Snap has launched a stand-alone Lens Studio iOS app and web tool, the company announced on Wednesday. The new tools are designed to make it easier for anyone to create AR Lenses through text prompts and simple editing tools.
With the Lens Studio app, users will be able to do things like generate their own AI effects, add their Bitmoji, and browse trending templates to create customized Lenses.
Up until now, Lens Studio has only been accessible via a desktop application for professional developers. While the desktop application will remain the primary tool for professionals, Snap says that the new iOS app and web tool are designed to allow people at all skill levels to create Lenses.
“These are experimental new tools that make it easier than ever to create, publish, and play with Snapchat Lenses made by you,” Snap wrote in a blog post. “Now, you can generate your own AI effects, add your dancing Bitmoji to the fun, and express yourself with Lenses that reflect your mood or an inside joke — whether you’re on the go or near your computer.”
While Snap currently has an ecosystem of over 400,000 professional AR developers, the company is looking to attract more people who are interested in creating Lenses with the launch of these simpler tools.
Snap is considered a leader in AR thanks to its early adoption of the technology through its AR filters and Lenses, and it’s clear the company is committed to investing in the space, even as others may be retracting from it. Last year, Meta angered creators after it decided to shut down its Spark AR platform, which allowed third parties to build augmented reality (AR) effects. By opening up access to AR creation, Snap is doubling down on its vision for the technology.
As Snap is bringing AR creation into the hands of more people, the company is also rolling out advanced tools for professionals. Yesterday, Snap released new Lens Studio tools that AR creators and developers can use to build Bitmoji games. The tools include a turn-based system to enable back-and-forth gameplay, a new customizable Character Controller that supports different gameplay styles, and more.
