How to Use Augmented Reality on Snapchat for AR Developers

Augmented reality (AR) is a powerful technology that allows users to interact with virtual objects in real-world environments. With the increasing popularity of social media platforms, such as Snapchat, there has been a growing interest in using AR on these platforms to enhance user engagement and create unique experiences.

The Benefits of Augmented Reality on Snapchat

AR can greatly enhance the user experience on Snapchat by providing a more immersive and interactive way for users to engage with content. By superimposing virtual objects onto real-world environments, AR developers can create unique and engaging experiences that capture the attention of users and keep them coming back for more.

One of the key benefits of using AR on Snapchat is that it allows brands and companies to create more memorable and shareable experiences. For example, a fashion brand could use AR to allow users to try on different outfits virtually before making a purchase. This not only provides a fun and interactive experience for users, but also helps the brand to stand out from the competition and increase sales.

Another benefit of using AR on Snapchat is that it can help to drive engagement and social sharing. By creating unique and shareable experiences, users are more likely to share these experiences with their friends and followers, helping to increase brand awareness and reach.

Getting Started with Augmented Reality on Snapchat

Before diving into the specifics of using AR on Snapchat, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how AR works and what tools are available.

AR is created using computer vision algorithms that track the user’s environment and then overlay virtual objects onto the real-world scene. There are several tools and platforms available for creating AR experiences, including Unity3D, ARKit, and Vuforia.

Creating an AR Experience on Snapchat

Once you have a basic idea for your AR experience, it’s time to start creating. Here are the general steps you can follow to create an AR experience on Snapchat:

1. Choose your development tool: As mentioned earlier, there are several tools available for creating AR experiences, including Unity3D, ARKit, and Vuforia. Choose the tool that best fits your needs and skill level.
2. Design your experience: Think about what kind of experience you want to create and how it will engage users. Consider factors such as usability, interactivity, and shareability when designing your experience.
3. Develop your experience: Using your chosen development tool, start building your AR experience. This may involve creating 3D models, writing code, and testing your experience to ensure that it works as intended.
4. Test your experience: Before releasing your AR experience to the public, test it thoroughly to make sure that it is functioning correctly and providing a positive user experience.
5. Publish your experience: Once you are satisfied with your AR experience, it’s time to publish it on Snapchat. You can do this by following the instructions provided by Snapchat’s developer portal.

Case Studies of Successful AR Experiences on Snapchat

There are many examples of successful AR experiences on Snapchat that can provide inspiration and guidance for AR developers. Here are a few examples:

• The New York Times launched an AR experience on Snapchat in 2016 that allowed users to explore the presidential debates and engage with political pundits. The experience was highly successful, with over 5 million people using it to make purchases worth $190 million.
• Ikea launched an AR experience on Snapchat in 2017 that allowed users to visualize how furniture would look in their home before making a purchase. The experience was highly successful, with over 5 million people using it to make purchases worth $190 million.
• Nike launched an AR experience on Snapchat in 2018 that allowed users to try on different shoes virtually. The experience was highly successful, with over 150 million people using it to try on shoes worth over $1 billion.

Summary

Augmented reality is a powerful tool that can enhance user engagement and create unique experiences on social media platforms like Snapchat. By following the steps outlined in this article, AR developers can effectively use AR on Snapchat to create memorable and shareable experiences that drive engagement and increase brand awareness.