How to Use Filters on Snapchat Videos and Photos: Easy Guide

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Find and add face filters and more on Snapchat

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: September 17, 2025 Fact Checked

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Using Filters for Photo Snaps

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Using Filters for Video Snaps

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Enabling Snapchat Filters

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Q&A

Do you want to add silly customizations to your Snapchat videos or photos? You can add unique filters, such as the temperature, time, or dog filter in Snapchat. Some filters may need location permission on your device, but most are easy to find and apply. Here's how to enable and use filters on Snapchat using your iPhone, iPad, or Android.

Applying Filters on Snapchat

To use Snapchat filters, open the app and take a photo or video. Swipe left or right to view the suggested filters, or tap the magnifying glass in the bottom-right corner to browse featured categories. Once you're finished, send the Snap or upload it to your Story.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Filters for Photo Snaps

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1
Open the Snapchat app. Its icon resembles a white ghost on a yellow background.
- If you aren't already logged into Snapchat, tap Log In and enter your username (or email address) and password.
- If you don't have filters, you'll need to enable them first.
2
Swipe right to scroll through the available effects. You'll see effects on the right of the camera button. Swiping will allow you to preview the effects before you start recording. Some common ones include a dog's face, a deer's face, and a face swap option.
- Most effects will change in appearance if you open your mouth or raise your eyebrows (for example, the dog face effect sticks out its tongue if you open your mouth).
- If you'd rather search for effects, tap the magnifying glass icon in the bottom-right corner. From there, you can browse featured effects, or tap the magnifying glass icon again to enter keywords.^{[1]
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This will take a picture with your selected filter applied to whatever your camera is facing.
4
Swipe right or left over your snap. Doing so will drag filters over your snap. Some common filters include the following:
- The time
- Your altitude
- The current outside temperature
- Location-specific filters (e.g., the city you're in)
- Snapchat may ask you for permission to access your location if this is your first time applying location-specific filters. If so, tap Allow.
5
Tap filters to see if they have extra options. For example, applying the temperature filter and then tapping it will display different temperature formats (e.g., Fahrenheit versus Celsius).
- You can also add other elements on top of the filters, such as text, stickers, and more.
You can send your snap to another Snapchat user by tapping Send To at the bottom right corner of the screen and then selecting a friend, or post the snap as a Story for all of your friends to see by tapping Stories at the bottom of the screen.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Filters for Video Snaps

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1
Open the Snapchat app. Its icon resembles a white ghost on a yellow background.
- If you aren't already logged into Snapchat, tap Log In and enter your username (or email address) and password.
- If you don't have filters, you'll need to enable them first.
2
Swipe right to scroll through the available effects. You'll see effects on the right of the camera button. Swiping will allow you to preview the effects before you start recording. Some common ones include a dog's face, a deer's face, and a face swap option.
- Most effects will change in appearance if you open your mouth or raise your eyebrows (for example, the dog face effect sticks out its tongue if you open your mouth).
- If you'd rather search for effects, tap the magnifying glass icon in the bottom-right corner. From there, you can browse featured effects, or tap the magnifying glass icon again to enter keywords.
3
Tap and hold your screen. This will begin recording your video. You can tap the camera icon in the top right corner of your screen to change the direction the camera faces.
- When you're finished recording, release the camera button.
4
Swipe right or left over your video. Doing this will apply filters to your snap. A few common video filters include the following:
- Rewind - The <<< icon will play your snap in reverse.
- Speed Up - The rabbit icons speed up your snap. One rabbit (the one with lines coming off of it) speeds up your snap immensely while the other only moderately increases your snap's playback speed.
- Slow Down - The snail icon slows your snap down to half-speed. This will increase your video's maximum playback time to 20 seconds (for a 10 second video).
- Temperature
- Time
- Snapchat may ask you for permission to access your location if this is your first time applying filters. If so, tap Allow.
5
Tap filters to see if they have extra options. For example, applying the temperature filter and then tapping it will display different temperature formats (e.g., Fahrenheit versus Celsius).
- You can also add other elements on top of the filters, such as text, stickers, and more.
You can send your snap to another Snapchat user by tapping Send To at the bottom right corner of the screen and then selecting a friend, or post the snap as a Story for all of your friends to see by tapping Stories at the bottom of the screen.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Enabling Snapchat Filters

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1
Open the Snapchat app. Its icon resembles a white ghost on a yellow background.
- If you aren't already logged into Snapchat, tap Log In and enter your username (or email address) and password.
If you have a Bitmoji, you'll see it here. Your profile page will open.^{[2]
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This is in the top-right corner. Your settings will open.
4
Scroll down and tap Manage. You'll find this in the "Additional Services" section.
- If you don't see this option, you already have filters enabled by default.
5
Slide the Filters switch right. It will turn green. Now you'll be able to use filters in your Snaps.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I use Snapchat filters with VoiceOver?

Community Answer

Pick a filter and record and talk while pressing the button.

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Question

How can I have filters without downloading Snapchat?

Community Answer

There are several apps that have some of the more popular filters, but they work in a different way than Snapchat.

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Question

How do I get filters on Snapchat?

Community Answer

Open or download Snapchat, then make sure the camera is open. Tap on the screen, and swipe across the filters on the bottom to select your preferred one. Point the camera at your face and press the white button, and the filter will be applied.

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