2D Snaps are so last week: Snapchat Tuesday introduced a 3D Camera Mode that enables users to create Snaps that change in perspective and appearance as the device being used to view them is moved.
Starting this week, Snapchatters with the iPhone X or above can create and share 3D snaps and swipe on new 3D effects, lenses and filters.
Those with other devices aren’t left out of the fun, as iPhone and Android users can still receive and interact with Snaps that are created using 3D Camera Mode by moving their devices.
Snapchat debuted 3D effects with the rollout of its Spectacles 3 camera sunglasses in August, and the glasses will unlock those effects for the world-facing camera, while 3D Camera Mode and 3D effects on the application can be used for selfies.
The company explained that its 3D Camera Mode works by combining image and depth data via the front-facing lens on the iPhone X or better and constructing a 3D model that looks and feels like a miniature diorama of what that lens has captured.
Snapchatters creating 3D Snaps can rotate and wiggle their devices while in preview mode to change the perspective, as can people who receive those Snaps.
Snapchat said that in order to access these new features, users should be sure they have the latest version of the app.
They can then open the camera, select the drop-down menu on the right, choose 3D and take a selfie.
Swiping to 3D lenses and filters enables them to add another layer of interactivity, and the finished product can be shared to Stories, chat or users’ camera rolls.
An average of 203 million people use Snapchat every day, and over 70% of its daily users play with or view lenses on its platform.
