Learn what Snap AR is doing this month.

As we invest in our long-term vision in augmented reality, Snap continues to break boundaries today with exciting and innovative AR projects around the globe. Recently, our AR has helped restore local ecosystems, explore new frontiers in fashion, banish misconceptions about a virus, and add extra delight to the holiday season.

Giving Ghaf

Location: United Arab Emirates

Available: United Arab Emirates

To celebrate United Arab Emirates 51st National Day earlier this month, Snap teamed up with the country’s Office of Artificial Intelligence to launch a new Lens in support of the initiative “Give Ghaf.”

The initiative aims to enhance community awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and increasing green spaces in the UAE by planting Ghaf trees. The Ghaf tree is the national tree of the UAE, a historical and cultural symbol of stability, and peace in the desert environment. This season, Snap has pledged to plant 1,000 Ghaf!

The Lens lets Snapchatters experience the virtual growth cycle of a Ghaf tree from the planting of the seed — right up to when the tree is fully grown.

Based in the UAE? Check out the Lens using the Snapcode below!

Reimagining Fashion with H&M 

Location: Sweden

Available: Globally

With the announcement of a new partnership with Swedish clothier H&M, Snap is bringing Camera Kit and our AR Try On to one of the largest retailers in the world. 

Three new Lenses featuring five augmented reality garments are now available to try and wear via H&M's mobile, Android and iOs app, powered by Camera Kit. The Lenses are also available to customers around the world through QR-codes displayed in the H&M stores

The garments were co-designed and created by H&M and the Institute of Digital Fashion, the London-based digital atelier and thinktank, as part of the company’s Innovation Stories initiative. The project seeks to highlight ways H&M is reimagining the shopping experience to help reduce their environmental impact. As we know, AR Try On not only provides a way to express yourself through experimental looks without using resources to fabricate them — and lowers the rate of returns, saving energy resources! 

“We’re thrilled that such a powerhouse global brand as H&M is willing to partner so deeply with Snap and use our AR to power their mobile apps,” said Pedro Rodrigues, Head of EMEA Partnerships and Business Development. “We can’t wait to see how H&M’s customers engage with this first set of AR garments.” 

World AIDs day

Location: France

Available: France

To celebrate World AIDs day, Snap joined forces with the French Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), AIDES, to help raise awareness about the virus. 

The Lens will quiz Snapchatters in France on their knowledge of HIV and AIDS in the hopes of educating the public and fighting misconceptions. Snapchatters will be asked five key questions and at the end be redirected to the charity’s website. 

The Lens gained a lot of interest in the press and was seen by 2.2 million French Snapchatters. Over 200 donations were made from Snapchatters who saw and used the Lens.

“We’ve had a lot of interest from NGOs in three other countries who would like to work with us on similar projects next year. We’re excited to grow this campaign and continue to spread the word,” said Paul Sabas, Associate Account Executive and lead for the SnapPride Employee Resource Group.

If you happen to be in France, check out the Lens using the Snapcode above!

Yves Rocher

Location: France

Available: Globally

Yves Rocher launched their first-ever AR Lens on Snapchat, releasing a Christmas-themed makeup collection just in time for the holidays. 

From December 14, Snapchatters will be able to discover and try on Eyeshadows, Lipsticks and more. The Lens uses Snapchat’s Catalogue Powered Shopping Lenses format — meaning it is directly linked to Yves Rocher’s product catalogue and updates in real time.

“It's a real win to work with an iconic and traditional brand that is made in France and that truly cares for our customers and our planet. We’re excited to show them the value of AR and the impact this Lens can have on their e-commerce,” said Aissatou Diallo, Manager of Advertiser Solutions.

You can check out the Lens using the Snapcode above!

JD Christmas

Location: UK

Available: UK

Popular UK high street store JD just turned their Oxford Street store front window into a gamified AR arcade experience. The new activation brings to life the brand's festive campaign 'King of the Game'.

The Lens transforms Snapchatters surroundings into a gamified grabber machine. Using a huge AR claw, Snapchatters can try their hand at trying to grab stacks of footwear and signature JD teddy bears — straight from the JD Christmas television advertisement!

This is the first time a UK brand has used AR in this way!

In London this Christmas? Point your Snap Camera at or scan the snapcode on the corner of the JD Oxford street store — to try out the Lens. The Lens is also rolling out across four other cities, Bristol, Dublin, Manchester and Glasgow — with instant prizes to be won!

Coming Of Age in Style 

Location: Japan

Available: Japan

Snapchatters in Japan can get decked out in their holiday best on Snapchat with a new Lens launched in celebration of ‘Coming of Age Day,’ which congratulates all those who have reached or will reach the age of maturity. 

The Lens, developed by local AR developer FMB Inc., allows Snapchatters to scroll between the traditional Japanese Kimono and Hakama. It was made to help users unable to celebrate the festival get holiday-worthy photos to share with their family and friends.  

“We created a traditional Japanese hakama and a gorgeous furisode (long-sleeved kimono) appropriate for coming-of-age day, one of the key milestones in life,” said FMB 3D Modelist and Designer Yukiko Saiki. 

“We aimed to create a bright and gorgeous style by decorating with ‘auspicious patterns’ such as plum, peony, fan, and tortoise shell, which are considered to be good luck. The back of the furisode’s obi is also tied with a ‘fukura-suzume’ (chubby sparrow) knot, which symbolizes good luck (fuku) and prosperity,”  Yukiko continued. 

Be sure to Snap your friends' New Year’s greetings using the Kimono Lens and Hakama Lens!