Learning how to search for Snapchat filters is an essential skill most users need to know. Besides Snap filters being fun, they also improve your snap look and help you express yourself better. But it has many options that can be difficult to find and also pick.
This piece will explain to you in detail what Snapchat filters really are, how it works, and what it offers. We will then look at the safety tips that you and your family can use to have a safer Snapchat experience.
What are Snapchat filters?
Snapchat filters are graphical effects that one can apply to photos or videos once they have taken a snap. They improve your content with overlays, tons of text, color, or light effects. Certain filters respond to your location, time or weather and others are built to respond to style and mood. Snapchat filters are meant to be quick to apply and exchange, and this is a key element in the Snapchat experience.
Examples of popular snapchat filters include:
- AR face filters: This type of filter has been created to add makeup, skin filters or change eye color to the face. Face tracking keeps the effect in position as you move.
- Face swap filters: It offers a fun feature replacing your image with a friend, a pet or a different character. The outcomes are usually shocking and funny.
- Location-based filters: You can only use it to show your location by mentioning your city, nation or surrounding attractions. A lot of users attach them so as to indicate where a snap was made.
- Time and date filters: Automatically add the day or time you are on and update your snap. They tend to be overlaid with additional filters to provide additional context.
- Weather filters: It shows real-time changes, such as sunshine, rain, or the cloudy nature.
- Color and mood filters: These are filters that are used to customize lighting, contrast, and tones to suit a particular vibe or aesthetic.
Snapchat filters vs. Snapchat lenses
Snapchat lenses and snapchat filters do not have the same functions. They often do different things and are also used in different times. You can add a filter when you swipe on the screen after you take a video or a photo. But lenses are used while you’re recording. It can track your face and expressions or even adjust based on your movements.
Free filters vs. special filters
Any Snapchat user can have free filters that are displayed on the screen and there is no additional action required. They are timely updated and normally contain time, location, color and minimal effects.
Special filters are reserved and they are usually produced on brands, events, or promotions. These filters can be shown in specific places or in specific times. A typical example is sponsored filters, which are created to advertise a product, place or a campaign. Free filters change continuously, whereas special filters are temporary and intended to create attention.
Use Snapchat parental controls to know your teens digital status.
How to search for Snapchat filters on your phone?
Your snaps can be more entertaining, inventive, and original with Snapchat filters that work. You can check out trending filters in Snapchat, or individual themes options on your device that you can use. This is how you can search Snapchat filters on your phone:
1. Open the Snapchat camera.
2. Tap the smiley face icon next to the capture button.
3. Swipe left or right to see available filters.
4. Tap the magnifying glass to open Lens Explorer.
5. Type keywords to search for specific filters.
6. Tap a filter to try it in real time.
7. Tap the star icon to save your favorite filters.
How to discover new and trending filters?
Before you get the chance to use a new filter, you need to first know how to discover them. Snapchat has new and trending filters you can use to elevate your snaps with a few edits. This is how you can discover new and trending filters on Snapchat:
Explore lens explorer in Snapchat
Snapchat has a primary lens explorer where new filters and lenses are found. You can access this with a simple tap on the magnifying glass button on the camera screen. Once you’re in, maneuver through the options like popular, trending, and featured lenses. You will find effects that you cannot find in your ordinary options.
Using hashtags or keywords in lens explorer
Another way you can discover new filters is through the search feature, using hashtags and keywords.
You can type in keywords like dog or festival to get filters that match what you have typed in the search bar. When you’re going for seasonal trends,you’ll have to use hashtags that match that occasion.
Following creators for regular filter updates
Some Snapchat creators release new lenses every now and then. Subscribing to these creators will give you access to the latest effects immediately. Creator lenses tend to have some special AR effects, animations, and interactive designs that are not in the general list.
Highlight community-made and official Snapchat filters
There are community filters and official ones in Snapchat that you can make use of. The community filters are generated by users and can be quite creative and niche-themed. Snapchat or brand official filters are made, usually based on promotions or occasions. The two formats offer unlimited options to customize your snaps and make your content stand out.
How to use Snapchat filters after searching?
There are a few ways to ensure you can use Snapchat filters easily. Using a Snapchat filter is easy once you have identified it. You can use these filters to boost creativity or add fun and make it more interesting.
Applying filters to snaps and stories
Once you have picked a filter, just tap on it to apply it to your photo or video. Once you finish, you can easily start a snap with the filter enabled and working. When you have the right filter on, your stories or snaps look more interesting or professional. If you haven’t found the right filters, you can easily experiment with different options to see what works best.
Adjusting filters for multiple effects, AR features, and face recognition
You can also add more than one filter to your snap if you feel it’s not up to the standards you want it to be. Snapchat offers you many options like AR features, multiple effects and face recognition that you can use to this effect. This means you will have enhanced snaps since these options are not like the usual filters. Going for the AR option means that you’re looking for a creative impression that the others don’t really offer.
Sending snaps with filters to friends
After you’ve added filters to your snap, send it to your friends and family. Simply tap the visible arrow button so your friends can see your snap creation. This is a great way to connect with new people or start conversations with your usual friends. You can also save the snaps so that you can use them in the future if you need to.
Safety tips for using Snapchat
While Snapchat offers a great opportunity to connect through snaps, it is not entirely safe. Snapchat does have policies in place to protect users but that is not enough if you’re protecting kids. That’s why you should consider these safety tips to ensure your kids are always safe while on Snapchat.
Enable two-factor authentication
One of the best ways that parents can guarantee their kids safety is through the two factor authentication method. Even if you lose your password in an undesirable way, the two factor authentication will not let anyone access your account. A code or message will have to be sent to your device and without your authentication, they will not access the account. This option ensures your account cannot be easily hacked by strangers.
Limit location sharing
Snap Map allows individuals to share their true location, which is dangerous when revealing this information to strangers. You can manage this by using the Ghost Mode, which can hide your kids’ real-time location.This will stop everybody from accessing your true location if you don’t want them to.
Control who can contact you and view your story
The initial step to protecting yourself on Snapchat is normally using who can contact you or view your story option. This is normally the easiest way you can control your privacy when you have safety concerns on Snapchat. Ensure you set everything to friends only so that anybody you don’t know cannot contact or view your story.
Use parental control tools
Managing kids on social apps like Snapchat is not an easy task for parents. Kids are often exposed to inappropriate content and interactions with strangers who want them to share personal details. But parents can get ahead if they embrace parental control tools that have reliable monitoring features to help protect kids.
One app that has the best features in the market is FlashGet Kids. This app offers parents features like screen time which helps parents determine how long their kids use their device. Such a feature can help minimize the amount of time that kids spend on apps like Snapchat. It also comes with screen mirroring which enables parents to see through their kids device and know what they’re doing. Such features make it easier to stay on top and know that your kids are safe.
Conclusion
It’s now more evident that Snapchat filters can improve your snaps while also making it fun. When you use options like explore lens and keywords, you will have a better chance to discover better filters. But as you enjoy Snapchat filters, you need to be mindful about safety, inappropriate content and interaction with strangers. That’s why you need to use options like two factor authentication to keep your kids safe as they use Snapchat.
