Snapchat, everyone can use and add multiple filters to their Snaps. So, if you want to make your own Snapchat filter, then these are the steps you must follow.
1. Edit and “Create” Filter from the Snapchat App
This won’t create an entirely new filter, but it is the best way to “create” a filter from the Snapchat app.
It consists of simply further editing an existing filter on Snapchat.
Step 1: Open Snapchat
Firstly, open your Snapchat account. On the main Snapchat home screen, you will see the main menu.
Step 2: Open Filters and Select “Create”
Tap on the “Filters” icon, and then select “Create”, which is a button located at the top left corner of the screen. In this next screen, you will be able to alter custom filters at your will.
Step 3: Edit an Existing Filter Design
You must choose a filter, run it on your camera, and then make the changes you please. At the top right corner of the screen you will see many editing options, such as Makeup, Add Text and Details.
You might as well add voice-altering effects or new images to that filter - you can swipe left to search for an option that suits your needs.
The truth is that you will just “transform” an existing filter - you are not creating something entirely new, but this is the best you can get from your phone.
2. Submit and Create a Custom Community Filter
The second way to do this is by creating Community Filters on Snapchat.
Community Filters are special filters that are creative enough and provide something useful to the community.
These filters can go from face-changing effects to unique art filters that are worth having on the app. Nonetheless, they are not meant for personal or business use.
Step 1: Read the Community Snapchat Filters Guidelines
It is utterly important to read Geofilter Guidelines before submitting your own filter. You can’t use logos, hashtags, and the art must be 100% original.
Community Custom Filters have goals beyond personal or business profit, so take this into account.
Step 2: Go to Snapchat Create
Once you have read the guidelines, you need to log in to Snapchat Create, which was previously known as “Lenses and Filters.”
On the left side of the screen, you will see a settings menu. Click on “Create Filter,” and proceed.
Step 3: Choose Between Geofilters and Moment Filters
You will see two categories:
- Geofilters, which can be used whenever a Snapchatter is at a specific geographic location and are meant to highlight something interesting on a specific city or palace;
- Moment Filters, which take place depending on the filter occasion, such as a football match or an upcoming event that matters to most people.
Step 4: Design Your Relevant Custom Snapchat Filter
After choosing the filter category, the time to create the filter comes. If you are not proficient with Adobe Photoshop or another editing software, then we suggest you hire someone.
There are plenty of static overlays and several templates to start making your filter, so this part depends entirely on you.
Remember the guidelines (normal image, PNG file, transparent background, etc.) before submitting the filter.
Step 5: Wait for Approval by the Snapchat Team
Once the filter is good and ready to go, click “Upload” and wait for the approval.
Remember that the Snapchat team must manually approve the filter before going live. This is a free process, but it might take a while.
3. Make a Snapchat Geofilter
Users also have the option to make paid Snapchat Geofilters. These Geofilters are aimed at both business or personal events.
Imagine that you want to celebrate your dog’s birthday, or your sister’s baby shower. Then, you make a Snapchat Geofilter, and it will be available.
The same goes for a business. If you want to make a Snapchat business filter, these steps will work either way. Learn more about Business Filters here.
Step 1: Go to Snapchat Create and Select “Create a Filter”
Log in to the Snapchat Create page, and on the left drop-down menu, select “Create a Filter.”
Now, you will select Snapchat Geofilter and NOT Community Filters. Check the Paid Geofilter Guidelines here.
Step 2: Upload the Design of Your Own Snapchat Filters
So, what’s the occasion for the filter? Are you going to promote your business, or do you want others to celebrate your graduation with you?
Make the Snapchat Geofilters designs, make sure that you comply with the guidelines, and then proceed with the following step.
Step 3: Select the Geofilter Details
Finally, you must select the details of the filter:
- Run Time: it is fundamental to select the start and end time of the filter event. You can select “Repeating Event” so the filter runs more than once;
- Location: the specific location of your filter will be limited by something called Geofence, which determines the specific area where people can use your filter;
- Final Filter Tweaks: make sure that the filter design is okay and ready to go.
Step 4: Confirm the Details and Pay for the Snapchat Geofilter
Once everything is finished and good to go, just click “Checkout” and see how much you need to pay.
Prices go from $5 to $20 per day, but this depends on the location, size of the Geofence, duration, and more.
That’s all you need to know about creating Snapchat filters! Search no more - you can find the latest up-to-date Snapchat guides here, at GrowFollowing!
FAQ
What Are Annual Snap Filters?
Annual Snap Filters are regular Geofilters that run all the year. They are expensive and require hard work, but businesses find great advantages in them. Learn more about Annual Filters here.
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter here at GrowFollowing. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.