Snapchat has launched captionable augmented reality (AR) masks, letting users create customised filters for special event that cost from around $10.
The Create-Your-Own-Lens maker is now available in the U.S. on the web and iOS app’s settings menu, and will roll out globally and on Android soon.
Users can select from about 150 templates that add all kids of masks like animal ears, sparkles, or party hats to their face.
Next, they can add a custom caption (think “Jay & Sally’s Wedding 2018”) using a selection of new fonts.
Then they select a “geofence” — the geographic area where the lens will be available on a map, and finally, pay for the custom mask.
Prices for the masks start at $9.99 and go up from there depending on how long it’s available and how large of an area can access it. For example, nabbing a small city block for a day would cost around $92.
While Snap might not make all that much money on the venture, it could help raise the platform’s profile as the go-to app for special occasions. In turn, that could drive user numbers, as everyone scrambles to download the app so they aren’t left out of the party fun.