5 Generative AI Features You Can Use on Snapchat

Snapchat has been rolled out a number of new generative AI features since 2023. While some of these features, like AI backgrounds, are aimed at helping users customize their Snapchat chat interface; others, like the My AI chatbot, are meant to provide a degree of interaction. Here’s a look at five generative AI features currently available to Snapchat users.

1 AI Lenses

Snapchat’s AI Lenses feature lets you take a peek at what you would look like in a particular situation or era. For instance, the 90s Lens places you in a simulated scene from the 1990s, while the Festive Lens lets you tap into a festive theme.

You can unlock these AI lenses by scanning a Snapcode, looking them up on Lens Explorer, or unlocking them via a deep link.

2 AI Backgrounds

A generative AI feature that is only available to Snapchat+ subscribers is AI Backgrounds. This feature lets you create fun backgrounds for your contacts based on any prompt of your liking.

To create new chat backgrounds, tap your profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen and select Snapchat+. Then, choose Chat Wallpapers, choose the contact you’d like to assign the wallpaper to, and either choose from the existing wallpapers or create a new one by typing in a prompt. This can be a great way to personalize your chats.

3 My AI

My AI is Snapchat’s AI chatbot. This experimental feature is available to all Snapchat users. You can customize My AI’s personality and Bitmoji, change their name, have a conversation with them, or ask them specific questions.

I had quite a bit of fun experimenting with different personality types for the chatbot, and seeing how each personality type would affect interactions. Since My AI runs on OpenAI’s GPT technology, it can help you with recipes, plan a trip for an upcoming weekend, and even write poems, among other things.

You can access and use My AI through your Chat screen. Although My AI tries to be helpful, it is prone to hallucinations, so be sure to check any answers it provides and don’t rely on it for advice. Remember that any data and messages you share with My AI might be used by Snapchat to improve and personalize its offerings, so be sure not to share sensitive or private data with the chatbot.

4 AI Snaps

Snapchat+ subscribers can generate creative photos based on presets or new prompts with AI Snaps. To use AI Snaps, tap the AI button on the right toolbar and select a prompt. You might have to wait a few seconds for the image to generate. You can save the image on your device, add it to your Stories, or send it to your contacts.

You can edit it further by adding text to the image. If none of the prompts seem appealing to you, you can even type your own prompt for a more relevant message.

5 Dreams

Dreams is another generative AI feature on Snapchat that helps you create stylized images from your images. To create a Dream, swipe up from the Camera screen, scroll to the Dreams tab, and follow the on-screen instructions to upload a selfie. Then, tap Select a Free Pack and choose a pack. Your first eight Dreams are free, but you can buy more by making an in-app purchase.

You get one Dream pack free every month with Snapchat+, but unused packs can’t be rolled over to the following month. At present, Snapchat doesn’t allow users to create their own Dreams packs with prompts; but, in my opinion, the range of themed packs curated by Snapchat is adequate.

While Snapchat’s new generative AI features are fun and can help you add a unique touch to your interactions, be mindful of sharing private details. For instance, it’s best not to upload images of your friends to My AI unless they’ve shared their consent. Try using these fun generative AI features on Snapchat’s web platform or the app.