Snapchat is taking its augmented reality (AR) experiences to the next level with the introduction of generative AI-powered video lenses. The company has unveiled Video Gen AI Lenses, a new feature that enhances Snaps with dynamic AI-generated video effects. However, access to this cutting-edge technology is currently restricted to Snapchat+ Platinum subscribers, a premium tier priced at $14.99 per month.
“These new lenses, developed using our proprietary generative video model, bring some of the most advanced AI tools to Snapchatters in a familiar format,” Snap stated in its latest press release.
A Limited but Expanding Selection
For now, only three AI-powered video lenses are available to paying users:
- Raccoon Lens – Adds animated raccoons to videos, creating a fun and playful effect.
- Fox Lens – Places a lifelike red fox peeking over the user’s shoulder.
- Spring Flowers Lens – Fills the scene with photorealistic blooming flowers, complete with a cinematic zoom-out effect.
Although the selection is currently limited, Snap has assured users that new AI video lenses will be introduced on a weekly basis.
Can Users Create Their Own AI Video Lenses?
It remains unclear whether Snapchat will eventually allow users to develop their own generative AI video lenses. The platform already offers Lens Studio, a free toolkit that enables creators to build custom AR lenses and share them worldwide. Lens Studio includes built-in generative AI capabilities, letting users create lenses using text and image prompts, similar to how tools like ChatGPT or Gemini generate images from descriptions.
Additionally, the platform features an AI-powered assistant designed to help users with their lens creation projects.
How Do Snapchat’s AI Video Lenses Work?
To access these AI-driven video effects, users must subscribe to Snapchat+ Platinum, which provides an ad-free experience across the Lens and Story sections, along with a reduced number of sponsored Snaps.
When users open the Lens Carousel in the Snapchat app, the new AI video lenses will appear at the top of the selection. These effects can be applied to both front and rear camera recordings. While the AI-generated video is being processed, users are free to switch to other tasks, such as chatting or capturing additional Snaps. Once the AI-enhanced Snap is ready, it is automatically saved in the Memories section.
As with standard Snapchat content, AI-enhanced videos can be shared through Stories, Spotlight, or sent directly to friends.
Lenses vs. Filters – What’s the Difference?
To avoid confusion, it’s important to differentiate between Lenses and Filters in Snapchat.
- Lenses use augmented reality (AR) to add interactive 3D effects to Snaps, such as face transformations or environmental animations.
- Filters are static overlays that adjust the colors or style of a photo or video.
Snapchat provides two types of lenses:
- Face Lenses – Modify a user’s appearance, adding effects like animal faces or virtual accessories.
- World Lenses – Transform the environment by adding animated 3D elements to surroundings.
With generative AI now entering the mix, Snapchat is pushing AR content creation to new heights, offering users increasingly immersive and personalized visual effects.