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2026 Challenge Brief

The official challenge theme will be revealed on March 27, 2026 at our Challenge Brief and Ideation session. Check back here to see the prompt that will inspire your Lens creation!

Evaluation Criteria

Your work will be reviewed by a panel of Snap AR experts based on the following standards:

Everyone who completes the Challenge will create a fully functional Snap lens that could be included as an impressive piece in their portfolios. As a bonus, we’ll also be offering select prizes to winners of the Final Project Showcase: 

• cash prizes, or
• a professional development opportunity to design a Lens for a client, or
• high consideration for the Snap Lens Academy, a nine-week educational learning experience for community college students (or recent transfers)
• high consideration for the Snap Lens Lab - three week, educational learning experience at Otis College of Art and Design (only open for high school students)

Step 1: Crafting Your Lens

🚀Getting Started

• Software: Use Lens Studio on a computer (Chromebooks are not supported).
• Design Elements: Use Lens Studio templates or import your own assets from design tools like Canva, Photoshop, or Figma.
• Support & Learning: Follow our self-paced tutorials to master the basics, and join our "Learn Live" sessions to get real-time help and tips from AR experts.
• Interactivity: Experiment with "Triggers"—how your Lens reacts to a face, hand gestures, or the world around you.

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Technical Specifications

• File Size: Your final Lens must be under 8MB.
• UI Safe Zones: Keep all text and interactive buttons out of the top and bottom 310px of the screen to ensure they aren't covered by the Snapchat interface.

Assets: Use original work or royalty-free assets. Avoid brand logos or copyrighted music.

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Authenticity is Key!

We encourage you to be original and develop a concept that is truly unique to your community. While you are free to use AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, your final creation must be rooted in authentic human experience.

Judges will be looking for original concepts that demonstrate creativity, a clear voice, and, most importantly, authenticity. Your Lens should feel like it was created from the heart of the community it represents, not just for a contest.

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Step 2: Polishing Your Project

Before finishing, run a final quality check to ensure your Lens meets the professional standards for the April 8, 2026 submission deadline.

• Technical check: Is your file under 8MB?
• UI check: Is your content in the Safe Zones?
• Test your lens using Snapchat: Does it look exactly how you imagined?
• Documentation: Record your 10-second preview video and start your 5-6 slide presentation while the process is fresh in your mind. The presentation should include:
  
  • Your goal and target audience
  • Initial sketches or brainstorm notes
  • Challenges you faced and how you solved them

Check out these resources to help you unite Snapchatters through Fall Festivities: 

• Snap AR Youtube Tutorials
• Snap AR Documentation (How to use Lens Studio Templates)
• Snap AR Discord Channel (Connect with other AR Creators and seek advice)

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Step 3: Final Submission Checklist

Before you finish, ensure you have gathered the following materials. When you are ready, click on the "Submission" tab on this page for comprehensive directions on publishing your Lens to Snapchat and uploading your final files.

• Published Snapcode: Plan ahead! Approval can take 24–48 hours.
• Preview Video: A 10-second recording of your Lens.
• Project Presentation: Your 5-6 slides (Goal, Sketches, and Problem Solving).
• Exit Survey: Complete this to finalize your entry.

Deadline: All materials must be submitted via the Submission tab by April 8, 2026.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Stack Your Score: Combine 2D, 3D, and face effects. Using 3+ templates together boosts your Technical Execution score.
• Add Audio: Use royalty-free sounds or music to make your Lens feel more immersive and professional.
• Use PNGs: Import images with transparent backgrounds (PNGs) for a clean, professional look without messy borders.
• Live Testing: Use "Preview on Device" early and often to catch layout issues on your phone screen.‍
• Template Shortcut: Don’t build from scratch. Pick a template close to your idea and customize it to save time.