Snapchat introduced a new feature on Wednesday that allows users to create custom filters inside the app that can be used by other folks nearby.
Snapchat's geofilters, as they're known, typically overlay stamps on photos and video snippets with information on your location. The custom feature has previously been available online through Snapchat's website.
Here's an example of a geofilter: one might say Jersey Shore if you're at the beach in New Jersey, for example. Or San Francisco if you're at the Golden Gate Bridge. You select filters after you've recorded a video or snapped a picture and before you send it off to friends.
Previously, you could select your own or any number of sponsored filters, but now you can create your own right in the app. It's a new revenue stream for Snapchat, which might please investors.
Here's how to make your own Snapchat geofilter.
Open Snapchat and tap the ghost icon on the top left of the screen
Tap the settings icon on the top left of the screen
Select "On-Demand Geofilters" from the list
You'll see this screen, hit Continue
Choose an occasion! I selected one called "Summer Vibes"
Pick the filter you want to use. I dig the beer and hotdog. Add some text and emoji to customize it.
Give it a name
Set the time when your geofilter should be available. Mine is going to run from 2pm today until 8pm today. You have to buy at least two hours in advance.
Create a fence where people can use your custom geofilter. Aw darn, caught me by surprise. It's $5.99 for my office area. Thought this was free! The bigger the area, the more you'll spend.
Guess I need to cough up the dough in the name of science.
That's it! My new custom geofilter will go live at 2pm as scheduled, after a brief Snapchat approval process, when anyone nearby can use it.
I dig the feature, but I was definitely bummed to see that I had to pay for my filter. Also, you'll need to pay more depending on how big of a location you want to make it available for. Trying to include the area around my entire office quickly boosted the price up to $80!
You can see the obvious new revenue stream for Snapchat here, though, and it's fun if folks want to create custom filters for birthday parties, BBQs and more.