Snapchat Ads
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Snapchat AR Lens Ads: Complete Guide

AR Lens ads are interactive augmented reality experiences that users play with on Snapchat. They can transform faces, add 3D objects to the environment, or create gamified interactions. AR Lenses have the highest engagement rates of any Snapchat format — average play time is 10-15 seconds with high

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Quick Summary

AR Lens ads are interactive augmented reality experiences that users play with on Snapchat. They can transform faces, add 3D objects to the environment, or create gamified interactions. AR Lenses have the highest engagement rates of any Snapchat format — average play time is 10-15 seconds with high share rates. Create lenses using Lens Studio (free) and promote them through paid campaigns.

Process Flow

Interactive diagram — drag to pan, scroll to zoom

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these 4 steps to complete this guide

1

Types of AR Lenses

Face Lenses: Transform the user's face with filters, effects, animations. Most common type. World Lenses: Place 3D objects or effects in the user's environment via the rear camera. Gamified Lenses: Interactive games or challenges using AR.
2

Creating Lenses

Download Lens Studio (free from Snapchat). Design your lens experience. Templates available for common effects. Publish to the Snapchat community. Then promote via paid Lens campaign in Ads Manager.
3

Performance

Average play time: 10-15 seconds. High share rates — users send lens snaps to friends, creating organic amplification. Particularly effective in the GCC market where Snapchat usage is very high.
4

Costs

Self-serve lens campaigns available with standard Snapchat ad pricing. Premium Nationwide Lenses (appearing in the carousel for all users in a country) are reservation-based with premium pricing.

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