What Is a Geofilter?
Geofilter definition: A geofilter is a graphic overlay made available according to a device's location or a defined geographic area. The term is closely associated with Snapchat, but location-based overlays are platform-specific: each app decides whether it offers them and how they work.
How Filters Work on Snapchat Today
Snapchat describes Filters as design overlays added to a Snap after it is created. They can add color effects, venue information, a Bitmoji, or activity details. Snapchat distinguishes Filters from Lenses, which are a separate camera experience.
A location-aware Filter may be available only when Snapchat has the required device location access and the relevant Filter is available in that place. A person may also need to enable Filters in Snapchat settings. Do not assume that every Filter is a geofilter, or that a feature with the same name works on another social platform.
Important Update on Snapchat Geofilters
Snapchat's former On-Demand Geofilters are no longer supported. Snapchat also says it is no longer possible to create a custom Filter for private special events such as weddings or birthdays. For those moments, Snapchat directs creators to build a Lens with Lens Studio instead.
That means a geofilter is still a useful term for describing a location-based overlay, but it should not be used to imply that an organization can buy or upload a Snapchat geofilter today.
Location Services and Permissions
Location-based features depend on both the app and the device. Snapchat says Filters require Filters to be enabled in Snapchat and location services to be enabled for Snapchat on the device.
- iPhone: Location access is controlled per app. People can change whether an app receives location information and can turn off Precise Location for an app.
- Android: People can choose when an app may use location and can allow approximate or precise location. If location is denied, location-based app features may not work as expected.
Review the permission before sharing location data. A location-aware effect is optional; it should not require sharing more location information than the feature needs.
Example
A city festival overlay that appears only to people within the event area is a geofilter in the general sense. Whether an attendee can use it depends on the platform offering it, the effect still being available, and the attendee's location settings.
Related Concepts
- Filter
- Lens
- Location services
- Ephemeral content