Snapchat is introducing its first-ever AI-powered Video Lenses, exclusively revealing the update . These Lenses are built on Snap’s in-house generative video model and are available to users subscribed to Snapchat Platinum, the app’s premium tier, which costs $15.99 per month.
The launch follows Snap’s unveiling of an AI video-generation tool at its Partner Summit last September. A company spokesperson confirmed that the new AI Video Lenses leverage advanced versions of this underlying technology.
While Snap is known for its leadership in augmented reality, the company has also been investing heavily in AI, alongside other major tech players. The introduction of AI Video Lenses is part of its strategy to remain competitive and offer features that rival platforms like Instagram and TikTok have yet to introduce.
At launch, Snapchat is rolling out three AI Video Lenses, with plans to add more weekly. The first set includes “Raccoon” and “Fox,” which create animated furry characters interacting with the user, while “Spring Flowers” generates a zoom-out effect revealing a bouquet. Users can access the Lenses via the Lens carousel, capture Snaps with either their front or back camera, and have the AI-generated videos automatically saved to Memories.
“These Lenses, powered by our proprietary generative video model, bring cutting-edge AI to Snapchatters in a familiar Lens format,” Snap wrote in a blog post. The company emphasized its history of pioneering AR, ML, and AI features and is eager to see how users engage with the new tools.
While Snap has previously integrated AI from OpenAI and Google, it is now developing its own models. Last month, it unveiled an AI text-to-image research model for mobile devices, aiming to provide high-quality AI tools at lower operating costs.
