Snap Launches Stand-Alone Lens Studio App for iOS and Web
On Wednesday, Snap announced the launch of a stand-alone Lens Studio iOS app and web tool, making it easier for anyone to create AR Lenses through text prompts and simple editing tools. This move is aimed at democratizing AR creation and expanding the company’s reach beyond professional developers.
The Lens Studio app allows users to generate their own AI effects, add their Bitmoji, and access trending templates to create customized Lenses. While the desktop application remains the primary tool for professionals, the new iOS app and web tool cater to individuals of all skill levels.
According to Snap, these new tools aim to make it easier than ever to create, publish, and play with Snapchat Lenses. With over 400,000 professional AR developers in its ecosystem, Snap is now looking to attract a wider audience interested in AR creation.
Snap’s commitment to AR is evident through its continuous investment in the technology, especially at a time when other companies may be stepping back. Meta, for example, faced backlash when it shut down its Spark AR platform last year. By democratizing AR creation, Snap is reinforcing its position as a leader in the AR space.
In addition to the new user-friendly tools, Snap has also rolled out advanced features for professionals. The latest Lens Studio tools enable AR creators to build Bitmoji games, including a turn-based system for gameplay and a customizable Character Controller to support different gameplay styles.