Snapchat is also engaging with generative AI with the launch of its new Imagine Lens, which allows users to recreate images with the Snap camera or their camera roll using text prompts.
What is Snapchat Imagine?
The Imagine Lens is similar to the “Imagine yourself” of Meta, “Dream Screen” of YouTube, and “AI self” feature of TikTok. It also builds on Snapchat’s previous Dreams Lens of Snapchat, except that the user can now use their own prompt when having AI images generated.
As Snap explains:
“Today, we are launching the Imagine Lens, our first Open Prompt Image Generation Lens. The Imagine Lens allows Snapchatters to create, edit, and recreate Snaps by simply typing in their own prompts, then easily share them with friends, add to their Story, or outside of Snapchat.”
It will allow Snapchatters to do more than AI-generated scenes and tell them how they want their photos to be changed, whether it means reimagining themselves as an astronaut, a cowboy, or something completely surreal.
How it differs from Snapchat Dreams
Snap’s previous Dreams Lens (launched in 2023) generated alternative scenarios of what the user can see in an image without user input. The new Imagine Lens grants control of that creative process, letting users guide the AI and create more personalized results.
Generative AI systems are quickly becoming a standard on social networks, as companies bet on users’ appetite to generate creative, surreal, and shareable content. While critics might doubt the social use of AI-generated selfies as they fail to reflect real-life experiences, websites are investing in such tools to increase engagement.
