Snapchat just improved its geofilter game, and users are eating up the addition.
This past February, Snapchat introduced its new custom geofilter function to U.S. users. In June, the social app company made the function even easier to use. Instead of visiting the app’s studio website to make geofilters, users now can make custom filters in the app. The new option is located in settings within a menu called “On-Demand Geofilters.”
How the in-app function works
When you click into the menu, you can choose from a list of preset occasions (birthday, wedding, etc.), select a template and edit your snap to feature customized text, Bitmoji emojis and images from Snapchat’s sticker library, TechCrunch reported.
Once the filter is created and you’ve specified the time you want the snap to become available and where it should appear on the app’s map, users simply submit the finished product to Snapchat for approval. Although the function isn’t free — the cost starts at $5.99 and increases in relation to how large the geofilter is and how long you’d like it to run — the novelty may be worth the cost.
The approval process typically takes a day, and payment is accomplished in-app. Currently, custom geofilters are available for iOS and Android devices
Who can use the snappy function
All Snapchat members can use geofilters to celebrate weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties and holidays, but the function is a great tool for anyone who promotes events. (Note: Although the app may be used by businesses, Snapchat recommends companies continue to use the web-based option.)
Per Techcrunch, a Snapchat dashboard also provides analytics, including total swipes, uses of the filter and the number of views across the campaign.
Although “On-Demand geofilters are available in a number of markets via the web, the in-app creation tool is debuting only in the U.S., with plans to expand to additional markets where they’re offered on the web over time,” TechCrunch noted.
Promoting cam work with geofilters
While there are other online services that may be better options for your cam work, cam models can use Snapchat’s geofilters for more demure, silly and business-centric snaps. After all, maintaining a fun, flirty, sexy online presence is the key to getting and maintaining a loyal online fan base.
So, how can you use this feature in a useful way? Cam models might use the improved geofilter function to:
- Promote in-person meet-and-greets: The geofilter function allows users to make filters to appear at a certain time, on a certain date and at a certain location. If you are making a personal appearance like an autograph signing, you can set a geofilter to appear when the event begins.
- Promote new endorsements: Celebrate any new or existing endorsement deal with lingerie companies or other businesses. Just set the time for when the endorsement goes live, and select that business’s corporate location. You can do the same thing with online contests and other in-network promotions. (Make sure you don’t violate any rules or terms of service in the process).
Be creative
Because you must have geofilters approved, keep in mind that you may have to get creative with what you’re selling. But you’re an entrepreneur and most likely can do that with your eyes closed.
We’ll keep an eye on this improved Snapchat function and let you know if it gets any slick new additions, or if other sites and social services add similar or better functions.
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Abbie Stutzer is a writer and editor from Lawrence, Kans. Find her on Twitter at @abbiestutzer and on Insta at @abbiestutzer. Email her at abbie@ynotcam.com.
