Snapchat filters are effects you apply to photos or videos before sending them

A Snapchat filter is a visual effect that changes how you or your surroundings look in a photo or video. Snapchat comes with built-in filters — like black and white, sepia, or ones that add text and graphics — and you can also create your own custom filters using Snapchat's design tools. The built-in filters are free and available to everyone. Custom filters you create are saved to your account and can be used anytime.

The difference between filters and lenses matters: filters are static overlays that sit on top of your image, while lenses use your phone's camera to detect your face or surroundings and create interactive effects. This guide covers how to use both, since Snapchat groups them together in the same menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Swipe left or right on the camera screen to scroll through Snapchat's built-in filters before you take a photo or video.
  • Tap and hold on your face in the camera view to see face-tracking lenses that respond to your expressions and movements.
  • Create a custom filter by opening Snapchat, tapping your profile icon, selecting "Filters & Lenses," and choosing "Create a Filter."
  • Custom filters you create are saved to your account and appear in your personal filter list whenever you open the camera.
  • Snapchat's built-in filters work offline, but custom filters require an internet connection to load.

How to use Snapchat's built-in filters

Open Snapchat and tap the camera icon to enter camera mode. Point your phone at what you want to photograph. Swipe left or right across the screen — you will see a row of filter icons appear at the bottom. Each swipe shows you a different filter. Tap the one you want to use, and it applies to your live camera view. Take your photo or video while the filter is active.

The filters available depend on your location and the time of day. Snapchat rotates seasonal and time-based filters automatically. If you swipe and see a clock icon with a lock, that filter is not yet available in your area. Snapchat also offers filters tied to holidays, events, or trending topics — these appear and disappear based on what is happening that day.

How to access face-tracking lenses

Face-tracking lenses are effects that respond to your facial expressions, head movements, or eye contact. To find them, open the camera and look at yourself — tap and hold on your face in the camera view. A menu of lens options appears at the bottom of the screen. Swipe left or right to browse through them. Tap one to activate it, and you will see the effect applied to your face in real time.

These lenses work best in good lighting and when your face is clearly visible to the camera. Some lenses let you open your mouth, raise your eyebrows, or wink to trigger different effects. Others change your appearance with filters like dog ears, flower crowns, or makeup effects. You can take a photo or video while any lens is active.

How to create a custom filter

Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Scroll down and tap "Filters & Lenses." Tap "Create a Filter." You will see two options: "Design a Filter" or "Design a Lens." Choose "Design a Filter" if you want a static overlay effect. Snapchat opens a design tool where you can upload an image, add text, draw shapes, or use stickers.

Upload a background image or start with a blank canvas. Add text by tapping the text icon and typing what you want. Use the drawing tools to add shapes, lines, or freehand drawings. Adjust colors, size, and placement by tapping and dragging elements around the screen. When you are finished, tap "Next" and give your filter a name. Choose whether to save it to your account only or share it with friends.

Saving and organizing your custom filters

When you create a custom filter, Snapchat saves it to your account automatically. The next time you open the camera, your custom filter appears in your filter list when you swipe. You can create as many custom filters as you want, and they all stay saved unless you delete them.

To delete a custom filter you no longer want, go to your profile, tap "Filters & Lenses," find the filter in your list, and tap the trash icon next to it. To share a custom filter with a friend, tap the filter in your list and select "Share." Snapchat generates a link you can send through text, email, or any messaging app. When your friend opens the link, they can add the filter to their own account.

Why some filters do not appear or work

Snapchat's location-based filters only show up in certain geographic areas. If you are traveling or using a VPN, you might not see filters that are normally available in your location. Seasonal filters appear and disappear on set dates — a Halloween filter, for example, only shows up during October.

Custom filters require an internet connection to load, so if your phone is in airplane mode or has no signal, your saved filters will not appear. Built-in filters work offline because they are stored on your phone. If a filter looks blurry or glitchy, try closing and reopening Snapchat, or restart your phone. Older phones sometimes struggle with filters that use heavy graphics or face-tracking technology.

The difference between filters, lenses, and stickers

Filters are overlays — they sit on top of your photo or video and do not change based on what the camera sees. Lenses are interactive and respond to your face, head position, or the environment. Stickers are individual graphics you can place anywhere on a photo after you take it, and they do not move or respond to anything.

Snapchat groups filters and lenses together in the same menu because you access them the same way — by swiping on the camera screen or tapping your face. But understanding the difference helps you find what you are looking for. If you want a static effect, use a filter. If you want something that reacts to your movements, use a lens. If you want to add graphics after the photo is taken, use stickers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a filter after I take a photo, or do I have to apply it before?

Filters must be applied before you take the photo or video. Once you capture the image, you can add stickers and text, but you cannot add a new filter. If you want a different filter, take another photo with that filter active.

Do custom filters I create show up for other people?

No, unless you share them. Custom filters are private by default and only appear in your own camera. If you want friends to use your filter, tap it in your "Filters & Lenses" list and select "Share" to send them a link.

Why do some filters make my phone slow or crash?

Filters that use heavy face-tracking or graphics can drain your phone's processing power, especially on older devices. Close other apps running in the background, restart Snapchat, or try a simpler filter. If crashes continue, your phone may not have enough memory for that particular filter.

Can I edit or delete a custom filter after I create it?

You can delete a custom filter by going to your profile, tapping "Filters & Lenses," and tapping the trash icon next to it. Snapchat does not currently offer an edit option, so if you want to change it, you have to delete it and create a new one.

What happens to my custom filters if I delete my Snapchat account?

Your custom filters are tied to your account. If you delete your account, your filters are deleted too. If you want to keep a record, take screenshots of your filters before you delete your account.