Ultimate Guide to Snapchat Lenses: How to Use, Create & Explore the Best Effects

Snapchat Lenses make your selfies, pictures and videos more creative, and interactive. Whether you want to look like a cute dog, try makeup looks, or create your own AR experience, Lenses have something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use them, where to find new ones, and even how to make your own.

Snapchat Lenses are augmented reality (AR) effects. These Lense can change how you look or interact with your environment. Some Lenses add animations to your face, while others create full 3D scenes around you.

Snapchat filters are just overlays that allow you to change the color or add text to your snap. Lenses, on the other hand, use AR to animate your face or surroundings in real time. 

Using Snapchat Lense is a very easy task. You just need to open your camera and a face to start. With just a simple tap you can unlock many effects.

Getting started with snapchat lenses is easy. Check these steps how to add snapchat lenses:

1. Open the Snapchat app.
2. Just tap on your face after opening the camera to activate the Lens.
3. Swipe through to see different Lenses.
4. Tap to try one, then hold the record button to snap or film.

You can also unlock unique Lenses by scanning Snapcodes shared by friends, creators, or brands. If you want more effects:

Want to design your own effects? Snapchat gives you options to create your own Snapchat Lenses by using its tools like Lens Studio and the Snap Web Builder no advanced skills needed.

Snapchat Lenses Studio is a free app that allows you to design or create your custom Lenses. You can find it by searching for Snapchat Lens Studio login or visiting the Snap website.

To make your own Lens:

1. Download Lens Studio.
2. Select a template.
3. Add your 3D models, animations and effects.
4. Preview it and publish!

Even beginners can make simple Lenses with a few clicks.

Snapchat also offers a tool called Snap Lens Web Builder, a browser based option for quick Lens creation. You can also join the Snapchat Lenses Creator Rewards Program if your Lens gets popular.

Snapchat offers earning opportunities for lens creators. Through the Lens Creator Rewards Program, Snapchat pays for the Lense crater top performing lenses. The more people use your Lens, the more rewards you could receive.

Explore all kinds of Lenses made for fun, pets, or interactive play.

Yes Snapchat has Lenses specially made for your furry friends! These work on dog faces, adding effects like hats, sunglasses, or silly eyes.

• Snapchat Dog Lenses
  • Different from pet specific effects, these Lenses turn you into a dog with floppy ears, cute noses, and funny sounds. They are among Snapchat’s most loved Lenses.

Snapchat adds new Lenses daily. Use the Lens Explorer to find:

• Trending Lenses
• Seasonal effects (like Halloween or Valentine’s Day)
• Celebrity inspired Lenses

Here are a few of the best Snapchat Lenses to try:

You can try these by searching in the Lens Explorer or browsing the trending section.

Just like dogs, there are Lenses for your cat too! Try cat face tracking filters that add sparkle eyes, cute glasses, or animated effects.

Many Snapchat Lenses use advanced AR to do cool things like:

These show off how powerful AR can be in everyday fun.

Play games right inside a Lens! Move your head or blink to play. Popular interactive Lenses include obstacle dodging games, dress up, and quizzes.

Snapchat Planet Lenses are a fun twist on the Solar System Snapchat feature, turning each planet into a unique AR filter or lens. These filters reflect the theme and personality of each planet:

• Mercury Lens: Fast-moving, fiery effects with cosmic speed trails—symbolizing your #1 best friend.
• Venus Lens: Romantic pink tones, Snapchat hearts sparkles, and soft glow—perfect for close, affectionate connections.
• Earth Lens: Earthy overlays with clouds, trees, and a global view—representing stable, everyday friendship.
• Mars Lens: Bold reds, rocky textures, and energetic animations—ideal for fiery or competitive friendships.
• Jupiter Lens: Giant planetary rings, swirling storms, and a majestic vibe—reflecting your longest-running snapchat streaks.
• Saturn Lens: Iconic golden rings and celestial sparkles—suggesting loyalty, distance, or evolving bonds.
• Uranus Lens: Cool blue tones, icy overlays, and quirky rotations—great for unique or offbeat friendships.
• Neptune Lens: Deep ocean blues and dreamy visuals—used for distant or rarely active friends in your orbit.