Snapchat Rolls Out AI Video Lenses for Platinum Subscribers

Snapchat Introduces AI-Powered Video Lenses for Enhanced Snaps

Snapchat is revolutionizing its platform with the introduction of Video Gen AI Lenses, a new feature that allows users to incorporate AI-generated video effects into their Snaps. This cutting-edge technology, powered by Snapchat's in-house generative video model, brings advanced AI tools directly to users through the familiar Lens format.

Key Features and Availability:

AI Video Effects: Users can now add AI-powered video effects to their Snaps, transforming ordinary content into dynamic and creative visuals.
Subscription Requirement: Currently, these advanced AI video lenses are exclusively available to users subscribed to the Platinum tier of Snapchat Plus, which is priced at $14.99 per month.
In-House Technology: The lenses are built upon Snapchat's proprietary generative video model, ensuring a unique and integrated experience within the app.

Initial Lens Offerings:

In its initial rollout, Snapchat is offering three distinct AI video lenses:

Raccoon Lens: Adds a playful effect of furry raccoons to your video.
Fox Lens: Features a curious red fox peeking over the user's shoulder.
Spring Flowers Lens: Introduces photorealistic flowers in various colors with a dynamic zoom-out effect.

While the current selection is limited, Snapchat has assured users that new video AI lenses will be added on a weekly basis, promising a continuously evolving creative toolkit.

Future Possibilities and User Creation:

It remains to be seen whether Snapchat will enable users to create their own video AI lenses in the future. The platform already provides Lens Studio, a free toolkit that empowers users to design custom lenses and face filters, sharing them globally. This existing capability suggests a potential pathway for user-generated AI video content.

Snapchat also offers generative AI capabilities within Lens Studio, allowing users to create custom lenses using text or image prompts, similar to how Gemini or ChatGPT generate images. An onboard AI assistant is also available to aid users in their creative projects.

How Video Gen AI Lenses Work:

Accessing these AI video lenses requires a Snapchat+ Platinum subscription. This subscription tier not only unlocks the AI features but also provides an ad-free experience across the Lens and Story sections, and eliminates sponsored Snaps.

Upon launching the Lens carousel in the Snapchat app, users will find the new generative AI video lenses prominently displayed. These lenses can be applied using both the front and rear cameras.

During the AI video processing, users can multitask within the app, such as messaging or recording new clips. Once a Snap with an AI video lens is ready, it is automatically saved in the Memories section.

Media enhanced with video AI lenses can be shared to Stories and Spotlight, or sent directly to friends, just like regular content.

Lenses vs. Filters:

It's important to distinguish between Lenses and Filters:

Lenses: These apply augmented reality (AR) effects to Snaps, altering the visual appearance in more complex ways.
Filters: These are typically artistic color overlays or simple visual enhancements for photos and videos.

Snapchat's app offers two main types of lenses:

Face Lenses: These modify the user's face with fun effects, such as turning them into a puppy or adding a flower crown.
World Lenses: These add animated AR effects to the user's surroundings.

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