How to Conquer Snapchat: Creating Your Own Geofilter Location

Want to add a touch of personalized flair to your Snapchat game? The secret weapon is creating your own Snapchat Location. While Snapchat has streamlined some location-based features, the core principle remains: Leveraging Geofilters to let users broadcast their presence at a specific spot. Here’s the lowdown on how you can make your mark on the Snapchat map.

The reality is, you can’t directly create a “location” in the sense of adding a permanent pin on the Snapchat map visible to everyone. What you can do is design and submit a custom Geofilter tied to a specific geographic area. When users are within that area and use Snapchat, your Geofilter will become available to overlay on their Snaps. Think of it less as creating a permanent marker and more as launching a temporary, branded signal booster.

Level Up Your Snap Game: The Geofilter Process

Here’s the breakdown of getting your personalized location filter out into the Snapchat-verse:

1. Design Your Geofilter: This is where your creativity shines. You’ll need to create a visually appealing design. The design must be a transparent PNG file. Think of it as an overlay, so transparency is key to ensure your filter enhances, rather than obstructs, the Snap. Snapchat provides guidelines for the size (1080×1920 pixels) and file size (under 300KB). Make sure your design is relevant to the location it’s targeting. A generic “Party Time!” filter at a library isn’t going to fly.

2. Head to Snapchat’s On-Demand Geofilters Website: Forget digging through the app; this is a browser-based operation. Navigate to the Snapchat Geofilters website designed for creating on-demand filters (search “Snapchat On-Demand Geofilters”).

3. Log in With Your Snapchat Account: Use the same credentials you use for the app.

4. Upload Your Design: Choose your PNG file. Ensure it adheres to Snapchat’s guidelines to avoid rejection.

5. Define Your Geofence: This is crucial. You’ll be presented with a map. Use the tools provided to draw a precise boundary around the area where you want your Geofilter to be available. Consider the size of the area and foot traffic. A small coffee shop might only need a very tight geofence, while a park requires a larger one. Accurate geofencing is critical for effective targeting.

6. Set the Duration: Choose the dates and times you want your Geofilter to be active. This could be for a few hours (like for a birthday party), a day (for a grand opening), or longer. Remember, the longer the duration, the higher the cost.

7. Review and Pay: Snapchat calculates the cost based on the size of your geofence and the duration you’ve selected. Review everything carefully before proceeding.

8. Submit for Approval: Once you’ve paid, your Geofilter is submitted to Snapchat for review. This can take a few hours or even a day or two.

9. Approval and Activation: If approved, your Geofilter will automatically become active during the dates and times you specified. Users within your defined geofence will be able to use it in their Snaps.

Important Considerations:

• Snapchat’s guidelines are strict. Avoid copyrighted material, offensive content, or URLs. They also frown upon overly promotional content.
• The price varies greatly. It depends on the geofence size, the duration, and even the popularity of the location. High-traffic areas cost more.
• Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your Geofilter. The approval process takes time, and you don’t want to miss your window.

Pro-Tip: Community Geofilters vs. On-Demand Geofilters

It’s important to distinguish between Community Geofilters and On-Demand Geofilters. Community Geofilters are free and intended for public places like cities, universities, or landmarks. They are more permanent but require a more stringent review process. On-Demand Geofilters, on the other hand, are paid and typically used for events, businesses, or personal celebrations. They are temporary but offer more control over the design and duration. This guide focuses on On-Demand Geofilters as they are closest to creating a custom “location.”

Cracking the Code: FAQs about Snapchat Locations

Q1: Can I create a permanent location marker on the Snapchat map for my business?

No, not in the traditional sense of a permanent pin that all users can see and interact with independently of a Snap. You can create a Geofilter which, when used by Snapchatters, shows your business name and logo, effectively indicating they are at your location. Focus on creating a compelling, reusable Geofilter.

Q2: How much does it cost to create a Snapchat Geofilter location?

The cost is variable and depends on the size of the geofence (the area your filter covers) and the duration (how long you want it to be active). Smaller areas for shorter durations will be less expensive than large, long-running filters. You’ll get a price estimate before submitting. Expect to pay at least a few dollars for a very small, short-duration filter, and significantly more for larger, longer campaigns.

Q3: What are the guidelines for Snapchat Geofilter designs?

Snapchat has strict guidelines. The design must be a transparent PNG file (1080×1920 pixels, under 300KB). Avoid copyrighted material, URLs, phone numbers, personal information, offensive content, drugs, tobacco, or excessive alcohol references. Your design should be relevant to the location. Snapchat aims to uphold community safety and respect.

Q4: How long does it take for Snapchat to approve a Geofilter?

Approval times vary. Generally, allow at least 24 hours for review. During peak times, it might take longer. Submit your Geofilter well in advance of your event or the date you want it to be active.

Q5: What happens if my Geofilter is rejected?

Snapchat will provide a reason for the rejection. Common reasons include violating their guidelines (as mentioned above). Review the feedback, revise your design or geofence, and resubmit. Pay close attention to the rejection reason to avoid repeated errors.

Q6: Can I edit my Geofilter after it’s been approved?

No, you cannot edit a Geofilter once it has been approved. Double-check everything before submitting, including the design, geofence, and duration. If you need to make changes, you’ll have to cancel the approved Geofilter (if it hasn’t started running yet) and submit a new one.

Q7: How do I know if my Geofilter is being used?

Snapchat provides basic usage statistics for your Geofilter. You can see the number of times it was used (Snaps sent with your filter) and the number of views (the number of times Snaps with your filter were viewed). This data gives you insights into the effectiveness of your filter.

Q8: Can I create a Geofilter for a private residence?

Yes, you can create a Geofilter for a private residence, such as for a birthday party or family gathering. However, be mindful of privacy considerations.

Q9: What’s the difference between a Geofilter and a Lens?

A Geofilter is a static overlay that users can add to their Snaps to indicate their location. A Lens, on the other hand, is an interactive augmented reality effect that modifies a user’s appearance or surroundings within the Snap. They serve very different purposes.

Q10: Can I use my Geofilter for commercial purposes?

Yes, you can use Geofilters for commercial purposes, such as promoting your business or event. However, make sure your design and content comply with Snapchat’s advertising guidelines. Avoid misleading or overly promotional content.

Q11: Is there a way to create a Geofilter for a recurring event?

Yes, you can set up a Geofilter for a recurring event by choosing a longer duration that encompasses all the dates and times of the event. However, this might be more expensive than creating individual Geofilters for each occurrence. Consider the cost-effectiveness based on your needs.

Q12: Can I create a Geofilter that covers an entire city?

While technically possible, creating a Geofilter that covers an entire city would be extremely expensive. It’s much more effective to target specific areas or events within the city. Think strategically about your target audience and the most relevant locations for your filter.

By mastering the art of the Snapchat Geofilter, you can effectively create a personalized “location” and enhance your brand’s visibility within the Snapchat community. Go forth and create!