Snapchat is launching a new lens that allows users to create and edit images using a text-to-image AI generator, the company told TechCrunch exclusively. The new “Imagine Lens” is available to Snapchat+ Platinum and Lens+ subscribers.
Imagine Lens allows users to enter their own prompts to create, edit, and recreate snaps. You can then share the image with friends, post it on a story, or share it outside of Snapchat.
Snapchat already has a large number of generator AI lenses, but the company points out that it imagines the lens to be the first open prompt image generation lens.
Users can generate images using custom prompts such as “Create images of a grumpy cat” or “Turn me into an alien.” The lens features preloaded prompts that people can use, such as “Turn into a 4-5 panel comic where something unexpected but heroic happens,” “Make me a funny caricature,” and “Make this person a skydive.”
Snapchat points out that users can always tap on the caption bar to edit the prompt.
Earlier this year, SNAP announced a research model from AI text to image on mobile devices, which it said will enhance some of Snapchat’s capabilities in the future. SNAP did not confirm whether this model would move the new lens, but noted that the lens was constructed using a combination of both an in-house model and an industry-leading AI model.
Snapchat+ Platinum and Lens+ subscribers can find new lenses in the front of the lens carousel or in the exclusive category. After selecting the lens, you can tap the caption to enter or edit the prompt. The Platinum subscription costs $15.99 per month, while the Lens+Subscription costs $8.99 per month.
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SNAP is considered a leader in AR, but has invested in AI over the past few years, along with almost every other tech company.
A few months ago, the company launched a standalone lens studio iOS app and web tool designed to make it easy to create AR lenses using AI and simple tools. And in March, we launched our first video generation AI lens.
