Snapchat Geofilters - Everthing you need to know

What is Snapchat Geofilters?

Snapchat Geofilters is among one of the most popular features on the Snapchat application. Geofilters is nothing but a type of different filters available on Snapchat. Geofilters are special overlays for Snaps that can only be accessed in certain locations - available based on your geolocation. Geofilters are a fun way to share where you are through filter overlays. They are specific to neighborhoods and special locations. While the unique designs of Geofilters will change place-to-place, you can find them in a few big cities around the world to start. Artists and designers are encouraged to use this tool to bring their one-of-a-kind style to the Snapchat community. Simply choose the geographic area you want your filter to be available in and upload an image asset. All images must be original artwork and have to be approved by the Snapchat team. Snapchat is beta testing Sponsored Geofilters with a few brand partners, which is likely to be launched later this year.

What is Snapchat Community Geofilters?

Geofilters are special overlays for Snaps that can only be accessed in certain locations. Artists and designers are encouraged to use our tool to bring their one-of-a-kind style to the Snapchat community. Simply choose the geographic area you want your filter to be available in and upload an image asset. All images must be original artwork and have to first be approved by the Snapchat team.

How To Use Snapchat Geofilters?

To use Snapchat geofilters feature is very easy and doesn’t take much effort like any other features. Once you are done taking a snap or photo, swipe from right to left. If there is a Snapchat geofilter available in your current location, it will overlay on your photo. Then, all you need to do is hit send button.

Snapchat Geofilters not working?

If Snapchat Geofilters does not show up you will need to enable location services in your smartphone which is available under the settings of your smartphone. After you have turned on the location services on your device, you will find all the apps that use location. Don’t worry about enabling the location services for Snapchat because it promises that it won’t store your location data. Still it does not show up, it means that Snapchat Geofilters is not yet available in your current location.

How To Create Your Own Snapchat Community Geofilters?

Snapchat Geofilters are accessible only at a select few popular locations. Snapchat community Geofilters are a boon for people living in countries outside the U.S. where zero to very few Geofilters are available. But, we expect to see special geofilters for every special location around the world in the near future. If your location doesn’t have a Geofilter yet, and if you are creative enough, Snapchat has an option for you. Snapchat lets you create and submit your own custom community Geofilters for any location around the world. Snapchat has rules, guidelines and tips for community Geofilters. If Snapchat feels your custom Geofilter is up to the mark, it makes the Geofilter available to all its users.

Make sure that Snapchat wants you to create 100 percent original artwork without any logos or trademarks for the custom community Geofilter. You should submit/upload a web-optimized, transparent PNG image file with 1080px width and 1920px height. The image file should not be more than or greater than 300kb in size.

You can submit your custom Snapchat community Geofilters at https://www.snapchat.com/geofilters/submit.html. All you need to do is upload the Geofilter file and geofence the area where the Geofilter should be available, and hit submit after filling a short form.Now, all you need to do is wait for some communication from Snapchat that your custom Geofilter has been accepted.

Snapchat Geofilter Submission Guidelines

Geofilters are location based overlays that users can apply to their Snaps. Now Snapchatters, artists and designers around the world can submit their own fun and creative Geofilter artwork.

Following these guidelines will help increase the likelihood of your Geofilter being selected:
Places
•    Businesses are not currently eligible for Community Geofilters.
•    Draw your geofence thoughtfully, it should only cover the relevant area.
•    Keep it local. Do not cover an entire country, state or province.
•    Select a public place, neighborhood, landmark, venue or other location where people are likely to gather and send Snaps.

Graphics
•    All graphics used must be 100% original.
•    No logos or trademarks. The only exception is that we will accept college and university logos submitted by authorized officials from those schools.
•    Be creative and make it visually compelling.
•    Don't cover up too much of the screen.
•    Make sure it's relevant to the location and something that people will want to use.

Submission Tips
•    Provide a good description, including any relevant dates.
•    Files should be 1080px wide.
•    Files should be under 300KB (for PNGs).

Geofilter Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are a list of common Community Geofilter questions and answers.

How long will it take for my Geofilter to be reviewed?

Submission are reviewed in the order in which they are received. We can't provide a reviewal timeline, unfortunately, but if yours is selected we'll email you. If you have not received a response, it may be because we have not yet reviewed your submission. We appreciate your patience!

Can I submit more than one Geofilter for a single event or location?

In most cases, we try to keep the number of Geofilters per location or event to a minimum. Help us decorate the world by submitting Geofilters for different events and locations!
I messed up. Can I withdraw a Geofilter submission prior to your team reviewing it or resubmit?
Oops! If you notice an issue with your Geofilter, you can resubmit it. Please make sure to clarify the issue in the notes when you resubmit.

Will I be notified once the Geofilter is reviewed?

Typically, after a Geofilter has been reviewed, an automatic email will be sent letting you know if your Geofilter has been approved or not.

I received an email saying my Geofilter was approved and would be “live” soon but it’s been a few days and I still don’t see it. What could be the issue?
If you’re having difficulty viewing the Geofilter, please make sure:
•    You’re in the Geofenced area of the Geofilter
•    Your location settings are enabled and you have a strong GPS signal
•    You have a reliable network connection, preferably Wi-Fi

Can I submit a Geofilter without using the website tool?

Unfortunately, no. All submissions should be made via the Community Geofilter tool.

How can I remove my Geofilter?

If you would like to request that we remove your submitted Geofilter, please submit a request here, selecting “Remove a Geofilter” on the dropdown, and we will review the request. Please provide all requested information in the form and attach a screenshot of the Geofilter you are requesting that we remove.

What if my Geofilter is not approved?

If your Geofilter was not approved it could be for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
•    Unoriginal Content: All graphics and portions of the graphic must be 100% original. Logos and trademarks, including school crests or similar marks are not allowed.
•    Not visually interesting or useful enough: Make sure all submitted Geofilters are something that people will want to use. Remember, anyone within the Geofence may have access to the filter.
•    Not relevant or too broad: Keep it local. Don't cover an entire country, state, or province. We consider Geofilters for entire cities, but the bigger the city, the higher the bar for quality.
•    Insufficient description: If your filter doesn't speak for itself, tell us why it's important.
•    Incorrectly formatted (PNGs): Make sure your Geofilter asset fits in a 1080x1920 pixel box. Also make sure that the file is not too huge (over 300kb).
•    Non-transparent background: Make sure you export your Geofilter on a background that is transparent. A common mistake is to export on an opaque background. Remember, you can resubmit your Geofilter after remedying any issues.