Snapchat’s New AI Lens Goes Free for Everyone in US!

Snapchat has officially rolled out its new AI-powered “Imagine Lens” to all users for free, marking a major expansion of its artificial intelligence features. The image-generation tool, which allows users to create and edit Snaps through text prompts, was previously available only to paid subscribers since its debut in September.

With the Imagine Lens, Snapchatters can now transform their selfies or photos into imaginative AI visuals using simple commands. For example, users can type prompts like “turn me into an alien” or “show me as a superhero,” and the Lens instantly generates creative, high-quality images. The feature can also be used to test Halloween costumes, fantasy characters, or alternate looks for fun and inspiration.

Once created, these AI-generated Snaps can be shared directly with friends, posted on Stories, or exported to other platforms.

A Move to Compete in the AI Race

The wider rollout comes as Snapchat faces increasing competition from Meta’s AI tools and OpenAI’s Sora, both of which are introducing video-generation capabilities aimed at younger audiences. OpenAI’s Sora, for instance, can create realistic videos featuring AI versions of users, while Meta continues to expand its suite of AI assistants across Instagram and Facebook.

By making its Imagine Lens free, Snapchat is positioning itself to keep pace with these tech giants, investing in AI creativity tools that resonate with its global community.

Free Access Starting in the U.S., With Global Expansion Ahead

According to the company, free access to the Imagine Lens is first being offered to users in the United States, with gradual expansion to Canada, Great Britain, and Australia in the coming weeks. The tool can be found near the front of the Lens Carousel inside the app, or users can locate it by searching for “Imagine Lens.”

Snapchat notes that users engage with its Lenses more than 8 billion times daily, highlighting the growing demand for creative filters and AI features. With this latest update, Snap aims to make AI-driven content creation more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.