How Augmented Reality Filters Enhance Your Photos and Videos

Nowadays, augmented reality filters are changing how we interact with the world digitally. These filters let users add digital elements to their real-life surroundings, whether for fun selfies, better social media videos, or more immersive gaming.

This article will explore everything you need about augmented reality filters, their examples, and the best way to create them for Snapchat.

What are AR filters

The AR camera filters are digital effects that people can add to photos and videos to enhance how we see the world. They use your device's camera to put graphics, animations, or other visual elements on top of real-life images. This lets you change your appearance, add fun backgrounds, or create real-time special effects.

Benefits of AR face filters

AR face filters are popular on social media and messaging apps. They enable users to have fun and interactive ways to improve their photos and videos. Businesses and creators use these filters to better connect with their audience. Here are some benefits of using augmented reality face filters:

• Better audience engagement
• People enjoy trying out different augmented reality filters and sharing their creations. Brands can use these filters to create unique experiences that capture their audience's attention, leading to more likes, shares, and comments on your social media profile.
• Memorable experience
• These filters help differentiate brands from traditional marketing methods by providing users with memorable experiences. When people use these filters, they create fun and shareable moments that they're likely to remember, which leads to an emotional connection.
• Affordability
• Using augmented reality face filters is an affordable way to enhance the marketing efforts of different brands. Creating and using AR filters is unlike traditional advertisements, as they can be done at much lower costs, especially with Lens Studio.
• User-generated content
• Another significant benefit of custom AR filters is their ability to generate user-created content. Users who engage with these filters often share their creations on social media, effectively promoting the brand. This organic content extends a brand's reach.
• Increased purchasing
• Augmented reality face filters can directly influence purchasing decisions. When users interact with filters that showcase products, such as trying on virtual clothing or accessories, they are more likely to make a purchase. This drives a brand's sales and creates an interactive shopping experience.
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6 types of augmented reality filters

Here are the main types of AR filters commonly used across various platforms:

1. Face filters

These filters apply effects to the user’s face, such as makeup simulations, virtual masks, or altering facial features (e.g., adding animal ears, hats, or changing skin tones).



2. World effects

These filters allow users to place 3D objects, characters, or animations in their real-world environment. Users can interact with or view these virtual objects as part of their surroundings.



3. Body tracking filters

These filters track the user’s body movements, allowing virtual outfits, accessories, or effects to appear on the entire body. They are often used in dance or fashion-related AR filters.



4. Game or interactive filters

These filters allow users to engage in mini-games or interactive experiences, such as moving objects by blinking or nodding, answering quizzes, or playing simple AR-based challenges.



5. Product try-on filters

These filters simulate the experience of trying on products, such as makeup, glasses, clothes, or accessories, allowing users to see how they would look in real time.



6. Environmental filters

These filters alter or enhance the environment itself, such as adding weather effects (e.g., rain or snow), plants, or dynamic light effects to the user’s surroundings.



Each type of AR filter offers different ways to engage users and create unique interactive experiences.

Branded AR filters example

Branded AR filters are becoming more popular with companies that want to engage customers in fun and interactivity. They improve user experience and also help promote brand identity and creativity. Here are some examples of custom AR filters for different brands:

• ASOS
• ASOS, the online fashion retailer, has introduced an AR filter that lets users try different outfits virtually. This lets shoppers see how clothes fit their body shape and style without leaving their homes, making purchasing decisions easier.
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• Starbucks
• Starbucks has also launched the best AR filter for seasonal campaigns, such as the holiday cups. Users can scan their cups using the filter to reveal fun animations, games, or festive characters, creating memorable moments that encourage social media sharing.
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• Venon: Let there be carnage
• The movie "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" used AR filters to promote its release. Fans could use it to transform themselves into characters from the movie, such as Venom. This engaging experience excited fans and created a buzz on social media.
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• RayBan
• Ray-Ban has created an AR filter that enables users to try on different styles of sunglasses virtually. With this filter, customers can see how various frames look on their faces before buying. This new way of shopping makes it easier for users to find the perfect pair.
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• Nike
• Nike has embraced AR technology with custom filters that let users visualize how specific sneakers look on their feet. It helps drive excitement around new releases and shows a brand's commitment to innovation and customer engagement in the sportswear market.
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What you need to consider when creating AR Filters for your brand

When creating AR filters for your brand, there are several key considerations to keep in mind to ensure that your filter is engaging, relevant, and aligned with your brand goals:

1. Brand identity and consistency
2. Ensure that the AR filter reflects your brand’s core values, personality, and messaging. Use your brand's color palette, fonts, and logo to maintain a cohesive look across all your digital content.
3. Target audience
4. Design the AR filter with your target demographic in mind, considering what they find entertaining and useful. Consider the platform your audience uses the most (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.) and create filters tailored to that platform’s capabilities.
5. User engagement
6. Create an engaging experience that encourages users to interact with the filter, whether through animations, games, or face/body tracking effects. Design the filter to be easily shareable, allowing users to create and share content, thereby increasing your brand's visibility organically.
7. Clear objective
8. Define a clear objective for the AR filter (e.g., promoting a product, increasing brand awareness, or driving engagement). Make sure your AR filter has a clear CTA that aligns with your marketing goals, such as using the filter to participate in a challenge or explore a new product.
9. User experience
10. Avoid overly complex designs that could confuse users. The filter should be intuitive and easy to use. Optimize the filter to load quickly and work smoothly on a variety of devices, avoiding crashes or slowdowns that can frustrate users.
11. Brand storytelling
12. Use the filter as a tool to tell a story about your brand or product. Whether it’s highlighting a product’s features or reinforcing a brand message, the filter should contribute to your overall brand narrative. Consider designing filters that align with specific events, seasons, or holidays that resonate with your audience.
13. Analytics and feedback
14. Monitor how users interact with the filter, measuring engagement rates, shares, and impressions to understand its effectiveness. Gather user feedback and continuously improve future AR filters based on what worked well and what didn’t.
15. Compliance and legal considerations
16. Ensure that your AR filter adheres to the platform's rules and guidelines, including any restrictions on content, logos, and effects. Avoid using copyrighted materials or images without proper permission to prevent legal issues.
17. By focusing on these considerations, you can create an AR filter that not only reflects your brand but also resonates with your audience and drives engagement.

How to create AR filters by yourself

Creating your own AR filter may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and guidance, you can bring your creative vision to life in no time. Making AR filters with Snapchat is a fun way to interact with friends and show off your creativity. Snapchat has a user-friendly platform called Lens Studio, which lets anyone create and share their augmented reality experiences. Here is how to create AR filters with Snapchat:

Step
1. Download Lens Studio
2. Download and install Lens Studio from the Snapchat website. Open the software to explore its templates and tools for filter creation.
Step
3. Design your filter
4. Choose a template for your filter and customize it with 3D models, images, and animations. Use the preview feature to see how it looks and adjust as needed.
Step
5. Test and publish
6. Test your filter with the "Preview" button to ensure it works correctly. Once satisfied, click "Publish Lens" to submit it for review, and after approval, it will be available for users on Snapchat.
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Bonus tip: Add realistic filters and effects to your videos with CapCut

CapCut desktop video editor is a user-friendly tool that helps you enhance your videos with filters and effects. It has many features to quickly transform your footage and give it a professional look. Whether you're making content for social media, vlogs, or personal projects, CapCut lets you add stunning effects, filters, and animations to capture your audience's attention easily.



Key features

CapCut desktop video editor has various features that enhance your videos with realistic video filters and effects. Here are some of its standout features:

• A versatile library of filters
• CapCut includes a diverse library of filters to match the mood and vibe of your videos, whether you're aiming for a vintage or modern look.
• Adjust the intensity of the effects
• Easily adjust the intensity of filters to enhance your footage without overwhelming it, giving you control over your video's aesthetics.
• Add smooth video transitions
• Incorporate smooth video transitions for a polished and professional look, enhancing the overall flow of your project.
• Use slow or fast motion in a click
• Apply slow or fast motion effects with a single click, adding dynamic elements to emphasize key moments in your videos.
• Customizable filter settings
• Customize filter settings to fine-tune effects, ensuring your videos look exactly how you envision them with tailored adjustments.

How to add realistic filters to a video with CapCut

To use realistic filters in your videos with the CapCut desktop video editor, start by downloading and installing the software by clicking the download button below. After getting the installer, launch it and follow the simple steps to set it up on your PC. Finally, enhance your videos with one-click effects and filter applications.

Step
1. Import the video
2. Launch the CapCut desktop video editor and upload the video by clicking "Import" or dragging and dropping the video from your computer onto the workspace.
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Step
4. Add realistic filters and effects
5. Add your video to the timeline. Now, click on its corner to trim it to the desired length. Use the "Split" tool to cut unwanted sections from your video. Then, navigate to the "Filters" tab to explore a versatile library of options. Choose a filter that fits your video's mood and click on the add button to insert it into your video. You can also access the "Effects" tab to add dynamic effects and movements to your videos.
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Step
7. Export and Share
8. Click the "Export" button, choose a suitable resolution, and save your edited video. Then, share it directly on social media by clicking Share in the top right corner.
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Conclusion

Augmented reality filters have changed how we create and share content, making our photos and videos more interactive and engaging. These filters enable users to show their creativity and improve their online presence, whether for personal use or branding. As technology advances, the possibilities for using AR filters are endless. However, to take your content to the next level with dynamic effects, seamless transitions, and unique elements, check out the CapCut desktop video editor.

FAQs

1. What does an augmented reality filter do?
2. An augmented reality filter enhances real-world images or videos by overlaying digital effects or animations. It lets users interact with their environment in fun and creative ways, such as adding virtual objects or effects to their photos and videos. You can use tools like the CapCut desktop video editor to easily add and customize these filters to your content for free.
3. What are the main types of augmented reality face filters?
4. The main augmented reality face filters include beauty filters, which enhance facial features; animal filters that transform users into animals; and interactive filters that respond to user movements. Additionally, themed filters add special effects or backgrounds based on events or seasons. To explore a variety of other filters and effects, employ the CapCut desktop video editor.
5. How to create AR filters for TikTok and Snapchat?
6. To create AR filters for TikTok and Snapchat, you can use software like Lens Studio or Spark AR Studio, which provide templates and tools for designing filters. After creating the filter, upload it to the respective platform for users to access. For an easy-to-use option, you can also design engaging videos with augmented reality filters using the CapCut desktop video editor.