However, not everyone is clear how to create or build custom filters and geofilters on Snapchat. Well, the application has an interface which can make the process a little confusing. That is why in this article we will explain these steps so that you can start creating your most original filters and geofilters.
What are Snapchat GeoFilters?
Geofilters on Snapchat have always been more unique than regular filters, this is because they are limited to one determined geographic area. In this way, if we leave this area, the filter will no longer appear.
These geofilters they are used for several purposes, sometimes to promote events, other times to promote brands and offers, and most commonly to promote a city's historical and cultural sites, as well as the city itself.
Regardless of the interest you have in creating the filter or geofilter, you should know that the steps are very simple and provide a more intimate experience with spaces and events.
Tipi in GeoFilter su Snapchat?
The Snapchat GeoFilters typology is simple, we usually hear it as corporate or community filters. However, the correct thing is denote it with the corresponding name, which are GeoFilter On-Demand e Community GeoFilters. Both have their own characteristics and applications, namely:
Geofilters on request
They are the reference company GeoFilters, this confusion of terms derives from the access and use that companies exercise on this tool. Companies can have access to the creation of GeoFilter, where they attach the logo of their brand or company, as long as have the appropriate permission.
As this practice is so widespread among businesses and users see that there is a vast arena in some regions, it is believed to be exclusive to businesses, but also the individuals can have access to their creation. Characteristic is the use of trademarks and logos with due registration.
Community geofilters
In them we see the freedom of creation that will not limit GeoFiltros to the use of a logo or a registered trademark. Therefore Community GeoFilters are a special appreciation among artists and designers; who use them for create relevance and / or preponderance of specific localities or sites.
But geography is not just an element to consider, through geolocation it is possible to design community GeoFilters for universities and institutions, in order to dynamize and harmonize the visit to these spaces from a digital point of view.
How to create a GeoFilter on Snapchat?
First, you can create the filter using the same Snapchat application, for this we go to our profile in the application, then we select in settings, followed by filters and objectives, finally in filters.
Now create filters via Snapchat it's very simple. Well, it doesn't have powerful editing tools. However, it's a good option if you want a fast filter with a standard quality finish.
If you want a professional filter instead, you can use tools like Adobe Photoshop. In this way you will get a better result in the geofilter and in the filter. Well, this tool has much more advanced options so you don't miss any details in the filter.
Once ready, export the document in PNG format with a transparent background and a file weight of less than 300 Kb.
Create and upload the image to use
The creation process is simple, so we resort to two edges. An older model can be used offered by the company; or move on to creating your own design adapted to your needs.
When we log into Snapchat on the web, we must bear in mind that it is unusual for the templates offered to be tailored to very specific events, however the templates are designed as a general applicability. But if you want specific details, you can switch to other means of previous editing smoothly, like Photoshop.
The design or image of the GeoFilter it goes through a thorough review by the company, so we have to keep these details in mind when creating the image.
We must include the logo of the event or company, although you can enter the only name of the event or activity, as there is no hierarchy between the two and it can be one of the two.
Likewise, we need to make sure that the image covers no more than 25% of the total screen space, top or bottom. For this, it is preferable to use a dimension format with a width of 1080px ; and which in turn corresponds to a height of 1920px.
In this sense, we need to make sure that the file has weight less than 300KB. We must also save the file with a translucent background, in the form of ".PNG"
We also need to keep in mind Snapchat's rules for submitting this type of article. Within them it is pointed out that elements with logos or brands must not be sent, without being the owner or have the proper authorization company or owner association.
Ma other relevant elements are added during image creation and upload to use. It cannot be an image that incites hatred, violence or promotes the use of weapons or war; as well as elements related to nudity or obscenity.
Attached to the above, will be rejected any image that contains personal content, including personal data or social platforms. Besides elements that encourage file downloads ; URLs, emails and contact numbers will also be grounds for refusal for the final approval of the image.
It will also be subject to the analysis of social conflict, that is, the debate on whether the image is offensive to a community, a city or a group of people. It will also be grounds for refusal, so it should be avoided.
Select the duration period
This it will depend on the length of time the event lasts. If it is a one-time event, it is recommended to add 2 or 3 more hours before or after, or both, to the scheduled time of the event; So if an event will last 8 hours, let's add two previous ones for preparation and about 3 later ones for postponement to generate relevance and continuity.
THE maximum duration intervalInstead, it will be 30 continuous days. But it can happen that the event takes place repeatedly over a longer period of time, for this it is possible to request a long-term GeoFilter, which otherwise generates a discount for the applicant.
Select the area where the Geofilter will be available
It is important to be careful to add a surrounding space more than desired. As some teams have a less specialized margin of detail and position; and it may happen that some teams do not have access to the GeoFilter, despite being in the correct area, but their team shows that it is a couple of blocks away.
Pay for the activation of your Geofilter
This is the part that separates both interests. Well, the first thing is about the payment you have to make for the filter or geofilter. This applies alone if the filter includes content that they promote a brand, a person or a profit-making event. On the contrary, the filter will be free of cost.
Also, if it is a geofilter, its cost varies also in based on the area it occupies and the time you intend to leave available.
To load a filter you need to go back to Snapchat settings, then to filters and lenses, now we click on filters and finally on loading filters or geofilters a depending on the purpose.
If it's a filter, we just need to upload the file and add a name. While if it is a geofilter, we have to select the map area where it will be available and how long it will last.
Payment is made after loading the filters, remember that Snapchat checks the filters before being published in case you want to create a filter that promotes a figure and want to publish it for free.
Create a free Geofilter
This is possible thanks to community filters or geofilters. Snapchat promotes creativity and the attachment of symbolic elements to daily life among its users; using these elements. All users have access to this option. Then, when the image is created and the filter is approved, it will be available to the public.
The free GeoFilters have, in addition to the particularity of being open to all the public, the negative element of the amount to the detriment; In other words, this option being free, there are hundreds and hundreds of filters to consider, from which not all of them can be approved, for reasons of feasibility.
How to get a custom filter on Snapchat?
The customization of the filter can be done by modifying the templates available on «create.snapchat.com»; or the particular design available from the same platform. However, you can go to other platforms like Lens Studio or similar, to modify the filters at will.
it is also possible have a free custom filter, but in the form of a community filter. The detail is that they must be subject to all safety, integrity and compliance provisions and restrictions set forth by Snapchat.
How to create a filter on Snapchat?
The first thing we need to do is enter 'www.snapchat.com', in the interface at the top we will see a sequence of sections. We are going to face the one titled "Filters and Lenses" ; Inside we will see a series of options that allow us to create a filter on Snapchat, adapting to our needs and desires, we will deal with them separately.
Create a community filter
Once inside the Snapchat page, we can go to the community filter segment. It ranks first among the sequence of options in the 'Filter and Lenses' section; in which we can make or design for free, a filter for an event or moment that we consider relevant, as well as for a special place.
It must be remembered that the use of community filters it does not cover ephemeral and / or private or limited access events, that is, it is not a filter of intimate applicability, for this reason temporary filters are used. However, community filters have the creator's brand of creativity making them their own, but they will in turn be used extensively.
Create a frame
Within the same segment, in the 'Filters and Lenses' section of the Snapchat page, we will find la line 'Filters '; in it we can create a frame. This frame has the option for your friends to add it to their Snaps. However, access to this section may not be available for some locations.
Create lens filters
Following the path of the previous titles, we arrive at the 'Lenses' section, entering it we can come across the details that allow us to access augmented reality projects. The possibilities are limitless within the creation of these elements. At the same time, you can use in-house tools and access pre-made materials, which reduces creation time and maximizes experience.
The use of JavaScript is possible, although the interface also facilitates the applicability of elements that do not require code, such as the behavior helper or, failing that, the Script Graph Editor. In addition to the scaling of augmented reality within Snapchat, using Landmarker tracking or segmentation.
Use an application to create your own filter or Geofilter
In addition to the internal tools present in the interface, you can access other means such as specialized design applications, whose interface favors and allows the creation of a filter or GeoFilter.
canva
The first thing we need to do is log into the Canva account; or, failing that, register. We will go to the home page, we will choose that preferred by typology in Snapchat filters ; choosing it will display a new page or pop-up in the editor. Now we have to opt for a model, this being the one that best suits our needs and / or desires.
At this point we can customize the filter to our liking, exploring the functions and adding all the elements we deem relevant. Now, in the end, we have to save the file as a PNG or JPG. Now we can upload the file to the Snapchat platform and wait for its approval.
Adobe spark
Save the same process as in the previous section, we just have to log into our account or, failing that, register. Applying the series of previous templates we can redesign them to our liking and make our filter a unique element.
Now we have to keep in mind that one of Snapchat's insurmountable rules is size, so the Adobe Spark interface helps us to change the size in an automated way, adapting to the needs of each platform, in this case Snapchat. For this we only duplicate the project; now click on change size and choose the target platform.
Once the design process is done, we need to save the file, for that we have to do it in the form of NPCs translucent or transparent, you can now upload it to the Snapchat platform and wait for its approval.
Considerations for creating a filter or geofilter on Snapchat
- First of all, remember to create an attractive design with to which the public feels identified. Otherwise it goes unnoticed.
- È necessario respect the established dimensions for the image, because if they are exceeded, it will not be possible to load the filter later.
- Leave room for the photo. A minimalist filter is always the best option so that people can show their photos while using the filter.
- You can't put anything in your filter. These are subject to community rules and Snapchat's terms of use. If your filter violates them, it will be removed from the platform and your account may be suspended.
- The filter cannot contain account information staff, not even the Snapchat name.
