Snapchat has introduced the Imagine Lens, an AI-powered feature that lets users generate and edit images using text prompts, available to Snapchat+ Platinum and Lens+ subscribers.
The Imagine Lens works as an open-prompt text-to-image AI generator, allowing users to create Snaps by entering custom prompts. Images can be shared with friends, posted to Stories, or shared outside Snapchat. Prompts can range from simple requests like “create an image of a grumpy cat” or “turn me into an alien,” to pre-loaded suggestions such as “Turn me into a four to five panel comic where something unexpected but heroic happens,” “Make me into a funny caricature,” and “Make this person skydive.” Users can edit prompts at any time by tapping the caption bar.
Snapchat emphasizes that Imagine Lens is its first open-prompt image generation Lens, setting it apart from other generative AI Lenses on the platform. The Lenses are built using a combination of in-house AI models and leading industry models. While Snap unveiled a mobile AI text-to-image research model earlier this year, it has not confirmed whether this model powers Imagine Lens specifically.
The Imagine Lens is available at the front of the Lens Carousel or under the Exclusive category for subscribers. A Snapchat+ Platinum subscription costs $15.99 per month, while a Lens+ subscription costs $8.99 per month.
Snap has been steadily expanding its AI capabilities. Earlier this year, it launched a standalone Lens Studio iOS app and web tool to simplify AR Lens creation using AI. In March, the company also introduced its first video generative AI Lenses, highlighting its ongoing commitment to integrating AI into the Snapchat experience.
