Snapchat is a social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with friends and followers. With its unique filters, lenses, and camera features, Snapchat has become a popular platform for creativity and self-expression. In this article, we’ll explore five Snapchat camera hacks that will help you impress your friends and followers.
The 15 Hacks
Here are the fifteen hacks you can tap into to captivate your potential and existing fans!
1. Master the Art of Filters
Snapchat filters are a fun and easy way to add a little something extra to your snaps. From dog ears to flower crowns, there’s a filter for every occasion. But did you know that you can use multiple filters at once? To do this, simply swipe left or right after selecting your first filter, and choose another one. You can also adjust the intensity of a filter by tapping on it and dragging your finger up or down on the screen.
If you want to use a custom filter for your snaps, you can create one yourself! Snapchat’s On-Demand Geofilters feature allows users to create and purchase personalized filters for their events, businesses, or personal use. With a little creativity, you can make a filter that perfectly captures the mood or theme of your snap.
If we introduce some of the influencers who mastered Snapchat filters:
- CyreneQ (@cyreneq): CyreneQ is a graphic designer and Snapchat influencer who has gained a large following by creating and sharing fun and creative Snapchat filters. She has been recognized by Snapchat for her work and has even been featured in Snapchat’s Discover section.
- Mike Platco (@mplatco): Mike Platco is a Snapchat artist and influencer who creates amazing Snapchat filters and artwork. He has collaborated with brands like Disney, Pepsi, and McDonald’s to create branded filters and has also worked with celebrities like DJ Khaled and Kevin Hart.
- Shaun McBride (@shonduras): Shaun McBride, also known as Shonduras, is a popular Snapchat influencer and artist who has gained a large following by creating fun and engaging Snapchat content. He is known for his use of Snapchat filters and has even created his own custom filters for brands like AT&T and Mountain Dew.
- Liza Koshy (@lizakoshy): Liza Koshy is a popular YouTuber and social media personality who has gained a large following on Snapchat by sharing funny and entertaining snaps. She often uses Snapchat filters in her snaps and has even created her own custom filters for her fans to use.
- Spencer Pratt (@prattspencer): Spencer Pratt is a reality TV star and social media personality who has become known for his hilarious and over-the-top use of Snapchat filters. He often uses the app to create funny skits and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life.
2. Explore Lenses
Snapchat lenses are another popular feature that lets you add fun and interactive elements to your snaps. From animated characters to face-swapping, lenses can make your snaps truly unique. To access lenses, simply tap and hold on your face while in selfie mode, and choose a lens from the carousel that appears.
Did you know that you can use lenses with your rear-facing camera too? Just tap on the camera screen to bring up the lens carousel, and swipe left until you find a lens that works with your rear-facing camera. You can also use lenses with friends by selecting the lens icon in the bottom right corner of your screen during a video chat.
3. Adjust Your Camera Settings
Snapchat’s camera settings allow you to customize your snaps in a variety of ways. To access camera settings, simply tap the gear icon in the top right corner of your camera screen. From there, you can adjust settings like:
- Front-facing flash: Turn on the front-facing flash to brighten up your selfies in low light.
- Timer: Set a timer for your snaps so you can get the perfect shot.
- Gridlines: Use gridlines to help you line up your shots.
- Quality & Data Saver: Adjust your snap quality and data usage to optimize for your device and network.
4. Get Creative with Drawing Tools
Snapchat’s drawing tools allow you to add your own personal touch to your snaps. From simple doodles to intricate designs, you can use drawing tools to make your snaps stand out. To access drawing tools, simply tap the pencil icon in the top right corner of your screen.
You can adjust the size and color of your brush by tapping on the pencil icon again and choosing your preferred settings. You can also use the eraser tool to remove any mistakes or unwanted lines.
5. Use Third-Party Apps
Using third-party apps can take your snaps to a whole new level by providing you with additional editing tools and creative options. Here are some popular third-party apps that you can use to enhance your snaps on Snapchat:
- Snapseed: Snapseed is a free photo editing app that offers a range of advanced editing tools, such as selective adjustments, curves, and brushes. With Snapseed, you can fine-tune the color and exposure of your snaps, as well as add filters and textures to give them a unique look.
- VSCO: VSCO is a popular photo editing app that offers a range of presets and editing tools to help you create stunning snaps. With VSCO, you can adjust the exposure, contrast, and saturation of your snaps, as well as add film-like filters and effects to give them a nostalgic feel.
- Facetune: Facetune is a powerful photo editing app that is designed specifically for portrait retouching. With Facetune, you can smooth out skin, whiten teeth, and reshape facial features to create flawless selfies. While Facetune is a paid app, it offers a range of powerful editing tools that can help you take your selfies to the next level.
- Bitmoji: Bitmoji is a popular app that allows you to create personalized cartoon avatars of yourself. With Bitmoji, you can create a range of different facial expressions and poses, and use your avatar to add a personal touch to your snaps. You can also use Bitmoji to create custom stickers that feature your avatar, making it easier to add a personal touch to your snaps.
- GIPHY: GIPHY is a popular GIF search engine that allows you to find and add animated GIFs to your snaps. With GIPHY, you can search for GIFs based on keywords or browse popular categories, such as memes, reactions, and animals. You can also create your own custom GIFs using the app’s GIF maker feature, allowing you to add a unique touch to your snaps.
By using these third-party apps in conjunction with Snapchat’s native camera and features, you can create engaging and visually stunning snaps that are sure to impress your friends and followers.
6. Experiment with 3D Bitmoji
Snapchat’s 3D Bitmoji feature allows you to create an animated avatar that can be inserted into your snaps. To access 3D Bitmoji, simply tap and hold on your face in selfie mode, and select the Bitmoji icon from the carousel that appears. From there, you can customize your Bitmoji and choose from a variety of animations.
Here are some good examples of how you can leverage 3D Bitmoji on Snapchat:
- Introduce yourself: You can use your 3D Bitmoji to introduce yourself to your followers. You can make your avatar wave and say hello to give your followers a friendly greeting. This can be a great way to start a snap series or to let new followers know who you are.
- Share your mood: You can use your 3D Bitmoji to express your mood or emotions. For example, if you’re feeling happy, you can make your Bitmoji dance or jump for joy. If you’re feeling sad, you can make your Bitmoji cry or give a sad face. This can make your snaps more relatable and engaging.
- Show off your hometown: You can use your 3D Bitmoji to give your followers a tour of your hometown. For example, you can create an animation of your Bitmoji walking down Main Street, visiting local landmarks, or eating at your favorite restaurant. This can be a great way to showcase your hometown and give your followers a glimpse into your life.
- Celebrate holidays and events: You can use your 3D Bitmoji to celebrate holidays and events. For example, you can create an animation of your Bitmoji dressed up for Halloween or holding a birthday cake. This can be a fun way to engage with your followers and share your festive spirit.
- Collaborate with friends: You can collaborate with friends by creating 3D Bitmoji together. You can make your Bitmoji dance together or create a story using both of your avatars. Collaborating with friends is a great way to make your snaps more fun and interactive.
7. Add Music to Your Snaps
Snapchat’s music feature lets you add popular songs to your snaps, making them more fun and engaging. To add music to your snap, simply swipe up on the camera screen, select the music icon, and choose a song from the available options. You can also adjust the volume and choose the portion of the song you want to play.
Here are some ideas you can apply using Snapchat’s music feature to create engaging snaps:
- Share your favorite songs: You can use Snapchat’s music feature to share your favorite songs with your followers. This can be a great way to showcase your musical tastes and introduce your followers to new artists. You can also add captions or use emojis to express how the song makes you feel.
- Create a music video: You can use Snapchat’s music feature to create your own music video. You can lip-sync to the song, dance along, or create a mini music video by recording different scenes and adding the song in the background. This can be a fun way to showcase your creativity and entertain your followers.
- Add a soundtrack to your travels: If you’re traveling, you can use Snapchat’s music feature to add a soundtrack to your snaps. You can choose songs that match the mood of your travels, such as upbeat songs for when you’re exploring a new city or relaxing songs for when you’re enjoying a scenic view. This can make your snaps more immersive and transport your followers to your destination.
- Use music to set the tone: You can use music to set the tone for your snaps. For example, you can use upbeat songs to create a fun and energetic vibe, or slow and mellow songs to create a calming and relaxing vibe. This can help your followers get in the right mood and make your snaps more engaging.
- Highlight a special moment: You can use Snapchat’s music feature to highlight a special moment in your life. For example, you can add a romantic song to a snap of you and your significant other, or add a nostalgic song to a snap of you and your childhood friends. This can add an emotional element to your snaps and make them more memorable.
8. Play with Backgrounds
Snapchat’s backgrounds feature allows you to change the background of your snaps to a variety of colorful designs. To access backgrounds, simply tap the scissors icon in the toolbar, select the “Backgrounds” tab, and choose a design. You can also create your own custom background by cutting out a shape or object from a photo.
Here are some ways you can play with backgrounds to create engaging and fun snaps:
- Use backgrounds to set the scene: You can use Snapchat’s backgrounds feature to set the scene for your snaps. For example, if you’re at the beach, you can use a beach-themed background to create a more immersive experience for your followers. This can help your followers feel like they’re right there with you and make your snaps more engaging.
- Create your own custom background: Snapchat’s backgrounds feature also allows you to create your own custom backgrounds. You can cut out a shape or object from a photo and use it as your background. This can be a fun way to showcase your creativity and add a personal touch to your snaps.
- Use backgrounds to add emphasis: You can use Snapchat’s backgrounds feature to add emphasis to certain elements in your snaps. For example, if you’re taking a snap of a delicious meal, you can use a background that highlights the food and makes it stand out. This can make your snaps more visually appealing and engaging.
- Change backgrounds for different moods: You can use different backgrounds to match the mood of your snaps. For example, if you’re taking a snap of a party, you can use a colorful and lively background to match the festive mood. Alternatively, if you’re taking a snap of a sunset, you can use a more subdued and calming background to match the mood.
- Experiment with different designs: Snapchat’s backgrounds feature offers a variety of designs to choose from. You can experiment with different designs and find the ones that work best for your snaps. You can also use multiple backgrounds in a single snap to create a more dynamic and interesting visual.
9. Create Your Own Geo-Filters
Snapchat’s Geofilters feature allows you to create custom filters that are only available in a specific location. This is a great way to promote your business or event, or just add a personalized touch to your snaps. To create a Geofilter, simply log into Snapchat’s On-Demand Geofilters website, choose a design, and select the location and duration of your filter.
Here are some ways you can play with backgrounds to create engaging and fun snaps:
- Use backgrounds to set the scene: You can use Snapchat’s backgrounds feature to set the scene for your snaps. For example, if you’re at the beach, you can use a beach-themed background to create a more immersive experience for your followers. This can help your followers feel like they’re right there with you and make your snaps more engaging.
- Create your own custom background: Snapchat’s backgrounds feature also allows you to create your own custom backgrounds. You can cut out a shape or object from a photo and use it as your background. This can be a fun way to showcase your creativity and add a personal touch to your snaps.
- Use backgrounds to add emphasis: You can use Snapchat’s backgrounds feature to add emphasis to certain elements in your snaps. For example, if you’re taking a snap of a delicious meal, you can use a background that highlights the food and makes it stand out. This can make your snaps more visually appealing and engaging.
- Change backgrounds for different moods: You can use different backgrounds to match the mood of your snaps. For example, if you’re taking a snap of a party, you can use a colorful and lively background to match the festive mood. Alternatively, if you’re taking a snap of a sunset, you can use a more subdued and calming background to match the mood.
- Experiment with different designs: Snapchat’s backgrounds feature offers a variety of designs to choose from. You can experiment with different designs and find the ones that work best for your snaps. You can also use multiple backgrounds in a single snap to create a more dynamic and interesting visual.
10. Collaborate with Friends
Snapchat’s collaboration feature lets you and your friends work together on a snap. To collaborate on a snap, simply take a snap, select the “send to” option, and choose the friends you want to collaborate with. From there, you can each add your own creative touches to the snap before sending it back and forth.
Try some of these methods to more efficiently collaborate with friends on Snapchat.
- Create a group story: Snapchat’s group story feature lets you and your friends create a story together. This can be a fun way to share your experiences and adventures with a larger audience. To create a group story, simply select the “create group story” option in the stories section and invite your friends to join. From there, you can each add your own snaps to the story and create a collaborative story.
- Work on a snap together: Snapchat’s collaboration feature lets you and your friends work on a snap together. This can be a fun way to create unique and creative snaps. For example, you can each take turns adding different elements to the snap, such as stickers or text, before sending it back and forth. This can result in a collaborative snap that showcases each of your creative touches.
- Play games together: Snapchat also offers a variety of games that you can play with your friends. These games can be a fun way to collaborate and compete with each other. For example, you can play Bitmoji Party or Snapchat’s multiplayer games like Bitmoji Tennis or Zombie Rescue Squad. These games can help you bond with your friends and create fun memories together.
- Share filters and lenses: Snapchat’s filters and lenses can be a fun way to add some personality and creativity to your snaps. You can collaborate with your friends by sharing your favorite filters and lenses with each other. This can help you discover new and fun filters and lenses that you might not have known about before.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s camera features offer endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. By mastering filters, lenses, camera settings, drawing tools, and third-party apps, you can impress your friends and followers with your unique and eye-catching snaps. Try out these Snapchat camera hacks and see how they can take your snaps to the next level.
