Snapchat Unveils AI Video Lenses For Premium Users, Merging Artificial Intelligence With AR Effects

Snapchat has brought its AI Video Lenses out of testing and into subscribers' hands. The new feature, which mixes artificial intelligence with AR effects, lets users create videos with animated elements - but only if they pay for Snapchat+.

The company first showed off these tools at last year's Partner Summit before limited beta testing. Now they're rolling out to anyone willing to spend Rs. 99 monthly for premium access.

Only three lenses are available so far. Two add animated animals (a fox or raccoon) that seem to interact with people in the video. The third creates a zoom-out effect showing the subject holding flowers.

Paying subscribers will find these new options at the front of their lens selection or can search by name. After recording with either camera, users will notice a processing delay while the AI works. Users should expect a brief processing period while the artificial intelligence renders their videos. Rather than forcing users to wait, Snapchat allows continued app usage during background processing. Once complete, the AI-enhanced video saves directly to Memories, where it can be shared through direct messages, Stories, or Spotlight.

Snap plans weekly lens additions according to company sources, aiming to keep premium content fresh for subscribers.

The move represents another step in social media's rush toward AI-enhanced content creation, with companies racing to offer tools that help users stand out in increasingly crowded feeds.