Get Filters for Video Calls with Snap Camera

As more people turn to video calling for business and pleasure, there are an increasing number of ways to make your video chats more interesting. High on the list of options: Using filters to change your look, whether adding a Joe Exotic from Tiger King-style mullet or ever-so-subtly improving your appearance, no shower required.

These filters — and thousands more — come with an app called Snap Camera, and it’s a total game-changer for video calling.

What Is Snap Camera?

Snap Camera is a free desktop-only download offered by the popular social media platform Snapchat.

If you’ve ever used Snapchat, you’re probably familiar with its Lenses, or filters, which transform your face in cute, silly, weird and wacky ways. Some popular Snapchat Lenses include ones that give you dog ears or a flower crown, or make your mouth extra-wide.

Previously, these filters were limited to the Snapchat app. But with Snap Camera, you can use Lenses while video calling or live streaming on your desktop computer. The program works with most video calling platforms, and there are thousands of Lenses to choose from. Some of the filters are silly, like putting your face on a pickle or giving you toilet paper eyeglasses. But others subtly improve your appearance, evening out your skin or making it look like you’re wearing makeup.

Why Use Snap Camera?

The main appeal of Snap Camera is pure comedic relief. It’s a silly and fun way to switch things up and put a smile on people’s faces. (Surely you’ve seen the #PotatoBoss memes?) Plus, if you’re video chatting with coworkers or clients, Snap Camera can make you look pulled together even if you haven’t left the couch all morning.

How to Use Snap Camera

Downloading Snap Camera is free for both Mac and PC users. All that’s required is your email address. Once you’ve installed the program on your computer, it will launch the application, letting you browse, try on and favorite different Lenses. You can then assign Hotkeys to your favorite filters, allowing you to switch filters mid-stream by simply pressing a designated key.

To then use Snap Camera, open your preferred video calling program. From here, you’ll need to find the program’s list of available webcams and select Snap Camera to use the augmented video. For instance, you can do this in Zoom by going to Preferences > Video > Camera.