Want more Snapchat filters? You’re in luck because Snapchat has just opened the doors to developers who specialize in augmented reality apps. #objectmagic
Snap, the social media giant, launched the Lens Studio AR developer tool for desktops. This means developers from all over the world, not just Snap employees, can create World Lenses.
However, that doesn’t mean that the Snapchat camera now has thousands of interactive 3D objects for you to insert into your photos. The greatest possible developers of World Lenses will be brands and news publishers, and there’s a catch.
Their creations, called Community Lenses, will only appear on Snapchat’s camera when those companies purchase ads for Snap sponsored lenses.
Otherwise, every Community Lens creator will have to market their World Lenses themselves by promoting their QR Snapcodes. Users scan this to unlock the augmented reality effect for 24 hours.
There is no telling how many developers will flock to the Lens Studio AR developer tool, but we’re sure we’ll see some creative ads in the near future.
Let’s just hope this Snap initiative doesn’t take the Snapchat Spectacles route, a spectacular failure that has cost the company around $ 40 million.
In any case, the rivalry between Snapchat and Facebook is intensifying as Facebook announced a similar offer this week as well. All developers now have access to the AR platform and World Effects. This again shows the company’s desperation to push the Facebook Stories feature.
What do you think of the Snapchat Lens Studio? Is this hot dog impressive?
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