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How to Buy a Filter on Snapchat: Your Definitive Guide

Want to jazz up your Snapchat game with personalized filters? You’ve come to the right place! In essence, buying a filter on Snapchat isn’t about purchasing pre-made filters from a library. Instead, it’s about creating and purchasing a custom Geofilter tailored for a specific event, location, or brand. This Geofilter is then made available to Snapchat users within a defined geographical area for a certain period. Let’s dive deep into how you can make this happen.

Understanding Snapchat Geofilters: More Than Just a Pretty Picture

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of buying, let’s clarify what we’re actually talking about. A Snapchat Geofilter is a location-based overlay that users can apply to their photos and videos. Think of it as a digital sticker that’s unlocked when someone is in a particular location, like a wedding venue, a park, or a specific street.

Geofilters come in two main flavors:

Community Geofilters: These are free and designed by Snapchatters for public locations, like cities, universities, or neighborhoods. You can’t “buy” these; you create and submit them, hoping Snapchat approves them for permanent use.
On-Demand Geofilters: This is where the buying happens! These are custom-designed filters that you pay to have available within a specific area and for a certain timeframe. They’re perfect for events, promotions, or personal celebrations.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating and Buying Your On-Demand Geofilter

Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the process:

Design Your Masterpiece: The first step is crafting a visually appealing Geofilter design. Snapchat provides templates and guidelines on their website, and you can use design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or even user-friendly tools like Canva. Your filter should be a PNG file with a transparent background and adhere to Snapchat’s specifications (aspect ratio, file size, etc.). Remember, keep it creative and relevant to your event or location!
Head to Snapchat’s On-Demand Geofilter Website: Navigate to the official Snapchat On-Demand Geofilters page. You’ll need a Snapchat account to proceed.
Log In and Get Started: Log in with your Snapchat credentials. You’ll be presented with options to start creating your filter.
Upload Your Design: Upload the PNG file you created in step one. Make sure it meets Snapchat’s technical requirements.
Define Your Geographic Area: This is crucial. Use the map provided to draw a fence around the area where you want your filter to be active. You can zoom in and out to fine-tune the location. The smaller the area, the lower the cost!
Set Your Dates and Times: Choose the start and end dates and times for your Geofilter campaign. Consider the duration of your event or the period you want the filter to be available.
Review and Confirm Your Order: Carefully review all the details: your design, location, dates, and times. This is your last chance to make changes before you commit to the purchase.
Pay the Price: Snapchat will calculate the cost based on the size of the area and the duration of your campaign. Prices can range from a few dollars to hundreds, depending on these factors. Pay using your chosen method.
Wait for Approval: Snapchat will review your Geofilter to ensure it meets their guidelines. This process usually takes a few hours but can sometimes take up to 24 hours.
Celebrate Your Success! Once approved, your Geofilter will be live during the specified time frame in the designated location. Monitor its usage and enjoy the engagement!

Pro-Tip: Mastering Your Geofilter Design

Keep it Simple: Avoid overly complicated designs that might be distracting.
Brand Awareness: If it’s for a business, use your logo and branding elements subtly.
Readability: Ensure text is clear and easy to read on different devices.
Test, Test, Test: Before submitting, test your design on various photos and videos to see how it looks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Buying Snapchat Filters

Here are some common questions people have when diving into the world of Snapchat Geofilters:

1. How much does it cost to buy a Snapchat filter?

The cost of a Snapchat Geofilter varies significantly based on the geographical area you’re targeting and the duration for which you want the filter to be active. Smaller areas and shorter timeframes translate to lower prices, often starting around $5 USD. Larger areas or longer campaigns can quickly escalate the cost to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

2. What are Snapchat’s guidelines for Geofilter designs?

Snapchat has specific guidelines for Geofilter designs to ensure they are appropriate and non-offensive. Some key guidelines include: No URLs, phone numbers, email addresses, or personal contact information. No excessively promotional content (keep it subtle). No offensive or discriminatory content. Must be original and not infringe on copyright. Must adhere to Snapchat’s advertising policies. It’s crucial to review these guidelines thoroughly before submitting your design.

3. How long does it take for Snapchat to approve a Geofilter?

The approval process usually takes between a few hours and 24 hours. However, during peak times or if your filter requires additional review, it could potentially take longer. It’s advisable to submit your filter well in advance of your event to avoid any last-minute delays.

4. Can I cancel my Geofilter order after submitting it?

The cancellation policy depends on the stage of the order. You may be able to cancel your order before it’s approved, but once it’s approved and the campaign is running, cancellation and refunds are typically not possible. Check Snapchat’s official help documentation for the most up-to-date information.

5. Can I target multiple locations with one Geofilter?

No, you cannot target multiple disjointed locations with a single Geofilter order. Each Geofilter order is tied to a specific, continuous geographical area that you define on the map. If you want to target multiple distinct locations, you’ll need to create separate Geofilter orders for each.

6. What file format should I use for my Geofilter design?

Snapchat requires your Geofilter design to be in PNG format with a transparent background. The file size should be no larger than 300KB, and the dimensions should adhere to Snapchat’s recommended size (typically 1080×1920 pixels). Ensure your design is optimized for mobile devices and looks good on various screen sizes.

7. How do I track the performance of my Geofilter?

Snapchat provides analytics for your Geofilter campaign, allowing you to track its performance. You can see how many times the filter was used (uses) and how many times it was viewed (views). These metrics can help you assess the effectiveness of your filter and inform future campaigns.

8. Can I use a Geofilter for commercial purposes?

Yes, you can use Geofilters for commercial purposes, such as promoting your business or a specific product or service. However, you must ensure that your design adheres to Snapchat’s advertising policies and doesn’t violate any of their guidelines. Disclose any sponsored or promotional content clearly.

9. What happens if my Geofilter is rejected?

If your Geofilter is rejected, Snapchat will provide a reason for the rejection. Carefully review the feedback and make the necessary changes to your design or settings before resubmitting. Common reasons for rejection include violating Snapchat’s guidelines, copyright infringement, or technical issues.

10. Can I edit my Geofilter after it’s been approved?

No, you cannot edit your Geofilter design or settings (location, dates, times) after it has been approved. If you need to make changes, you’ll have to cancel the existing order (if possible, before it goes live) and submit a new Geofilter with the updated design or settings.

11. Can I create a Geofilter for a private event, like a wedding?

Absolutely! On-Demand Geofilters are perfect for private events like weddings, parties, or birthdays. Create a personalized design that reflects the theme of the event and delight your guests.

12. Are there any restrictions on the types of locations I can target with a Geofilter?

While you have considerable flexibility in choosing your target location, there are some restrictions. You cannot target areas that are considered sensitive or require special permits, such as government buildings, military bases, or private residences without permission. Snapchat reserves the right to reject any Geofilter that it deems inappropriate or violates its policies.

By following this guide and understanding the nuances of Snapchat Geofilters, you can create engaging and effective campaigns that resonate with your target audience. Now go forth and filter!